Posts Tagged ‘LED flashlight’

Why Every Winter Storm Emergency Kit Needs a Flashlight

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Power OutageYou can never have enough LED flashlights, even if you’re not an avid spelunker, hiker or camper. A trusty LED flashlight comes in handy in many different situations, even if you’re just looking for lost items around the house. This is especially true when it comes to emergency situations; for example, during a winter storm or flood.

Now that winter is in full swing, the following are a few reasons you should not underrate the importance of keeping a few LED flashlights in your storm emergency kit. Even if you already have a flashlight in the garage or kitchen drawer, it’s a good idea to keep a couple of LED light sources with your emergency supplies so you’ll always have one close at hand. It is better to be well prepared ahead of time than have to scramble in the dark for a light source when you really need it!

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Factors that Affect an LED Flashlight’s Run Time

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Reactor by Kristoffer M.C.When you’re on an extended trip in the backcountry or facing an emergency, rationing becomes an essential survival practice. This means rationing food, water and even the battery life on your LED flashlight. Without the ability to carefully control and monitor how much precious light you’re using, you could end up in the dark before help – or the next town on your journey – arrives.

Battery life, also known as run time, can vary widely between LED flashlight models. Thanks to the relatively new ANSI FL1 flashlight standards, many manufacturers now use standardized testing methods to accurately determine the run times of their LED flashlights. However, there are other factors – some external – that can influence an LED flashlight’s battery life. It’s important to consider these conditions when you’re in a situation that requires careful rationing of your resources.

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How to Say Happy Valentine’s Day to Your Outdoor Enthusiast

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Multi-Tool LoveJust because Valentine’s Day occurs during the heart of the winter season doesn’t mean you can’t start looking forward to hiking and camping again when those warmer spring and summer days return. Indeed, in some parts of the world, Valentine’s Day is considered the first sign of spring.

This year, consider some helpful gadgets for your outdoor-loving significant other – such as an LED flashlight, folding knives or multi-tools. An LED flashlight may not sound like a romantic gift, but keep in mind that the gesture is a way of honoring your loved one’s hobby and letting him or her know you understand how important it is.

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Does Cold Temperature Affect LED Flashlight Performance?

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Morning chillDog mushers, oil riggers, fishermen – these are the types of people likely to use LED flashlights in extremely cold conditions. Indeed, all three of these occupations are plentiful in Alaska, where it’s not unusual for temperatures to drop to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, or even lower. Furthermore, some parts of Alaska see as few as five hours of daylight around the winter solstice, so LED flashlight performance can be very important.

In these situations, special precautions must be taken to ensure one’s equipment functions properly. Extreme cold causes many types of machinery to fail, and LED flashlights are no exception. As we explain below, there are several culprits for poor LED flashlight performance in cold conditions. Fortunately, by understanding how cold impacts the science behind LED flashlights, you can often prevent any drop in performance – a helpful trick indeed, even if your work conditions aren’t quite as cold as those in Alaska. (more…)

COAST Product Super Bowl Match-Ups: HP5 vs. HP14 LED Flashlights

Monday, January 30th, 2012

LED Flashlight Matchup: HP14 vs HP5In honor of the Super Bowl, we’ve decided to pit some of our top LED flashlight models against each other to see how they compare. Today’s Coast Super Bowl matchup will be between the HP5 and the HP14 LED flashlights.

Power and Strength

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Why Survivalists Recommend LED Flashlights for Emergencies

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Dark CavesEric LaMarque survived being stranded in the backcountry around Mammoth Mountain. Aron Ralston survived 127 hours of hell after becoming trapped under a boulder. We’re betting that these and other famous survivalists would recommend LED flashlights for emergencies, for the reasons listed below:

Long Run Times and Bulb Life

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Student Safety: LED Flashlights and Other Items to Keep In Your Backpack

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

The subway map I kept in my pocketCollege enrollment in the United States is at an all-time high. More students than ever before are choosing to go to a two-year or four-year college rather than enter the job market. Of course, many of these students are working part-time to fund their education. This means evening classes and late nights on campus.

Not surprisingly, with the increase in enrollment, there has also been an increase in crime on college campuses. Walking to and from your car or the bus stop on a poorly lit street can be dangerous if you don’t have an LED flashlight with you. Likewise, you could be stranded late at night if your bike breaks down and you don’t have the proper multi-tool or repair kit on hand. This is especially true on larger urban campuses located in major cities.

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Heading for the Mountain: Prepare Your Car’s Emergency Kit

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Sure, you packed the season pass, but did you remember to bring an LED flashlight on your last skiing expedition? Even if you’re just traveling to and from base lodge, it’s smart to have an emergency flashlight and other supplies in your car. Remember, inclement weather strikes quickly in the mountains, where a sunny day can shift suddenly into whiteout conditions. Having the right survival equipment on hand could save your life. So, take heed skiers and snowboarders: stow the items we’ve listed below in your car emergency kit.

What to Include in your Car’s Emergency Kit

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