I’ve carried one of these daily for years. It shares a pocket with my keys, so has had a lot of contact. For a couple of years I used it daily, probably averaged 1-2 hours per day. Because of the heavy usage it has been dropped on a concrete floor numerous times.
I have also accidentally washed it in a pair of jeans, in hot water, and dried it on high heat. Never had an issue, and highly recommend it.
November 07, 2022, 04:12 AM
henryaz
Fenix E12 here also. It is 3.5" long but uses an AA battery. I have half a dozen scattered around the house, truck, garage. Tail switch you press once, then bump 1 or 2 times for more light.
When in doubt, mumble
November 07, 2022, 04:17 AM
r0gue
Forgive me that this isn't exactly whet you asked for. I really think this would fit your needs ideally. I have bought several of these at the recommendation of a fellow member. I give them out as gifts. They're astoundingly bright for their size, rechargeable, tiny. Lockable to prevent accidental activation. And cheap ($29). It'll run 8 hours at a 30 lumen setting.
After watching a half dozen first responder vids, They suggest either a small light with a way to fasten it to a lanyard or a headlamp style.
When you are using a first aid kit you want both hands free It's essential that it can be mounted on you or an object near you
A magnet or pocket pen clip is highly recommended .
Sorry I don't have a light recommendation Also They say to store the batteries not in the light but close to the light.
Some will leak and damage the lightThis message has been edited. Last edited by: bendable,
Safety, Situational Awareness and proficiency.
Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first
November 07, 2022, 08:20 AM
amc
quote:
Originally posted by konata88: 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.
I have several of these around the house and have carried one for over 6yrs. While they are slightly bigger at 4.25 I find it's easier to hold onto and manipulate with one hand than smaller aaa lights. They don't advertise it but is works with cr123, AA and AAA. which has been handy on the rare occasion when my battery has died and had to work with what I could find in a car or camping trip.
November 07, 2022, 08:21 AM
cslinger
For purely AAA it’s hard to beat a simple Microstream or Olight I3T.
If I might add another option give a look at the streamlight protac 90. It’s a AA sized 90 degree light that will run on CR123’s, any AA and AAA in an emergency. It tail stands or lays on its clip for a ceiling bounce if need be, clips to a shirt or pocket or gear for hands free, has a nice one hand button operation and is fairly inexpensive with excellent runtimes. It’s a great utility flashlight. The bezel can technically be completely removed should you need a pure flood type light in some kind of odd emergency.
It’s the same as the 1L/1AA above just in 90 degree format with a slightly floodier beam. The 1L/1AA’s are great as well.
I would feed any of them Energizer Lithium AAA or AA for longevity, temperature endurance and mitigation of any possible leaking.
Take Care, Shoot Safe, Chris
November 07, 2022, 08:25 AM
YellowJacket
The Fenix E12 (AA battery) is a great light, imo. I love mine.
I also have a couple of Fenix E01s, which are a single AAA battery light. They're decent. They turn on by screwing down the head but I like that you can actually just press down on the head to turn it on, as well. It is small enough to just squeeze with your thumb for brief moments of light and then it goes out as soon as you release.
EDIT: My E01s are old and it looks like they may have redesigned the power switching.
I'm gonna vote for the funniest frog with the loudest croak on the highest log.
November 07, 2022, 08:41 AM
shovelhead
quote:
Originally posted by Veeper:
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.
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!
Got my first one when the alleged technician that worked on my car left it somewhere inside my dashboard when he changed my airbag, fell out a couple of months later. Considering he put a nick in the side of my dash that he tried to cover up I consider this a trade off.
Since then I’ve bought a couple more.
-------------------------------------—————— ————————--Ignorance is a powerful tool if applied at the right time, even, usually, surpassing knowledge(E.J.Potter, A.K.A. The Michigan Madman)
This. I prefer the USB rechargeable version, but for a first aid kit, the AAA version is probably better.
I'll cast my vote with these two. I had a Microstream for a couple of years until I lost it, and I used it all the time. It was reliable, incredibly small, reasonably priced ($30, IIRC), and gave off plenty of light for its intended use. I also prefer the USB rechargeable version as my use-case is daily carry, but for your intended long-term storage application I agree that the AAA is better.
November 09, 2022, 04:21 PM
parabellum
Thanks for the replies. I chose the Streamlight Microstream, the AAA version, of course. As noted, a rechargeable flashlight is not the best choice for use in a kit which may sit idle for a year or more. A lithium AAA battery is the ticket.
The Microstream is just right for my purposes. The 45 lumen output is just right for use up-close. I found one locally, red in color, which is great for an emergency kit.
This little light turns out to have a replaceable boot on the switch, just uncsrew it. That's a great feature, because anyone who uses a task light with these rubber boot-covered switches has had them blow out. Added to that, Streamlight sells replacement switch assembles. All of this leaves the impression of a company which is not sleepwalking through making a tiny flashlight. No one would have given it a second thought if they left it at the basics with such a small light, but they're giving the consumer a product to last.
November 09, 2022, 07:26 PM
scratchy
Timely thread. I am outfitting first aid kits for my cars and desk. I picked up 4 of these Streamlight Microstreams based on the recommendations here. I agree, with the AAA Lithium, this should fill the bill perfectly.
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November 09, 2022, 07:32 PM
Black92LX
quote:
Originally posted by KevinCW:
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.
This. I prefer the USB rechargeable version, but for a first aid kit, the AAA version is probably better.
This I carry the USB rechargeable daily and it is great. I actually have a couple. They have been through the wash multiple times with no problems.
I have the AAA versions stashed in different places around the house.
Thanks to this thread I will be adding them to my first aid kit. Never thought of a flash light in there since I generally always have a light on me.
———————————————— The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad. If we got each other, and that's all we have. I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand. You should know I'll be there for you!
November 09, 2022, 08:32 PM
2PAK
Streamlight 66601 250-Lumen Micorsteam USB Rechargable Pocket Flashlight ($30-Amazon).
November 09, 2022, 08:47 PM
jcsabolt2
I have an original Surefire Titan 90 Lumens that is VERY dim compared to a Streamlight Micro at 250 Lumens and an Olight i3T at 180 Lumens. The Streamlight by far is a much brighter and whiter light in my opinion. The Surefire is grossly overpriced and I never would have bought it if it wasn’t for their web site hiccup a few years back (50% off). Both the Streamlight and Olight are rechargeable which I like quite a bit, but I always keep a few extra AA and AAA batteries in my backpack, car, truck, etc. just in case.
One important thing to note is the Streamlight comes on at max power then you can click it down to 40 Lumens I think. The Olight is the exact opposite and both have a good tail switch. The Surefire is a twist head only and one power level.
---------- “Nobody can ever take your integrity away from you. Only you can give up your integrity.” H. Norman Schwarzkopf
November 09, 2022, 10:25 PM
1s1k
I love the clip on these because it can be used 180 degrees without taking it off.
There’s just an endless amount of great lights for every need you might have which is fantastic for the consumers.
My EDC is an i5T Carried bulb up, as I've had it unknowingly sit on in my pocket. Also less likely to get snagged & pulled out of the pocket (lost one on a United flight, assuming it caught on the seat belt).
