My favorite flashlights, and why:

Doug's new Essential Gear e-PICO LED light: The one light that's with me always -- they're on my keychain, in my purse, on a lanyard for dog walks. It's featherlight, tiny and he's solved the problem of not having light when you need it because unbeknownst to you it had accidentally turned on and discharged the batteries. And they're cheap ($10).

http://www.essentialgear.com/store/p/117-eGear-PICO-LED-Zipper-Lite.html


Surefire 8AX Commander: Rechargeable, incandescent, 110 lumens. This is the flashlight that's always on my nightstand and always on camping trips. The rechargeable aspect saves $$$ on 123 batteries so I can use the light with abandon (I have two extra batteries for it, always charged). This light paid for itself a couple camping seasons ago when it motivated skunks to go elsewhere.

http://www.surefire.com/8AX-Commander


Petzl e+LITE Headlamp: Powered by CR2032 lithium batteries with a 10-year shelf-life and 35-hour runtime on high. Weighs less than one ounce with the batteries in it. Can be clipped onto a hat or jacket. This light is always in whatever backpack I'm carrying and it's my reading light while camping.

http://www.rei.com/product/749039


Surefire E2D Executive Defender: Super-bright incandescent in a diminutive package. This is a purse light and winter jacket dog walking light.

http://www.surefire.com/E2D-Executive-Defender


Surefire G2 Nitrolon: The cheap Surefire (sub-$40) incandescent that I keep in the car. Available in bright yellow.

http://www.surefire.com/G2-Nitrolon


Surefire this year came out with their first headlamps. LED, powered by a single 123 battery. 100 lumens on max. The Saint Minimus. 3.3 ounces with battery. I'm mighty tempted.

http://www.surefire.com/SaintMinimusHS2-A-BK