Having the best survival flashlight is something that every camper and backpacker wants. It is not just an amenity for preppers but rather for everyone who likes to venture into the outdoors. These flashlights are your immediate source of illumination during nighttime and in cases of emergencies.
Of course, a survival flashlight is better than your ordinary flashlights. They blast light brighter and longer; moreover, they have other ergonomics that make them extra valuable for various applications.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast that is your salt, the following survival flashlights are worth checking out.
| Light Output | Run Time | |
| BERCOL Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight | 90000 lumens | Up to 10 hours |
| Vont LED Tactical Flashlight | 400 lumens | Up to 9 hours |
| Streamlight 88066 Pro Tac Rail Mount HL-X | 1000 lumens | Up to 22 hours |
| Fenix FX-PD35TAC Flashlight | 1000 lumens | Up to 140 hours |
| Pelican 7600 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight | 994 lumens | Up to 29 hours |
| SureFire Fury Dual-Fuel Series | 1500 lumens | Up to 30 hours |
| Sharvol Rechargeable Tactical LED Flashlight | 1900 lumens | Up to 82 hours |
This LED flashlight is equipped with advanced construction, which is proven by its capability to generate light of up to 90,000 lumens on its maximum output. Hence, it is capable of illuminating any area within 550 yards. In short, it is a long-distance flashlight that you can use in a number of scenarios. This flashlight also has three lighting modes: high brightness, medium brightness, and strobe. Furthermore, the IPX5 rating on this unit means that it can withstand the elements such as rain and snow without fluctuations.
It is also not a disappointing choice when we talk about its battery life. It is integrated with four batteries, each with a capacity of 2750mAh, reaching a total of 11000mAh. On its medium setting, the flashlight can last up to ten hours of continuous use. Moreover, the flashlight comes with a useful power display function. In this way, you can monitor the remaining battery while you are using it. Keep in mind that this tactical flashlight has zoom and focus functions for a more customized illumination.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
The GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight is one of the most inexpensive survival flashlights I've seen so far. However, it has a performance that is worth taking on various outdoor trips. The flashlight generates up to 400 lumens of light, which is fairly decent already. The device also has 20,000 hours of runtime--an incredible feat of an entry-level option. Furthermore, it can survive the harsh elements, which include submersion and freezing.
However, one of the most notable aspects of this unit is its portability. It is super light and easy to carry around. There's no problem bringing this unit anywhere you go. When it comes to functionality, the Vont LED Tactical Flashlight won't disappoint you. It has five lighting settings (low, medium, high, strobe, and SOS). Moreover, it's capable of letting you adjust its beam width. Having this flashlight means that you can get the illumination that you need regardless of the situation.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
To be accurate here, Streamlight is one of the popular manufacturers of survival and tactical flashlights. Hence, it is always worth checking this brand, especially if you need a rugged, all-rounder illumination tool. The Streamlight 88066 ProTac Rail Mount HL-X is a testament to the brand's quality. This unit has a 1,000-lumen light output and offers a weapon-mounted capability. It has a rail clamp (purchased separately) that you can use to integrate this flashlight into rifles and carbines.
When it comes to performance, the Streamlight 88066 ProTac Rail Mount HL-X is above the standards. It has a 3,000-meter beam distance and a run time of at least 20 hours if you are using CR123A lithium-ion batteries. When you use a USB battery on this device, it can run up to 22 hours on its lowest setting. Of course, this flashlight has different lighting modes: high/strobe, high only, and low/high. Interestingly, it has two switches. One on its tail, and the other one is on the remote that comes with it.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
Any survival enthusiast would love the performance of the Fenix FX-PD35TAC Flashlight. It is an ultra-rugged, waterproof flashlight that can handle different conditions and terrains. In fact, this flashlight has an IPX-8 waterproof rating. This means that you can submerge under 6.5 feet of water for 30 minutes. With its beam distance of 200 meters, you will be able to spot objects that are distant from you. The zoom and focus functions of this unit also enhance its versatility in application.
The rugged but highly clear glass lens of the Fenix FX-PD35TAC Flashlight is one of its defining features. Its brightness doesn't just deteriorate easily. With its CREE LED, you can guarantee that it can maintain its luster for a long time--50,000 hours, specifically. Moreover, it is also worth noting that the body of this flashlight is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. It has been treated with an anti-abrasive finish, too. Such an architecture protects its sensitive parts from being damaged if you drop the flashlight accidentally.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
You may also want to opt for the Pelican 7000 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight. This survival flashlight offers a maximum light output of 774 lumens, which is as bright as some of the flashlights that I've featured here. Its beam distance can reach as far as 246 meters, enabling you to work your way on forests, caves, and any other dark environments. Meanwhile, its runtime can extend up to 13 hours if configured on its lowest output. It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and battery level indicator.
