Choosing the Best Camping Flashlight

Goes without saying, a camper would need suitable clothing, food, water, camping cot, and a way to light a fire to survive in the wilderness. Beyond these things, if a camper doesn’t carry a flashlight, he/she could end up having a miserable trip. Try sneaking into your dark tent without a flashlight. Trust us; you will have a hard time doing even the simplest activity in the absence of a flashlight.

You won’t be able to read the map, get off your camping cot without bothering others, find your beer, or keep your food off the insects. Basically, a flashlight rules when you go camping, night-hiking, or fishing. As seasoned campers would say, ‘No camping or hiking trip is successful without a flashlight.’ A flashlight is a necessary evil when camping to help a camper survive while having a great time in the wilderness.

Flashlight in the forest

Fortunately, there are plenty of camping flashlights with various advantages. On a broader level, camping flashlights are classified into three categories—handheld flashlights, headlamps, and lantern. Let’s give you a short brief about each of them so that you know exactly what you should consider on your next trip into the backwoods.

  1. Handheld Flashlight
    As the name hints, it’s a hand-held portable electric light. It will generate a strong beam of light to brighten up a dark area. It can also be used to send signals in case of emergencies
  2. Headlamps
    A headlamp will keep your hands free. So, it won’t get in your way of doing anything. Since it will be affixed to the head, the angle of the light will always be in the direction where the camper/hiker is looking.
  3. Lanterns
    Unlike the handheld flashlights or headlamps, a lantern will shed light in almost all directions. When the sun comes down, a lantern can really shine. So, you won’t be fumbling in the dark.

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter. If you are not sure about the camping flashlight you need to carry on your next trip, allow us to shed some light on the best options available for you.

Top Ten Handheld Flashlights Reviews

Construction wise, handheld flashlights involve fewer parts versus a headlamp or a lantern. As a result, they are highly affordable and extremely useful for common camping tasks. Not to undermine the fact that they can take more beating than their rivals. Simply put, they are manufactured to be more durable and productive than headlamps and lanterns. Therefore, entry-level handheld flashlights can be a great choice for all the budget-conscious flashlight shoppers out there. Below is the comparison table of reviewed handheld flashlights.

NameTypeMax LumensSizeWeight (without batteries)Weight (with batteries)Battery 
1TAC 1200 Flashlight
Tactical12005.09"5.6 oz6.8 oz3x AAA or 18650 Rechargeable (not included)Check Price
Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro LED PenLight with HolsterPenLight905.3"1.64 oz2.46 oz2x AAA (included)Check price
Maglite LED 2 Cell D FlashlightFull Size16810"14.08 oz23 oz2 D-Cell (included)Check Price
Maglite LED 3 Cell D FlashlightFull Size16812.3"15 oz30 oz3 D-Cell (not included)Check Price
Anker Super Bright Tactical FlashlightTactical9006.2"6.2 oz7.8 oz18650 Rechargeable (included)Check Price
PeakPlus Super Bright LED Flashlight
Tactical10005.3"5.5 oz7.1 oz18650 Rechargeable (included), charger includedCheck Price
Streamlight 88066 Pro Tac Rail Mount HL-XTactical10005.43"5.9 oz6.4 oz2x CR123A batteries (included)/1 18650 Li Ion rechargeable battery (optional)Check Price
WdtPro Waterproof Military Grade Tactical Flashlight (2 pcs)Tactical10006.1"5.7 oz6.9 oz3x AAA or 18650 Rechargeable (not included)Check Price
NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable FlashlightSpotlight10006x6x3"10.5 oz15.2 oz4x 18500 Rechargeable (included)Check Price
STANLEY SL10LEDS Black 920-Lumen FATMAXSpotlight9209x4x11"8.8 oz13.5 ozRechargeable (included)Check Price

That said, let’s discuss the top products in this category.

  1. 1TAC 1200 Flashlight

1TAC 1200 flashlight

This military grade flashlight features a Cree LED XM-L2 LED technology that can deliver 25 times more output than your traditional flashlight. Featuring five modes, the 1TAC 1200 flashlight is one of the brightest rechargeable flashlights that you could ever own. It lights up the targeted area like nothing else out there. The device runs on 18650 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery or 3 (AAA) batteries. Excluding the batteries, the flashlight weighs 5.6 oz. And, the item dimensions are as follows: 5.09 in X 1.90.

