Extensive review of lasers for rescue signaling here:
http://www.equipped.org/rescuelaser.htm According to Doug Ritter they are quite good for the intended purpose.

A strobe is a totally different beast, though. It flashes in all possible directions.


A standard powerful LED light with strobe function should be quite OK for signaling as well if you can aim it. If you add a diffuser tip it could also do quite well as a make-shift all-directions strobe device. You can use any plastic that diffuses the light. Some water containers might work very well. A white plastic bag should work. A white film canister should be great. Or put it inside your tent and pretend it's disco time...

Some flashlight vendors even sell a pre-made diffuser tip... Supposed to be very effective. I am sure the shape will earn some comments... https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=339