GHB – Contents – Flashlight/Headlamp

Operating in the dark just plain sucks. Why would we ever want to have to do something blindly when we can easily shed a little light on the subject? It can be a little fun sometimes to blindfold yourself and disassemble and reassemble a firearm just to see if you can do it. But when I am really trying to get something done, like actually clean that firearm, it sure is nice (and reasonable, sensible, intelligent, advisable, and just plain smart) to do so with good lighting and visibility. I would have to imagine that the same applies to any situation where I would have to actually grab my GHB and set out on foot.

We have already entered the time of year when it is dark outside for most of the day. The days are going to continue to shorten. Add to that the thick cloud cover that accompanies winter weather and the days can get pretty dark and dreary, the nights even more so. With my luck, it would be on one of those dark, dreary days that I would find myself in the dreaded hoof-it-home situation. If your potential hike back home would take hours to complete, it is very likely that at least a portion, if not all, of said hike would be taking place after dark. Have you ever tried to read a map, or identify landmarks, in the dark? What about rooting around in your bag to find that necessary item, like a knife, a power bank to charge your cell phone, etc.? It can be pretty difficult without some light. A simple flashlight is a huge help.

Now, you may be saying to yourself, “I have my pocket flashlight as part of my EDC. Isn’t that good enough?” Probably not. Let me explain, the little EDC light that I carry in my pocket is great… for EDC. It’s small, doesn’t take up much room, clips to the side of my pocket, and puts out a good amount of light. However, a lot of these small lights only have about a two-to-three-hour battery life. For occasional use in everyday situations, that’s just fine. A couple of minutes here and there takes a long time to deplete the little AA or AAA battery. But, if you are having to operate/navigate for potentially several hours, that two hour battery isn’t going to cut it. Besides, there is a prepper saying that goes like this, “Two is one, and one is none.” When things are going bad and an item breaks, you’ll have to fall back to your backup. Always count on something breaking right when you need it. If you only have one flashlight, when it stops working you’ll wish you had a backup. If you have two and one stops working, you still have one. If you have one and it stops working, you now have none. (Don’t go overboard with this mindset. You can quickly overload yourself to the point that you just can’t operate functionally because you’re are weighed down to heavily. For your GHB, a larger flashlight is better, and your EDC light can be your backup.

I am a fan of Coast brand flashlights. As a disclaimer, I don’t get paid by them (or anyone else for that matter) for any opinions, etc. I’m just giving my two cents. Coast lights are inexpensive, but not cheap. They put out a good amount of light and the batteries last long enough. The Coast PolySteel 250 is what I keep in my GHB. It runs off of three (3) AAA (Triple-A) batteries, which are easily found just about everywhere. It’s stormproof so bad weather is not an issue. The 320 lumens it puts out is plenty to light up the area. The polymer housing is not nearly as cold in the hand on chilly days as a metal housing. Coast also comes with a lifetime warranty. I’ve found these lights online for around $15.00 but bought mine for around $10.00 in-store.

Some people prefer the hands-free approach. There are many headlamps that are available on the market, and also lights that clip onto straps or clothing and can be adjusted to a chosen direction. Headlights provide illumination in whichever direction you are looking. Having the ability to use both of your hands and still see what you are doing is definitely a plus. Some of these lights are small enough that you don’t have to choose between hand-held or hands-free. Carry both and you’ll have the option to choose. Plus, you’ll have two lights in case one stops working.

Whatever brand, size, lumen, etc. you decide to go with, put a good quality light in your GHB. Don’t skimp and buy the cheapest thing you can find. Get something that you can rely on but afford at the same time. You’ll be much better off with a good light in your bag should you need it.

Don’t just prepare. Prepare to thrive.