Maglites are probably the best commonly available flashlight, but they are handheld items. I prefer a headlamp, which I often use like a handheld. The best of these are made by Petzl. I prefer the Duo for serious, prolonged use (caving, biking at night, long night hikes). I have modified mine to use LEDs - there are at least two kits available for this purpose. The light I have with me most often is the Tikka - LED and fed by three AAAs. I have used mine occasionally for over a year and I am still on the original set of batteries. Pelican also makes a nice, small headlamp that is compact and somewhat cheaper than the various Petzls. There are also several lights made primarily for scuba divers that are high quality. They are waterproof, naturally, and usually have switches that are difficult to activate accidentally, a very important feature for any light on which you will depend.<br><br>Three important characteristics. 1) Some way to attach or suspend the light. 2)How to keep the light from turning on inadvertently in your pack or pocket. 3) Provision for a spare bulb, unless you are using LEDs. <br><br>LEDs are the way to go. Although more expensive initially, the savings in batteries is astounding. Combine a LED with lithium or rechargeable NIMH batteries and you will save big bucks over the long run.<br><br>Much depends on the purpose for your flashlight. Do you need enough light to simply follow a trail at night or are you looking for a flamethrower to light up Yankee Stadium? My recommendations are for the smaller use. I often prefer to let my eyes get really adapted to the dark and avoid the use of any light altogether, but this doesn't always work.<br><br>Never depend on just one flashlight. Back them up.