I've got a fair amount of experience with LED's and can't recommend them for area lighting, or for intense, focused light. That said, I keep LED flashlights in the car, around the house and in my briefcase.

When I'm on the trail, I keep this light with me at all times. It's quite small, but puts out enough light to find something at the bottom of a pack, tie a knot or see your feet. When I'm running sled dogs in the Yukon this light is around my neck day and night. It's small enough that I never notice it and it stays warm, improving battery performance, until needed. I've probably given a dozen of these away to rave reviews. It's just a neat little tool.

D