A battery-operated light is an essential tool for every traveler. And AltusLumen’s Lightgear Gre 18-in-1 LED Flashlight, which also includes a handy survival tool, could easily be crowned the Swiss Army Knife of lights.
LEDs are making a huge difference in lighting. They’re compact and bright, plus the bulbs remain cool and save energy. The Lightgear Gre shows what can be done with a creative design useful for all types of travelers, from business road warriors to camping families to mountaineers. It’s also handy to have around the house when storms knock out electricity, which happened to me just a few days ago.
First, the Lightgear Gre doesn’t look like a conventional flashlight. Folded in a hard plastic and recycled aluminum case, it’s made to slip into a pocket or backpack for easy carrying. A patented swivel cover works as a stand for the light and allows it to be used, hands-free, six different ways—shining up, down or sideways, or even hanging from a tree as an area light.
The four LEDs are surprisingly bright. In fact, the user guide warns against looking directly at the light.
The light is powered by four AAA batteries. The manufacturer says one set of batteries will last six hours. My testing showed slightly more than six hours of continuous operation was no problem. A warning light near the on-off switch flashes when the batteries are getting low.
The light throws a broad beam, very different from a flashlight. There are dozens of possible uses and I could even see some applications for making videos.
The Lightgear Gre is weatherproof for use even in the rain. A carrying case is included.
But there’s more. Also tucked into the light case are an aluminum whistle and a 10-in-1 stainless steel survival tool. The survival tool includes a can opener, knife, screwdriver, ruler, cap opener, wrenches, saw and a direction indicator.
My colleague, Tim, reviewed a slight different version of this light and questioned its eco-friendly claims in our recent end-of-the-year roundup. If I could change one thing—and this is a minor point—it would be the battery cover. I’d prefer a snap-on cover instead of one requiring a screwdriver to open. But if you don’t have a screwdriver handy when the batteries need replacing, you can always use the survival tool.
The Lightgear Gre sells for $29.90 on AltusLumen’s website. It’s available in three colors—green, yellow and semi-transparent—and is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
If the company’s environmental claims are important in your purchasing decision, weigh them carefully. But from a performance standpoint, this light could be useful to many travelers.
Other lights reviewed on Practical Travel Gear:
