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Ever been out enjoying your hike but had to turn back for fear of losing light?
It can be so frustrating! You got up early, you've hiked all day. The summit is so close. And you realise you will have to turn back. You know the sun will be setting soon and you won't be able to find your way back unless you hurry. ARGHHH!
However, with a bit of planning, there may be a better option for you. It seems silly when you are filling your backpack with trail mix, water and protective clothing, to consider including backpacking flashlights. Why would you want to weigh yourself down and waste space that way? Not so silly though when you are tripping home along the trail with nothing to light your way!
We found some flashlights that will save the day (light). Have a look below and see the selection of the best flashlights we found, appropriate for your hiking needs.
How We Uncover The Best For You
Having experienced the frustration of a hiking trip cut short, I was keen to help find a better solution for you. With so many flashlights on offer, the mountain of reviews to read can be intimidating - and so we do it for you! I got the team to help me again. Calling on our experience we are sure to shine a light on the best products we can find. We found a dazzling array of hiking flashlights on offer and have highlighted them below:
Best For Versatility
We Chose This Because
- Compact
- Portability Features
- Versatile User Features
Things We Love
The GearLight TAC LED Flashlight is a high-quality 2-pack light set that is made from military-grade aluminum. It is strong, water resistant, and durable when dropped.
The flashlight has a one-touch technology that makes it easy to use. The light is bright and has long battery life. It is perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, or any other outdoor activity.
The light is also great for emergencies. It is small and compact so it can be easily carried in a purse or pocket.
Things To Know
The GearLight TAC LED Flashlight is a great option. It is zoomable, making it versatile for different situations. It comes with two lanyards and two belt clips, so you can always keep it within reach.
And it uses either 3x AAA batteries or 1x 18650 battery, so you can choose the power option that best suits your needs. For all these reasons, the GearLight TAC LED Flashlight is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and bright flashlight.
Best For Beginners
We Chose This Because
- Impact Resistant
- Compact
- Efficient Lighting
Things We Love
The Le LED Flashlight is a pocket-sized flashlight perfect for use out on the trail. It is small and compact with an anti-slip grip design that makes it easy to hold and use. The flashlight boasts a beam distance of 150m! LED light bulbs make it a good choice for longevity.
Things To Know
The LE LED flashlight is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and durable light. This flashlight is made with premium aluminum casing and is impact resistant, making it ideal for use in any environment.
It is also water resistant to IPX4, making it perfect for use in misty weather conditions. In addition, this flashlight features a zoomable lens, making it easy to adjust the light intensity to suit your needs.
With its three AAA batteries, this flashlight is sure to provide bright and efficient lighting when you need it most.
Best For Bright Durability
We Chose This Because
- Extremely Resilient
- User Friendly
- Variable Lighting
Things We Love
The STREAMLIGHT 88065 Pro Tac HL-X 1 is an extremely durable flashlight. Made of military-spec aluminum,
It's designed to be 2m impact resistant, which means if you accidentally drop the flashlight from a height of up to 2m, you should be fine. This flashlight is IPX7 water resistant to a meter's depth. So not good for deep sea diving, but perfect for trekking along river banks in the rain. Which makes this flashlight a great choice for hiking.
Things To Know
This STREAMLIGHT LED flashlight is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and lightweight flashlight. It features a pocket clip and nylon holster for easy carrying, and its push button makes it easy to operate. The 10 multi-function settings include low, high, and strobe modes, so you can choose the right light output setting for your needs.
The high mode gives you maximum brightness. The low mode conserves battery power, so you can run the flashlight for up to 20 hours on a single charge. The batteries are also easy to change - just use either 18650 Li-Ion or CR123A batteries.
Whether you're looking for a flashlight for hiking or just need a reliable light for your campsite, the STREAMLIGHT 88065 Pro Tac HL-X 1 is a great option.
Best Value All Round
Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90
A Cracking Choice For Hikers Who Want The Best Bang For Their Buck
We Chose This Because
- Affordable
- Powerful Light
- Robust
Things We Love
The Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 is a powerful and versatile flashlight that is perfect for a variety of applications. With a consistent LED output of 900 lumens, it is bright enough to light up trails.
Additionally, the zoom feature allows you to focus the light beam on a specific area, making it ideal for tasks such as looking for trail markers. The five different settings also allow you to customize the light output to suit your needs, and the flashlight remembers your previous setting for convenience.
Finally, the 3350mAh batteries are USB rechargeable, making it easy to keep the flashlight powered up and ready to go.
Things To Know
The Anker Flashlight is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable, bright flashlight. It is water resistant and made of durable anodized aluminum, so it can withstand rough conditions.
It is also sized to fit in your pocket and comes with a handy wrist strap perfect for keeping your flashlight handy. The solid build and bright light output make it a great choice for any outdoor activity.