Product Highlights

  • This isn’t your regular flashlight. The product has been a great hit with the members of the Armed Forces as well. According to the makers, the rivals may be able to clone the design, but they won’t be able to clone the performance of this flashlight.
  • The 1TAC 1200 flashlight is built like a military tank. Constructed from aircraft grade aluminum, the thing can work even when it’s dropped on fire or freezing water. Better yet, the company behind the flashlight offers a 30-day warranty against manufacturing defects.

Pros

  • As hinted before, the flashlight features 5 different modes—high, low, medium, SOB, and Strobe.
  • The lamp lifespan on this flashlight is second to none. According to reports, it stretches up to 100,000 hours.
  • It’s light and compact. Therefore, campers/hikers can carry the flashlight anywhere on the go without any hiccups.
  • The 1TAC 1200 flashlight has a waterproof body. And, it has a slip-resistant design to it.
  • It’s almost impossible to find an equally capable flashlight like this one at its price range.

Cons

  • The price may seem rather high for the flashlight But if you buy 2 or more devices at a time, you get a big discount.
  • Guys with lighter wallet may not like the fact that the sellers don’t include batteries in the deal.
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  1. Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro LED PenLight with Holster

If you need a flashlight that could fit into your pockets, this Streamlight 66118 LED PenLight should be in your radar. This little device is sturdy, powerful, and durable, all at the same time, without being a heavyweight burden for everyday use. Diameter-wise, it’s slightly larger than a pen. Yet, it delivers amazing output. It’s one of the brightest small flashlights that money can get.

Product Highlights

  • The Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro LED PenLight is extremely light, slim, and compact. One can easily carry this PenLight in their pant pockets without letting anyone know that it’s even there. Basically, you could completely forget about this pocket flashlight until it’s needed.
  • This product is sold in different style and colors to meet diverse user expectations. The available color choices are as follows: Matte Black, Orange, Silver, Red, Blue, and Lime Green View Less. No matter what color or style you choose, you will get a dependable flashlight for everyday use.
  • You can buy this flashlight in multiple variations, such as USB Rechargeable or Inspection light version.

Pros

  • For a PenLight, it’s surprisingly bright. Furthermore, this handy little gadget is waterproof, and the battery life easily exceeds the number thrown out by the manufacturer. As such, the flashlight comes with two ‘AAA’ alkaline batteries.
  • You can completely mistreat this flashlight, and it will still last for several years and beyond. The only way to get rid of this flashlight is to wait for it to get stolen.

Cons:

  • The on/off button is a tad bit stiff. So, you will have to apply a little more pressure than usual to make the on/off function work. On the bright side, this means that it would be almost impossible to turn the button on by accident.
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  1. Maglite LED 2 or 3 Cell D Flashlight

 Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight, Black

Perfect on occasions of power cuts or camping, the Maglite LED 2 or 3 Cell D Flashlight can easily be anyone’s go-to flashlight. It’s noticeably brighter than your regular flashlight, and it’s very ruggedly made to not break due to harsh usage. And, the battery on this thing doesn’t drain too fast. Basically, it has an insane battery life.

Product Highlights

  • For a budget flashlight, the workmanship on this little device is simply unmatched. Seriously, this thing is heavy duty. You can easily smash someone’s face with it. Furthermore, this flashlight is sold in several different attractive colors such as black, gray, blue, silver, red, and universal camo pattern.
  • The modifications available are 2 and 3 cell D batteries
  • Visual LED bar graph indicates the voltage presence.

Pros

  • This weather-resistant flashlight has a nice, focused beam to it. Better yet, the range on this device is extremely long for the lumens (168 lm) it possesses.
  • The Maglite flashlight is made in the USA and not some unknown territories of China. It has the look, feel, and power of a high-end flashlight.
  • The battery life on this flashlight is around 79 hours (tested under ANSI rules). So, you can expect a considerate amount of runtime on every charge.

Cons

  • Compared to other tactical flashlights, this one is a bit on the heavier side of the spectrum. Also, it’s not rechargeable. So, this product is definitely not for guys looking for the best rechargeable flashlight.
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  1. Anker Super Bright Tactical Flashlight

Anker Super Bright Tactical Flashlight, Rechargeable

The Anker Super Bright Tactical Flashlight is a highly dependable device for real-world conditions. It’s a solid performer with a logical design and excellent features. For anyone who understands this market will be able to tell that the product delivers a solid punch in a pocket-sized package. To know more about this brightest small flashlight, keep reading.

