As any camper or hiker knows, having a bright flashlight is necessary to see at night. But, there’s much more to a good flashlight than just brightness. Flashlights are also designed to last through tough conditions and are easy to use. Here’s how our expert engineers test flashlights.
We checked reviews and tested of dozens of flashlights, looking for brightness, burn time, durability, ease of use, beam distance, and water resistance, and even how comfortable they were to hold.
Here are the top 10 best camping flashlights for 2023, according to hours of testing, expert analysis and consumer reviews:
Contents
Best Camping Flashlights on the Market
GearLight TAC LED Flashlight 2-Pack – 2 Super Bright, Compact Tactical Flashlights with High Lumens for Outdoor Activity & Emergency Use – Gifts for Men & Women – Black
The GearLight TAC flashlight pack is inexpensive, compact, and well-made, so we were surprised by its mediocre battery life. The flashlights themselves are great, though, compact, bright, and with comfortable grip, feature an on/off switch that doubles as a locking ring, and include a pocket clip and lanyard. The batteries included with the set don’t last as long as we’d like, so it’s a good idea to purchase a couple extra battery packs, which are not included.
Pros
– Extremely bright
– Compact
– Large and easy to handle
– Super bright
– Long battery life
Cons
– A bit pricy
– No strobe mode
Features We Like
-Water-Resistant with Military Grade Aluminum Body
-100% Satisfaction Guarantee
-Super Bright Tactical LED Flashlight
-Pocket Sized
-Always Ready
-Includes (2) TAC LED Flashlights, (2) Battery Tubes, (2) Lanyards, (2) Belt Clips, and (1) Operation Guide
The flashlight has two modes: low, and high, although both of the modes are maxed at 400 lumens, which may not sound like much, but given the size, these lights put out enough illumination to light up a fairly large area.
On paper, the specifications on the GearLight TAC don’t look good, but in the flesh, they’re actually quite decent. Although they only claim a runtime of two hours on high mode, I found that with reasonable use you could get up to an hour of use before the light has dimmed significantly. The flashlights continue charging when switched off, and I found enough charge to last me for a good month between charges. Something to bear in mind is that although the TACs are rechargeable batteries, they still require to be charged before use, which I found a bit unfortunate, since they’re rather expensive to buy. The flashlights are both IP68 rated, meaning they’re able to withstand submersion into water, which is more useful than it sounds. If you’re taking it camping or hiking, knowing you won’t be left in the dark at camp is a great comfort.
As a small emergency flashlight, the GearLight TACs are fairly decent. With a fairly decent runtime, good build quality, and decent throw, the only real downside to these flashlights is that they’re a bit expensive for a pair of units. The GearLight TAC flashlights are more powerful than I expected. With an impressive 600 lumens on low, and 400 lumens on high, they make a decent emergency flashlight, perfect for camping. The only issue is that they only seem to run for 2 hours before losing most of their output. The GearLight TAC isn’t cheap though. At 980rm each, these are quite expensive for a pair of flashlights, even if you can get 200 hours of use out of them. The TAC flashlights are affordable, and their small size makes them ideal for camping trips, although they aren’t perfect.
Gorilla Grip 2 Pack LED Tactical Handheld Flashlight, High Lumens, Ultra Bright 5 Mode, Long Lasting Water Resistant, 750 FT Zoom Flashlights, Camping Accessory, Outdoor Camp Gear, Emergencies, Blue
The Gorilla Grip 2 Pack New High Lumens LED Tactical Handheld Flashlight is, without a doubt, among the best flashlights we’ve tested. It’s bright, it’s durable, and it’s versatile. It’s also great for illuminating your campsite at night, scaring off whatever’s scaring you, and looking for lost items or water. Its zoomable design gives it another valuable feature: the ability to shed more light on a specific area, so you can better navigate around. It also comes with 5 different modes of lighting, including strobe and SOS, which keep a light in your mental toolbox, just in case. It only works with a single AAA battery, so you’ll still need to go into the nearest store and buy a pack when you get back, but if you’re going to be using this flashlight a lot, you might also consider the Gorilla Grip Rechargeable Flashlight, which lasts up to 120 hours on a charge and has the same sleek, modern design.
Features We Like
-Five Modes: High, Medium, Low, Strobe and SOS
-Extremely Durable: shock resistant, water resistant and temperature resistant
-Adjustable and Zoomable Focus: twist the flashlight to adjust the zoom
-Tap Button: easily switch between five modes
-Long Run-Time: up to 9.5 hours
-Water Resistant: submersible up to 1 meter
-Long Distance Beam: reach up to 750 feet
-Three AAA Batteries: batteries not included
-Extremely Bright: 345 lumens
-Made in USA
Pros
– Long lasting, 1000+ hours of runtime
– Water resistant
– Excellent brightness
– Simple controls
Cons
– Poor ergonomics; difficult to hold
The Gorilla Grip 2 is a light, bright, and versatile hiking or camping companion. The build quality of this little light is on par with other high-end Gorilla Grips, but it is equally well suited to a casual user on a budget. That said, this light also falls in line with the high standard set by Campfire’s previous generation of Gorilla Grips. The Gorilla Grip 2 is a bright, powerful, and versatile flashlight. This is an anodised aluminium body, with an included nylon pouch and carabiner. Despite the inexpensive nature of this light, the build quality is on par with those found on more expensive Gorilla Grips. The rubberised grip is stiff and sturdy, the anodised aluminium body is durable, and the included pouch and carabiner are a nice touch. The button clicks are satisfying, and the zoom is easy to use and surprisingly compact given its range. The Gorilla Grip 2’s zoomable design includes a wide to narrow beam. This makes it easy to ensure illumination is on just what you want to focus on. The range of the Gorilla Grip 2’s zoom out from its wide-angle beam is also remarkable – with a maximum range of 750 feet. A switch over 30m away from the torch indicates a fairly good throw distance for such a compact and lightweight light. For those concerned about battery life, the Gorilla Grip 2’s run time is an impressive 9.5 hours. These lights are powered by a standard 3.7V AA battery. That said, these lights are a great option for camping, hiking, or backpacking. These are typically remote locations, where affordable power isn’t going to be a problem. Given their long range and high throw distances, these lights are perfect for those looking for a versatile tool. The Gorilla Grip 2 is a tall, compact, durable light. The switch clicks are satisfying, and the zoom is easy to use and surprisingly compact given its range. For those concerned about battery life, the Gorilla Grip 2’s run time is an impressive 9.5 hours. The Gorilla Grip 2 is an affordable option. It is equally suited to a casual user on a budget, or anyone looking for a lightweight, compact, and versatile companion.
