IT CAME IN THE MAIL

The Firefly

An occasional look at products the travel industry insists we need.

WHAT: The Firefly, an accessory that converts bottles into lanterns.

AIMED AT: Those who like a light way to light their way.

HOW MUCH: $21.95

BUT DOES IT WORK? What traveler doesn't like an object that makes another one multipurpose? This accessory, an LED light tucked into a wide-mouth bottle top, is a compact way to illuminate your surroundings without stuffing a one-use-wonder flashlight in your bag.

We found the tiny Phillips-head screws guarding the battery compartment a nuisance, but once three AAAs were in place, we slipped the cord over the neck of a 32-ounce blue Nalgene bottle, screwed on the Firefly, pressed the orange button -- and we had light.

Should it be too strong, you can dim the light by holding down the button. (Be warned: Dimming and increasing the light has a trippy, mesmerizing effect.) Upside down, the Firefly'd bottle stood steady as a lamp on a flat surface. In a tent, you can hang it from the ceiling off the short cord for a lantern effect.

Sure, the Firefly is aimed at outdoors types -- but when our bathroom light bulb recently failed on us, we fumbled blindly for our water bottle, hit the tiny button and within seconds were bathed in beautiful blue light.

-- Anne McDonough

Available athttp://www.guyotdesigns.comand retail stores such as REI and Eastern Mountain Sports.