Product Highlights

  • As hinted before, this tactical flashlight is loaded with features. It’s extremely bright, rechargeable, long-lasting, water-resistant, and budget-friendly too. Even the packaging on this thing is praise-worthy. For those who don’t know, the flashlight is rated at 900 lumens. The makers aren’t a lumen off on this estimate.

Pros

  • The Anker Super flashlight is weather-proof. Campers and hikers would be glad to know that the device can withstand heavy rain as well.
  • This flashlight delivers a focused output. This can come really handy in getting people’s attention. The device also comes with a memory function.

Cons

  • It takes a while to charge this tactical flashlight. Expect to devote around 5-6 hours to charge the 3350mAh battery. That said, the flashlight’s battery life is quite good.
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  1. PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight

The PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight is a handy pocket light for all situations. It has powerful brightness, weather-resistant body, and high-quality components to it. And, this well-made piece of technology is light enough to be easily carried in the wilderness.

Product Highlights

  • The PeakPlus Tactical flashlight has five different useful modes of operation. All of the five modes are nice and practical. And, this flashlight comes with a rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery and a high-quality charger. It’s easily one of the best rechargeable flashlights out there on the market today.

Pros

  • The zoom feature on this flashlight comes really handy when you drop an object on the floor and can’t find it. Moreover, the strong beam from this flashlight really sets it apart from the crowd.
  • The company provides a one-year warranty on this flashlight. If there is any problem, you can return it to an address, and a couple of days later a new flashlight will show up at your doorsteps.

Cons

  • The grip surface on this tactical flashlight isn’t the best. If you don’t mind this minor product flaw, you can absolutely pull the trigger on this camping flashlight.
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  1. Streamlight 88066 Pro Tac Rail Mount HL-X, 1,000 Lumen Professional Tactical Flashlight

Whether you are a camper, hiker, or an offshore fisherman, you will enjoy holding this device in your hand. It’s small, yet very powerful and practical for its intended use. The weight and size of this light are also perfect for both outdoor and indoor use.

Product Highlights

  • As the title hints, it comes with 1000 lumens of blinding power. With a runtime of 25 hours, this Streamlight flashlight is sold in three attractive colors—black, blue, and pink. For those who are not aware, Streamlight is a reputable company that enjoys great foothold in the flashlight market.

Pros

  • The beam on this thing is bright and smooth in all settings. All three modes (high, low, and strobe) are easy to access. Moreover, the range of usable light on this product is simply phenomenal for a flashlight of this size.
  • Given the built-quality, this flashlight can be used as a blunt weapon against criminals. It can also be used to blind an attacker temporarily. Furthermore, dropping this flashlight won’t turn it into a worthless commodity.

Cons

  • One noticeable thing that might irk you about this flashlight is that it does not give low battery warnings. Your best bet over here would be to just hope that it doesn’t turn off at absolute worse scenarios.
  • The product doesn’t come with required instructions on how to program the flashlight. That said, it’s not a rocket science feat to figure this thing out on your own.
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  1. 2pcs Tactical Flashlight, WdtPro Waterproof Military Grade Tac Light

If you are a frequent wild and woods visitor, you might want to consider this set of WdtPro Waterproof Military Grade Tac Light. This flashlight is great for camping, fishing, hiking, fixing a car in the evening, and all other general purpose use.

Product Highlights

  • The product works on 18650 Lithium-ion battery or 3pcs AAA battery. With 5 different modes and high lumens of 1000, it delivers great LED output. And, it’s thoughtfully designed to be weather-proof.
  • This flashlights are sold in the pack of two items for the same very reasonable price.

Pros

  • To minimize shopping risk, the makers of this flashlight offer a hassle-free two-year warranty on the product.
  • It’s easy to be impressed by the brightness and the distance of this small life-saving device.

Cons

  • The power source (batteries) is not included.
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  1. 2 pcs Wsky LED Tactical Flashlight -Best S1800 Powerful Waterproof Flashlight

This battery-powered flashlight is waterproof, practical, durable, reliable, and bright. It features multiple modes as well. The flashlight is perfect for hunting, fishing, camping, and everyday use. For starters, this flashlight operates on AAA batteries.

Product Highlights

  • The flashlight has a metal frame to it, and it comes without a high price tag. Keep in mind that you get 2 pcs of Wsky LED Tactical Flashlight for the asking price. So, it’s easy to get more than your money’s worth from this deal.
  • Wsky Tactical Flashlights are sold in the pack of two items for the same price.

