3 Best Flashlights For Camping

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Hey there campers and welcome to my post discussing my three best flashlights for camping this year. Now you might be wondering if you need to pack a camping flashlight since there are plenty of more suitable lighting options available. Well here are some excellent reasons for you:

  1. It is always wise to pack reserve lighting gear when you are in the wild. You will never know what could happen.
  2. The forest floor is not like your typical urban pavement; it is littered with roots, rocks, holes, and even wild snakes. A powerful camping flashlight will help you see whatever is out there in the dark woods.
  3. You can use a camping flashlight to defend yourself against any intrusions from wildlife.
  4. You send an emergency signal using a flashlight.
  5. If you decide to answer nature’s call in the middle of the night, you can navigate your way around without waking the rest of the campsite.

As you consider the number of camping flashlights available on the market today, deciding which one is best for you could be time-consuming. So to make things a little easier I have had a look around and come up with some options for you below…

My three recommended flashlights for camping

I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:

 Camping FlashlightPriceGet it
flashlights for camping - GearLight LED FlashlightGearLight LED Flashlight Pack$CURRENT PRICE
flashlights for camping - AlpsWolf Rechargeable FlashlightAlpsWolf Rechargeable Flashlight$$CURRENT PRICE
flashlights for camping - LE Rechargeable LED Camping LanternLE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern$$CURRENT PRICE

What are flashlights for camping?

In all honesty, any flashlight can be used for camping so if the batteries are charged and it works, then it could probably do the trick. Camping flashlights however are designed to be a reliable lighting companion for your outdoor adventures. They emit very bright light and are more durable to withstand the rough treatment that camping often entails.

As above, for general nighttime camping, a LED light strip or lantern may better suit. However, for intermittent or focused lighting requirements, a camping flashlight is a well needed option too. Lastly, some also have other valuable additions that will benefit you, such as an emergency power bank for your smartphones.

flashlights for camping - flashlight

What should you be looking for?

Below are some of the main factors you should take into account as you shop for a good flashlight for camping:

  1. Light intensity
  2. Battery life
  3. Weight and size
  4. Light modes
  5. Durability
  6. Additions

Light intensity

The brightness of flashlights is determined in lumens and the more lumens, then technically the greater the illumination that the flashlight will give. For your camping needs, 300 – 1000 lumens should suffice. Less than that, and you will get a dull, ineffective light, more and the light may blind the area you are attempting to illuminate, rendering it impossible to see what you’re aiming the flashlight at. Nonetheless, a bright flashlight can be handy at times.

The light intensity can also influence the beam distance or how far the light can travel before dissipating. Typically, you would want a flashlight with the longest beam distance possible – just keep it away from the tents of others…

Battery life

Some of the best camping flashlights are powered by specialized batteries that last for several hours. Some can be activated for 10 to 24 hours, with some lasting even longer. Manufacturers usually list run time on their product pages so always consider how long the light will work for to ensure that it is adequate for your needs.

Those who will only use their flashlight for a few seconds or minutes at a time will probably not find this an issue. However, obviously others who will be using their flashlight for extended periods, such as nighttime hiking, should purchase one with a longer run time.

Weight and size

When it comes to flashlights, size does matter. You may prefer something small enough to fit in your pocket, or you may choose a product with plenty of hand and grip space. Camping flashlights range in size from small key chains to large models, such as the size of your forearm.

As with anything to do with camping, the larger the product, the less portable it is will be.

flashlights for camping - man with flashlight

Light modes

Due to the technology available today, flashlights you find on the market have varying light modes. Most camping flashlights have more than one lights setting allowing you to choose between a lower lighting level (which extends battery life) and full brightness. Other additional settings, such as strobe and SOS, may be required for basic camping as they can be helpful in emergencies, night hiking or even a good game of spotlight.

Durability

Best-selling camping flashlights are tough enough to endure the rugged environment of the wild. When it comes to durability, it is practical to select a product that is resistant to dust, shock, and splashes of water on all sides. A durable flashlight is applicable for any type of adventure, such as kayaking and mountain climbing.

