A weak flashlight

Of all flashlights I have ever tested there is none that is weak enough for night use without blinding. So I suggest making one.

It should start in the weakest setting. It is better to start at a too weak level and then adjust up than to start with blinding the user and then decrease.

By weak it is meant Weak. Go sit in a wardrobe for 5 minutes and first then find out the lowest light needed for reading; weaker than that. Start with what a youngster needs to read a sea map. A grown up probably needs more.

Red light is said to not blind the user but the red is often too strong and blinds anyway. It also makes it harder to make out colours.

Also do Not have flashing light as part of the turn on/adjust/turn off cycle. Flashing light is more or less Never needed.

Uses

When hiking in the forest and reading the map you don’t want to blind yourself. Make a small light attached to the hand that can shine down on a map but not much more.

When night sailing way too many (all?) instruments are too bright. Make a small light to fasten to the (inside of the) arm of the sailing/foul weather gear. Make it big enough to light up a map but small enough to not light up the surroundings.

In a tent one sometimes need a “ceiling mounted” down light. Bright enough to find shoes but weak enough to not wake companions or ruin the night vision.

At a scout jamboree or when just taking a leak 20 paces into the forest to show the way. It can be mounted on small poles at regular intervals or situated near hazards, like trippable stones.

Put it on the top of the brim of a cap. It will show your position but not take away your night vision.

Put the weak light at a hazard or a junction or a sign, for any use or when laying out a trek for night hikers.