Reddit reviews Nitecore TIP 360 Lumen USB Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight with LumenTac USB Charging Cable (Black, More colors in Options)

Macbook Pro

Garmin Fenix 5X

iPhone 8+

EagleTac D25C Ti Nichia 219C 4000K

Benchmade 1101-1 Pen with carbide tip and Schmidt easyflow 9000 M refills.

Microtech Cypher

Keys: P-7 Keychain Suspension Clip, TI-EDC Titanium Pill Fob with ibuprofen, Victorinox Minichamp Alox, Silver Gripper Tweezers, Titaner Titanium Toothpick, Nitecore TIP CRI

Samsung Galaxy Gear S3 Frontier w/ amazon bands

Amazon Pillcase

Victorinox Climber

Rugged and Dapper chapstick with wrapper pealed off

NiteCore TIP

Amazon Key Organizer

KeySmart MagConnect

Samsung Galaxy S9 w/ Magnetic Phone Case/Wallet

Bose Quiet Comfort 20

Boker Urban Trapper

Juul (only mint)

Skilcraft B3 Aviator

Leuchtturm1917



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First off, forget the colored light. A 1 lumen white light does just as good of a job. A Nitecore TIP fits that criteria. You can start off in low (1 lumen) by holding down the power switch for 1 second. A 1 lumen mode on a light this floody will be plenty for getting up in the middle of the night, but will be dim enough that your eyes will have to be adjusted to the dark.
If you want to spend even less, the Nitecore TUBE also has a 1 lumen mode.
Lights with integrated charging are always more expensive than lights without, so the $30 limit narrows your options.

I am not a /r/flashlight expert, but I am an experienced hiker along the AT and other long distance trails.

Flashlights / headlamps are important, but you'll use them less than you expect during a thru hike. It's rare you'll night hike and common you'll be in bed shortly after sunset. Night pee break is the most likely time you'll need a torch.

Weight is the biggest factor for me, although of course functionality and quality are important. My recommendation would be something super simple, like the Nitecore TIP. It's rechargeable and super small. Still enough power to night hike if you really need to, and low settings to get around the tent/shelter or cook dinner.

You should also check out /r/Ultralight for other gear recommendations and of course /r/AppalachianTrail.

Nitecore Tip

Nitecore TIP 2017 Upgrade 360 Lumen USB Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight with LumenTac USB Charging Cable (Black, More colors in Options) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oxG9Bb25J8CAQ

I haven't hiked the JMT so I can't comment on your clothing system but here are some general thoughts:

Ditch the headlamp for a sub 1oz USB rechargeable flashlight $30

Ditch the Leatherman for a Victorinox Swiss Army Classic $15

Ditch the paper maps and use Guthook's since you already have it. $Free

Ditch the Sea to Summit X-Cup and I wouldn't bother with the hot lips either $Free

Replace the trash compactor bag with a Fumigation bag $2.49

Ditch the compass $Free

Replace the stove with the BRS Stove $15

All this should save you about ~11 ounces for ~$63.

If you are worried about fitting in the superior 35 I would take a look at the MLD Prophet $195. This should be plenty of room and will save you an additional 18+ ounces.

The TIP CRI is a great little light, just barely out of your budget. There’s the lower CRI version as well. Lower price, higher output, but colors won’t be as vivid. People around here tend to prefer the former.

For my literally carry on my person at all times kit:

• This keychain flashlight is one of the things I'll be getting for Christmas this year to replace my old junker. I put a bit of research time into this with the help of /r/flashlights and youtube video reviews. I think it's a solid pick.
  
  
• I carry a Skeletool CX Multitool pretty much everywhere except airplanes. For day to day life it has all of the tools most people will need and weighs way less than a fully packed leatherman. I have uses for this at minimum monthly if not multiple times a week.
  
  
• I also wear a paracord bracelet regularly. Honestly... on that one I've never really had a call to unwind and use it as rope, but I like it well enough and it's nice knowing that it's there if I need it. Given the recent apple keynote address where they announced that their new watch will have full cellular capabilities among the other things it can do I am half considering replacing this with a $400 wrist computer at some point, but that's a hefty investment.
  
  
• Smart phone. A world of information at my fingertips.
  
  
• Then there's the usual stuff like keys, work badge, headphones, wallet.
  
  However, I also bring my backpack with me to and from work everyday, and if we're heading out adventuring for the day I'll chuck it in my trunk just to have it. I'm not sure I'll get everything here, but I'll toss in what I can remember off of the top of my head.
  
  
• Kleenex, Ibuprofen, pepto tablets, band aids, cough drops
  
• Pepper Spray and a boot knife
  
• Fingerless leather gloves + a seasonal pair of full work gloves. The fingerless ones are the ones I use most often when I'm helping friends or family move heavy things. They have padded palms and protect my hands well. The seasonal work gloves are for in the event I need to engage in more messy hand work and the winter pair has served as backup for my cold weather gloves more than once when someone less prepared didn't have their own.
  
• I got a shemagh once on a whim after watching a video on it. Tried it on, decided I looked ridiculous, but kept it as a small thin blanket in my backpack.
  
• Come winter I always have my Balaclava (seriously, this one is awesome) for really cold weather and even a half piece for when it's cold enough for a scarf but I don't really need full head gear. I love both of these and refer to them as my full ninja vs my half ninja. My fiancee rolls her eyes.
  
