LightBackpacking.com

The problem with all flashlights and headlamps is that they run on batteries and batteries wear out. And, they often wear out at the least convenient time — like nighttime when you're trying to cook dinner in the dark or finding your way around camp on a moonless night.

I've found a lightweight (4 ounce) answer to this problem: the multi-function By Shaking W/ 5 LED flashlight which doubles as an emergency cell phone power source.

For the flashlight, you crank the handle for one minute and you get to up 20 minutes of full-power light (5 LED's). The light is extremely bright.

You Have a Choice

You have a choice of turning on 1, 2 or 5 LED's so you could extend the light well past 20 minutes. But when it runs out, just crank 1 minute and you've got another 20 minutes of light.

For the cell phone, the manufacturer claims 3 minutes of charging with the hand crank will give you 2 to 8 minutes of talk time (I did not test it). The unit comes with adapters for various cell phones.

Some might consider a 4-ounce light a stone compared with lighter headlights. But, the advantage, of course is eliminating the need for batteries. On a long trip, that could save a lot of weight by eliminating batteries. I always carry backups, however: two Photon II mini-lights (a fraction of an ounce) attached to a lanyard around my neck that includes identification and a whistle.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.

Related post: Forever Flashlight review 

Technorati tags: Backpacking