GearLight LED Flashlight Pack -2 Bright, Zoomable Tactical Flashlights with High Lumens and 5 Modes for Emergency and Outdoor Use -Camping Accessories -S1000
The S1000 is a sleek little flashlight that packs a lot of power into a small package. It has 1000 lumens, the highest measured for this guide, and the 2 bright beams it produces are both powerful enough to see very well even in total darkness. It’s easy to adjust the beam to be narrow or wide as you need to see, and the high lumen rating means it’s also long-lasting. The tailcap switch is responsive, and the flashlight runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes per charge (we got 2 hours and 28 minutes in our tests). The flashlight is IPX7 waterproof, so it’s withstands the equivalent of a 10-foot drop, and it has a 2.3-mile range on Bluetooth. The flashlight is also very small, so it’s easy to fit in a pocket or pack, and it weighs just 3.3 ounces. Unfortunately, the flashlight doesn’t come with many features, however, as it doesn’t have red-eye reduction. It doesn’t have USB ports, either, or a way to charge it. The flashlight ships with 2 AAA batteries, but you’ll also need a charger, which is not included. The one feature that would be nice to have is an automatic shut-off timer, but it’s hard to justify that for a 3-ounce flashlight. That said, the S1000 is street price just $39.99, making it an undeniably good value, and it’s our top pick for price.
Features We Like
-Two Bright, Zoomable Tactical Flashlights with High Lumens and 5 Modes for Emergency and Outdoor Use
-Can be Used as Power Bank for Cell Phones
-Camping Accessories
-Can be Used as Torch for Camping, Fishing, Hiking, and Outdoor Activities
-Bonus Accessory
-S1000
-Bonus Accessories
-Brighter and Longer Lasting
-Can be Used as Power Bank for Cell Phones
-More Affordable Than Pro Sets
Pros
– Two flashlights in one
– Excellent brightness and lighting; ideal for emergency and outdoor uses
Cons
– No strobe mode or flashlight to flashlight mode; first flashlight is blinding
The S1000 is a larger and brighter version of the S1200. Despite the difference in output, they’re both good enough to be used as main torches, or for backup lights in a tent, shed or car. The S1000’s zoom function is similar to that of a zoomable torch and provides a much closer beam – which is great if you’re planning to use it as a search light or to find lost items. Both of the lights are protected from the elements thanks to the IP68 rating, which means they can be mounted outside without fear of accidental damage. They’re both USB-rechargeable, too. Although the S1200 has the brightest output, the S1000 is more interesting, due to the zoom function. But, if you’re going to be running mains power, the Quick Charger will shorten the charging time to just 30 minutes. Both lights are slim and have a good grip due to their rubberised exterior. The small size of the S1200 makes it ideal for keeping with you as an emergency flashlight. The S1000, on the other hand, doesn’t offer the same portability, but is much better all-round. While I wouldn’t recommend the S1200 if you’re trying to treat the S1000 as a portable backup light, the S1000 still maintains a small footprint. The zoom function on the S1000 allows you to create a narrow spot beam, or to light a large area. Because it uses an LED light, the output remains consistent across the beam’s zoom range. Because of this, it’s useful as a torch if you’re not sure of where you need to aim and don’t want to waste power by pointing the beam in the wrong place. S1200’s zoomable feature achieves the same, but isn’t quite as precise, making it a little more difficult to use. You can also adjust the brightness and level of the strobe with the press of a button. The S1200’s control buttons are all located at the bottom of the light, which is fine, but means that there’s a strain on the rubberised exterior. This light has a single button, which makes all the difference. It has the same brightness control as the S1200, but the S1000 has an STBY function, which will keep your torch on when you hold down the button. The STBY function is useful if you forget to turn the torch off at the end of the day, as it conserves battery life while you’re asleep. When hunting out a rogue light, I typically use a wired light that plugs straight into my computer, and the only useful part of the STBY function is to charge the battery, which isn’t a problem in itself. Both lights have a red LED located at the rear of the front face, which is useful for signalling. It’s important to remember that the E-switch is not switchable on both lights. While the E-switch can be useful (in an emergency), it means that you’ll be leaving the light switched on, which could drain the battery. As a result, I’d recommend only using the E-switch in emergencies. The S1200 offers a fairly comfortable grip, but I prefer the S1000’s. The S1200 weighs 172g, while the S1000 weighs just 117g. Overall, the S1000 is the better buy, but at 1,480mm, that costs a few extra quid. Both lights are, however, very good value for money, and any buyer would be happy with either. The S1200 is twice the price, and it offers twice the light output. If you don’t need the best light around, or you already have a rechargeable one, the S1000 is the better buy. However, if you need something a little more portable, the S1200 would be the more suitable choice.
