Re: [Paddlewise] "Just In Case" Night Lights

>From: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
The light that you should reach for in your PFD and attach to you is
>the new Eco-Flare from Princeton-Tec (it is also called Sea Star in some
>packaging).  The light is minute since it uses just 2 AAA batteries and
>weighs next to nothing (1.5 oz. with batteries).  It has a lanyard cord
>that can be run through the top of your PFD. 	The Eco-Flare has an 
>extremely high intensity bulb not dissimilar to
>the “C” Light.  However, it also employs a cone cover about 2 inches
>high that gives off a brilliant 360-degree light.  It is amazing how
>visible one of these lights is alone.  One on each shoulder is better
>because your head will at times temporarily block one shoulder light.
>Also two lights so close together when seen at a distance from ahead or
>behind tend to blend together as one larger light.
>	The downside of the Eco-Flare is that it will only give off light for
>about 90 minutes but that should be good enough for emergency paddling
>in darkness.  You could carry spare AAA’s and replace batteries when the
>light starts to dim.  Cost of the Eco-Flare is $12.95.  It may not be
>available at outdoor shops that normally carry Princeton-Tec lights.
>The New York Kayak Company has them (1-800-KAYAK-99).

>
>The added idea is that Princeton also has a 4 AAA flashlight called the
>Mega-Blast (in some packaging).  It gives off 2 watt of light (as
>opposed to 1 watt of the Eco-Flare) and should last nearly twice as long
>in lighting.  You can buy one and switch its flashlight cap for the
>flare cap of the Eco-Flare.  You then will have a nice 2 AAA flashlight
>for uses around camp or elsewhere and the Eco-Flare cone on the 4 AAA
>flashlight for longer, brighter "just in case" lighting (maybe Princeton
>could be pursuaded to combine the two and call it the Mega-Flare).  T
Good reminder Ralph about the importance of night lights. Princeton Tech 
have made for some years the "Sportflare" which is sounds basically like the 
Ecoflare, but with 2 AA batteries. I don't have the specs on the burn time 
but I assume they are longer. This would allow you to simply buy one unit 
rather than mixing and matching. I also find my Sportflare makes a good 
no-fire hazard "lantern" around camp and in my tent.

Philip Torrens
N49°16' W123°06'

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