Since I'm a new instrument student, I can't comment on IFR at
night...but, having done a fair amount of VFR night flying, I've found
S-Lite's version of the lip light (can't remember the name at the
moment, has four LEDs, you can choose which color you like) to work
well. I went with green and like the results. Based on Bob's comments,
however, I'll have to look at my brand new Jepp charts to see how they
look under the green light. This unit isn't cheap (was last year's
Christmas present) and the battery case has no cover, something I need
to permanently fix. At the moment I use one of those velcro cord wraps
around it. The LED brightness can be controlled and you can select
between the single spot LED, three "flood" LEDs, or all. I find the
"flood" setting works well.

I also carry two flashlights in my bag, a 2-D cell maglight for
preflight and a 2-AA cell maglight for pre-engine start stuff in the
cockpit (could use my lip light but I don't put my headset on until
after engine start and the avionics master comes on).

Jack Allison
PP-ASEL, instrument student