I need a single cell AAA flashlight for a first aid kit. It has to be less than 4 inches long. Operable with one hand via a tailcap switch (as opposed to lights like the Olight i3E which activate by twisting the head.)

It needs to be bright but not very bright because it is intended to be used up close.

Is AAA non-negotiable?

If not, if they’re still available, I recommend the Fenix E12. I’ve kept one on my nightstand for years.

It’s a great little flashlight: 3 1/2 inches long, tailcap switch, 3 brightness settings, but it takes one AA battery.

AA might work. This is an individual first aid kit. The space I have for the flashlight is small.

Streamlight Microstream is my AAA tiny light go-to.

One level, tailswitch. It’s my pocket light 99% of the time. For your purpose I’d use a lithium battery and never worry.

https://www.streamlight.com/pr...s/detail/microstream

This may not fit but has worked well for me for the price. When it dies, I’ll replace with something from surefire. But it has held up pretty well. I have about 5 of them - EDC and gloveboxes. It’s 4.25” and is dual fuel. Works with aa or cr123.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Alternative that I’ve been using is this 3.6” aaa. But I’ve had a couple fail on me after about a year of use. which is why I’m moving to surefire for replacements.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've had several Microstreams. I can't fuss at all about them, and they're roughly $20. There's one here at my desk right now.

I recently picked up an Olight I3T EOS (also roughly $20) and I liked it so well I bought them for my entire team.

I’m a big fan of the Streamlight Stylus Pro. I’ve had mine for over 3 years now and it’s been great. I’ve even accidentally washed it a couple times and it’s still working.

https://www.amazon.com/Streaml...id=1667787981&sr=8-1

Fenix E12
Excellent little flashlight that operates by a tail-click.
It does take a single AA battery, however.
They are approx 3.5" in length.
I have several, very handy and 3 light levels that adjust by tapping the on-off base.

https://www.amazon.com/Fenix-F...2%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-2

quote:

Originally posted by Pale Horse:
I’m a big fan of the Streamlight Stylus Pro. I’ve had mine for over 3 years now and it’s been great. I’ve even accidentally washed it a couple times and it’s still working.

https://www.amazon.com/Streaml...id=1667787981&sr=8-1

Someone here recommended this back in 2013 when I bought mine. I use it all the time and it’s still going strong. The finish on the exterior is pretty well worn, but the internals and button still function like new that I can tell.

Great little flashlight!

Olight i5t is just under 4"
AA battery
Clicker tailcap with 2 brightness levels

Its my EDC

I have carried everywhere and used for several years a SureFire Titan Plus. Incredibly handy, small, two brightness settings. Gave me all my kids one for Christmas ? 5-7 years ago and they all still use it. Unusual success story for me for Christmas presents now that they are grown.
It’s a twist on, which is what allows it to be small and bright, but that is worth it for me.

I got one of these off Massdrop a few years ago. Still part of my daily carry.

https://www.amazon.com/DROP-AA...f/dp/B085RNHDYK?th=1

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:
Streamlight Microstream is my AAA tiny light go-to.

One level, tailswitch. It’s my pocket light 99% of the time. For your purpose I’d use a lithium battery and never worry.

https://www.streamlight.com/pr...s/detail/microstream

This. I prefer the USB rechargeable version, but for a first aid kit, the AAA version is probably better.

I've been pleased with the Nitecore lights.

This one may work for you, although it's a bit longer than you want, 4.13 inches.

It has the tailcap switch and uses one AA battery.

Nitecore MT1A 180 Lumen EDC LED Flashlight
https://www.nitecorestore.com/...t-p/fl-nite-mt1a.htm

Another vote for the Fenix E12 if AA is acceptable. It fits all your other requirements. 3 levels controled by the tailcap and it turns on at the lowest level so you won't blind someone if you turn it on to check pupil response.

Consider a foursevens Preon P 1 with a AAA lithium batt to avoid leakage in long term storage.

Olight 13T meets your single AAA specs and has tailcap switch but it's a bit bright for close work at 180 lumens. $19.95 on Amazon.

Olight 13T EOS 180 Lumen

Otherwise for another name brand meeting your required hardware specs and at a lower light output, I'd recommend the Streamlight microstream at 45 lumens and $17.91.

Streamlight Microstream

Or if you want to go cheap: Energizer brand single AAA with tailcap switch and 100 lumens. $7.79

Energizer LED flashlight IPX4 WR

Another long time Fenix E12 user. Always in my left front pocket - amazing battery life on AA as low power is usually enough. I usually use eneloop rechargeables but have used cheap alkalines, too.

I have a Fenix AAA on my keyring and I recommend it,too. both are reasonable, even cheap for the quality but the AAA version has a twist on tailpiece. Works well and is bright enough for most tasks.

Most of my AAA's are twisty switch and I think AAA is a little small for a reliable tail cap clicky. My choice for your criteria is the Mankerlight E02 II. I have a 1st gen and 2nd gen and I like them both. It is an angle head light though which has pros and cons.

I looked at a number of lights I have and unfortunately a lot are discontinued like this one Link
I don't think single AAA flashlights with clicky switches sell as well as 2xAAA lights. Head twisty and single AAA will give you a ton of options though.

I don't have a recommendation but I would look at the FourSeven M-11 recommended. The oldest small flashlight I have is a single CR123 4Seven flashlight. It's close to 20 years old i would guess and still works great.