Black Diamond Gizmo headlamp This torch is simple, straightforward and cheap. It is quite lightweight (34g without batteries) and it will illuminate up to 25 metres, but most importantly it lasts for a long time – up to 100 hours. Its dim setting is sufficient to read by, while the bright setting works well to walk around with. The torch turns itself off after four hours so as not to drain the batteries. Available from www.amazon.com from $19.95 (Dh73), plus shipping.

Petzl E02 P2 e+LITE headlamp There’s no doubt that wearing a torch on your head is convenient. It illuminates the direction you are looking in and leaves your hands free. But many headlamps are heavy, unwieldy and uncomfortable, making wearing one reminiscent of a miner preparing to head down the pit. This torch is incredibly small and very lightweight (only 28g with batteries). Its light will last for up to 45 hours and its LED bulbs will illuminate up to 19m. Available from www.amazon.com from $29.95 (Dh110), plus shipping.

Maglite mini flashlight. This diminutive version of the classic flashlight is as robust and durable as its larger siblings. The anodised aluminium case is resistant to water and corrosion. Turn the top of the torch to adjust the beam from narrow to wide and remove the top and fix it to the bottom of the torch to create an electric “candle”. Available from www.amazon.com from $19.99 (Dh73), plus shipping.Sammy Dallal / The National