AA tactical headlamp and tactical weapon light?

[Moab]

I need to replace my headlamp and my flashlights.

In doing so, I have come to some conclusions:

   
• Has to run off rechargeable AA's and alkaline AA's. I might consider AAA. But much prefer the cost, runtime and single modularity of AA's.
• Has to be tactical.
• The headlamp has to be fairly low light or at least have a lowlight/long battery life setting. Also has to have red light function.
• Flashlight has to be rifle recoil rated 5.56/7.62. And something that can double as a handheld. Should have a relatively long throw. But with a low light/ long battery life setting. A red light function would be a plus. But not necessary.

I've come to realize that all my devices need to have the ability to quickly throw in new batteries. Devices with internal rechargeable batteries just won't work tactically. If I need a handheld light or rifle light at night, or a radio with time sensitive information - I need to be able to repower that device on a moments notice.


My previous headlamp was great. It used a single AA. And doubled as a handheld. But it did not have a red light function. Unfortunately it died in storage. As did my older AA handheld flashlights.


What is the major cause of lights dieing in storage? I know my handheld had a battery discharge. But my headlamp was new and didnt have a battery installed.


My current weapon/ handheld flashlights use 18500 rechargeable lithium batteries. While they are great lights for normal rifle, home and bug in use. They are limited by the 18500 batteries. They cant be replaced quickly without having extra charged 18500s on hand. And they require their own charger. Which is a point against them in a bug out scenario. There just isnt room or weigjt for a second charging unit and associated cables.


Thanks in advance for any guidance. I'm open to even good review sites. I am reseaching this again online. But amy guidance or opinions on tje above strategies is greatly appreciated.

[flybynight]

I remember Woodswalker , either did a video or thread on this.  He had battery adapters so different batteries would fit his lights. I looked on his YT channel but didn't see  it.
  Here is a couple representive adapters.

https://www.amazon.com/LampVPath-Protective-Converter-Batteries-included/dp/B01N2YNWOL/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2C9EKQ16XMAIE&keywords=battery+adapters+for+flashlights&qid=1648678202&sprefix=battery+adapters%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/outstanding-Battery-Cylindrical-Plastic-Flashlight/dp/B081Q37NKD/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2C9EKQ16XMAIE&keywords=battery+adapters+for+flashlights&qid=1648678202&sprefix=battery+adapters%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-4

[Raptor]

I recommend these headlamps. It does not have a red light but it has a 2 position spot (~90 cp) and a wide angle flood. It uses a single AA battery. It is very light and pretty durable. They are also cheap so buying several is an option. When the power goes out you can uses these easily indoors on teh flood setting for normal tasks; at $7 each they are a bargain. Buy 2 as a backup.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GQZ33C2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One option I used when I was having trouble finding a a head lamp that had a red lamp that was just right. They were either too bright and reflected off the instrument panel or too dim to be usable. I got some red wrap and simply wrapped a suitable light in the red wrap and viola it worked.

https://www.amazon.com/Cellophane-Transparent-Wrapping-Christmas-Anapoliz/dp/B081VV7FV1/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=HEH2YDGTP7BC&keywords=red+cellophane+sheets&qid=1648680998&sprefix=red+cel%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A14SZFZ97ROYVQ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNjcwRFVRTURZUVUxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDM2NzI4MllOVEFCREJMWTAxRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODU5NjAzVjI0TkNGUDZJRDdPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I use these and they are bright and quite useful but they use 4 AA.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TZ3BMKW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this 4 pack of single AA lights and I am pleased with the flood light/flash light output.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C9YXXLL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I personally prefer a Minimag pro+ for most uses but they lack a push button on/off switch unless they are retrofitted.