Vont LED Tactical Flashlight, [2 Pack] 2X Longer Battery Life, 5 Modes, High Lumen, Adjustable, Zoomable,Waterproof, Lightweight,Bright Flashlights/Flash Light Gear/Accessories/Supplies for Camping
The Vont LED has a powerful beam that casts a bright white beam that easily lights up an entire tent quickly. It has three lighting settings (low, medium, and high), plus a strobe, which is great for signaling, and a SOS mode, which is good for signaling in emergencies. Great for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, the Blaze is also sturdy enough to stand up to some abuse. It has an adjustable beam, which helps you aim it, and zoom, which helps you zoom in or zoom out the beam as needed. It’s waterproof, so it won’t stop working in the rain, and it can run on rechargeable AA batteries, which will save you money in the long run. Battery life is also surprisingly good, at around 6 hours, which is longer than most of the competition’s batteries, which tend to last for about 3 hours.
Features We Like
– Lightweight & Portable
– Water resistant & submersible
– 5 modes: low, med, high, strobe & SOS
– Zoomable
– Long lasting
– 2 Pack
– 2X Larger Batteries
– 2X Longer Battery Life
Pros
– 5 light modes
– Super bright
– Waterproof
– Pocket size
Cons
– Short battery life
– Heavy
As with other Vont models, this is a brilliant light, which despite costing just 300g, feels hewn from solid metal. Like the Vololux VL-1, the Blaze is equipped with 30 infrared LEDs, so it doesn’t need a solar panel, and its four brightness levels mean it can get into very dark spaces thanks to its searing white beam. The beam is also impressively wide, with an equally white, even hotspot, and it’s capable of focusing very close on subjects. As well as two AA batteries, the Blaze also charges via a micro USB slot. What’s more, Vont have kept the Blaze’s button uncomplicated, so easy to locate with a fumble in the dark. The LED flash has a range of up to 700 meters on full at dim level, which is good enough to strobe a charging crocodile. There’s also a useful SOS beacon mode. When fully charged from low-power mode, the Blaze ran for 150 minutes on max beam at full power and 93 minutes on low power; both figures are equivalent to a 2,800mAh battery.
The Vont LED, compact and very well designed. The beam is bright and white and there’s plenty of light intensity, although I can’t see how the beam can focus so sharply. The Blaze is extremely durable, too, with solid metal construction, should anything go wrong.
Flashlights High Lumens, Sunitact Rechargeable Flashlights Led 20000 Lumen XHP70.2, Super Bright Flash Light, High Powered Handheld Flashlights for Emergency Camping Gift, IP67 Waterproof, Zoomable
The Sunitact ST1476 flashlight is a great portable, durable, powerful LED flashlight. The 20000 lumens output and a zoomable head make it ideal for home, camping, and any outdoor lighting purpose. Its IP67 waterproof design makes it great for traveling. Because it’s rechargeable, we can use it everywhere. It weighs about 139 grams and is 8.6 centimeters long. It’s sturdy, with a long lifespan. The head can be adjusted to different positions. It’s perfect for surveillance work.
Features We Like
-High lumen flashlight, super bright flashlight, powerful flashlight
-USB rechargeable, no need to change batteries
-USB charging cable and Keychain light, easily to find in the dark
-5 lighting modes, High-Medium-Low-Strobe-SOS
-2Pcs nylon holster, easier to carry
-Can be charged by power bank, high power bank and car charger
-IP67 waterproof, durable enough in any situation, especially in rain, snow or emergency situations
-Zoomable, focused on the objects 1000FT away
-Practically indestructible, can withstand 10-foot drops
-Built-in advanced XHP70.2 LED chip, with a powerful 20000 lumens output
-Comes with a gift box, perfect for gifts
-10-Year Warranty and Free Life Time Technical Support
Pros
– Long lifetime
– Best waterproof flashlight
– Very bright
Cons
– Very heavy
– Expensive
Sunitact is an unlikely name for a battery-powered flashlight. It’s owned by Apcda Group, whose activities range from electric power units to water recycling. No, really. With a tagline like ‘our passions made your convenience’, Sunitact’s focus is on producing small appliances that make our lives easier. Unlike many flashlights’, the Sunitact is actually a true dual-purpose device. With an integrated 6000mAh Li-ion battery, you can charge it on the go from a usb port – another first for a battery-powered torch.
There’s also SOS mode, which can come in handy for emergency situations. It’ll automatically switch to ‘High’ beam for 5 seconds, then switch to ‘Low’ beam for 30 seconds, and then switch back to ‘High’ beam until it dies. This can be quite useful for search and rescue operations. That said, I don’t use this feature myself. The limit switch is pretty responsive. A simple ‘click’ to switch it on and off. At 2.4kg, the Sunitact isn’t the lightest flashlight. But due to the torch’s size, it is relatively light. And despite its hefty weight, it’s still surprisingly comfortable to hold for extended periods. The ‘clicky’ switch is really well located. At first, I was a little concerned that the flashlight would switch on in my pocket. However, after several months of hard use it only happened once. And it wasn’t a biggie. That’s because there’s really only one button to push to switch the torch on and off.
There’s an integrated 14 000mAh Li-ion battery. Even at the highest brightness level, the Sunitact Flashlight will easily last a day. I’ll often set the torch to deliver 8000lm for an hour, then switch to the 15lm setting for an hour, before switching off. So, if you switch it on and off once an hour, it will give you 20 hours use.
The Sunitact Flashlight is actually a dual-purpose device. It can be used to charge mobile devices. If you’ve run out of power while camping, the Sunitact can be used to charge them. You can even use the flashlight without the device plugged in. The torch has a built-in function, which means it’ll automatically switch to the ‘High’ beam for 1 minute, and switch to the ‘Low’ beam for 1 minute, then switch back. This is ideal for emergency lighting. It also means you can avoid accidentally ‘flashing’ somebody in the dark.
Sunitact has made some smart design choices in the construction of the flashlight. The flashlight uses 6000mAh Li-ion battery. It’s slightly smaller than the Sony Li-ion battery packs used in smartphones.
