Casting Light Into the Dark Corners of the Globe

Travel lights keep getting smaller and more versatile. Here are some shining examples of the latest crop of little illuminators. Items may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping.

Brilliant ideas: In a world of high-tech electronics for the road, this low-tech take-along may be one of the most useful items for your car. Lumatec’s NiteTouch is a 3 1/2-inch-by-4 3/4-inch replaceable note pad on a plastic holder that lights automatically with the touch of the included pen. (Unlike other lighted car note pads, this one doesn’t make you fumble for a switch.) Suction cups on the back of the base attach to the car windshield, and the pen clips into a built-in holder. To conserve the two AA batteries (not included), the light dims in 10 seconds if no pressure is applied to the writing surface.

Lumatec NiteTouch lighted note pad costs $15 in stores. Internet https://www.lumatec.com.

Write light: Want a pen that’s a bright spot in its own right? The NiteScribe has two bright green LEDs at the tip that glow with the click of a button on the pen’s cap. The pen has a contoured rubber grip for a more comfortable hand-hold. A belt clip/loop means it can be carried on your waistband or shirt pocket or attached to a lanyard for hanging around the neck. The pen operates on two standard watch batteries (included).

Lumatec NiteScribe pen costs $8 at stores. Internet https://www.lumatec.com.

Beaming umbrella: Here’s help for rainy nights when you are trying to navigate unlighted or dimly lighted streets or find the car-door keyhole. The Totes Automatic Nightlighter umbrella has a switch-operated high-beam halogen headlamp built into the handle. The light is angled, so instead of shining straight down, it illuminates the path in front of you or the side of the car. The 13-inch-by-1 1/2-inch Nightlighter opens to a full-size umbrella. It opens and closes automatically with the press of a button. The light operates on two AA batteries (not included) and comes with a nylon pouch.

Totes Automatic Nightlighter umbrella is $22 at stores. Internet https://www.totes.com.

Alarming glow: For both light and a little extra security on the go, consider Zelco’s diminutive 1st Aid Personal Alarm and Flashlight. The flashlight casts a strong beam, and the cartridge-powered alarm lets out a piercing 140-decibel blast with the flick of a switch. The included cartridge is easily replaceable; the light operates on two AA batteries (not included). A key ring is handy, so when you go out, the light/alarm always goes with you.

Zelco 1st Aid Personal Alarm and Flashlight (model 10461) costs $17 at stores. For information, contact Zelco; tel. (800) 431-2486, Internet https://www.zelco.com.

Street flasher: When walking or jogging on streets at night, you are safest if motorists can see you clearly. The Mini Flasher is a compact, high-intensity flashing LED light that clips onto a sleeve, belt, jacket, pack or whatever. It also has a metal loop for hanging on a key ring or lanyard. The 1 3/4-inch-by-1-inch-by- 3/4-inch light operates on two watch batteries (included), weighs barely an ounce and is waterproof. It is visible up to half a mile away.

Mini Flasher (SP213) costs $9.85 from Magellan’s; tel. (800) 962- 4943, Internet https://www.magellans.com.

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