[Rednex]

I used an older version of these energizer head lamps. Light weight, 3 modes low, high, and red. Only thing is they use 2 AAA batters.

https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Headlamp-Lightweight-Emergency-Batteries/dp/B08WC2VYMS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_4-SBhCgARIsAAlegrX9bRFGCax1j5eUKB-1Q42iKjJ7FyG8UF3rqCt1J1CjxyNb0akeOrkaAqvVEALw_wcB&hvadid=410004163109&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9007494&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=461091237987206286&hvtargid=kwd-1401499828&hydadcr=24657_11410752&keywords=energizer%2Bheadlamp&qid=1648682501&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTjBRWjhUWFRVR1dMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzk1MjE1MzkzOUlDSzlNOThNSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDA4MjcyMkdNWlMzRTFBUzJTSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

WOW that's a long Amazon link

[Moab]

I'm leaning hard towards this one. Its waterproof, runs for about 70hrs, takes 3 aaa but most do, and im partial to multicam. I will have to buy some more rechargeable aaa's though.

I looked at petzl as well. But none of there lights like this are waterproof. Run times were similar.

Princeton Tec Quad Tactical LED Headlamp (78 Lumens, Mossy Oak Gamekeepers)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AAJO5O8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_RPSJM8Q9X1509KWPZMT0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[Moab]

I remember Woodswalker , either did a video or thread on this.  He had battery adapters so different batteries would fit his lights. I looked on his YT channel but didn't see  it.
  Here is a couple representive adapters.

https://www.amazon.com/LampVPath-Protective-Converter-Batteries-included/dp/B01N2YNWOL/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2C9EKQ16XMAIE&keywords=battery+adapters+for+flashlights&qid=1648678202&sprefix=battery+adapters%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/outstanding-Battery-Cylindrical-Plastic-Flashlight/dp/B081Q37NKD/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2C9EKQ16XMAIE&keywords=battery+adapters+for+flashlights&qid=1648678202&sprefix=battery+adapters%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-4

Are ypu saying that yhe second link i could use aa batteries in place of 18500?

[Moab]

I recommend these headlamps. It does not have a red light but it has a 2 position spot (~90 cp) and a wide angle flood. It uses a single AA battery. It is very light and pretty durable. They are also cheap so buying several is an option. When the power goes out you can uses these easily indoors on teh flood setting for normal tasks; at $7 each they are a bargain. Buy 2 as a backup.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GQZ33C2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One option I used when I was having trouble finding a a head lamp that had a red lamp that was just right. They were either too bright and reflected off the instrument panel or too dim to be usable. I got some red wrap and simply wrapped a suitable light in the red wrap and viola it worked.

https://www.amazon.com/Cellophane-Transparent-Wrapping-Christmas-Anapoliz/dp/B081VV7FV1/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=HEH2YDGTP7BC&keywords=red+cellophane+sheets&qid=1648680998&sprefix=red+cel%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A14SZFZ97ROYVQ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNjcwRFVRTURZUVUxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDM2NzI4MllOVEFCREJMWTAxRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODU5NjAzVjI0TkNGUDZJRDdPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I use these and they are bright and quite useful but they use 4 AA.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TZ3BMKW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this 4 pack of single AA lights and I am pleased with the flood light/flash light output.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C9YXXLL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I personally prefer a Minimag pro+ for most uses but they lack a push button on/off switch unless they are retrofitted.

Whats the runtime on low on those headlamps? Same question for the flashlight? Ill dig deeper was it wasnt listed in the top descriotion.

[flybynight]

I remember Woodswalker , either did a video or thread on this.  He had battery adapters so different batteries would fit his lights. I looked on his YT channel but didn't see  it.
  Here is a couple representive adapters.

https://www.amazon.com/LampVPath-Protective-Converter-Batteries-included/dp/B01N2YNWOL/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2C9EKQ16XMAIE&keywords=battery+adapters+for+flashlights&qid=1648678202&sprefix=battery+adapters%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/outstanding-Battery-Cylindrical-Plastic-Flashlight/dp/B081Q37NKD/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2C9EKQ16XMAIE&keywords=battery+adapters+for+flashlights&qid=1648678202&sprefix=battery+adapters%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-4

Are ypu saying that yhe second link i could use aa batteries in place of 18500?

