For walking/hiking, my preference is for headlamps. I like to keep my hands free so that my arms can swing with my normal gait.
As an amateur photographer, I have a strong preference for high CRI 90+ and neutral tint, around 5000K. Theses days, I do my best to get these, otherwise, no sale. But these are subjective choices where there is no right and wrong. The only thing that matters is what you like. Unfortunately, the best way to find out what floats your boat is to try out a few flashlights and see! That means spending cash on a few lights you may end up not using.
If you plan to take pics or vids using the illumination of your flashlights, you need to worry about something called PWM (pulse width modulation). None, is best, with high-frequency as a possible second best. Frequency needs to be high compared to your shutter speed and/or frame rate.
My EDC is a tiny AAA model, the Astrolux A01, that I fuel with NiMH (Eneloop). ’Natch, it’s got both high-CRI and 5000K, and virtually disappears in my pants pocket. For nighttime outings when I do not anticipate needing a flashlight, I carry a second EDC, the Kronos X5.That one runs on a Li-ion 14500 battery. I like it because of its small size (14500 is the same size a AA), and it has a bit more throw than your typical 18650 tube light. Fits easily in a jacket pocket. ’Course, when I am planning a real nighttime outing, I use my ZebraLight H600Fd III headlamp. It’s another one that has high-CRI and 5000K, and it’s currently on sale for “only” $69. (I think it’s going to be discontinued soon.) Along with the Zebra, I carry a ThorFire C8s, a C8 model that I like, but nevertheless would not buy today. Instead I would get one of the high-CRI, neutral-tint SST40 models mentioned above. For indoor use and/or close work, I like the perfectly smooth beam of a zoomie set to flood. Were I shopping today, I would get the Jaxman Z1, XHP50, warm white. Not high-CRI, but you can’t always get what you want. From what I can tell here, the Z1 has a kind of sucky UI, as well. Maybe I need to do more thinking about that one.
For a bug-out bag, we’re talking about flashlights that will be little used. Therefore, fancy bells and whistles (i.e., high-CRI, neutral-tint, no PWM) are low priorities that are probably not worth spending money on. In my car, for instance, I have a Nitecore P12GT, running on 18650, backed up by CR123A primary batteries. Low-CRI, but I don’t care. More important is the orange diffuser/traffic wand that Nitecore sells as an accessory.
BTW, I like what Lightbringer said about using lithium primaries or rechargeable NiMH for lights in a bug-out bag. As far as I know, the problem with rechargeable Li-ion and the hot sun of a vehicle is not that stuff explodes. The issue is degradation. Battery internal resistance rises. ’Course, this is the Internet, and I am not a flashlight engineer, so take my advice with a grain of salt!
All of the lights mentioned above were purchased a couple of years ago, so the rationales for my choices are more relevant than the specific models. Hope this helps.