Pros

  • Since some individuals forget to put things back in their respective place, having two flashlights is a great plus point.
  • A wrist strap is thrown in for no extra cost as well. The flashlight is good for early morning walks as well as self-defense situations.

Cons

  • Sometimes, the beam focusing can be a tad bit off for a user’s preference.
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  1. NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight

NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight

If you need a good performer at a good price, the NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight should be in your wish list.   This high lumen flashlight is brighter than other bulky devices out there, and the battery on this thing lasts three times as long.

Product Highlights

  • The NoCry 18W flashlight comes with three different power settings. At 1000 lumens and a rechargeable 7.4 volt 18,500 Lithium-Ion battery, this spotlight offers 300-yard range capabilities. It also comes with indicator lights (green and red). The green light indicates full charge, and the red light denotes the need for a charge.

Pros

  • Compared to the competition, this waterproof flashlight has a better-focused beam. Also, it recharges very fast.
  • It’s easy to be impressed by the size, weight, and lighting power of this brightest rechargeable flashlight.

Cons

  • We couldn’t find any noticeable flaw in this spotlight. Therefore, we won’t bitch about it either.
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  1. STANLEY SL10LEDS Black 920-Lumen FATMAX Rechargeable Li-Ion LED Work Spotlight

STANLEY SL10LEDS Black 920-Lumen FATMAX Rechargeable

If you are a true spotlight lover, you cannot afford to cast a blind eye on this STANLEY SL10LEDS Black 920-Lumen spotlight. The illumination from this spotlight can beat the headlights of your car. When queried, past users have confirmed that the spotlight has a long life too.

Product Highlights

  • It’s rechargeable, and it features LED light at the back to tell you the charge status. It has high and low options as well. Better yet, it collapses easily for hands-free operation. Furthermore, the battery on this thing can be charged at home or inside the vehicle.

Pros

  • It truly has a waterproof body. You can take it out on any weather and even on your fishing trips.
  • It does not use a lot of energy to deliver bright light. As a result, this bright rechargeable flashlight can last for a long time.
  • It fits very nicely in most hands. It’s designed like a gun (on purpose) to comfortably aim wherever you want.
  • The majority of the LED flashlight reviews found across the web is positive and encouraging enough to consider this product.

Cons

  • The packaging on this thing could have been better to avoid potential cosmetic damage during transit.
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Top Headlamps in the Market Today

It’s pretty annoying trying to cut a pineapple with a spotlight/flashlight in one hand and a knife in the other. And, there are other instances too where you wish you hadn’t reserved one of your hands for holding a flashlight. From reading a book inside a tent to searching for wood, having both your hands free is often needed and useful when camping, hiking, or fishing.

Headlamps allow the light to sit on your forehead and illuminate objects that you are looking at. Simply put, a headlamp is a no-fuss source of light. It may not have as much power as a flashlight or a lantern, but who needs a car headlight to use the washroom? If you don’t need a high-powered flashlight, you are better off with a headlamp on any given day of the week. That said, let’s discuss the top picks in this category.

Single LED Headlamps

  1. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

The Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight is an invaluable asset for a camper or a hiker. It throws out an adequate amount of usable light without blinding others around you. With a single button operation, it’s a bright and well-priced device that can accompany you in the dark without slipping from its place. Therefore, it finds a top place in our single LED flashlight reviews.

Product Highlights

  • At 165 lumens, it provides enough light without making you realize that you are wearing it. This headlamp requires 3 AAA battery for illumination (batteries are included). And, it’s sold in five different colors—black, blue, white, khaki, neon pink, and neon yellow.

Pros

  • The Foxelli headlamp is housed in a waterproof body. It’s lightweight, compact, and comfortable too. It weighs only 3.2 ounces with the batteries included.
  • The battery life on this headlamp can put its rivals to shame. Users can easily expect 45 hours of run-time from this little device. And, it can deliver a fair amount of light on the highest mode.
  • It’s good to see that the makers stand behind the product by offering a 100% money back guarantee.

Cons

  • This headlamp isn’t the best bet for longer distance. The lights are bright but for about 100 meters or so.
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  1. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

The Black Diamond Spot is a powerful 300 lumens headlamp that comes with a variety of lighting modes to help you dare the adventurous descent in the dark. When switched on, you will be surprised by the amount of focused light it delivers for its compact size.

