A flashlight is one of the important gear for camping or hiking trip. Not only can it be used to light your way in the dark, but it can also signal for help if you get lost. We had done extensive research, and based on our own experiences; we shortlisted the best flashlights for camping and hiking. In addition, we’ve included a handy buyer’s guide to help you choose the suitable flashlight for your needs. So we’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty flashlight to light up the night or a compact model to keep in your pocket.
Additionally, we also reviewed some of the best headlamps and camping Lanterns. These are highly recommended for those who love camping or hiking at night
Let’s start with the reviews of our top nine best camping flashlights on the market.
Best Overall Camping Flashlight
1. ThruNite Archer 2A V3
The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is an excellent flashlight for hiking and camping. It is very bright, with a powerful beam reaching up to 500 lumens. The light is also portable and easy to carry, making it ideal for hikes and camping trips. Additionally, the light is water-resistant, and it can withstand weather conditions without damage. Since this light has adjustable light modes, you can customize the brightness and beam pattern. It is bright, durable, and has various features that will make your experience more enjoyable.
Additionally, this is a compact, reliable flashlight for backpacking trips. It is only six inches long and can easily fit into a pocket or backpack. The light is very easy to use, and the grip is nice and snug, so it will not slip out of your hand. Additionally, the sleek design with tactical buttons looks great and well-priced.
It has different modes, from low to high, so you can adjust the light output to suit your needs. Additionally, the flashlight is sturdy and durable, and its battery performance is also good. It also covers a good range, so you can see clearly in the woods. Overall, it works well in the woods during camping trips. This flashlight is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance flashlight that will not break the bank.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Good for hiking and camping
- Excellent handle grip
- Affordable
- Adjustable settings
Cons
- Can break if dropped on hard surface
- Pocket clip is bit loose
Best Rechargeable Flashlight
2. Fenix PD36R
The Fenix PD36R is an excellent choice for a camping flashlight. It is rechargeable and comes with a battery, charging cable, and holster. This flashlight is very bright, producing up to 1600 lumens. The USB C charging port allows for fast charging, and the flashlight has a runtime of 115 hours. This flashlight is also impact resistant and waterproof. It is an excellent choice for those who camp often or need a reliable flashlight for emergencies.
Its dual switch option is a good feature, which allows you to use the light while wearing gloves. Additionally, the PD36R can be attached to a backpack or belt with a two-way body clip. It keeps your hands free while carrying the flashlight. Another great feature of the PD36R is the 5000mAh rechargeable battery. This provides plenty of power for extended use, and it can be easily recharged via micro USB. The PD36R’s compact size makes it easy to carry, even in tight spaces.
The Fenix PD36R is a well-made and durable flashlight that can be used for self-defense while camping and outdoor activities. However, it may get a bit hot while running on high lumens and charging quickly. Despite this, the Fenix PD36R is still an excellent choice for a flashlight because of its durability and quality construction.
Pros
- Compact size
- Good for backpacking
- Very bright
- Durable
- Quick charging
Cons
- None to be mentioned
Best For The Budget
3. GearLight S2000
The GearLight S2000 is one of the market’s most affordable camping and outdoor flashlights. It is also one of the brightest, with a powerful LED that provides an ultra-wide beam. The flashlight is made from military-grade aluminum, making it highly durable. It is also water-resistant, making it ideal for camping and hiking trips. In addition, it is easy to hold and slip into your pocket, and the nonslip grip prevents accidental drops.
The GearLight S2000 is a flashlight that strikes a good balance between size and power. It’s big enough to provide plenty of light but not so big that it’s cumbersome to carry. The light is wide, making it ideal for lighting up large areas. It’s also well made and durable. The downside is that you have to remove the batteries to recharge them, which can be a bit of a hassle. Overall, the GearLight S2000 is an excellent option for those who need a powerful, affordable flashlight that isn’t too big or heavy.
Pros
- Durable and Lightweight
- Water-Resistant
- Very Bright because of its AAA battery
- Heavy duty
- Budget friendly
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Some Customers complain that it has overheating issue.
- have to remove batteries for recharging
Best Hiking Tactical Flashlight
4. STREAMLIGHT Pro Tac
The Streamlight Pro Tac is an excellent flashlight for camping and backpacking. It produces up to 1000 lumens of light, making it perfect for illuminating your campsite or finding your way in the dark. The flashlight is also highly durable, with an abrasion-resistant body that can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Additionally, the Pro Tac features a tactical tail cap that allows you to adjust the illumination and increase the runtime. Plus, the flashlight is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting wet in the rain or accidentally dropping it in a stream.
Made by a company with a well-established reputation for quality, this flashlight can withstand heavy use. It features several different battery options, making it more versatile than many other models. Additionally, the light produced by the Pro Tac is incredibly bright, and the beam pattern is wide enough to illuminate an entire area without leaving any dark spots. Perhaps most importantly, this flashlight is built to last, with a sturdy body that can withstand repeated drops and bumps.
