Longest lasting runtime on the cheap?

On the pricey end maybe something that uses CR123 or other primary non-rechargable lithium cells and has multiple modes, like Review of Spark SG3 and Spark SG5 Headlamp and clip EDC lights. (14500/AA/16340/CR123) . In the lower modes some of these last a long time. On the cheap end, I got two Eveready 1D led conversions of an old incandescent 2D design with old type acid dry cells included for $3 or 4 at Wallgreen’s drug store, reduced from 6 or 7 for the pair. The center is always a Sipik SK68 or clone of it, a 3 mode for longer run time on low mode, and spare alkaline AA cells. These run for maybe a couple of hours full low mode brightness and then gradually dim for more hours. They generally sell for between $5 and $10 shipped from the Far East. The XR-E or XP-E led is considered kind of old, but its efficiency is most of that of newer models.
But I agree that you could stick with the little Maglight and carry spares. It may be as good as an SK68 except maybe for the pattern and the high mode. The older driver in the Maglight may dim sooner, but that may not be a disadvantage as it extends the run time.

If you want long run time then cheap single 1.5V cell lights are NOT the way to go. They require a boost converter circuit to light the LED, and at the step-up ratio and current required, most seem to be less than 35% efficient.

The cheapest quality light I’ve found with a moonlight mode is Thrunite T10, for only $20. Saber 1A is a bit more expensive but is much brighter for under $30. If you can use 18650 or 2xCR123 Thrunite TN12 is on sale for $30+ shipping. These all have moonlight modes with extreme runtimes.

Other than these, not so cheap but an Olight S15 with XML2 led and ability to use with an extender for 2XAA setup can be had under $40 inc shipping on eBay.

Boost circuits are not always inefficient and a linear regulated (AMC type) circuit isn’t always efficient especially at low low modes.

You can buy it under a different name for $20… http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10003046/1227900-x-power-spirit-ha-iii-cree-xp-g-r5-3-mode-115-lume

That’s Thrunite T10 in fact. Saber has XPG2 emitter.

Mine have Nichias in them… :party:

Alkalines only work better in very low drain capacity devices like your remote controls, or wall clocks things like that. Advanced lithium batteries like the newest energizers are the best by far for anything with a high drain like flashlights or cameras in particular.

However, if what you are looking for is a prepper situation with no electricity to recharge you can buy industrial boxes of alkalines.

Here is one site with 1.5 volt AA’s these would work great in a SK68 that you can buy for 5 bucks or so. 144 batteries would cost me $27 shipped.

http://www.batteriesandbutter.com/WJ-AA-ALK.html

Since you should already have your EDC light on you, something like an LD12 that runs on a single AA for 97 hours at a regulated 3 lumens, I would keep a headlamp in your bug out bag, something like a 30 dollar HL21 which will run for 53 hours on a single AA and is suitable for reading or hiking, or as a lantern.

You should also throw one or two AAA to AA adapters into your BOB.