Product Highlights

  • It’s bright, rugged, easy to use, and comfortable to wear around the head. This attractive piece of headlamp is sold in several colors—black, denim, aluminum, octane, and dark olive. A set of 3 AAA batteries are included, and these original set of batteries have a long life.

Pros

  • There’s no better way to defy darkness. This tiny device gets the job done like nobody’s business.
  • The operation part is a breeze. A single tap on the side of the device can help one adjust the lights (bright or dim lighting).
  • The headlamps hold up well to outdoor elements. For those who don’t know, the product has IPX 8 waterproof rating.

Cons

  • It offers different lighting options. So, there is a bit of a learning curve involved in using this headlamp to its optimum capacity.
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  1. Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp Flashlight – 160 Lumen

Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp Flashlight

If you need an unbelievable performer at a budget price, the Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp should find a place in your shopping cart. This headlamp is thoughtfully designed to be made easy-to-use and adjust. Plus, it has multiple setting options too. The kicker is the compact size, durability, and the level of brightness.

Product Highlights

  • As the title hints, the product is USB rechargeable (forget expensive batteries). A single charge (3-4 hours) can deliver 30 hours of constant light. So, it will easily survive the whole night. The lumens ratio of 160 makes this a perfect commodity for outdoor camping. For starters, it weighs only 2.4 ounces.

Pros

  • The headlamp can withstand heavy rain, cold, heat, drops, misuse, and what not. Basically, it has a solid construction to it.
  • This one product is available in different colors —blue, khaki, white, neon-yellow, and neon-pink.
  • To make it a risk-free affair for the users, the makers have thrown in a one-year product warranty.

Cons

  • The lights get a tad bit dimmer when the charge is about to get over. That said, it does stay bright for the most part of its charged life.
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  1. LED Headlamp Flashlight

LED Headlamp Flashlight

If you are often afraid of what lurks in the dark, you can use this headlamp to put your fears to rest. Sold in three different colors (full black, black/orange, and white/green), this headlamp has quality written all over its compact body. It’s good for night time hikes/camping trips, and descents.

Product Highlights

  • This hands-free headlamp is bright at 160 lumens. And, it has red light settings to not blind your companions. Moreover, it’s lightweight and has separate controls too. The smart product design ensures that you don’t have to press too many buttons to get to the desired mode.

Pros

  • The strap on this thing is made from a soft and comfortable material. Therefore, this little gem stays in place without slipping or moving. It gives you a feeling that’s made specifically for you.
  • To avoid user furiousness, the makers of this LED headlamp offer a 100% money back guarantee. For the affordable pricing and robust money back guarantee, you won’t be left with anything to argue.

Cons

  • Face-to-face, you could blind oncoming runners crossing your path. This minor hiccup aside, you can trust your life to it to enter into a cave.
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  1. VITCHELO V800 Headlamp with White and Red LED Lights

VITCHELO V800 Headlamp with White and Red LED Lights

If you are looking to upgrade your camping gear without shaving off top dollars, you should consider the VITCHELO V800 Headlamp without any reservations. It’s light, compact, adjustable, comfortable, durable, affordable, and waterproof. Seriously, you can expect the best bang for your headlamp bucks!

Product Highlights

  • This VITCHELO V800 Headlamp is powered by 3 AAA PANASONIC batteries, which allows a person to see up to 110m. It’s sold in black, orange, and white color. To put customers at ease, a money-back policy is an integral part of this deal.

Pros

  • The red LED feature illuminates your path while preserving your night vision. It’s just about perfect for alerting people without blinding them.
  • It comes with two separate buttons to help users scroll through all the six different lighting options. This headlamp is perfect for multi-tasking. It doesn’t come in your way while doing anything.
  • The light (168 lumens) is bright enough to save you from expensive trips to a dental clinic. The option for different light setting is icing on the cake.

Cons

  • When it gets low on batteries, it shuts down abruptly. Of course, you can tackle this problem by having an adequately charged battery at all times.
  • It doesn’t say anywhere on the packaging where the product is actually made. That said, the built quality and the design of the product cannot be questioned.
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Multiple LED Headlamps

  1. DanForce Headlamp

DanForce Headlamp

If you have gone through innumerable headlamps with varying degrees of success, this DanForce Headlamp can be the end-game for you. The folks at DanForce have done a commendable job on this product. Therefore, we have high regards for this headlamp.

