I try to keep the number of “active” lights to a minimum, specifically to avoid going crazy checking on batteries. So now, I have a “rarely”-used Q8 (locked out) not draining but still at the ready in case I need it. Was EDCing a UT20 and now a MH20/-GT. Got a SP32v2 on my bag, Jet-II in my bag Just In Case.
Then there’s my SP10, SF13, and Bobofett-II to burn down AAs at night (nightlight, etc.), depending on the cells’ state-of-discharge. Nice thing about side-clickies is that a wad of Al foil in the tail lets you burn down AAAs as well as AAs. Plus my UW360 for area-illumination.
And floating around at various times would be my DV-S9, TG05, TK18, C8s of all types, etc., to just keep them in use.
So… on me, whether summer or winter, I always have at least 2 lights, preferably 3. In winter, though, I’d even carry my RJ02, ’cause if it were lousy outside and I’d take the bus instead of driving, hey, you never know when you might have to walk instead.
Given the variety, I’d rarely “top them off” unless I knew one/more got a good workout and could use it. Otherwise, I could always just pull a 2nd light and use that instead. I’d typically have at least a full charge in the combination, even if 50/50 or 70/30.
Funny, ’cause just last week I forgot my pocketted MH20, and felt nekkid ’til I remembered my v2 on my bag.