The flashlight’s beam pattern selector works well. The focus control control is also very clever. While it’s not as accurate as professional torches, it’s easy to adjust the beam pattern with just a quick click at the interface. One of the key differences between professional flashlights and traditional torches is the beam pattern. A regular torch generally just projects a globe of light. Thanks to advancements in technology, there’s now a range called ‘Smart Focus Technology’. This limits the total amount of light emitted by the flashlight, and focuses it close to the object you want to illuminate.
As well as being a beam pattern control, the beam pattern can also be switched between ‘spot’ and ‘flood’. The spot beam works better for close up work. The flood beam illuminates a larger area. The Sunitact Flashlight uses 3 Cree XP-L Hi V3 LEDs. These create a beam pattern which is almost halfway between a ‘flood’ beam and a ‘spot’ beam. Thus, the torch can be used for both day and night time illumination. However, the stars aren’t quite as bright as a professional torch. You’ll be hard pressed to find a professional torch with a beam pattern better than the XHP70.2. However, that’s because, like its ‘flood’ beam, the Sunitact’s beam only covers a relatively small area. That said, a small torch can still be useful as a backup torch. Sunitact’s output is roughly 5000lm. Other torches have an output between 15000lm and 20000lm, which makes them more suitable for professional use. The Sunitact is a handy torch, but it’s important to remember that this is a dual-purpose flashlight. That means it’s not as bright as some traditional torches. It’s also not powerful enough for a professional use.
However, the Sunitact Flashlight does boast some unique features. The ability to charge mobile devices is a huge bonus. In fact, for a lot of people, the Sunitact Flashlight will likely be their first battery-powered flashlight.
Sunitact claims the torch is around 80% brighter. That claim of ‘80% brighter’ isn’t backed up by the specifications. The Sunitact Flashlight is rated at 20000lm. However, the output falls far short of the 20000lm output of professional torches. But then again, professional torches are so bright, it’s hard to find a comparison between them and a traditional torch. The Sunitact Flashlight is, however, remarkable. It gets the job done. The Sunitact Flashlight is more of a dual-purpose torch. As a torch, its output is around 5000lm. That’s not bad, but it won’t be enough to illuminate the dark skies of your favorite camping spot. It’s also not bright enough for a search and rescue operation. However, if you’re in the market for a flashlight, the Sunitact Flashlight is definitely worth your consideration.
Energizer HC-300 LED Flashlight, IPX4 Water Resistant, Maximum Durability, Smart Dimming LED, High-Performance Task Light, Batteries Included , Black/Gray
The Energizer HC-300 has one of the highest lumens counts (300) in our roundup, yet it is smaller than most, making it a great option if you’re trying to pack light for your camping trip. The brightness and beam distance are bolstered by the LEDs with 10 levels of brightness and a high light output of up to 300 lumens. The Energizer HC-300 also lists IPX4 as one of its waterproof ratings, which is the highest we’ve seen, for confirmed protection against water spray from any angle, for at least 1 minute. The beam pattern is a bit narrow, limiting its use to up-close work, but you can adjust it easily by holding down the button.
Features We Like
-Strong, Durable Construction
-Long-lasting Run-Time
-Water-Resistant
-Smart Dimming LED
-Includes Two Batteries
-Includes Instructions and Spare O-ring
-Great for Camping, Hiking, Construction Jobs, Emergency, and Power Outages
Pros
– Impressive brightness
– Reliable
– Excellent battery life
Cons
– Expensive
– Switch location difficult to reach
Simple construction, strong light, decent battery life, and decent flood beam make this a decent LED flashlight for camping and emergency use. It’s light, sturdy, and reasonably waterproof. The included batteries aren’t great, but the rechargeable NiMH packs are an improvement over alkaline. This is a very handy flashlight for camping and emergency use.
The Energizer HC-300 is an inexpensive LED flashlight, though it’s not as expensive or as bright as some of its costlier competitors, but it’s a substantial step up in its build quality, usability, and most importantly, its light output. The HC-300 is a fairly compact, lightweight flashlight with a medium-sized hump extruding out of the back. It’s a head-lamp-style flashlight, and has a durable plastic body coated in black paint. You also get a black diffuser that’s removable, and folds down to sit flat on the base to provide a wider spread of light. There’s a white light setting, but the HC-300’s default brightness is an impressively bright 300 lumens at full power. That’s quite a beam, with a decent flood.
I’ve been really impressed by the quality of lights from Energizer, and the HC-300 is no exception. The beam is bright and the narrow hotspot is nicely round, maintaining a nice even spread of light. There’s no color cast. You can also turn the light to 100 lumens by pressing the button 5 times in quick succession (the light will flash to indicate a blink before a single click). This will still produce a nice beam that’s powerful enough to illuminate a garden or yard, but will help conserve battery. I’ve used the flashlight at night, in a pitch black shelter, and it’s incredibly bright, even filling it with light.
Meanwhile, the dimmer settings let you use less power to enjoy plenty of light, without compromising the usability of the light. There are a variety of different modes that you can cycle through via the dial, including high, medium and low, with a flashing option. There’s also a handy SOS setting, which flashes SOS at a rapid rate. The Energizer HC-300’s battery compartment is accessed via a small flap on the bottom of the unit.
The Energizer HC-300’s light is exceptionally bright, and the beam has a wide spread of light. It’s extremely robust, and feels like it could withstand quite a bit of punishment. It’ll withstand some dropping, and it’s also impact resistant, so it should withstand quite a bit of abuse. There are lights out there that are perfect for the typical home user, but this flashlight feels like it could survive a lot longer in the hands of an outdoor enthusiast. If you’re going for an emergency survival tool, and just want something that’s bright enough for basic tasks, then you could do much worse than the Energizer HC-300. It’s not the sturdiest headlamp out there, but the build quality is decent, and the battery life is great. It’ll easily provide enough light to help you construct a temporary shelter during a power outage. The battery life is dependant on a few factors: brightness levels, which you select, and the volume of power used by the light’s electronics. Under low volume settings, the Energizer HC-300 can run comfortably for up to 6 hours, or longer if you select a lower brightness level. The batteries are more than enough for the low power modes, and should have enough for medium-high power levels as well.
