Torches & Lighting

Let There be Light: Great New Head Torch

Black Diamond Spot 200 Lumens Head Torch: This is a great new head torch. Black Diamond have boosted the output on their new model from 130 to 200 lumens whilst still producing great battery life (claimed 50 hours at 200 lumens with a claimed distance of 80 metres). It also has many other brightness settings […]

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Leatherman ‘Squirt’:

I have long carried the Leatherman ‘Micra’ (still do). This is the very best tool for cutting toenails on the trail. Also handy for a million and one other things: cutting up fish, splinters, opening bottles (you can use the bottle opener backwards as a can opener, repairing your glasses, etc. http://www.theultralighthiker.com/leatherman-micra-multitool/ The ‘Squirt’ with

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A Further Use for Drinking Straws:

Emergency fire starter storage: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fire-Tube-Drinking-Straw-Hack/ This is a top idea. It is also easy to do. All you need is some drinking straws, a pair of needle nosed pliers and a lighter.   See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/single-use-antibiotic-packs/ See also: http://www.instructables.com/id/11-unusual-uses-for-straws/

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DIY Head Torches:

You can save some weight and have fun by making your own head torch with a length of hat elastic, a couple of O-rings (or elastic bands) and a micro cord lock to convert eg any AAA torch into a head torch – or you can sew a couple of pieces of elastic together to

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Mini Super Torch: A Week’s Light Weighs 50 Grams:

Maratac AAA Torch, 138 lumens, weight 11.5 grams including removable pocket clip. You will not believe how bright this torch is on the highest setting! You could shoot a fox or rabbit with it at 30-50 yards, seriously! The light diffuser (included) at 1.5 grams turns it into a very creditable lantern. It also glows

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‘Supercharging’ LED torches:

Single AA or AAA LED torches are impressive enough with their 100/150 lumens output on a single 1.5 volt battery but these Cree LEDs on which they run are usually designed to run on 3 or more volts which means you usually can run them with either the AA (14500) or AAA (10440) sized lithium

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Tent Lanterns

I have long used Fenix’s LD01 torch for this purpose, which I now see they have upgraded (the new LD02 model giving approx 20% more light on the brightest setting). It has three settings: 8, 25 and 100 ANSI lumens. The reflector is Loktited on and needs some careful work to unscrew it for the

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Keychain goodies:

Spyderco Bug Knife (1 1/8” blade): add this to your Photon Freedom Micro (torch) and Verbatim Store’n’go Micro USB Drive (now in 32 Gb) on your keychain. There are so many other keychain knives to choose from though, eg: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=key%20ring%20knives&eqpif5datarq=key&a=folder& Of course you CAN have it all-in-one with Victorinox Swiss Flash LED 16GB!

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