In case you have been living under a rock since the late 1990s, The whole world of battery operated lights has completely changed with the advent of LED lights.
LED bulbs for flashlights have several advantages over incandescent lamps. You get more light for less battery use somewhere between 2 and 5 times as efficient. With a 1990 version of a halogen incandescent bulb and two c cell batteries you would get 6-10 hours of use (an example would be the original Cateye HL550). In 2012 with a three AA battery headlight you will get 30 to 40 hours of use and the light is brighter (an example would be the Cateye HL-EL220).
I have gotten rid of all my flashlights and battery powered lights that are not LEDs. The battery usage difference is amazing.