By Judi Dash
Newfangled lighting products can brighten your travels.
1. HEAD TRIP:
A nice bright flashlight is useful to have on hand -- but sometimes more useful hands-free. Enter the 2Light (CQ) from Zelco. A flick of a latch at the business end of the flashlight opens the cover. Pull out the light and it becomes a headlamp thanks to the attached adjustable headband, which was hidden in the flashlight housing.
The headlamp pivots for aiming light via a rotating cylinder that also houses the light's three AAA batteries (not included). A rubber-sealed push-button switch -- operable in both the headlamp and handheld mode -- provides a choice of hi beam or low beam. The flashlight housing design is kind of fun -- it's black with big yellow polka dots, and has integrated rubber grips.
Zelco 2Light (43222) is $40 at www.zelco.com; (800) 431-2486
2. WIND-UP PITCH:
LifeGear has taken the crank-powered electronic device to new levels. The new LED Flashlight/Reading Lamp/Radio has a hand crank that recharges the built-in NiMH battery for operation of the device's flashlight, pop-up reading light, siren, red emergency LED flashers, AM/FM radio and emergency weather alert.
The amount of operational time you get from cranking varies with the function, but averages about 20 minutes per 60-second crank. Don't feel like cranking? The device also operates on three AA batteries (not included), or a wall- or car adapter, which are supplied free, though there's a mailing fee. When fully charged via the adaptors, the radio runs about 8 hours, the flashlight one hour). An incorporated cell-phone charger provides about three minutes talk time per 60-second crank. Phone adaptor tips are provided free, except for the mailing fee.
LED Flashlight/Reading Lamp/Radio (model LGTF38) is $60 at www.lifegearcompany.com; (800) 497-6650.
3. SHEDDING LIGHT: Sunlight can be healthy or not, depending on exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. But how much is too much? The Personal UV Monitor from Oregon Scientific monitors the current UV levels and temperature, then calculates your recommended exposure time based on information you key in about your skin type and your sunscreen cream protection level. Then click on the exposure timer and it will beep when it's time to cover up.
A countdown clock on the monitor keeps track of the time left. About the size of a cell phone, the bright orange device has a digital clock display and wrist strap. It automatically updates recommended exposure time based on changes in UV intensity. Runs on one included coin cell battery.
Personal UV Monitor (EB612) is $30 at www2.oregonscientific.com; (800) 853-8883.
4. PUMPING IONS: First there was the electric air bed pump. Then came the battery operated air bed pump. Now, from Aero Products, which pioneered quick-inflate air beds and pumps, comes the battery operated air bed pump with a built-in flashlight, so you no longer have to set up camp or pump up your air mattress in the dark.
Built into the front handle of the pump are three bright LED bulbs that turn on and off with the push of a button. The pump and lights are powered by 8 "C" batteries (not included), or plug into your car cigarette lighter using the included adapter. The device comes with three pump adapters to inflate a variety of products. What's next -- a built-in finger to press the button?
Air Light Air Flashlight Pump is about $35. Info at www.thinkaero.com; (888) 462-4468.
5. BOOKING AGENT: The Marklight is a battery powered book light that earns its keep even when it's not illuminating a page -- as a bookmark. The engineers at Showertek started with the idea of a typical long narrow paper bookmark, then substituted two layers of flexible leather in place of the paper, and inserted a slim LED flashlight between the layers at the top end. Voila -- the Marklight.
The flashlight has three tiny permanent LED bulbs and two brightness settings. The leather can be bent to aim the light where needed, then flattened to function as a bookmark. Runs on two included replaceable coin cell batteries.
Marklight is $20 at www.mylight.com; or call Showertek, Inc: (800) 776-6364.
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