Until last year I was using glow sticks for personal safety, emergencies, as temporary markers, reading lights and probably other 1000 different applications. I’m a kayaker, scuba diver, hiker, camper and probably like you I just love to spend my time outside. So the chemical glow sticks sounded good as an addition to my survival kit or as a basic light providing source. They are reliable, light and disposable. They may be not cheap but when bought in quantity the price is fair enough. So where does electronic Krill light sticks come in? Ok here’s the story:<br><br>Krill sticks are using electrical power (2 AAs) to stimulate an electroluminescent film placed inside a durable plastic tube. Originally they came only in green color. Lately new colors white, red, blue, white and orange were introduced. Krill lamps are durable, water resistant up to 160 feet (I tested mine down to 90 feet) and safe for the environment. Sounds good, right? Yes it is quite an interesting product. The advantages of Krill light over traditional chemical glows sticks are countless but they also fall behind in some fields. But lets start with benefits:<br><br>- On and off function. Sometimes you just need a light for 30 min or so. Traditional glow stick would have to be activated for about 6 hours plus. Big money saver.<br>- Price. In the long run you will be better of with the Krill lamp. $25 for their brightest model and set of batteries will make you break even in about two weeks of intensive use.<br>- Colors. Many colors to choose from allow you to be different and recognizable from the others. I use orange to distinguish a leader from the rest. Easy to find and follow. I use green and red as markers for my kayak. <br>- Durability. Good underwater, fine when mounted on the deck of the kayak. Sizing makes it easy to attach to different parts of your gear, clothing and equipment.<br><br>And disadvantages:<br><br>- Colors. Even if Krill light has so many different colors to choose from with typical glow stick you have that variety at your finger tips for fraction of the cost. Plus Krill colors are not intensive enough. Example red stick looks little bit pinkish.<br>- Intensity. Only green model is intensive enough to provide any type of sufficient lighting. With Chemical lights every light is intensive enough and on top of that I can buy a high intensity white light. There is a new model available with red LED mounted on top. But why only red? <br>- Price. A lot of times when separated I would throw a light stick on the ground in order to mark a turning spot for the rest of the group. Even if they take a short cut and light stick it’s not picked up I’m not going to be sad about a lost piece. I would be kind of angry if I lost a $25 light. Plus on the long enough trial I may very quickly run out of Krill lights to mark spots with.<br>- Power. It is still after all battery operated equipment. It means that in cold temperatures the life of the light will be short. Plus batteries do fail, short and die. <br>- Durability. Yes the Krill light is waterproof and strong but I would be very skeptic about its toughness if dropped it on the rock, crawling or climbing. They are durable but not strong enough.<br>- Size. No matter with way you look at it it’s bigger and heavier than traditional stick. According to a nice lady from Kriana Corporation (Krill light distributor) there is a AAA model coming out that should solve the size problem.<br><br>So what’s the bottom line? Use both! Over the past year I became a great fan of Krill lights but when on the big outings I still have my chemical light as a backup. If you need an every day stationary light or marker Krill lamp will save you a lot. I use mine with rechargeable batteries and I can keep the light on all night long in the tent for about 4 or 5 days straight. That would cost me a lot if I wanted to do it with a chemical glow stick. When coming back or heading out when it’s dark Krill lamp make great safety lamp. They are soft enough not to destroy your night vision but strong enough for others to see you. They are great for quick map checks. They can be tied to a life vest, worn around a neck or strapped to a scuba diving vest. I use it as a locator for my pet by tying it down to his collar. The advantages and disadvantages presented above should only be used as guidelines in what’s best for your type of outdoor activity. I destroyed two of Krill lights when boats collided and housing was smashed and one got flooded when I tried to play with it under water. Something like that would never have happened with a chemical light. On the other hand I already saved so much money with casual use of Krill lights that the way I see it they already paid for themselves. <br><br>I’m quite surprised that I don’t see more off them around. I own about 5 of their lamps and most of my friends also use them. As much as they have their disadvantages I find my self using them more and more. <br>

Thanks for the review. Sometimes real world use points out things we had not thought of in the store. It seems your review echos similar findings by Doug.<br><br>http://www.equipped.org/krill.htm<br>

Your review is right on. Based on Doug's review, i bought several at the local camping store on close out at $10 each for the 180 degree extreme krill. The salesman said that he really liked his, but that they were difficult to sell because krill lights don't look bright in a well lighted store.

I too use Krill Lights alot and have several. More members of our rescue team are converting over to their use more and more. I am happy to hear they are coming out with a "AAA" version. Pete