• A few kirkland brand 5 hour energy bottles (I don't like coffee)
  
• Umbrella, lighter, backup phone charger, and headphones
  
• Full size water-resistant flashlight
  
  That stuff usually gets toted around with me just about everywhere, though not always directly on my person. Depending on the season or event I'll add or remove items as needed.
  

There's quite a few options. I'm a big fan of Fenix but they run a bit expensive. I have the Fenix UC30 but it's pretty throwy which I really like for outdoors, not so much for anything else. You might consider the [Nitecore TIP] (https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-TIP-2017-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1517953275&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=nitecore+tip&psc=1) because it's small form factor and it's pretty bright for it's size. If you are willing to pay $90 I would just get the Fenix UC35.

Nitecore TIP 2017 Upgrade 360 Lumen USB Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight with LumenTac USB Charging Cable (Black, More colors in Options) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.CMaAbBJNGNVY

Thanks!

Thank you for doing an awesome give away. Definitely my favorite sub.I've been eyeballing this baby for a min.
https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-TIP-2017-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510122526&sr=8-1&keywords=nitecore+tip&dpID=51RnhkQIxlL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-TIP-2017-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=pd_sim_469_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GRRA854F497SBVJ2SCZR&dpID=51RnhkQIxlL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

TH30 is fine, just not as good a value IMO. You did great!

I revised my price. Thanks.

My EDC is the Nitecore Tube https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y67CRXF/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which has been useful.

I bought my nephew this and he raves Nitecore TIP https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXLK75C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On the flashlight, allow me to recommend the Nitecore TIP . I recently bought one and have been very impressed with it. It is tiny, super bright, has 3 modes, water resistant, and holds a charge for a very long time.

Nice man, both your kits are pretty solid. I'm at work so I can't be as thorough as I would like but here are a few ideas that stood out.

1/8" Pad: Drop it, cut two panels off your zlite to use as the frame and then just pull them out the pack to use at night to sleep. I did this all summer with my KS50 and it worked great. You'll need to cut a little bit off the width for it to fit, but it's minimal and not noticeable when sleeping.

Headlamps: There are much lighter headlamp options and many prefer flashlights for night hiking to bring the light closer to waist level and elongate the shadows. You can also clip them to a brim of a hat for hands free use around camp. A little thrunite ti3 would be a good bet if you don't plan on much night hiking, or a Nitecore Tip 2017 for night hiking.

Knife: The Victorinox Classic SD only weighs 22grams or if all you need is a knife check out Spyderco Ladybug at 16grams. Avoid amazon for the ladybug, there are counterfeits going around i hear.

FAK: You could likely pair this down, mine only weighs 1.5oz

Houdini P/O: Seems unnecessary with the versalite? But I've never worn the Nano-Air Light Hoody, is the idea that the houdini would provide a breathable wind barrier when used in combination? I know this is a common strategy with fleece.

Kahtoola Micro Spikes: If we end up needing them this year I'm going to try Snowline Chainsen Light. Quite a bit lighter than microspikes.

On a side note, when do you start? I'm heading out on May 18th. Edit: Nevermind...somehow missed this in your post...maybe I'll see you all in Oregon or Washington! I'm targeting a late August finish.

Nitecore Tip.
.9 oz
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXLK75C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

thanks so much for doing this!

I could go for another TIP 2017 in black.

Maybe a bit arrogant, but could we lobby for just a gift card to put towards a more expensive light we have our eyes on?

Thanks for the giveaway! Been looking at this Keychain light
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_P6A8AbTBXT37X

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XXLK75C?aaxitk=DIivUuZnhC8Vxeo3R0HevQ

For $29, I've been very happy carrying this around for most of a year. It is all metal, and other than superficial paint wear is good as new. I do not have the physical lock out cover, but have never needed it.

Nitecore TIP 2017 Upgrade 360 Lumen USB Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight with LumenTac USB Charging Cable (Black, More colors in Options) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CVjUAbNVC8YMB

Would be nice to mess with one of these!

Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-TIP-2017-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B06XXLK75C

Nitecore tip 2017

Thanks for doing these!

Hopefully I’ll win a Tip!
Nitecore TIP 2017 Upgrade 360 Lumen USB Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight with LumenTac USB Charging Cable (Black, More colors in Options) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXLK75C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dwDYBbNEW9B8R

I just got a Lumintop HLAAA. It's an insane little light. Takes a AAA battery, doubles as a headlamp (comes with a headband I haven't tried) and has a magnetic base.

3 modes; low, medium and high. Super simple, nice color rendering, tiny. It doesn't project (throw) light much but it's perfect for things within reach and navigating in the dark. Looks better IRL than the pictures I've seen online. Nice nickel finish, damned well made. It hangs on my bag and has become my go-to light for nearly every indoor use.

If you really want to light things up go with what others have said; Convoy S2+ is the go-to bang-for-your-buck light around here. The Wowtac A1S is no slouch either. Those require 18650 batteries and chargers but the A1S comes with a micro USB chargeable battery.

The Nitecore Tip deserves a mention. It's a small, micro USB rechargeable light that packs some punch. Takes some fiddling to figure out the buttons. Falls between the Lumintop and the others I mentioned.

If you want a "full sized" light that'll put your eye out, go with the Convoy S2+. Even with the charger and batteries it should fall right in your budget. Only reason I don't go with the A1S here is the poor LED in mine (I probably made a poor choice), has a greenish tinge, probably not noticeable unless you're a fanatic like us.