Oct142009
INSTANT SURVIVAL TIP: Who Needs a Flashlight?
Everyone knows that a flashlight, with extra batteries, is a must have both at home and in the car, but did you know there’s an alternative that you may like much better? If you’ve ever tried to do something with both hands while trying
Headlamps make everything more fun!
to hold on to a flashlight, you’ll appreciate the quirky looking headlamp. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to hold a flashlight under my chin or armpit while searching for something or trying to read in the dark, and now I am a true believer in the headlamp. It takes just a few seconds to pull it over my head, and it lights up my path or work area perfectly. As an added bonus, these generally require just two AAA batteries, which are a whole lot easier to tuck into a pocket or backpack than a slew of those much larger C and D batteries. Beware, though. Your kids will love them! You may have to keep them under lock and key to insure they can be found in an emergency. On the other hand, they make a perfect stocking stuffer!
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(17) Readers Comments
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Angela
I love headlamps! And so do my kids. Here's my solution–get your kids their own headlamps so they don't want to borrow yours. Mine each have one they got for Christmas one year. They know the headlamp is to stay slung over their bedpost or in the drawer of their nightstand so it can always be found, and that's *usually* where they are (although not always–they are kids after all). They also have other "cute" flashlights they are supposed to keep by their beds, so I'm hoping with some redundancy, when they need a light they'll at least have ONE they can find
matthiasj
Funny you posted this today Lisa. I have 1 headlamp and just bought another one today! Can't have too many flashlights, or headlamps!
TheSurvivalMom
The first time I thought seriously about getting some headlamps was when I saw how cute Brendan Frasier looked in one on "Journey to the Center of the Earth"! LOL Seriously, though, I don't care if I do look a little goofy. They're worth their weight in AAA batteries!
TheSurvivalMom
I love, love, love your idea about keeping those headlamps close by your kids' beds! Thanks for sharing!
Corey
I have used the crank type led flash lights. Anyone tried the crank headlamps? http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ser…
TheSurvivalMom
I didn't even know crank headlamps existed! Thanks for the link and the info.
Liz
My husband keeps one in his car. Changing tires in the dark on the side of the road is no fun!
Bob S.
I use a combination of flash lights at home, most of them gathered up from years of Scouting.
Don't forget the chemical light sticks either. Put one of those in each night stand and everyone can easily find the package, break it up and then use that to get the rest of the lights.
I try to keep a flashlight in each room and lanterns in the hall closet. One of the lanterns that has came in the handiest is the colemen tent light
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail….
The magnet can be used on cars or many other items.
Great post and great ideas
high_v0ltage
The headlamp we have used that has worked well for us is the Browning Black Ice Dakota. It is a pricier than others but has a few nice features. We have tried a few other led headlamps and were not happy with the brightness. These will not be confused with the new generation of led maglite for viewing items further out (15+ feet) but are good for closer encounters. It has also held up well to being used in heavy rains for hours as the case has rubber seals on the sides to protect from water penetrating. It takes 3 AAA batteries which seem to last quite awhile.
3 different light settings:
low led (1 led is on)
high led (all 3 leds are on)
xeon (a xeon bulb is on)
Speaking of light we recently ordered 3 UltraFire C3 Cree lights and for a inexpensive ($10/each), single AA LED light these things are bright. They took 3 weeks to arrive as they are shipped from Hong Kong.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1993
TheSurvivalMom
I appreciate your recommendation for this particular headlamp. There are so many to choose from that it's good to hear about someone's experiences.
Sal
In Canada, you can get a really cute cap with lights in it. I have a pink one for me, and a black one for a teen. My hubbie has his headlamps as he does not care what he looks like.
I bought ours at Marks Work Warehouse. They have lots of items that can be used for multiple purposes.
TheSurvivalMom
I'll look around and see if I can find something similar. I guess I don't care what I look like either, though! LOL
LizLong
I've bought solar powered flashlights at Costco so we don't need to worry about batteries. I also bought the kids headlamps, although I must confess to having misplaced them someone in (shudder) my husband's office. They may never be found again. If we do find them, the kids can use them on the two hour car trip to visit family in a neighboring state. They can have light without being too distracting for the driver that way – I hope.
TheSurvivalMom
I have those same solar flashlights and really like them. The problem around my house with flashlights is that they are such a cool toy for my kids, that when I need one, there's no telling where they are. Some things, like flashlights, scissors and TAPE, just disappear around here. Oh, as long as your kids don't get car sick, the headlamps will work quite well for your road trip. Have you checked out my post on recording your own books on CD? That's another favorite way to pass the time on long car rides.
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betty
My husband used to joke about my thing for flashlights and headlamps until we discovered that our two year old gets carsick. I had my handy headlamp while I changed the poor kiddo into clean clothes and my hubby had to clean the yucky car seat while holding a huge maglight under his chin. Now my husband completely supports my binges in the camping section at various stores. Check out Lifegear.com for battery operated glow sticks / whistles. Also found at Home Depot, Target, Staples, etc.
TheSurvivalMom
I LOVE OUR HEADLAMPS!!! It's kind of like having an extra set of hands!