Product Highlights

  • It features 3 LED bulbs for strong, bright, and long illumination. And, it’s ready for everything. All thanks to the all-weather body. For unaware product prospects; it’s available in four different unique colors—Apollo, Mercury, Neptune, and Orion’s. The kit comes with the headlamp, a pair of rechargeable batteries, a built-in red LED light, USB cable, and a user guide.

Pros

  • This 6000-lumen headlamp has a sweat-resistant design to it. So, it can be worn for long hours without any discomfort.
  • This thing is made in the USA and not a remote place in China or Africa.
  • The headlamp is backed by an unbeatable 7-year product warranty.

Cons

  • It would have been great if there was a way to dim the light more on this headlamp.
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  1. Cobiz Headlamp

Cobiz Brightest 6000 Lumen Headlamp

This Cobiz headlamp is ideal for any activity that requires light and both your hands free to perform the task. It has a universal fit to it, and the illumination on this thing is pretty much unmatched.

Product Highlights

  • With 6000 Lumen power, it should work for all kinds of close up work. Appearance-wise, it looks like you are all set to launch rockets off your forehead. As such, the product comes with rechargeable batteries with chargers (which is the best part). The headlamp arrives with a nice case as well.

Pros

  • Seconds after turning the headlamp on, your face will be swarmed by a host of insects within close proximity. Of course, the wide range of settings (four modes) makes it easy to dim the light.
  • The headlamp is rugged enough for outdoor use. It’s waterproof, leak-resistant, and all-weather proof. And, the giant batteries on this device last forever.

Cons

  • This Cobiz headlamp is a bit bulkier than the other headlamps in the same price spectrum. That said, the bright lights and the rechargeable batteries make up for this minor product flaw.
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  1. Neolight LED Headlamps

Neolight Super Bright 5 LED High Lumen Rechargeable

If you are looking to upgrade your camping gears, this item should be in your wish list. As such, it’s great for camping, hiking, fishing, cycling, running, or simply grilling food at night. Of course, it will come very handy during power cuts as well. The best part is that it’s rechargeable and frees your hands when working on something that demands both arms.

Product Highlights

  • This Neolight LED Headlamp features different modes along with a zoom feature. It also has a red light at the rear end. Better yet, it has nearly 1000 lumens to light up a dark area. It can perform all night without any fuss. Moreover, this headlamp is sold in different colors.

Pros

  • This headlamp provides many hours of intense bright light like nothing else out there.
  • The focus on this headlamp is great. You will be able to look at far away objects without getting close to them.
  • This headlamp is very comfortable. It won’t feel like the Undertaker is squeezing your head with his gloved hands.

Cons

  • This Neolight headlamp is a bit on the heavier side. Of course, not as heavy as a helmet!
  • The battery cover is made up of soft rubber. It isn’t at par with other components of this headlamp.
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Top Lantern Flashlights

Lantern flashlights are a perfect choice for someone who wants to light up an area as if it was broad daylight. In terms of lighting, they are far superior to a spotlight/flashlight or a headlamp. You can also easily set it down on a surface to light up an entire tent or a room. Basically, it’s a powerful multi-purpose source of illumination for any task out there. Let’s discuss the top contenders in this category.

  1. Etekcity 4 Pack Portable LED Camping Lantern

Etekcity 4 Pack Portable LED Camping Lantern with 12 AA Batteries

If you regularly go out for adventures in the woods at night, this product should be a no-brainer choice for you. For all the features and illumination it offers, it should be called as adventure lights. The thing is evidently well-constructed to deliver an enormous amount of light.

Product Highlights

  • The battery on this lantern has enough capacity to deliver 12 hours of constant light. For those who are not aware, it makes use of AA batteries, which are widely available. The lantern can be hung over the head or placed on the ground. The best part is that the lantern comes with a 90-day refund guarantee upon dissatisfaction.

Pros

  • For fantastic amount of light, you don’t have to think beyond this Etekcity camping lantern. Frankly speaking, the illumination on the lantern is an overkill-which is a good problem to have.
  • Compared to the competition, this one has an appealing and thoughtful design to it. Better yet, it’s easy to store and use this camping lantern.
  • For a lantern, it’s very lightweight and portable. It has a surprisingly small footprint. Yet, it illuminates a good amount of space quite nicely.
  • A package of four portable LED lanterns that give off a good amount of light and last a long time is a great bargain for the asking price of this product.

