I find myself using a super-low (sub 1 lumen) "firefly" or "moonlight" mode very frequently -- it's super handy for moving around in a dark room or tent without waking one's bride, for example. A very low red light is a good second choice.

Princeton Tec has red LED's, just in a different light. Check out the Princeton Tec Vizz, single bright LED, twin dimmable white LED's and red LED's. Similar 3xAAA format as the Eos.

Ken, any idea how waterproof that EOS is? Looking at the manual, all it says is it's a waterproof case. Waterproof, not just water resistant, which leads me to believe it may be comparable to the black diamond storm's IPX 7 rating but i can find no information about it other than this. I am leaning more toward the Black Diamond Storm at this point because we'll be on the water, and the Storm, according to the specs of the rating, will withstand immersion in water.

Quote from this site:

"IPX7 – This is for full water splashdown. If you drop your device in water up to 3 feet ... your device is still going to work."

My thinking is being on the river, with about 15 or so 10 to 15 y.o. boys who will want to swamp, overturn and otherwise get out of the boats and into the water, having a light that can go into the water and still work when it comes out is going to be a high priority as I will most likely have the light on my person.

All my stuff is AA or AAA. Sometimes a really flashlight is what's desired (e.g., a cheap light on key chain or a cheap loner light). That's where AAA comes in.

The Eos is advertised as IPX7 in the left-hand column.

great, thanks for the info on the EOS russ

I'm looking at Christmas gifts, and noticed that the new 2014 model of the Fenix E05 has 3 levels...85 lumen for 45min, 25 lumen for 4 1/4 hours, and 8 lumens for 15 hours...referenced to the new E01 has 13 lumen...

well, I'm now debating on the option of getting a couple of less pricey headlamps, for fiscal reasons AND in case one ends up getting lost in the river ... losing a 12 dollar headlamp from wal-mart wouldn't hurt as badly as losing a 40 dollar plus black diamond or princeton tec or petzl light.

thoughts? suggestions?

A PT Eos/Vizz or BD Storm are great lights, losing one would not be good. OTOH, a cheap Walmart light may be better if losing one is likely. How about one good light for you and a couple cheaper lights for others and times around the river.

BTW, REI Outlet has the 2013 BD Storm on close-out at less than $40 -- good light at a good price. BD Storm is also IPX7. (no affiliation other than being an REI member since 1980-something)

yup, i've seen those russ, but shipping pushes the price up to about 45, the same model on e-bay however is 39.95 shipped, and that BD storm is definitely one of the ones I'm considering, and I was thinking the same as you, one good one for me, a less pricey one for DS ... then again, depending on what we can find, might just get 2 cheaper ones for now and maybe DW can get me one of the BD's for Christmas this year