Fenix LD41 Flashlight

Very bright, usable strobe (for defense purposes) and SOS, broad brightness levels.

Since I mostly go solo, I trade the weight penalty for a greater sense of security. This light is overkill for backpacking and that's exactly why I usually take it on solo outings.

Fenix delivers good lamps at decent prices and the LD41 holds true to that. It has four brightness settings, SOS, and a serious strobe (which uses the full 520lm) setting. It takes 4 AAs and the battery carriage does not rattle inside the light.

Color temperature is a cooler white, not far off from daylight temperature. Its rectangular design allows for a better grip, especially with a gloved hand. The battery life is decent for a lamp rated at over 500lm. If you stay away from the top setting the batteries will last several outings of prolonged use. The LD41 has good throw due to its power, but it also features very usable spill. This is a medium distance light, IMO.

There are other lights in this category with similar specs that are smaller and lighter. I've come to really like this light and want to stay away from 123a batteries, so as of now I'm still happy to carry this light.