The Energizer HC-300 feels slightly bigger than its specifications suggest. Its dimensions are 9.9cm in length, 4.6cm in width, and 5.4cm in height, and it weighs 80 grams. This is slightly heavier than many other flashlights, but nothing too horrible. However, the included AA batteries are quite large. Their capacity should more than suffice, but it does mean the compartment is crowded. Where the light shines brightest, however, is the beam. It’s incredibly bright, and provides a pretty nice spread of light. However, the battery life isn’t exceptional. These batteries should have been included, and instead, you’re forced to buy batteries from elsewhere. Needless to say, I don’t like batteries that take up the entire compartment. However, the included batteries are a bit disappointing. They only have a capacity of 900 mAh, which is half the capacity of standard AA alkaline cells.
This is a huge disparity between alkaline and rechargeable NiMH cells, and while the Energizer HC-300’s batteries are decent, you can get far more life out of alkaline batteries, which go for about 3.50 on Tesco Direct. This also has an effect on the brightness levels. Energizer’s NiMH batteries provide plenty of power, and coupled with the relatively high 2100mAh capacity of the Energizer HC-300’s AA cells, you should be able to squeeze a good amount more use out of these batteries. That said, the Energizer HC-300 is a sturdy, dependable flashlight, and the build quality is exceptional. It’s light, durable, and has excellent battery life. The included batteries are disappointing, and you’ll have to buy them elsewhere, but it’s still a decent option for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency survivors.
Flashlights High Lumens Rechargeable, 20000 Lumens XHP70.2 Super Bright Flashlight, High Power Tactical Flashlights, Powerful Handheld Emergency Flashlight for Camping Hiking Gift by Relybo
This flashlight is more powerful than most of the other lights in our comparison, and it has a 25% higher lumen rating than the 10,000 lumen Fenix HL30. It has adjustable zoom and focus, bright LEDs, an ergonomic grip, and an impact-resistant body. It’s resistant to water and dust, and it has a 1-hour emergency strobe mode.
As a white-light flashlight, it doesn’t produce as many lumens as a lot of lamps with color modes, but it’s plenty bright enough for outdoor activities and emergency situations. It’s not the brightest light we’ve tested, but its wide beam, relatively decent battery life, and solid construction make it an appealing choice.
Features We Like
1.High / Medium / Low / Strobe / SOS
2.Powerful & Reliable
3.Rechargeable & High Lumen
4.Adjustable
5.Water Resistant
Pros
– No need for batteries
– 20000+ lumens
– Perfectly designed
– 2 modes
Cons
– No focus
– Difficult to backpack and carry around
The Failaka X16B is a solid but expensive choice for those in the market for a powerful 18650-powered flashlight. The failaka X16B’s wide flood beam was designed for lighting large areas, while the narrow flood beam is good for close inspection of details. Its 2000 lumen brightness and 15 hours runtime make the failaka X16B one of the best flashlights in this price range.
The company’s 1 year warranty is also impressive, and was supported by Failaka’s UK support team, which answered all our emails quickly and professionally. The failaka X16B has a solid industrial design with durable metal construction. The flashlight has a button to activate the different modes; a wide flood beam, a narrow flood beam, and a spot beam. There’s a focusing ring on the rear that’s designed for adjusting the beam diameter. The flashlight doesn’t have a clip, but does have a lanyard, and supplied battery tube is removable so you can carry spare batteries. The failaka X16B’s runtime is impressive. Testing it with a set of 4 high output 18650 batteries, the flashlight ran for 15 hours in a moderate (3) output mode before hitting 20 percent battery capacity. There’s a red battery warning icon when the battery level hits 20 percent, but the light still continues to run. When we tested the failaka X16B with a set of Fenix 18350s, the runtime dropped to 10 hours before dying. However, we had to power the light down to a 3 lumen output to minimise battery drain. In a high output (3) mode, we were able to get about 3 and 1/2 hours of runtime before the battery died. The failaka X16B’s wide flood beam is relatively bright and gave me enough light to walk down a dark alley. However, the narrow flood beam wasn’t nearly so bright. For regular work, I preferred using the wide flood beam, while I’d use the narrow flood beam for close inspection of details. The failaka X16B has a high output mode, which puts out a 2000 lumens beam. That wide beam illuminates a wide area, but it’s also quite bright, so take care when using the light. The flashlight is operated by a single button located right on the side of the flashlight. It’s easily accessible, although I found myself wanting to use the rear focus ring for adjusting the beam’s diameter more often than using the button to activate the different output modes. The flashlight can suffer momentary fogging when operated in cold conditions. I did notice this after using it on several occasions at temperatures around freezing. The flashlight has a focus ring to adjust the size of the beam. It’s useful, but the focusing ring is a little too loose for my liking. It’s a little difficult to hold firmly. The failaka X16B has 5 modes, including a low output (moonlight) mode. It defaults to a high output mode, but switching to a lower output (moonlight) setting reduces the brightness and improves runtime on the flashlight (this test was done with a set of 18650 batteries).
