Jim,
You recently endorsed reader recommendations for kerosene lamps. What about flashlights and battery powered lamps? Do you have any recommendations there?
I realize battery powered devices may have limited value in a long-term, grid-down scenario. But what about short-term scenarios like a power outage associated with a hurricane–a few days or weeks? Best Regards, – d’Heat
JWR Replies: The advent of white light emitting diodes (LEDs) in the 1990s revolutionized flashlight technology. Up until a couple of years ago, I would not have recommended buying an electric camping lantern, since they were such battery hogs. But now, a new generation of white LED lanterns remarkably little current, allowing batteries last surprisingly long time. For example a Tuff Brite rechargeable LED lantern can operate for up to 70 hours on one charge. These are available from Northern Tool & Equipment and several other Internet vendors. (Search on: Tuff Brite Model # VEC144.)