Additions

  1. Powerbank – In case your smartphones reach a critical battery level, you can use the camping flashlight to charge their batteries.
  2. Power indicator – You are alerted about how much battery the product still has. With this feature, you can have your extra batteries ready to replace the drained ones.
  3. Holsters – This addition usually comes if you are buying tactical flashlights. In order to keep them in place, you can secure them in their respective holsters.
  4. Zoomable – Some camping flashlights allow you to adjust the brightness, which is all about the lens. With a zoomable lens, you can get light variations by moving the zoom in and out. The light then becomes more concentrated (appearing brighter) or more dispersed (dimmer).

My three recommendations broken down

So, based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. GearLight LED Flashlight Pack

This first flashlight set is a tactical option that can illuminate a distance of 1000 feet. It is equipped with a zoomable lens as well as 5 light modes of all camping needs. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: GearLight
  • Lumen: 1000
  • Weight: .32 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches
  • Material: Metal
  • Power source: AAA battery

Other inclusions:

  • Battery holders
  • Lanyards
  • Holster
  • Waterproof
  • Zoomable lens
  • Five operating modes

Why have I chosen it?

As above, this product offers five operating modes which you can use for a number of situations with the ability to cast a wide spotlight on any dark area. The product has superb durability and, according to the manufacturer, it can survive a fall from a height of 20 feet as well as being able to be temporarily submerged under water. And with two in the pack, there is one for you and one for the kids too!


2. AlpsWolf Rechargeable Flashlight

This second option is made from hard plastic making it durable yet lightweight with illuminating capabilities of up to 10 – 20 hours straight use. This is due to the 10000mAh Li-ion batteries that power the product which can also assist in charging flat smartphones as well. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: AlpsWolf
  • Lumen: 1200
  • Weight: 1.23 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎7 x 5.2 x 4 inches
  • Material: Hard plastic
  • Power source: Rechargeable battery lithium-ion

Other inclusions:

  • Power bank
  • Power indicator
  • 3 + 4 light modes

Why have I chosen it?

The light intensity and beam distance of this product are noteworthy with a 1200 lumen strength that reaches up to 800 meters. It also comes with an IP44 rating that explains why this lighting gear is shockproof, dust proof, and waterproof. A great option for family camping trips where a number of light uses are required.


3. LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern

My last recommendation consists of three light sources – a front spotlight, a side lantern, and a side flashing light. Its lighting power reaches a distance of 1640 feet (500m) and is perfect for both general lighting and finding your way at night. And for emergencies, there is also a side flashing red light as well. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: LE
  • Lumen: 1000
  • Weight: 1.92 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎9.84 x 4.92 x 6.89 inches
  • Material: Thick-walled plastic
  • Power source: Built-in rechargeable batteries

Other inclusions:

  • Flashing red light
  • Power bank
  • USB cable
  • USB port
  • Water-resistant
  • Five lighting modes
  • Battery indicator

Why have I chosen it?

My final product has five different lighting modes which can assist with varying lighting needs with a length-adjustable shoulder strap coupled with a large comfortable handle for greater portability. Charging your small electronic devices is also possible since the built-in battery functions as a power bank as well. This high-end camping flashlight is a good investment for any type of camper.

Conclusion

And there they are, my three best flashlights for camping this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul

Flashlights for camping - Pinterest

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2 thoughts on “3 Best Flashlights For Camping”

  1. Fenix store has impressive camping flashlights that won’t hurt your pocket. They also give 20% discounts on first purchase, aside from this their products are indeed well-built and portable.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Paul

I am a passionate fishing, camping and four wheeled driving hobbyist who researches, tests and educates around issues and equipment relevant to them.

I am by no means a professional however my passion is to assist you in making informed decisions about buying and using awesome gear that will give you the best chance of success at whatever you are doing for the best price.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Paul