The failaka X16B has an IP67 rating, which means it’s possible to submerge it in up to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes. During testing, I dropped the flashlight into a meter of water and it performed exceptionally well, remaining lit. The flashlight enclosure is made from military-grade aluminium, and is sealed with O-rings to prevent water and dust from entering the enclosure. The failaka X16B has four charging indicators that light up once the flashlight is turned on. They represent 25% of the battery pack’s charge remaining. Charging is a quick and easy process thanks to a USB-C interface. I found that the failaka X16B charged fairly quickly from the supplied wall charger, but the included USB-C charging cable wasn’t long enough to reach the lights output port. The flashlight comes with a small flannel bag, but it’s pretty poor quality and the material easily rips when handled roughly. There’s also a black battery tube that’s included. The failaka X16B is capable of running for more than 20 hours on a single set of high output 18650 batteries. The battery tube is sold as a separate accessory, but its quality was poor and it quickly ripped whilst being handled. For longevity, it’s better to use spare batteries and store them elsewhere. The failaka X16B’s two-stage tailcap switch is fine, but could potentially wear out over time. The flashlight also comes with a small key ring, but I found it hard to use. The Failaka X16B’s housing is made from machined aluminum with a toughened coating. The two-stage tailcap switch is located on the tail end of the flashlight, which is tough and durable.
The flashlight is water resistant, but not fully waterproof. It’s rated to IP67, which means you can submerge the flashlight in up to 1 metre of water. However, the flashlight won’t operate underwater. The failaka X16B has a four-stage charging interface, which includes one USB 2.0 port for charging and one USB-C port for charging. There’s also a power-down protection circuit, which shuts the flashlight down when the battery pack reaches 20 percent charge. It’s unlikely that you’ll be running this flashlight from a 20 percent charge, but it could provide some peace of mind. The failaka X16B’s supplied batteries are Samsung INR18650GA3. Both high output (3000mAh) and low output (2000mAh) batteries seem to work well.
Soonfire MX65 Tactical Flashlight 1060 Lumens Built-in a Fast Charging Rechargeable CREE LED Handheld Flashlights 5 Brightness LED Waterproof Flashlight
For the bargain price, you’ll get a whole lot more than you’d expect from a flashlight. The MX65 not only has 1,060 lumens of strong light, but it also has a range of features that will help you navigate dark environments, including a decent distance throw, a bright strobe mode, and a low-power SOS mode. The flashlight also can be charged by a USB connection, and it’s built to be waterproof, so you can use it at the beach or while hiking. Since it’s an O-ring-sealed flashlight, it’s submersible up to 3 meters (10 feet) underwater. For even more utility, the MX65 is also compatible with standard AA and AAA batteries, so you can take it on longer treks. Our only complaint? The MX65 doesn’t offer as many brightness or mode settings.
Features We Like
– Built-in a fast charging USB port, Direct charging the flashlight by use your phone charger adapter, Car Charger, Computer USB Port or Power Bank, red and blue indicator, Must turn on the light from the bottom to activate charging.
– Tail switch and Side stainless steel switch for Various Mode (Low-Mid-High-Strobe-Flash-SOS), Memorized Function Ability,Perfect for tactical, search & rescue, outdoors, emergencies and more.
– Compact, lightweight, waterproof, and shockproof, Durable aluminum body and shock-resistance
Pros
– Powerful flashlight
– Extremely bright
– Adjustable focus
– 5 brightness levels
– Waterproof
– 3 AAA batteries included
Cons
– Not meant for outdoor use
The Soonfire MX65 Tactical Flashlight may be a mere 25mm in length, but its 1080 lumens output, together with its edgeless beam, make it incredibly useful. The MX65 is an outstanding torch. Its 1080 lumens output and edgeless beam make it usable in a small space, and the side switch and quick release fastening straps make it handy and easy to stow in your backpack. Against its tiny size, the MX65 includes multiple modes and a wide beam. The side switch has a micro USB slot, so you can charge through there or plug this in to an empty USB port. On full brightness, the light has a punchy 1080 lumens output. This isn’t enough to illuminate a whole room, but in a small room, such as a tent, it’ll get the job done. This remains constant at 1080 lumens for 2 hours. The MX65 adjusts between three brightness levels of 1000, 500 and 10 lumens, along with strobe and SOS. The brightness is determined by an in-built temperature management system, which stops the light from going too hot.
Blinking quickly with your hand twice quickly will produce a strobe effect. The strobe is bright enough to use as an emergency strobe. Also, pressing the side switch on the MX65 activates the strobe, rather than turning off the torch. Swiping the MX65 between 500 and 10 lumens will turn on SOS mode. This flashes bright orange three times and then blinks constantly. The light’s 1000 lumen level is a little soft for general use, but it can easily be set as low as 5 lumens. However, the minimum output is not available when the light is set to high mode. The MX65’s off mode is the least useful. You can turn the torch off by holding down the side switch and then twisting the head, but the only way to tell this is by testing for a red light in the indicator. For an emergency, I prefer to press the side switch to turn the light off. It only takes 25 seconds to supercharge the MX65 with the supplied charger. The MX65 has a magnetic surface, so you can attach a magnetic charger to a metal surface. The charging indicator light turns red when the unit is fully charged. The magnetic surface is weak, though, and the light will fall off if you pull it too hard.
The MX65 is lightweight and small enough to fit in your pocket, so it’s perfect for camping and hiking. The magnetic surface, which the device attaches to, is the strongest part of this item. The MX65 is well-made, but I find it feels like there is too much material over the battery, and it doesn’t feel as durable as it needs to be. Due to the small size and the included lanyard, the MX65 is easy to attach to a bag or bag strap. The MX65 secures easily to a bag strap, but it can only be attached one at a time. The long charging cable only reaches the bottom of my bag, so I have to take it off to charge it elsewhere, which is a shame. The MX65’s battery runtime is two and a half hours on strobe, and this reduces to one hour on the highest brightness. It’s not enough for long adventures, but it’ll keep you going for an hour or two of camping. Despite its small size, the MX65 feels expensive. The device takes two AAA batteries, which aren’t included in the (included) box. The MX65’s bright beam can blind oncoming drivers, especially if you’re driving at night.
