Reddit mentions of Fenix PD35 Flashlight

Just some extra comments as I go back through the photos again… I know I talk (write) a lot, but maybe somebody will appreciate some of the thought processes I've had. If you have suggestions for me, let me know, too!

Eventually I will have a full-size spare, which means I'll have to give up that foam shelf and either tuck more things around in little spaces or get another bag so stuff isn't just rolling around loose.

Why a charger for radios but no actual radios? I usually only take those when my wife and I go camping/hiking. This just ensures I always have a way to recharge them. Eventually, though, I do want to have another identical radio to leave in the car. I have Uniden GMR5089, which lets my wife and I talk on our own private channel as well as receive NOAA weather stations.

Cold Steel Jungle Machete. There were several times I wished I'd had a machete, so I got one. I like this one. Wasn't too expensive, either.

Stanley 55-099 FatMax Xtreme FUBAR (cheaper at Home Depot).
I really wanted the Stanley 55-121 Forcible Entry Tool, but it's just so expensive, and my Home Depot doesn't even carry it. Also considered the Dead-on Annihilator, and I liked that it had "more tools"-in-one, but the FUBAR felt more hefty and less likely to break when I need a hammer.

Orion Road Flare Kit. Took me a while to find a place to get actual flares, not just strobe lights or chem lights. Of all places, found them at a pilot store. These double as fire starters.

What about something smaller to make fire? Well, I live just a few miles from work. And it's summer. Once I get home, if I need to grab the HURREVAC/BOB, it has a more complete fire-making kit.

HalGuard HG250R fire extinguisher. Not cheap. Hopefully it proves worth the investment, if I ever need to use it.

I'm super happy with my bungee cord solution. Up until last night, it had been a ball of cords stuffed in a bag. Then I spent some time wandering around WalMart looking for options. If you're looking for ideas, check the boating aisle: a fishing rod holder was another option I considered—a lot of people use a length of PVC pipe, and that's all the rod holder is—but it costs about $7. Also, look at the extension cord aisle for some organizers that can be as little as 96¢. I went with the middle option: $3 for a small wire kitchen shelf which I think works better with the various sizes of cords, although it is heavier.

I haven't tested the bolt cutters, yet. I'm hoping it can get through small chains and padlocks, or at least through chain-link fencing.

I know I need some food. It's on the shopping list. Still looking for a good option. Got any suggestions?

While a lot of things were already in the car, I just put together the GHB over the past week. Recently, I ended up with a dead battery and had to jump my car while I was on base. It wasn't a big deal, but it was so hot out, and the cables and cars were dirty, which, again, not a huge deal… except that I was in my service uniform and had no change of clothes. So my biggest concern is that I have something else to put on in the event I need to do some work or walk back home. Then once I had the bag in the trunk, I started putting the loose items in it.

A few more items are on the way right now. Spare batteries for my EDC flashlight (PD35), a headlamp, and a headlamp case should arrive tomorrow and will go in the GHB, too.

What else you got for me?

Edit: Not pictured is a Rand-McNally I keep in the map pocket on the back of the passenger seat. Also, I really wish I could have a weapon and ammo hidden in a lockbox in the car, but since I work on a military base, it sadly isn't an option until we get that law changed.

And here's the Pak-lite website for those too lazy to google:

http://www.9voltlight.com/

These things are awesome. Plug it into a lithium battery and you've got light for ages.

And the Photon:

http://www.amazon.com/LRI-AR-Photon-Keychain-Micro-Light/dp/B0006B658Y

And of course the Fenix:

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Flashlight-850-Lumens-2xCR123A-included/dp/B00DITWQMA

You could buy him all three for less than $100. But since you said common batteries I might recommend the Fenix LD20:

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-LD20-180-Lumen-Flashlight/dp/B004CXNY3G/

Not as bright but still gets the job done. Buy the Pak-lite, Photon, and LD20, and have a whole redundant lite kit for flying for under $100. You can probably throw in a couple good Eneloop AA's as well.

I carry a Preon P2 (2xAA) as my daily because it's small enough to fit comfortably in my pocket, but if you're looking for something more powerful, the Streamlight 88031 (2xCR123) is a fine light.

I know it's above your price point, but I have to mention the Fenix PD35 (2xCR123) as well. Of the ~10 lights I own, it's my favorite by a mile.

Both the 88031 and the PD35 come with a pair of batteries and a holster.

There are some decent AA lights out there as well; I can recommend a couple if you're interested. It's important to note that CR123 lights are generally better because the batteries are more suited to the high current required for a bright LED; if battery cost is an issue, look into rechargeable batteries for the CR123 lights.

TLDR: See links; CR123 lights are brighter and last longer; get rechargeable batteries if CR123 is an issue.

So then maybe this light and these batteries? I don't feel like buying another charger since I have one at the house. Might as well get a light and 2 batteries for about the price of the original kit.

EDIT: Wait, why does this light say 860 lumens? I thought this light was 960 lumens.

So then is this light the right one?

This is a good suggestion, the UI is pretty simple, but you'll have to double-tap the tail switch to get high output every time.

If you want something that is adjustable, the Fenix PD35 has a side switch to change the mode. It always comes on in the last mode you selected, so once you set it, there's no need to mess with it.