In case no one has noticed, we are literally in the darkest season of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere. It won’t start getting lighter again until well after the Solstice on Dec 21st. Daylight is in short supply and frankly we should all be acting like it.
Yet, I saw this notice on my FB feed from Shenandoah National Park. They state, and I quote, “Park rescue teams respond to hundreds of visitors who are seemingly trapped in the dark every year … carry a light source other than your cellphone.”
Wow – just, wow. I mean, I know that many tourists are complete morons, but to not even have a source of light on you if you set out on a trail at 4pm? Or even 2pm if it’s cloudy or raining or snowing or things take longer than you expect? Or how about just keeping a light in your daypack just in case? This is Darwin carrying out his mission apparently, because some people ( Like, the aforementioned Hundreds) never got the memo.
Christmas is coming and this is perfect season to stock up on handheld or head-mounted lighting. If not for yourself, then for the less well-prepared in your family. It might save someone’s life – or at least save calling for park rescue. And don’t forget extra batteries.
A few examples of the lights I personally have available include three from StreamLight.
I also own at least three from SureFire.
There are even a few garden variety Evereadys floating around the house. And frankly, virtually every daypack I own – whether for strolling or hunting – has a couple flashlights in them all the time for just-in-case.
Flashlights come in a huge variety of features and price points, including rechargeables, so don’t let a tight budget stop you from being prepared for darkness. A flashlight doesn’t have to cost a fortune or last for 20 years – it only needs to last long enough to get you out of a tight spot. It may be a few bucks to save your life or that of someone you love. Be prepared – it’s fricken DARK out there!
