I used to think my dad was crazy for keeping flashlights all through the house. Not anymore.

I like the small 9 LED version from Harbor Freight with 2 AAA batteries- they have a coupon for a free one occasionally and I end up close to the local store often enough, so I get one when I'm there. I added an S-hook to one of them, so I can hang it. I also use the kind with about 30 LEDs on the face and another group on the end- it has a plastic hook for hanging and a magnet on the back. Bright enough to work in a cabinet, basement, etc. Cheap, too. When I need to check a basement, attic or crawl space for wiring paths and generally when I can't/don't want to crawl in, I have one of these-

[Link: skywalker.com]

It focuses to a shape best described as a keystone- basically the shape of the LED, which is great because it's easier to see things at a distance when there's not a lot of scattered light. Not expensive, has a steel bead at the end for breaking a window and can be used as a weapon if someone were to try something stupid. Not exactly a 'tactical' flashlight, but it has several of the features of one. It lives in the map pocket of my van.