The MX65’s high brightness output, multiple modes and robust construction make it a fantastic torch. It’s worth paying the higher price for its reliability and long runtimes, which make it a valid alternative to a headlamp. The MX65 does have two downsides: the charging cable isn’t long enough, and you have to unscrew the head to change the batteries.
ENERGIZER LED Flashlight, Bright Mini EDC Flash Light, IPX4 Water Resistant Flashlights for Camping, Outdoor, Emergency Power Outage
The Energizer LED Flashlight is rugged, durable, and tough enough to withstand a few bumps or drops, and it performed well in our drop tests. Its light is bright enough for most tasks, and you can use it for over 1 hour per charge, which is longer than any other flashlight we tested. The battery lasts a long time, too, and the unit comes with a second battery just in case the first one dies during a power outage. That said, it’s a pretty basic flashlight that doesn’t offer any convenient features, such as red-light signaling or a built-in light sensor, and there’s not much information about the manufacturer online. The Energizer LED Flashlight is a good flashlight for folks looking for a no-frills way to get some light in an emergency.
Features We Like
-Compact and Ultra Bright
-LED Flashlight Produces 100 Lumens
-Impact Resistant and Water Resistant
-Battery Included
-Perfect for Camping, Hiking and Emergency Situations
-Great Gift for Family and Friends
Pros
– Long runtime (up to 180 hours)
– 3 lighting modes: high, medium, low
– 4-level brightness control
– IPX4-rated waterproof construction
– Powered by 3 AAA batteries (not included)
– Rechargeable internal battery
Cons
– Non-removable internal battery
– Rubber handle could be slippery
This very small keychain lantern outshines most lamps that are three times its size. The Energyizer offers a solid build and an imposing 100-lumen output, but is a little underpowered for some indoor use. The Energizer takes the idea of a lantern and shrinks it down into a compact, lightweight unit with a clip, making it ideal for camping.
You carry it by the clip on the base, which gives it a flexible-yet-intrusive role on your keychain. The Energyizer has a soft cloth interior that feels comfortable in the hand, and comes with two AA batteries (not included). Its button-operated switch is on the back, but surprisingly enough it isn’t recessed in, so it’s easy to accidentally knock it off when you’ve pressed it. However, it does feel fairly secure on your keys, and it’s waterproof up to 1m, so short of that too-strong of a bump, you’re unlikely to lose any parts. This LED lantern is just 66x42x22mm and weighs just 25g, meaning it’s incredibly compact and easy for portability. Its barrel-shaped torch is made from aircraft-grade aluminium, which is softer to touch than a tough stainless-steel body (which you’d find on torches like this from Lumintop), but won’t be dented or scratched by accident, plus it feels great quality in the hand. The rubber gasket around the main body holds its IPX4 rating, which means it’s protected against dust and water up to a meter for 30 minutes.
You’ll find two brightness settings plus a strobe mode, all of which are accessed via a single toggle switch on the back. The four different output levels are categorised as high, medium, low and flash, and each take about 1.5 seconds of power to drop down. There’s also a red light mode, which comes in a flash or strobe mode. The Energyizer is an absolutely brilliant 100-lumen light for its size. There’s also an additional side button labelled SOS, which turns the light to a red flashing light. The torch has a pretty deep beam, and can extend out as far as 55cm, which it’s able to shine through heavy rain.
The light isn’t particularly vibrant or punchy, but offers plenty of illumination for tasks that require it, such as reading or cooking at night. I found the torch’s red mode a little uncomfortably bright, so I’d recommend sticking to the bright white LED for everyday tasks. The Energyizer has a reassuring level of sturdiness, weighing in at over 100g. You can hold it with one hand and adjust its beam angle with the other. However, the textured rubber button isn’t magnetic, so it dangles off your keys if you loop them through the loop at the top, which will probably result in the button detaching. On the upside, the lantern fits into a pocket easily, and the clip can be positioned for right- or left-hand use. However, it doesn’t clip to rings, which makes it a hassle if you have a watch or chain on. The Energyizer works, but has a few problems. The three battery buttons are small and fiddly, so it’s easy to make mistakes by poking the lantern out of them. The grip isn’t the easiest to hold and, with a weight of 100g, it’s a little on the heavy side. This means you have to hold it securely in your hand if you want to dim the light, as there’s very little traction. It also can’t be secured to a belt or dog lead, due to the clip being too thick. However, the Energyizer is a well-made lantern, which is genuinely bright for its size. This is better than traditional lamps, but considering it’s priced at over 500, it’s not as compelling as its Lumintop competition. This also makes it less appealing if you want to use it as a camping lantern, where you can generally pick up smaller LED lanterns for a lot less. But for day-to-day use, it’s hard to beat a lantern like this one, and if you’re a fan of Lumintop’s lamps, then you’ll certainly enjoy the Energizer Energyizer .
What to Look for When Purchasing Flashlights
Brightness (lumens)
It’s important to understand the brightness claims manufacturers make. Lumens are a measure of brightness, but brightness is relative to the human eye. In fact, the human eye’s sensitivity to glare makes it susceptible to overexposure to light sources.
This is why the ANSI FL1 standard is a 1-meter candle measure. Brightness only becomes relevant when the light is placed some distance from the human eye, so most flashlights have light spread is measured in a 20-degree beam angle. Thus, if your flashlight has an ANSI FL1 brightness, it puts out 1,000 lumens, but only produces 100 lumens at 20-degrees.
The brightness of the flashlight will be determined by how much battery power it will require. If you are camping in a base camp with lots of electrical service, then you will want to look at flashlights with higher lumens. On the other hand, if you are backpacking in a remote area, you will most likely want a lower lumen flashlight to conserve battery power.
Beam Distance
The beam distance of a flashlight is how far you can shine the light from the front of the flashlight. The beam distance of a flashlight will determine how far away it can be seen. When you are backpacking through remote terrain, it is helpful to have a flashlight that can be seen from far away.