Found it. Good Golly .This guy was the best of us.


https://youtu.be/u9Ll6oF4NjE


Oh and BTW I have no recommendations for the lights you are looking for. I have no need for red lights and in fact I prefer lights with just a low/high setting.

[MacWa77ace]

I try to avoid any device that uses AAA batteries that require this cell. Every one I've ever used basically burns thru one of the three batteries really fast and if you use alkaline it's start leaking really fast after it goes dead. It's a bad, unbalanced design IMO.


These days like single AA lithium devices for non rechargeable and CR123 or 18650 rechargeable battery devices.

[Raptor]

Whats the runtime on low on those headlamps? Same question for the flashlight? Ill dig deeper was it wasnt listed in the top descriotion.

I use enerloops 2000 mah rechargeable AA in these. I normally use it in the flood light for a long duration. I have used it continuously for 4 hours without having to replace the battery. When I recharged the battery the indicator said it was about 3/4 discharged. So I can attest to 4 hours and guess another 1 hour +/- on the floodlight setting.

The low spot beam should use less than this since since the flood light has 2 LEDs going. On high the beam is quite bright. On low it is dimmer but still quite useful.

If you use lithium batteries you would get a lot longer life and if you used the 2800 mah AA you will likewise see an uptick in the life. Remember it uses only 1 AA so a 4 pack provides a lot of light. It is also very light weight due to 1 battery.

What is the major cause of lights dieing in storage? I know my handheld had a battery discharge. But my headlamp was new and didnt have a battery installed.

I am going to guess that it was either handled roughly and damaged accidentally or moisture got to it. You may want to disassemble it for an autopsy.

I try to keep all electronics in a plastic bagee with moisture absorbers in them but where I live, high humidity is the bane of many things. I do this on my boat because the salt air kills flashlights quickly unless they are water proof and instrinsically safe. Like these. They are expensive and not great lights but they will not corrode away and with lithium batteries will always work when I grab it.
https://www.amazon.com/Nightstick-XPP-5420G-Intrinsically-Permissible-Flashlight/dp/B007RKKEQQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3QA5AU18F39HD&keywords=explosion+proof+flashlight&qid=1648747014&s=hi&sprefix=explosion+proof+flash+loight%2Ctools%2C87&sr=1-5



BTW I really like these lights. They are very bright and stout. Not maglight stout (ala a club) but still strong.  The weak link is the battery carrier but the battery carrier is not the usual cheap thin plastic but rather thick  and well constructed. I am not sure the battery carrier would survive being used as a club but in every day use it works.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TZ3BMKW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is not a Streamlight, Fenix or Maglight quality but it is a great sit on the front and back door shelf for everyday use light. If it walks; it also not $50 out the door.

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

I'll be no help on the headlamp because my main one at the moment is a cheap Hyper Tough one from Walmart, but I may be of help with the weapon light.

I'm a fan of Streamlight's stuff and currently have a PolyTac on my AR. No clue if it's rated for anything, but I've seen a lot of folks use them as weapon lights. My AK has a Coast TX40 on it which is Coast's only light rated for use on a gun. The Coast TX40 uses regular AA batteries, but the Streamlight PolyTac uses CR123's.

I'll have to check, but I think my TX40 has some Energizer lithium batteries in it right now. I don't trust anything Duracell makes because every battery failure I've ever had was with Duracells.

[Raptor]

I'm a fan of Streamlight's stuff and currently have a PolyTac on my AR. No clue if it's rated for anything, but I've seen a lot of folks use them as weapon lights. snip... the Streamlight PolyTac uses CR123's.

I also use Polytacs for weapons lights on center fires and have for over a decade. They work well and are durable BUT as you note they use the not one but two of the dreaded CR123 batteries. I like the fact that pressure switch allows momentary lighting and the light is either on bright or off. Simple. I like gun lights to be only on bright or off with a rear mounted pressure switch. 

