On a similar note to the "don't leave home without it" post, the comments of the survivors of a rail crash tonight in England caught my eye.

"Suddenly all the lights went off, screaming, shouting, we were in the pitch black, then total chaos in the carriage for a few moments. "

I sure a decent torch and a basic first aid kit would have been a godsend if someone had the foresight to carry them.
It makes me realise exactly why we carry this gear around. I also hope I have the where-with-all to be able to use it, should the situation arise.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/115784/1/.htmll

In an emergency, while you're using your own proper torch, it'd be worth pointing out to everyone that they have their own makeshift light sources available e.g. cellphone, PDA, mp3 player. Not very bright, but enough to illuminate the surrounding area and help alleviate the 'blind' panic. And they can be used to help you find your torch if it's in your bag, and not on your person (where it should be).

Good point, I've used my cell phone for a close-in light more than once... whatever works <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />.

Good idea, but in the case of an accident make sure they don´t use ignition sources like lighters. It might get a little brighter and warmer than originally intended.

Ah the old cell phone as a light source technique... Used that one so many times its untrue... At least until I learnt and started carrying a torch regularly.

Maglight solitaire on keyring. Keyring firmly clipped onto trousers with heavyweight climbing class carabiner. Raised eyebrows and questions more than once... <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> My statement to outdoor interests.

On another note my thoughts are with the vicitms of the crash.If only they would install seatbelts in buses, trams and trains.

(Personally I always try to sit near an emergency exit when on public transport.)

It's probably picky but i no longer carry the pretty unreliable and not very bright solitaire, consider purchasing yourelf an led torch, and come to think of it I may just get myself a red one to conserve night vision (for the panic stricken without their own light sorce, being able to see in the dark could be useful). just a thought.

Ian

As I just mentioned on another thread, I've been getting into flashlights (torches) recently.

I've been carrying a Photon 3 for years (and the 2 before that), which is certainly a lot better than nothing, but I was unaware of how much further things had progressed.

If you haven't looked at the field in awhile, you might consider doing so. Things have changed. There are some extremely small, lightweight, and almost incredibly bright lights out there.

Since I travel for two hours or more every day on the subway, I invested in one of the expensive Surefires to carry in my pouch; but I found it so useful that have recently ordered the Nuwai Quantum III for belt carry, even with my office attire. 600 lumens is a LOT of light, and it's just over 3.5 inches long. Please note it's size in the photo next to a common Minimag:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/nuwai_q-3.htm

It's LED, so you don't have to worry about bulbs and filaments, and the $1.25 lithium batteries have a 10-year shelf life, so even if you have ignored it for years, it will still work when you need it.

These are currently being sold for about $50, but there is one dealer on the candlepowerforums that is currently selling 2 for $80 shipped (and, 'tis the season..).

I have no connection with manufacturers or dealers. I don't have mine yet, but, as you see, it seems to get excellent reviews.

I'll second what's been said on that other thread; the candlepower forums are an amazing resource.

My "always carry" torch is a 2-AA Maglite converted to LED. Advantage of the conversion is you get a good bright light for twice as long on the same set of batteries. Disadvantage is that the beam isn't focussable.

I hate prism reflectors that give off a speckled beam.

I used to use Ray-O-Vac "D" cell industrial flashlights because of their superior on-off switch on their industrial flashlights until they went to prism reflectors. My last purchase in a "D" cell industrial flashlight was an Eveready because of the clean reflector, but their on-off switch sucks big time and they do not have a customer service line I can access to complain and get a refund or replacement. I have a 2 "D" cell maglite that I bought for work but it is rather heavy and cumbersome.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />