MALKIN L1000R FLASHLIGHT

using a hydrostatic waterhead test. The K-Way entry-level waterproof jackets start at a minimum 3 000 mm waterhead. It was amazing to see that the K-Way Kilimanjaro Shell Jacket pushed the machine to its limits (a whopping 15 000 mm).

There are several additional great benefits to the K-Way Kilimanjaro Shell Jacket, including a two-way zipper that enables you to open the jacket from the bottom, allowing heat to escape and preventing you from overheating. The underarm-pit zippers, integrated hood with two adjustable points to control the hood’s volume, and reinforced peak are additional features that help to make this piece of apparel the pinnacle of the K-Way range.

R2 599

I read that the word ‘flashlight’ originates from a little box that housed a candle. A door on the box would be opened and a flash of light would briefly illuminate the way ahead. Using it required caution, as wind could easily extinguish the candle, and there were no matches or lighters to relight it.

Technology in torches has advanced exponentially since then. We have also moved away from using ‘candlepower’ to measure light intensity. Candlepower was never measured very accurately – some manufacturers even claimed candlepower into the millions. Lumen is now the accurate industry standard to measure light intensity.

Older torches used elements made from materials such as krypton or halogen, which would glow when an electric current was pushed through them. Unfortunately, they became very hot and, in turn, wasted a lot of energy. Most contemporary torches now use lowdrainage LEDs, which provide intense light and produce much less heat.

When I received the Malkin L1000R Flashlight to review, I couldn’t wait to see what 1 000 lumen looks like in a pitch-dark setting – so where better to head than a deep, dark cave? I chose a spot where I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face, then switched it on… The area ahead became brighter than daylight! The 1 000-lumen beam is focusable, providing perimeter lighting or an intense beam of more than 100 m. The high-strength aluminium-alloy body is lightweight and durable, while O-rings seal and protect the torch from water damage (however, it shouldn’t be submerged in water). Finally, a huge plus is that this model is rechargeable. R799

Interesting gear, cool gadgets and clever technology is what PM is all about, so teaming up with Cape Union Mart and their top product specialist is a natural fit. Here’s Pierre’s low-down on some items we all should have.