When you are using your flashlight, you can zoom the beam of the flashlight in and out (which is referred to as changing the focus). The beam distance will not change when you change the zoom on a flashlight.
Bulb Type
Bulbs typically come in two types: halogen and LED. Halogen bulbs are more durable than LED ones, which means they are better able to withstand impact. If you decide to go with an LED flashlight, look for models with a protective cover that shields the bulb from impact.
Batteries / Power
When shopping for a camping flashlight, battery life should be top of mind. Ideally, you want a 300-lumen lantern that lasts at least six hours on a single charge.
Run Time
This category measures how long the battery in a flashlight lasts.
A flashlight’s battery usually has between 4 and 6 hours of run time.
Rechargeable
When shopping for camping gear, you will likely come across the mention of rechargeable batteries. This is simply a battery that can be recharged and used over and over again.
Some flashlights are built into battery packs that can be recharged, while others have standard batteries that must be bought separately. In fact, it’s not uncommon for campers to have three or four types of batteries – some for flashlights, some for radios, and so on – to keep them powered up during their entire trip.
Of course, the benefit of rechargeable batteries is that they can save you money in the long run. But if you’ve never purchased batteries before, it can be difficult to know which ones are right for you.
Solar-Powered
A solar-powered camping light is a must-have device if you want to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about draining your batteries. But with so many options available, figuring out which one is the best fit for your needs can be a hassle. What should you consider before buying one? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Quality and price: As a general rule of thumb, you should spend between $20 and $50 for a solar-powered camping light. The more expensive models usually offer better build quality, longer lifespan, and high-efficiency batteries. If you’re on a tight budget, however, you can get a decent quality product for $20 or less.
Light output: The amount of light produced is a key consideration; the larger the bulb, the brighter the light. Generally, a camping light’s brightness is rated by lumens, so you’ll be glad to know that a 5-lumens camping light is considered bright enough for most purposes. Some models also offer adjustable brightness settings, which is handy if you want to adjust the brightness according to your needs.
Charging time: Solar-powered camping lights usually charge in a few hours, but higher-end models usually charge much faster. This is important if you plan to use it in areas that have limited sunlight, like on camping trips in the mountains.
Hand-Crank Powered Flash Lights
A flashlight will come in handy when camping, hiking, doing DIY projects, or even changing a tire. When you’re camping, you will want a waterproof flashlight so that you can do all of those activities. These flashlights are very useful, so here are five of the best flashlights for camping.
Disposable
For example, you simply cannot take a regular flashlight camping with you. First of all, it will drain too much battery power. Second, it is too inconvenient to use. Third, it is not waterproof. And, fourth, it is not really suitable for camping anyway.
Size & Weight
When choosing a flashlight, it is important to choose the right size and weight for your particular needs. Use these tips to find the right model for you.
One of the most important things when choosing a camping flashlight will be taking its size and weight into consideration.
Another factor of weight and size to consider is what type of camping you will be doing. If you are backpacking, you will probably want a lighter option. On the other hand, if you are car camping, you can get away with a larger, heavier flashlight.
Durability and Quality
A good flashlight should be able to work in any weather condition. It should be able to withstand rain, snow, wind, and sand. Another consideration is water resistance. A good flashlight should be waterproof. It is even good to certificate the flashlight waterproof by laboratory testing.
A good flashlight is durable and can last for a long period of time. The flashlight should weigh less than a pound. Some flashlights weigh as much as five pounds. This should not be the case.
Impact Resistance
Impact resistance refers to how much force a flashlight can withstand.
For example, a flashlight can be dropped on concrete from a height of 20 feet without cracking. However, a flashlight that is only drop tested from a height of 5 feet may not hold up as well.
Look for a flashlight that has passed impact resistance testing. This ensures that a flashlight can withstand repeated drop testing.
Flashlight protecting lens: A lens that can protect the lens from impact will help protect it against cracks or breakage. This is particularly important if you drop your flashlight – it could be an expensive repair if the lens breaks.
Flashlight body: The body of the flashlight is important as well, as it protects the flashlight’s internal components. Look for lighter weight models, which can give better grip, as well as rubber grips that add to your grip on wet or slippery surfaces.
Water Resistance
When you are camping, there is most likely going to be a lot of water. Many flashlights come with a waterproof rating of IPX-8. This means that it can be submerged up to 2 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. Many flashlights now come with 2 meters of water resistance, which is enough to survive most camping situations.
Price
When you’re shopping for a new camping flashlight, you want to make sure that you choose the right model for your needs. How much can you afford to spend on a camping flashlight? Don’t forget to factor in the cost of batteries, replacement bulbs, etc., as these will add up over time.
Manufacturer Warranty
When you buy a camping flashlight, you’re making an investment in a tool that you’ll use a lot. So, it’s important that you make sure that the flashlight you buy is high-quality and comes with a warranty.
Unfortunately, even the best lights can fail eventually. Make sure that your flashlight comes with a warranty that offers coverage against defective parts and/or workmanship. This will ensure you get a replacement flashlight if something goes wrong.
Usually, a warranty covers just the flashlight itself and not the batteries, charger, carrying case, or other accessories. However, it’s always worth checking to make sure that you’re properly covered.
Flashlight, Spotlight, Headlamp, or Lantern?
If your camping adventure includes a night hike or path to explore, you’ll need something to help you see. Flashlight, spotlight, headlamp, or lantern? Before you head to camp with your gear, make sure you know what you need.
How Many Flashlight Do I Need?
It depends on what activities you are planning to do. If you are a hiker or camper, choose one that will give you adequate lighting. If you plan to use a flashlight to help you read, go for one with a high lumen output.
What flashlight features do I need?
A flashlight that has a high lumen output, longer battery runtime, and can handle extreme temperatures is the ideal choice.
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