Furthermore, this is a top-of-the-line flashlight that is built to last. It is made of high-quality materials that withstand scratches, water, and other wear and tear. Additionally, the Pro Tac is comfortable to hold for long periods, making it ideal for use in various situations. Although it is more expensive than other flashlights on our list, the Pro Tac is a great value for the money and will provide years of reliable use.
Pros
- Rechargeable Battery
- Comes with three battery mode
- Compact and Durable
- Excellent brightness
- Tactical light
- Good belt pocket
Cons
- A bit pricey
Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
5. Streamlight MicroStream Flashlight
The Streamlight MicroStream is a small, compact flashlight that is perfect for backpacking and hiking trips. It is only 3.87 inches long and weighs only 1.20 ounces, making it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack. The MicroStream has a powerful 250-lumen LED that produces a bright, focused beam of light. The light is also unbreakable and scratch-resistant, making it durable and reliable. The removable pocket clip makes it easy to attach the flashlight to a belt or backpack, and the light also fits comfortably in the palm.
Furthermore, it is a solid, durable pocket light that is perfect for backpacking trips. It is made with quality components and can withstand 1m drop resistance. Additionally, it is water resistant and can survive wet conditions. The battery life is also quite long, making it ideal for use in daily light activities. This nice little flashlight is perfect for those who need a reliable, small and durable light source on their backpacking trip.
Pros
- Comes with a fast rechargeable battery
- Water Proof
- Very Bright LED Light
- Fits in pocket
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Its design is not attractive.
- Not suitable if you need more brightness
Best Battery Powered Flashlight
6. Craftsman Handheld Spotlight Flashlight
The Craftsman Handheld Spotlight is a versatile and reliable tool for any outdoor activity. Three lighting modes can provide the perfect amount of light for any situation. The beam can reach up to 300 meters, making it ideal for camping, hiking, or fishing. The spotlight is also impact and water-resistant, making it durable in any condition. In addition, the easy-to-carry design makes it perfect for taking on the go.
Additionally, Spotlight is a lightweight, well-constructed and beautifully designed tool that is easy to grip and hold in your hand. Additionally, it has a non-slip grip and two durable batteries that last a long time. Furthermore, it has an auto-dimming feature that makes it easy to use in low light conditions. Lastly, its length is nice to hold in your hand and makes it easy to reach into tight spaces.
This flashlight is one of the most affordable on the market. It offers all of the features you would expect from a quality flashlight. The light is exceptionally bright and works well even in the darkest conditions. The only downside to this flashlight is that it is not rechargeable. Still, you can easily find replacement batteries at any hardware store. Overall, the Craftsman Handheld Spotlight is an excellent choice for anyone who needs an affordable and reliable flashlight.
Pros
- High-Quality Material
- Comes with an auto-brightness feature
- Durable and Sturdy
- Not pricy
- Good battery life and brightness
Cons
- Sometimes, it becomes hard to press it’s on and of buttons.
- not rechargeable
Ultralight Backpacking Flashlight
7. OLIGHT I3T EOS Flashlight
The OLIGHT I3T EOS is a highly compact and versatile flashlight with an impressive 180 lumens output. Powered by a single AAA battery, it is easily portable and can carry you wherever you go. The anti-slip design ensures a firm grip even in wet conditions. The unique styling of the OLIGHT I3T EOS makes it stand out from other flashlights on the market, and its solid construction means it can withstand heavy use. You can use this flashlight even in heavy rain, an added advantage for camping on rainy days. Durable materials can withstand the elements. It has a dual-direction pocket clip that allows you to attach it to your clothing or gear. The light weight of the flashlight makes it easy to carry. Also, the user manual explains how to use the flashlight in different situations.
Furthermore, this pocket-friendly flashlight you can easily carry on your hikes. It comes with good specifications, as described, and has an excellent finish. You can adjust the brightness levels easily. The low setting is a little brighter than expected, so it would be helpful if they introduced a medium and low setting. Overall, this is a great flashlight for those looking for a durable and reliable product.
Pros
- Completely Water Resistant
- Easy Portable
- Easy to turn on and off
- Pocket friendly
- Can be used in rain
- Low price
Cons
- Provide Average Brightness
- Single battery
Brightest Camping Flashlight
8. Streamlight Stinger Flashlight
The Streamlight Stinger is one of the market’s brightest and most lightweight flashlights. It has a versatile body design and can produce 800 Lumens of light. The Stinger is powered by a high-capacity battery with a 50,000-hour lifespan. It can be charged 1,000 times before needing to be replaced. Moreover, the Stinger is built of anodized aluminum, making it extremely sturdy. Also, the grip is very comfortable, especially for prolonged use.
The Streamlight Stinger is a high-performance flashlight that offers three different lighting modes to suit your needs. The high setting provides 800 lumens, making it ideal for general use or illuminating a large area. The medium setting cuts the brightness down to 400 lumens, providing more than enough light for most tasks while helping to conserve battery power. Finally, the low setting delivers 200 lumens of light, making it perfect for reading or other close-up work. In addition to its three different lighting modes, the Streamlight Stinger also features a strobe setting that can disorient or distract an attacker. With a length of 8.85 inches and a weight of 12.8 ounces, the Streamlight Stinger is compact and easy to carry.
