before decide to post this review , I decide to look over the review that be already post . I notice that many reviewer complain about low-intensity light and the relatively short battery life . well , I can see where they be come from . if you want a flashlight to use day in and day out , on every night you go camping , or to frequently navigate through a dark house , then this be definitely \* not \* the flashlight for you . why do I like it so much ? let I tell you about where and how I use it , and you 'll understand . I have be camp since I be a kid . back when I start , those giant flashlight that run on those blocky 12-volt battery be common . I have a few of those . I also have plenty of those plastic flashlight that run on d-battery -lrb- now those be true battery hog -rrb- . in time , I learn about MagLites , and begin use various model . for a number of year , I think I have settle on the 2 aa Mini model . it certainly be a great flashlight , but I find I need a flashlight less and less . as that happen , I start look for a small light I could carry `` just in case '' -- and the MagLite Solitaire fit the bill . I have be carry one for year now . you see , when I first start camping , or even if the light go out at home , I feel I need a bright , powerful flashlight . over the year I have learn , however , that such bright light serve mainly to reset you night vision . only on the most overcast and moonless night do I ever find myself really need a flashlight -- or when someone drop they car key in the back yard at the end of a long night around the fire . even when in my tent , I find that have a smaller light work out really well . it I need it on , it be bright enough to let I see , but not so bright as to disturb my tentmate . in addition , its light weight and small size make it a ideal backcountry companion . it take up alomst no room in my pocket , and hang comfortably from a piece of paracord around my neck . like its larger cousin , the Solitaire let you adjust the beam , from a tight focus to a broader diffusion . as some have note , however , the low light output -lrb- 2 lumen -rrb- be such that many may not preceive much benefit . I do find the adjustment useful , however , use the broadest diffusion when use the light for general illumination in a small space or dark area , and focus the beam when I be really try to look at something in particular . also like its larger cousin , the Solitaire will operate with the lens end remove in what be call `` candle mode '' . use that way , you could place the solitaire on a flat surface and use it like you would a candle . here 's where it really do fail compare to its larger cousin , however . on those model , the lens end be larger than the diameter of the shaft\/handle , allow the lens end to be slipped onto the bottom like a base , give the candle-mode flashlight a wider base when stand it up . since the Solitairs be the same diameter along its entire length , that be not a option . when I use it in candle mode , it be typically to quickly illuminate most of the tent , and I just keep the lens end in my off hand . the solitair be small enough that I can tuck it in between my hat and my temple , too , free both of my hand when necessary -lrb- like when try to fix my glass -rrb- . - I keep one in my tackle box , as a convenient light when need to search for some bit of tackle at dusk or after nightfall . - when camping , with the help of a little clip or piece of string , you can hang the light from a gear loft or a clip in you tent , give you a quick and easy way to light a central area -lrb- to play card , for example -rrb- . - I keep one on my key ring when I travel , just in case I need a little light to check something under the hood . - when hike , I always carry one with I `` just in case '' , even if I start out during the day time . while some decry how dim the light be , you would be amaze by how easy it be to spot even the smallest light during the dark of night . besides , but this little light up against a clear -lrb- or light color -rrb- plastic water bottle will illuminate all the water in the bottle , allow you to create a more visible object if you need to get someone 's attention . - I never use the light for more than a few minute at a time , so I have never have a complaint about the battery life . in fact , I be very happy with the battery life , and the fact that I can keep the same battery in the light for month on end without it drain down to nothing . while it be always best to take the battery out when not use it for a long time , I have have they sit in the Solitaire for a full year and still kick out light when I need it . - they make great gift . my wife and three of my kid each have one , and they all find they useful . a MagLite Solitarie be a great tool to put on a new driver 's key ring . -lrb- even better be to pair it with a Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife ! -rrb- - keep one in the glove box -- the small size make it really easy to handle if you need to poke around under the dashboard to replace a fuse . - put one in a mini survival kit . it be small enough to fit into many mint tin alongside other survival gear -lrb- e.g. , hook , line , match , razor -rrb- . as note before , a small light in the dark can often be see from far away . besides , in a survival situation , that light can be use to attract fish by dangle it in the water ...