Best Overall Flashlight For Hiking
We Chose This Because
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Innovative Features
Things We Love
If you're looking for an excellent flashlight for trekking adventures, the Fenix PD36R is a great option. Weighing only 3ozs it is lightweight and, thanks to the great wrist strap and belt clip, easy to carry.
It does still, however, packs a powerful punch with a maximum output of 1600 lumens. It also has a long runtime, so you can keep hiking even after dark. If you use the eco-mode of 30 lumens, you can get 115 hours of use before needing to recharge the flashlight. And the handy battery level indicator means you won't be kept in the dark.
In addition, PD36R is equipped with a built-in USB charging port and includes a charging cable, so you can easily recharge it on the go. It takes only 4 hours to fully recharge the flashlight using the USB port.
Things To Know
Made from durable anodized aluminum, the Fenix PD36R Flashlight is impact resistant from 1m and water-resistant to IPX68 @ 2-meter submersible, making it ideal for hiking activities.
With a maximum beam distance of 283m, the flashlight is sure to light up your path, so you can enjoy your hike without worry. So, if you're looking for a reliable and durable flashlight for your next hike, the Fenix PD36R is a great choice.
Best Flashlight For You?
When it comes to choosing hiking flashlights, there are some things you need to take into consideration. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. But we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
What Is A Good Flashlight For Hiking?
When choosing a hiking or a backpacking flashlight, there are several factors to consider:
Size and Weight
Think about the size and weight of the flashlight. You'll want to make sure that your flashlight is small and lightweight enough to carry with you on your hike. A larger flashlight may be more difficult to carry, but it will probably also provide more light output.
Power
Consider the lumens and power of the flashlight. The brightness of a flashlight is measured in lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light will be. When choosing a hiking flashlight, you'll want to make sure that it has enough lumens to light up your path ahead. A good rule of thumb is to choose a flashlight with at least 100 lumens.
Beam Distance and Angle
Another important factor to consider when choosing a flashlight is the beam distance and angle. The beam distance is the distance that the light can travel, while the angle is the width of the beam.
You'll want to make sure that your flashlight has a beam distance that's suitable for your needs. For example, if you're planning on using it for short hikes, then you won't need a flashlight with a long beam distance.
However, if you're planning on using it for longer hikes, then you'll want to make sure that it has a long beam distance. The angle of the beam is also important. A wider beam will provide you with more light, while a narrower beam will allow you to see further ahead.
Battery Life
You'll also want to consider the runtime of the flashlight. The best flashlight with a long runtime will be more useful on extended hikes. Whether your flashlight uses batteries, rechargeable batteries or has a USB charging, check the runtime before you hit the trail
Durability and Water Resistance
Think about durability and water resistance. A durable flashlight will be able to withstand rough conditions, vital to you when you are out in the wild.
To decide whether a flashlight will be able to withstand being dropped in a puddle understand what water resistance rating it has. IPX4 means that the product will work in light rain but not in heavy rain. IP5 and IP6 rates as "resistant" with a little water penetrating their surface area for short periods of time (a few hours). Finally, IP7 indicates it can withstand depths up to 1 meter before performance drastically reduces.
The Best Hiking Flashlights - Your Questions Answered
By now you probably have an idea what flashlight for hiking or backpacking you like and are already starting to plan your hike, but we thought it would be even more enlightening if we shared with you, some of the questions other hikers have asked about these flashlights.
Your Answers Are Just A Short Distance Away, Keep Reading!
How Many Lumens Do You Need For A Hiking Flashlight?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of terrain you'll be hiking in, the time of day, and the weather conditions.
Some hikers prefer a hiking or backpacking flashlight with at least 100 lumens. This way, you can see clearly in lower light conditions and be sure to avoid tripping over any obstacles in your path.
Other hikers are happy with a very low level of lumens and are happy to let their eyes adjust, and feed off ambient light from the moon or surroundings to guide them. Sometimes an early morning hike to see the sunrise is possible by moonlight, but its a much safer experience if you bring along your flashlight.
Something else to consider would be the width of the beam. Full flood is useful when you want to get your bearings. The best backpacking flashlight with a lot of throw would be more sensible if you need to pick up trail markers when the sun has set.
How Many Lumens Is A Phone Flashlight?
Your mobile device's flashlight might only produce 40 - 50 Lumens. The beam produces a diffused light that illuminates nearby spaces well enough and is perfect for reading maps and such. So not necessary
What Does EDC Stand For In Flashlights?
EDC stands for “everyday carry” and refers to items that you carry with you on a daily basis. A flashlight is a great example of an EDC item – it’s small, portable, and can be extremely useful in a variety of situations.
Some hikers prefer smaller flashlights that can be easily carried in a pocket, while others prefer larger models that offer more power and runtime and can be included in their backpacks.
How Can I Make My Flashlight Brighter?
There are a few things you can do to make your flashlight brighter.