Cons

  • This LED lantern is not waterproof. So, don’t test this thing in heavy rains.
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  1. MalloMe LEDs Camping Lantern Flashlights 4 Pack

The MalloMe LEDs Lantern is perfect for camping or emergencies due to its compact size, ease-of-operation, and robust performance. And, it can illuminate a campsite very well. Moreover, it’s of great size and weight to move around the campsite easily.

Product Highlights

  • These 360-degree 146 lumens LED lanterns need 3 AA batteries for operation. And, the light stays bright even after hours and hours of continuous operation. It’s sold in four colors- Black, Blue, Gold, and Green. The company also has a solid money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • You can get a lot of rough use from this camping lantern. Furthermore, the lantern collapses for easy storage.
  • For an excellent glare-free light, it would be hard to find an equally capable LED lantern in today’s age and time.

Cons

  • Of course, they would be way too harsh on human eyes. So, do not point them directly at someone’s eye.
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  1. HeroBeam LED Lantern V2.0 with Flashlight

HeroBeam LED Lantern V2.0 with Flashlight

The HeroBeam LED Lantern V2.0 with Flashlight is versatility at its peak performance. The product has a smart design to it, allowing one to use it as a bottom flashlight, lantern, or both at the same time. So, it combines two needs in one single device. It’s ideal for camping, hiking, and regular household use.

Product Highlights

  • For something that is powered through 3AAA batteries, this thing is remarkably bright. It emits 300 lumens, and it’s extremely helpful with seeing anything in the dark. The makers include a 5-year warranty on this lantern. They also accept returns for 100% refund within the first 30 days of purchase.

Pros

  • This little lantern cum flashlight can fully illuminate a campsite for several hours and beyond. It can keep going all night long.
  • The HeroBeam LED lantern can survive many falls. It falls and then works just fine. Plus, it’s weather-proof as well.
  • You can wholly believe the hype surrounding this product. You won’t end up with any kind of remorse.

Cons

  • The only bad side to this product is that it does not come with the batteries.
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  1. LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern, 1000lm Super Bright

Lightning Ever Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern

For a versatile and flawless-performing lantern for roadside use or emergencies, the LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern should be an ideal choice. No lantern in the price range of this product comes remotely close to the performance and reliability of this lantern.

Product Highlights

  • It has five different brightness modes for a variety of use. Emitting 1000 lumens, this LED camping lantern provides light over a generous distance of 1650ft. The power bank on this thing has a capacity up to 3600mAh.

Pros

  • The lantern uses rechargeable batteries. The batteries are fixed. So, you don’t have to remove them. You simply recharge them.
  • It doesn’t take light years to charge the battery. In fact, it doesn’t take more than 5-6 hours to charge the battery fully.
  • For the level of quality, the makers of this LED lantern can easily get away by charging more for this super bright lantern.

Cons

  • It’s large in size. Frankly speaking, there’s more bulk on this product than needed. This thing is not a deal breaker though.
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  1. LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern, 600lm, with Compass

Lightning Ever Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern, 600lm, Detachable Flashlight

The LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern is like a camper’s dream come true. The device is powerful, rechargeable, water-resistant, and durable too. It delivers plenty of light without blinding anyone.

Product Highlights

  • At 600 lumens and 360-degree beam angle, this little guy is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It features a tiny compass on the top of the device to help you find your way back to the campsite in case you had too many beers (take the beer thing with a pinch of salt). So, if you have fancied owning a flashlight with compass, this lantern should be in your must-have list.

Pros:

  • Past users are still singing praises for this lantern. The thing is definitely durable and reliable. The flashlight comes out too. So, you can use the flashlight or the lantern or both at the same time.
  • It’s lightweight, gives us wonderful light, and it’s easy to hang or carry on the go. Not to forget the fact that this flashlight with compass is detachable. So, storing this lantern should not be a brain-frying affair.

Cons

  • It’s not fragile. However, it may not survive repeated drops. This is one of those products that require a little more TLC than usual.
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Flashlights for Camping | Buying Guide!

Did you know that the world’s brightest flashlight has enough juice to set a paper on fire? Of course, we wouldn’t want to carry such a high-powered monster in our bag. After all, we don’t need a flashlight to light a paper on fire or to cook meals for us. So, what should be the ideal flashlight for camping? How do you differentiate the good ones from the junk?

How to find the Brightest Flashlight?

For those who don’t know, the total output or brightness of a flashlight is indicated in lumens. As such, the product packaging will tell you how much lumens the flashlight has. Generally speaking, the higher the lumen, the brighter a flashlight is supposed to be. This isn’t to say that a flashlight with 3000 lumens will be the brightest flashlight out there. As unfortunate as it may sound, even flashlights claiming thousands of lumens may average only around 300 to 400 lumens.