I was going to phase them out because of the stupid high cost of the CR-123 batteries but then I ran across a garage sale and picked up two dozen three year old (so 7 years of shelf life) CR-123 for $10 and I temporarily abandoned that plan at least for a couple of years.

I have tried the Maglight XL 50 (i bought one & did not like it for EDC) as a light on a Ruger 10/22 for varmits but these use AAA which I do not like since they need the batter holder. It works with .22lr but I have not tried it with a centerfire.

I too am very interested to see what the UFOZS recommends for a weapon light (1 inch mount capable) that uses AA batteries.

I also purchased two of these Streamlights (got them due to a pricing error for $9.99 each  : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IO2A4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was going to find or make an adapter that would make them fit a 1 inch light mount. They do have a tight hot spot.

I also prefer a long light because I can mount the pressure switch at a variable distance so I can with the help of an allen wrench easily use the same light on a pistol or a rifle. That simplifies spares and mounts. 

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

Only other light I have that could be pressed into use as a weapon light is a Bushnell Pro (not sure the exact model number), but I dislike the multiple modes it has.

It's got high, low and strobe. I have a dislike of lights with a strobe function, but that's mostly because I never use it and to me it's a waste of battery. If I could somehow disable the strobe function like I can on the Streamlight TLR-1s I have on my G41, I might like the Bushnell light better.

As of now, it sits on my Ruger PC carbine, but I'm looking to upgrade to something else. Maybe I'll buy another PolyTac for it.

[Moab]

I have all but given up on a flashlight that doubles as a rifle light and that runs on AAs. I really like the reviews and writing on pewpewtactical. They really seem honest. And cover everything from budget gun stuff to highend. No gear snobs here. Just sort of honest guys. Ive read alot of gun information sites. And they seem the most level headed. Here is their review on rifles lights.


https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-ar15-flashlights/


The more i read. The more i think im not going to find what im looking for. And the more i feel like im going to have to live with the 18650 Fenix rifle flashlights i have now. And live with having to drag along a second charger for them in my pack.


Almost all rifle lights now run off of cr123s or something similar that takes a special charger.  And only last a couple hours. I will check out the Coast lights tho. I did find those recommended on a few sites for tactical (non rifle) reviews. My only complaint about the Fenix rifle lights is the extra charger and batteries i have to pack. I wish there was a universal charger that did aa nimhs and 18650s.


Man i miss woodswalker. What a down to earth decent guy he was. I will check out that vid for sure.


After reading these comments (im sort of lumping my responses into this one reply) i think my lights are failing because i live less than a mile from the ocean. Im going to take the advice and store them in ziplock bags. I have not had this problem with my Fenix lights. But i use them regularly. And they are of higher quality i think. Waterproof wise.


I looked up the Coast tx40 and it says it runs off aaa (?). No mention of battery life. Which drives me nuts about all lights. Headlamps included. Not that a company can be trusted with their own ratings. But at least you have a ballpark. Ill look more into it.


My Fenix i think are PD35TACs. Discontinued as of last year. But they have a low light runtime of 140h. They are also ipx8. Which is waterproof to 2m. And are 1 inch diameter. I have not shot with them yet tho. But the reviews are good for a $75 rifle flashlight. Tjey are awesome handhelds. I have two of them. One by my bed. And one im my edc pack.


The STREAMLIGHT 88059 Pro Tac Rail Mount 2 got the beat bang for the buck award on that pewpewtactical review above. I think that is the current version of what you guys mentioned. It also comes with all mounts, pressure switch and everything you need for $104. But if you jump up to the Inforce WML (Gen 2) for $130. You save a few ounces. And dont need a pressure switch.


In the future i may just buy the Streamlights for rifle only. Have my Fenix for handheld. Pack my 18560 charger. And just call it a day.


