I usually take them off as well. Last month, my wife and I went to Chicago for a week and I actually used the clip on one of my lights for the first time. Since I wasn't allowed to carry a gun or a knife (cops there are mystical protectors so one need not trouble themselves with self defense...), I found myself carrying a flashlight. I kept it clipped on the inside of my pocket where my knife usually rides, and it worked pretty well. Any other time it would just be in my side or cargo pocket, but that kept it at a quick reach.