My EDC flipflops around depending on which old batteries I’m trying to burn through. For the record, I don’t buy alkalines, but somehow still manage to find a ton of them lying around, etc… When I buy a new tv or DVD player, the remotes often come with alkies, which I never use in the remote. I always replace them with NiMHs to save them from leaking damage. Anyway, I typically EDC 2 lights. One “keeper” with either an AA NiMH or 14500 and a throwaway, used to burn through the pile of AA/AAA in my junk drawer (which I store in old glass jars, negative terminal down, to avoid leaking issues in my junk drawer). Yeah, I know, pretty anal. What can I say?
Going back from at least 6 years ago, I used to EDC an Inova X1 (gen 5, I believe?). The X1 had been around for quite some time before then, but the one I bought (and that still hangs from a lanyard next to my recliner) was from when they first offered 2 illumination levels. Found the the clip from my old AA Minimag fit just fine around the front section, allowing me to mount on a cap brim as an added bonus. I don’t have a lux meter, but I’m guessing the outputs are around 60 lumens on high and 5 ish on low. For the time, it checked off a lot of boxes for me. Single AA powered, tail twisty reliability, decently bright, fairly neutral tint, great run time, great fit and finish (love the way the matte black anodizing looks and feels), good form factor, decent throw for such a small package, especially considering how long ago it was and was cheap enough (around $25) that I wouldn’t mind terribly if I ever lost it (which I never did). I used a flash drive lanyard as a leash which allowed me to quick release it from my belt, if I needed to.
These days I’m in a AAA burning mood. Been using a Maratac TPF AAA which I clipped to the bottom of the placket of my polo shirts. I don’t care for the tint, but makes for a great hands free light in a pinch.
Recently discovered that you CAN mount the clip on a Manker E02 on front side of light which lends to it also being placket worn.
Since making that discovery, been switching between the Manker (with the Nichia) and the Maratac. The only benefit of the Maratac is that it’s very light, which for my purposes goes a long way for it being popular for EDC.
Like Jack said, as far as always being with me, even when lounging around at home in a T-shirt, it’s probably the Maratac, clipped to the collar. I hardly notice it. Or a Tank007 E09, on which I mounted a clip from a Huxby clone.
When I leave the house, my burner is the $7 pink Xtar WK50, burning AA alkalines. I love the tail switch for ease of operation in a crunch. In my front right cargo pocket, usually something like a Utorch UT01, Nitecore EA11 or MT01A.
If I only had one light to carry, it would probably be the MT10A. Seems to get overlooked a lot, possibly because of tint? Pretty much does everything for me.
- AA/14500 Compatible
- Tail power switch, 2 side mode switches
- Deep pocket carry clip, reversible for use on cap brim
- Max output: 920 lumen w/ IMR, 170 lumens on NiMH
- IPX-8
- 170 meter throw
- red LED for NV preservation
- Instant access to turbo and red
- Electronic lock-out
- Battery voltage indicator
- Blinky modes (if you want them)
- Mode memory (Can actually remember strobe)
I always have bigger 18650 lights strapped to my pack and in my fanny pack. These are just what is aways on me. On the occasion when I know I’ll be running around in the dark, I’ll EDC an 18650 light and also a few spare batteries, but that’s not typical. Of course there are various keychain lights, like the Jetbeam Mini-1 and the Nitecore Tip.