First, make sure the batteries are fresh and properly inserted into the flashlight. If the batteries are old or corroded, they won't provide enough power to the light bulb and it will be dimmer.
Flashlights come with different charging options like USB charging or a rechargeable battery, so have a look and see what you have.
Second, try using a stronger light bulb. A higher-wattage light bulb will produce more light than a lower-wattage bulb.
Finally, make sure the lens of the flashlight is clean and clear. If it's dirty or foggy, it will reduce the amount of light that is emitted from the flashlight.
What Does It Mean If My Flashlight Is Flickering?
Your flashlight may be flickering for a variety of reasons. It could be due to a loose connection somewhere in the circuitry, or a problem with one of the batteries.
Alternatively, it could be that the filament inside the bulb is coming loose. You may want to check for dust or particles in the battery compartment, especially if you have been adventuring in a rugged environment.
If you notice your flashlight is beginning to flicker, it's important to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible. If left unchecked, a flickering light could eventually lead to a complete loss of light output - and become quite frustrating in a dark room!
Try inspecting the batteries first to see if they need replacing. If this doesn't solve the problem, then take a look at the bulb to see if it needs tightening or replacing. Lastly, check the connectors to ensure they're all secure.
One extra thing to consider is if your flashlight has a strobe setting alongside its high and low modes, you may have accidentally turned on the strobe setting as it would in emergency situations. Don't worry it has happened to all of us.
Finally, if your flashlight is going to be unused for an extended period of time, remove the batteries so they don't leak and damage the light.
Following these simple tips should help you get the most out of your flashlight batteries.
What Is The Use Of A Flashlight In Hiking?
A good tactical flashlight is an important tool to have when hiking, camping, or doing any other outdoor activity. Not only can it provide light in difficult and dangerous situations, but it can also help you signal for help if necessary.
A good hiking or backpacking flashlight should emit a bright light that can illuminate a long distance, and it should also be durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions.
It's a good idea to bring a flashlight with you whenever you go hiking, especially if you are hiking in an area that is known for its darkness or if there is a chance of losing track of time and ending up hiking in the dark.
By having a hiking or backpacking flashlight with you, you can be prepared for anything and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
Why Is A Flashlight Important In Mountaineering?
A flashlight is an important tool for any mountain climber or hiker. It can help you see obstacles in your path and avoid dangerous areas. If you do get lost or stranded, a flashlight can also be used to signal for help.
Many flashlights have different light modes, including a strobe mode flashing setting that can be especially useful for getting someone's attention.
In addition to its uses as a safety tool, a flashlight can also come in handy as a general-purpose tool. It can be used to break ice or light a fire - two things that are definitely helpful when you're hiking in the mountains!
So next time you head out on a hike, make sure you pack a flashlight. It could just save your life.
How Can I Extend My Flashlight's Battery Life?
Hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but it's important to be prepared. One essential item for any hike is a reliable flashlight, but you don't want to get stuck in the dark with a dead flashlight! Here are a few things you can do to extend your flashlight's battery life:
Make sure you are using fresh batteries. Older batteries will not have as much power and will die more quickly. Additionally (especially if your flashlight needs three AAA batteries), quality matters - if you get good quality AAA batteries they are likely to last much longer, so you won't have to replace them as often!
Some hikers prefer to buy a flashlight with rechargeable batteries. You may even want to grab a rechargeable battery flashlight, so you can drain the battery life and then recharge them when you're back at camp!
Avoid high-drain devices. Some flashlights have high-output LEDs that use a lot of power and will drain the batteries quickly. If your flashlight has an adjustable beam or eco mode, use the lower setting when possible to conserve power.
Make sure you have fresh batteries that are well-charged. Only use the light when you need it - there's no need to keep it on all the time.
Keep your flashlight clean and free of dirt and debris. A clean lens will allow more light to pass through, making it easier on the batteries.
Finally, if your flashlight is going to be unused for an extended period of time, remove the batteries so they don't leak and damage the light.
Following these simple tips should help you get the most out of your hiking or backpacking flashlight batteries.
With so many choices out there it took some time for us to choose the best flashlights for you. Having already pinpointed our best flashlights for camping, this time we really needed to focus on what you would need from a flashlight if you were caught out wild in the dark. So now that you have seen the light, let's recap:
Our Choice For Versatility
Our Choice For Beginners
Our Choice For A Durable Bright Light
STREAMLIGHT 88065 Pro Tac HL-X 1
Our Choice For All Round Value
Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90
Our Choice For Best Flashlight Overall
Fenix PD36R Tactical Flashlight
It was fun writing this article on flashlights for you. Yes, the play on words throughout was intentional! Seriously though, I hope that by making your choices clearer, you have more time for fun. Go ahead with planning your next all-day hike comforted in the knowledge that your trusted flashlight will light your way home.
Keep Asking Questions And We Will Keep Finding Answers For You.
