iregeo2

Please recommend a good, compact, lightweight flashlight. I will use it for night hiking and generally getting around the grounds of a Costa Rican rainforest lodge at night. The lighter the better, as luggage weight is limited.

Thanks!

janisj

I have several but my fav is probably an earlier version of this one (hope the link works)

https://www.harborfreight.com/588-lu...xoCW-4QAvD_BwE

AJPeabody

If you want low weight, consider that the batteries make up a large fraction of the weight of a small flashlight. Use lithium batteries rather than alkaline, saving a lot of weight.

iregeo2

Great point. Forgive my ignorance, but are the lithium batteries interchangeable with the alkaline batteries?

AJPeabody

Same designation same effect. All AA cells work the same for instance. Lithium cells last longer, I think.

iregeo2

Thank you janisj and AJPeabody.

mlgb

I like the Mini Maglite which only takes two AA batteries but if you are walking at night, would a headlamp be better?

iregeo2

mlgb, probably, but I hate wearing stuff on my head. I should consider it. Do you like one in particular?

mlgb

Petzl are the best but at the moment I have a cheap one that hasn't died on me (from Grocery Outlet).

Amazon has a Petzl Tikkina in a few colors for $16.95 or last year's black for $19.95. Not a bad price.

You can spend more, but if you just want one for a few hours it should work fine.

Nelson

Lithium batteries also work in colder temperatures than alkaline. It may not matter much in a Costa Rican rainforest, but will be important using the light in freezing temperatures.

When not using a headlamp, I like the ones like janisj posted in #2. Mini Maglites are great - I have several around the house - but a bit too heavy when you are counting ounces, IMO.

But if walking on a trail you really want a good headlamp with lithium batteries. The Petzel Tikkina, mentioned by mlgb, or similar models are surprisingly comfortable.

bvlenci

Check airline rules about lithium batteries. They may be prohibited in checked baggage.

mlgb

They can be carried on in hand baggage, but should not be loose (in the device or in a blister pack is fine).

Christina

I think you need a headlamp for hiking. They aren't heavy, I have a couple and they come in very handy at home if the power goes out for reading. Besides, i fyou are hiking, won't you need to use a hiking pole/stick at least in one hand?

iregeo2

Thanks all. Based on all the input I got here, I have chosen a Petzl Tikka headlamp. Can't wait!

emmajm

Because a headlamp directs it light mostly forward, you might want to consider supplementing it with a Luci Empowered solar lantern, about $25 USD. Almost weightless, you can hook it onto anything. I love them, always have on hand for power failures, camping, even my bathroom when I don't want the glaring overhead light at night. Do I sound like an ad?