Years ago, I carried a flare kit which consistend of a metal launcher tube about the size of a fountain pen, with screw in flares. You had your choice of red, green, or white lights. It was light and it worked, although the flares were not very long lasting or particularly bright. I don't believe these are sold anymore.<br><br>This is no real loss. I rarely used them (ever?), primarily because most of the time their use was likely to start a wildfire (now that's a signal that will get attention). The best place to use flares is on the water, well away from land. Even there you suffer from the short duration of the signal - don't use unless you see a potential rescuer in sight.