The Princeton Quad headlamp gets my current nod for a new headlamp. Not as rugged as my last one - it had an aluminum body, ran off one aa and doubled as a handheld. Really pissed it took a dumo. I barely used it. But im loath to buy another one being so close to the ocean.


The Princeton headlamp is waterproof, runs on aaa or lithium, and has a common runtime for headlamps of 60hrs. Its also multicam. Which is my camo strategy. I wont bore you with that. But having served in a sniper platoon in the Marine Corps. And bowhunted as a child. I deeply understand the value of camo in a BO or PAW.


I like Bushnel stuff as its usually good entry level stuff. Their red dot is a real value. Once i outfit the other two ar15s in my families gear. I will probably use their TR series red dots. I couldnt find a rifle rated flashlight on their site tho.

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

Yeah, I just checked and my TX40 does use AAA instead of AA batteries. Not sure why I thought it took AA batteries.

It also uses one of those little trays to hold the batteries. But the tray is seemingly well built and sturdier than the ones used in other lights. As for strength, I saw a video on YouTube where the reviewer had it on a 12 gauge shotgun and it survived fairly well. I'm pretty sure an AR or AK isn't going to recoil near as much as a 12 gauge, so I'd say it'd be a decent weapon light.

[Crosscut]

The more i read. The more i think im not going to find what im looking for. And the more i feel like im going to have to live with the 18650 Fenix rifle flashlights i have now. And live with having to drag along a second charger for them in my pack.


Almost all rifle lights now run off of cr123s or something similar that takes a special charger.  And only last a couple hours. I will check out the Coast lights tho. I did find those recommended on a few sites for tactical (non rifle) reviews. My only complaint about the Fenix rifle lights is the extra charger and batteries i have to pack. I wish there was a universal charger that did aa nimhs and 18650s.

I just picked up one of these USB powered 18650/AA/AAA chargers this week (after considering all my 18650 chargers were 110 VAC in the "Power strategy for your BOB?" thread).  Quick check with it last night, my 18650's were pretty much at full charge already but it did top them off.  Four 2400 mAh AA batteries (new, never charged) took about 2.5 hours.

[EBuff75]

The more i read. The more i think im not going to find what im looking for. And the more i feel like im going to have to live with the 18650 Fenix rifle flashlights i have now. And live with having to drag along a second charger for them in my pack.


Almost all rifle lights now run off of cr123s or something similar that takes a special charger.  And only last a couple hours. I will check out the Coast lights tho. I did find those recommended on a few sites for tactical (non rifle) reviews. My only complaint about the Fenix rifle lights is the extra charger and batteries i have to pack. I wish there was a universal charger that did aa nimhs and 18650s.

I just picked up one of these USB powered 18650/AA/AAA chargers this week (after considering all my 18650 chargers were 110 VAC in the "Power strategy for your BOB?" thread).  Quick check with it last night, my 18650's were pretty much at full charge already but it did top them off.  Four 2400 mAh AA batteries (new, never charged) took about 2.5 hours.

I have a LiitoKala 4-slot smart charger which has an interesting trick that it can do: the far right slot can be used to power a USB port for charging other items.  I tested it yesterday and found that using a single 18650 battery was nearly on-par with a fast-charger for my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (the phone was at 68% and it showed 52mins to full charge for the charger/18650 battery and 41 mins for fast charging off my computer dock).  I knew that it was able to do this, but yesterday was the first time I'd tested it. 

[Moab]

The more i read. The more i think im not going to find what im looking for. And the more i feel like im going to have to live with the 18650 Fenix rifle flashlights i have now. And live with having to drag along a second charger for them in my pack.


Almost all rifle lights now run off of cr123s or something similar that takes a special charger.  And only last a couple hours. I will check out the Coast lights tho. I did find those recommended on a few sites for tactical (non rifle) reviews. My only complaint about the Fenix rifle lights is the extra charger and batteries i have to pack. I wish there was a universal charger that did aa nimhs and 18650s.

