Mini Mag - The "always there when you need it" light

I'll admit it, I'm a flashlight junkie. Ever since I was a kid reading under the covers or going to scout campouts I've always loved flashlights.

While I have many flash lights now, ranging from el-cheapo lights worth less then the value of the batteries, to high-end "tactical" lights, one of my favorites is the humble little Mini Mag.

I first discovered the Mini Mag shortly after they came on the market. At that time there was nothing else like it. Here was a light as bright as a much larger light then ran on two AA batteries and could fit in your pocket. I was hooked. The solid aluminum construction was another selling point. This was a huge improvement over the cheap plastic lights that were most common in this price range.

Since then I've always had a Mini Mag or two kicking around. I keep one in my car, one in my coat pocket, and one permanently stored with my camping gear.

Although new LED technology has revolutionized lights, the Mini Mag still has a lot of offer, especially for the price. When camping I'll unscrew the head and use the light as a lantern. I like that it uses common AA batteries, which you can find anywhere or can even cannibalize from some other device in a pinch.

I also like the fact that the light is cheap enough that if you loose one, it's not a major loss. While I've never managed to destroy a Mini Mag, I have lost a few over the years and even given a couple away to someone who needed a light right then and who didn't have one. That's not something I'd do with a more expensive light.

While there are LED conversion kits available, I found that I actually prefer the original iridescent design. I find the LED light doesn't seem to throw as far as the traditional bulbs.

I can't imagine ever not having a Mini Mag or two around. They are just an inexpensive, rugged and simple little light that's small enough to always be there when you need it. What more could you ask?