It’s Dark Night, Where is My Car? Miles Away Across Rugged Terrain!
I found a new use for the DiNotte 300R LED tail-light that I normally use for cycling (dusk, night but also daytime, since it is so bright).
That is, a beacon for returning to my vehicle after dark. Rather than wandering astray, I can home in on the bright red flash, which can be seen miles away at night.
I carry the Lupine Betty or Wilma on a headband for hiking back and/or a Piko flashlight also, but that’s for footing, and doesn’t given me precise direction. A GPS would also work (and is better in forested areas of course), but a bright screen tends to disturb night vision. But if one can see a bright red flash it’s just a question of walking towards it while making course adjustments without any other thought or aid. So it’s just another tool—or use both.
My car is in the little gray box (click for larger view). Even in the day, it can hardly be seen. But at night, that little red flash can be seen once one approaches within 1-2 miles.