I just picked up one of these USB powered 18650/AA/AAA chargers this week (after considering all my 18650 chargers were 110 VAC in the "Power strategy for your BOB?" thread).  Quick check with it last night, my 18650's were pretty much at full charge already but it did top them off.  Four 2400 mAh AA batteries (new, never charged) took about 2.5 hours.

I have a LiitoKala 4-slot smart charger which has an interesting trick that it can do: the far right slot can be used to power a USB port for charging other items.  I tested it yesterday and found that using a single 18650 battery was nearly on-par with a fast-charger for my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (the phone was at 68% and it showed 52mins to full charge for the charger/18650 battery and 41 mins for fast charging off my computer dock).  I knew that it was able to do this, but yesterday was the first time I'd tested it. 

Wow. I have a 18650 charger too. Ill have to check. Thats a bonus. If mine doesnt have that. Maybe ill pick one up like yours. Thanks for posting that. That takes a little bit of the sting out of having to carry a second battery charger.

In my other thread about BOB power strategies i came to the conclusion that i couldnt find all the battery powered items i needed in AA alone. And that id have to pack both an AA charger and a 18650 charger.

Main reason is that my Fenix flashlights are one of the few (maybe only - but at least the best at the time i purchased) flashlights that double as handhelds and rifle lights. But they run off 18650s. If they ran off AAs it would be a preppers sweet spot. But i guess we cant have everything.

The Fenix pd35tac runs for 140 hours at 8 lumens. Its been discontinued. Ill have to look up what the latesr models specs are. I dont know why the Chinese(?) Are the only ones to get this concept.

Heres an interesting article on a current model of Fenix tactical light. The tk20r. It runs off 18650. But has a usb port and can be charged directly from a battery pack. Which would take thw separate charger out of the equation.

https://theprepperjournal.com/2017/03/03/best-weapon-light-shtf/

They also make the uc35 v2 that runs for 750 hours at 1 lumen. With a max out put of 1000 lumens. Has a 18650 battery and is usb rechargeable. This one might make the sweet spot.

Alot of the suggested lumens for a rifle light say 1000 lumens is good. Especially for using one inside a building.

These Fenix lights are marketed as "tactical" flashlights. And dont mention anything about being able to run one on a rifle. I have not had thw chance to run one on a rifle myswlf. But i have read about many people using them as rifle ligjts. And reporting good performance. Meaning they hold up. But again i dont have first hand knowledge.

[EBuff75]

If you want the smallest battery charger possible, it's probably the Olight Universal Magnetic USB charger.  Works with NiMh rechargeable (AA, AAA, D, C, etc.) or Li-ion batteries (18650, 26650, 18350, 14500, etc.).  I have seen some complaints about overheating, but I haven't had any problems with mine the few times that I've used it.  I bought it for my EDC bag, since it takes up very little room. 

[Moab]

If you want the smallest battery charger possible, it's probably the Olight Universal Magnetic USB charger.  Works with NiMh rechargeable (AA, AAA, D, C, etc.) or Li-ion batteries (18650, 26650, 18350, 14500, etc.).  I have seen some complaints about overheating, but I haven't had any problems with mine the few times that I've used it.  I bought it for my EDC bag, since it takes up very little room. 

Wow. Thats amazing. Im going to get one to try out.

I also read reviews on LAPGs new very well reviewed and affordable flashlights. They not only have a usb port to charge whatever bats you put in it. But it has power out too. So you can use it to charge anything with whatever charged bats you have inside. Its basically a flashlight and battery bank. Which is making me rethink items with usb charging ports. Does anyone know if most of thoae devices have power out as well?

Im going to make a stand alone thread about LAPGs own brand. They now sell everything from pants, shorts, backpacks, knives, electronic devices, weapon lights and they are all really well made and very affordable. Their backpacks are like 5.11 but lighter and way less expensive.