Why So?

Technically speaking, a single T6 LED light cannot reach the level of 3,000 or even 1,000 lumens. So, a single T6 LED flashlight that comes with a promise of 1000 or more lumens will fetch you 300-500 lumens at best. 1000 or more lumens would be completely out of its reach. Got the point, right? Good flashlights with 300-600 or even lower lumens can do a better job than the high-bragging flashlights that promise the world of brightness in a compact device.

Wait…there’s more to this Saga!

Keep in mind that high lumens output lights can drain the battery pretty quickly. Believe us or not, you would be better off with a flashlight with 150 lumens that can give you five hours of usable light as opposed to a flashlight with 1000 lumen light with only 30-40 minutes of battery life. Of course, the size of the flashlight matters too. You shouldn’t feel like you are a carrying a 50-pound barbell with you on a camping trip.

Different Types of Flashlights

They say; a person should have one or two flashlights handy with him/her at all times. Today, the market offers various different types of flashlights. From LED flashlights, HID flashlights, shake flashlights, HID, Incandescent Bulbs, Xenon, Krypton Bulbs, headlamps, lanterns, and a couple more, the choices are plentiful and confusing too. Gladly enough, we have already discussed the major products in the top-selling flashlight categories to help you make a smart choice without throwing an arm and a leg. So, you don’t really have to look beyond the flashlights that are already discussed above.

How many Lumens are good for Camping Flashlight?

For camping and other outdoor activities, anywhere from 30-300 lumens should be a good bet. Of course, if you can manage to get a high lumen flashlight that can deliver bright light up to a range of 200-300 meters at a budget price without draining the battery too quickly, it should be a no-brainer deal for you. However, just because there are high-powered flashlights out there doesn’t mean you should own them also.

What’s your Usage?

Recognizing the primary use of the flashlight is the key over here. Will you be using the flashlight solely for camping or other household activities too? Are you a law enforcement officer involved in search and rescue operations? The chances are that you might not need a flashlight for multi-purpose. In this case, you should be happy paying for a flashlight with 30 to 300 lumens that comes with a good battery life. But there are also other purposes for flashlights. One can use it even for self defense.

Other Parameters for Choosing a Good Camping Flashlight

  • Waterproof Body: The term “IPX’ denotes that a flashlight can resist water and moisture. Since a flashlight can easily get wet in an outdoor environment, this is something you need to watch out for.
  • Battery Runtime: As mentioned earlier, a high lumen flashlight can drain a battery very quickly. To be easy on your wallet, it’s in your best interest to consider a flashlight that comes with rechargeable batteries. Also, lithium-ion batteries are said to be safe, reliable, long-lasting.
  • Modes: A good camping flashlight should have different light setting modes so that a camper can easily brighten or dim the flashlight based on the survival conditions. In short, multiple mode settings option should exist to help a user set his/her own light intensity.
  • Size: If you are someone who ventures in the woods too often, do pay due consideration to the size and weight of the flashlight. The smaller ones are a great choice for regular bag packers. Apart from being easy to carry, they will also save you some valuable space inside your bag.
  • Switch Types: How easily the device can be turned on and off is a huge convenience factor when carrying a flashlight on an outdoor trip. Go for a push-button switch as opposed to a sliding button because the sliding ones can accidentally turn on the flashlight inside your bag pack.
  • Built to Last: A flashlight should be housed in a sturdy body to handle the usual wear and tear involved in camping. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose flashlights made of anodized aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium shells.
  • Price: Don’t expect the price of the product to be a perfect representation of its quality. A well-made high lumen flashlight from a local brand can beat a reputed brand by a landslide. So, don’t blindly go by the price of the product.

Word of Advice: No matter what flashlight you choose, you can expect some insects, moths, and other guests attracted by the illumination. A surefire way to control them is to turn the lights off before entering the tent, and to turn it on only after the tents are zipped.

Conclusion

If you want something better than ‘fine,’ you shouldn’t cast a blind eye to the flashlights discussed above. These camping flashlights are really a cut above the scope. We have gone through great lengths to handpick these flashlights from the sea of choices out there. As industry experts, we are absolutely sure that you won’t end up with buyer’s remorse by choosing any product from our recommended list. So, wishing you ‘happy flashlight shopping’ in advance!

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