I might get some downvotes and that’s okay, but I disagree for EDC.
I went down this road and found that
a headlamp is nice to have when needed
strategically placed “bright” flashlights are good (like in your car)
my phone is always with me, and good for 99.9% of my “normal” situations
I do think flashlights are amazing, but I didn’t like the hassle of keeping up with them day-to-day (I used an olight mini baton in my keychain for years, which now just lives in my backcountry first aid kit).
Reading through again, I do think it’s a good buy to have a flashlight, just maybe not for EDC for most people.
Walked in the dark yesterday, lights out on the sidewalk, there are cars.
Pulled out my phone and used the flashlight and it just didn’t work very well, like at all, I did see the ground sliightly better but light getting everywhere (from the phone and phone-flashlight) made it worse.
I respect that, and really it’s about what works for you. For whatever reason, I’ve just found my phone light to be sufficient unless I have some real “work” to do. In that case, I’ll dig out a stashed headlamp or flashlight.
I do 100% believe in dedicated lights on bikes, because that shit is treacherous at night!
I’m also young, and maybe I’ve overlooked older people having a bigger issue with low light.
I think it’s best to have a roster of accessories for EDC tbh. You choose the loadout that makes sense for what you’re doing not bringing everything everywhere every time.
Flashlight for me comes with me when it’s evening/night or there is work where it might be handy (car repair for example). But it’s not in the starting line-up just a 6th man coming off the bench frequently.
I don’t think it makes sense to disagree with what someone else finds useful to carry. There is, of course no universal advice; not everyone will find the same things useful.
I agree with this after writing out some more comments. It’s basically just my experience and opinion as someone who went down the EDC flashlight rabbit hole.
I might get some downvotes and that’s okay, but I disagree for EDC.
I went down this road and found that
I do think flashlights are amazing, but I didn’t like the hassle of keeping up with them day-to-day (I used an olight mini baton in my keychain for years, which now just lives in my backcountry first aid kit).
Reading through again, I do think it’s a good buy to have a flashlight, just maybe not for EDC for most people.
Walked in the dark yesterday, lights out on the sidewalk, there are cars.
Pulled out my phone and used the flashlight and it just didn’t work very well, like at all, I did see the ground sliightly better but light getting everywhere (from the phone and phone-flashlight) made it worse.
Maybe it’s my phone (Xiaomi 9 IIRC) though.
I respect that, and really it’s about what works for you. For whatever reason, I’ve just found my phone light to be sufficient unless I have some real “work” to do. In that case, I’ll dig out a stashed headlamp or flashlight.
I do 100% believe in dedicated lights on bikes, because that shit is treacherous at night!
I’m also young, and maybe I’ve overlooked older people having a bigger issue with low light.
I think it’s best to have a roster of accessories for EDC tbh. You choose the loadout that makes sense for what you’re doing not bringing everything everywhere every time.
Flashlight for me comes with me when it’s evening/night or there is work where it might be handy (car repair for example). But it’s not in the starting line-up just a 6th man coming off the bench frequently.
This is a great way to approach the problem.
I don’t think it makes sense to disagree with what someone else finds useful to carry. There is, of course no universal advice; not everyone will find the same things useful.
I agree with this after writing out some more comments. It’s basically just my experience and opinion as someone who went down the EDC flashlight rabbit hole.