Sadly, I spend some time on social media. A bit of it, like this, is job related and causes me to think. That can be dangerous.

I was ready to reject this out-of-hand, but there was a lot to it. The comments (never! – I repeat “never” read the comments!) showed some serious thought, not at all like the typical online nonsense.

The issue raised was akin to something I’d read back in the bad old days of “print,” in those days referring to so-called “tactical” wear as “lodge pins.” The idea is that those who are now known as “tacticbros” would recognize each other as they wandered through civilization and nod understandingly.

This time the issue was the clip-on pocket flashlight, a “flex item” to show you’re really “with it” – or something.

People who like flashlights often have lots of them. No, they’re not all carried at the same time, but each are regularly used. At top, a pair of Streamlight Microstreams, then a Streamlight Stylus Pro USB and the tiny Fenix E05R.

The individual posting noted that he’d done the weapon-mounted light thing, that he carried the “finest” of concealed carry pistols – and he found that the handheld pocket flashlight was just a dust collector. After all, if he needed a light to find something, he’d use his cell phone as a flashlight.

Fair enough, you can’t carry everything in the world.

He went on to opine that he’d used OC spray before, I guess operationally, and he still carried a gun – though he didn’t relate if he’d actually used it for the intended purpose.

Furthermore, if it was a gunfight he faced, he’d prefer either fighting or running, not futzing around with a flashlight.

Again, no complaints from this area – as long as he can see.

The Streamlight Microstream, an enormously heavy load to pack every day, is less “tactical,” more practical. Used to find dropped items, for navigation in the dark (remarkable concept) and just to see, it’s not a “lodge pin,” but a regularly carried, often used tool.

Let’s not conflate “practical” with “tactical.” I carry flashlights, often more than one. Why not? They’re smaller now than ever. In my present aged reality, I find I need more light to see – hence the reason for light, as far as I’m concerned.

So let’s look at the practicality of the flashlight. I’ve already conceded that I’m not likely to need it to illuminate a threat for a visual identification. And why not use the light on the phone?

I don’t carry a phone to provide light. I’ve been in situations where I wanted to keep the mobile juiced up in case something important happened – like a need to make a call. I thought that’s why we carried the damned things.

That call could be to 911 – in the event of an accident or something. That would be a right handy device to have then. Or perhaps to receive a call, potentially a serious call. Nope, the light on the phone can stay unused.

I have a flashlight.

I have OC. I didn’t have. I was one of the troops of my era who never carried it, took a class in its use nor used it operationally. I have no doubt of its applicability, so I carry it. I am aware of its limitations, but it beats a firmly stated retort and it’s better than going to guns.

I carry a knife. The design is similar to the cutlery Dave Spaulding prefers, as the edge is partly serrated. Cutting a seat belt is unlikely for my day-to-day life, but the blade I carry can handle it. I have no view of it as a weapon; that’s why I have OC and firearms.

The NEXTORCH P8, a “a side switch duty flashlight,” over the pocket-size K3RT. The P8 is quite bright, doesn’t have the tailswitch to make it useful tactically. You have to find the side switch to use it; it goes with me every night on dog walking duty. The K3RT is a handy pocket light. The crenelated bezel may be okay for strikes, but its best use is navigation in dark locations.

As far as “lodge pins,” we went from “photojournalist vests” (the individual in the post referred to them as “fishing vests”) to the pretty-much phony “gray man.” I just look like the old guy in the neighborhood and it seems to get me by.

As far as flashlights, I used them to see. If I drop anything – I do, quite often – it invariably rolls into someplace dark. I like to look before reaching. We don’t have the power outages we used to, but when we do, I’m in a basement with no windows – nearly without exception. A flashlight is a good thing to have.

That post was an interesting exercise and a time to reconsider my gear.

Carry that which fits your needs – not mine, nor his. When the “influencers” and opinion makers tell you what they do, give it some consideration. Sometimes it’ll fit your needs.

Other times you just need to pass it by.

(Flashlights in images from Fenix, NEXTORCH, Streamlight.)

— Rich Grassi