Pros
- High Brightness
- Amazing Battery Life
- Durable Material
- Very solid
- Easy to use
- Small and comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
Good LED Camping Torch
9. MagLite ST3D116 Flashlight
Maglite ST3D116 is a powerful flashlight that is made to last. It is made with superior quality craftsmanship, including weather-resistant seals and anodized inside and out for improved corrosion resistance. This flashlight is ideal for keeping in your first aid kit or camping tote when you need a little additional light. In addition, Maglite ST3D116 comes with a premium lifetime warranty, making it the best flashlight for summer camp.
With its reliable construction and bright light, the Maglite ST3D116 will be a trusty companion on all your adventures.
The Maglite ST3D116 flashlight is a well-made light that should last a lifetime. It is built using metal, very little plastic, and it is assembled in the USA. As a result, this flashlight is a durable light that will provide years of reliable service.
Pros
- Trusted Brand
- Easy to use
- Water Resistant and Durable
- Flexibility to use rechargeable batteries
- Includes a Warranty
Cons
- A bit heavy to carry
How To Choose A Best Flashlight For Camping ?
Let’s discuss some of the factors you should consider while buying a camping flashlight.
Brightness
Brightness is the first factor that you need to look for. A higher number of lumens means more brightness, and a lower number means low brightness. Different camping flashlight brands offer different lumens ranges. So, knowing what you need before shopping for one is essential.
The most common range for camping flashlights with LEDs is between 300 and 700 lumens, and this range will be sufficient for most campers and hikers. Those who want to see farther away should consider buying a lamp with more than 700 lumens.
The number of Lightning modes
The best camping flashlight should have a high number of modes. Usually, a camping flashlight should have at least three low, medium, and high modes. These modes are helpful in various situations like reading, cooking, or finding your way through a dark area.
Extra options like strobe mode and SOS aren’t necessary for everyday use (and can be confusing to others), but they can come in handy in an emergency. These options increase your chances of being found if you are missing or wounded.
Battery Types
Mainly, there are three types of batteries, NIMH, Lithium, and alkaline; let’s discuss them in detail so that you can decide which one is good for you.
- Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
NiMH batteries are the most common rechargeable battery. NiMH batteries have a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries, but they can be recharged up to 1,000 times before they wear out. They are also environmentally friendly because they do not contain any toxic chemicals.
- Lithium
Lithium is a light metal found in natural form in compounds like lithium chloride and lithium carbonate. Lithium-ion batteries use an electrochemical reaction with lithium ions to produce electricity. This type of battery is expensive and has a higher energy density than other rechargeable battery cells such as NiMH or Lead Acid.
- Alkaline
These are the most often used batteries (AAs or AAAs) in our daily lives. Alkaline batteries are the most reliable backup option for hikers because they can charge even when not in use. Lastly, Alkaline batteries are the cheapest type of battery and have a long shelf life.
Waterproof
A waterproof camping flashlight is an important consideration when going for a camping trip. There are three common resistance levels – IPX4, IPX7, and IPX8.
- IPX4 means that the flashlight is water-resistant but not waterproof. It is suitable for most outdoor activities.
- IPX7 means that the flashlight is waterproof and can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. It is suitable for most outdoor activities, including fishing or hunting in rainy weather.
- IPX8 means that the flashlight can be submerged up to two meters of water for four hours or more than two meters of water continuously without any damage caused by the moisture. It is suitable for underwater diving or other underwater activities like rescuing someone from drowning or finding something on the bottom of a riverbed.
Lightweight
Always try to consider a lightweight camping flashlight. Lightweight camping flashlights are an excellent choice because they are easier to carry around than traditional bulky models. They also use less power and produce a brighter light, which can be helpful when trying to find your way around camp in the dark.
Controls
Most comping flashlights have an on/off switch on the tail cap. Some people will use a half-press or numerous pushes to select other modes to switch it on. Others will pick the mode with a second side button. Some of the more advanced ones allow you to control the brightness by rotating your wrist. Investing a bit more in a lantern with a memory function is worthwhile. This implies that if you choose a mode and then turn it off, it will return to that mode when you turn it back on.
Durability
When buying a best camping torch, it is essential to consider the product’s durability. The best camping flashlight should be able to withstand rough handling and harsh weather conditions. So If you are looking for a durable camping flashlight, you should consider investing in one with an aluminum body. This material is highly durable and will last for many years.
FAQs
How many lumens do I need for a camping flashlight?
The flashlight’s lumen is the measure of how much light it produces. The higher the number, the brighter it will be. The good camping flashlight should have a minimum of 300 lumens and a maximum of 800 lumens.
What brand of the flashlight is best?
Streamlight is one of the most popular brands of flashlights. They are known for their high-quality, durable, and reliable products. They also have a wide range of prices, so customers can find a flashlight that suits their budget.
Conclusion
We hope that we were able to assist you in searching for the best flashlights for camping and outdoor. Keep in mind that, as we already stated, each product on our list has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. After extensive testing, every product’s description was prepared, so you don’t have to buy each one. It is also essential for you to do your research before making any decision.
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