The aluminum construction of the Pelican 7000 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight makes it an ultra-rugged lighting tool. It has an anodized finish, too, so that it can deny the possible effects of corrosion and rust. Same as the Streamlight flashlight, this device has an IPX8 rating. Therefore, even if the flashlight is exposed and submerged in water, it will remain functional. If you are searching for a high-quality flashlight, such a capability is quite essential.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
The Fury Tactical of SureFire is probably one-of-a-kind, even among survival flashlights. This unit features a dual power source technology, meaning that you can operate it using either two 123A lithium-ion batteries or one 18650 lithium-ion battery. Moreover, the device is rated to be virtually indestructible; you can hit any terrain or expedition, and this flashlight remains to be reliable and functional. Output-wise, it is capable of generating up to 1,500 lumens of illumination. That's not something you can shrug off.
With its military-grade anodized aluminum body construction, the SureFire Fury Dual-Fuel Series attained insurmountable durability. It also has O-ring seals and tempered windows to ensure that its structure remains intact even after being hit by solid impacts. Meanwhile, its ergonomic switch on its bottom prevents the flashlight from being accidentally switched on.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
The Sharvol Rechargeable Tactical LED Flashlight features six lighting modes with a maximum brightness of 1,900 lumens. Its maximum beam distance extends as far as 303 meters, which should be sufficient even if you want to illuminate a large area. I am pretty sure that this unit is versatile, as it can be used on camping, recreational activities, tactical applications, and emergencies. It also comes with a single but powerful battery, enabling it to last for as long as 82 hours.
The size of this survival flashlight is indeed user-friendly. It is compact and fits easily in one's pocket. With its secure switch, the device will not switch on itself while stashed in your bag, purse, or any tight compartments. Furthermore, the Sharvol Rechargeable Tactical LED Flashlight has a waterproof rating of IPX8. It is also resistant to corrosion and rust, thanks to its anodized finish and aluminum construction.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:
Despite the rise in popularity of headlamps, flashlights are still a suitable choice when a handheld, portable light source is needed.
Flashlights are now smaller, lighter, and brighter than they were just a few years ago, thanks to advancements in LED (light-emitting diodes) and battery technologies.
But how do you choose a survival flashlight that suits your needs? The following guideline can help you.
When choosing a flashlight, the following are the most important elements to consider:
Survival flashlights differ in price despite the fact that they have similar sizes. So how can we distinguish one from the others? The essential factor is brightness. Due to the employment of sophisticated circuitry and LED technologies, a more expensive flashlight generates more powerful light than its counterpart. Rechargeable capabilities can also scale the price, as well as characteristics like impact resistance, waterproofing, heat management, and illumination modes.
Do you prefer to shop in person? Take a look at these factors:
The ANSI FL1 contains the set of standards that manufacturers should follow when creating flashlights. It was introduced in 2009 to ensure that all flashlight models are tested and certified in the same way. Although compliance with the ANSI FL1 is voluntary and flashlight manufacturers are responsible for their own testing, most brands today apply some of its specifications to their products.
The brightness of a flashlight is often referred to as light output. Specifically, this is the light's intensity being generated from the flashlight on its highest setting while equipped with a new set of batteries. Light output can help you grasp the level of illumination that a flashlight can generate. But at the same time, it is not the only measure that influences the flashlight's brightness. The intensity of the beam and distance are among the factors that play into account.
Survival flashlights are also gauged based on how far the light they generate can reach. In technical terms, beam distance refers to the actual reach of the light before its brightness is reduced to a glow that is akin to a full moon. Based on the ANSI FL1 specifications, the light produced by a full moon is sufficient for traveling outdoors during the night. The beam distance may change depending on the brightness output of the flashlight.
The run time of a survival flashlight is crucial for its overall performance. Flashlights are portable, so they use batteries for power. Therefore, we can safely say that there's a limit to how long they can last on the field. Specifically, the run time of a flashlight refers to the time needed for the light output to go down to 10 percent of the rated output of fresh batteries. Over time, the run time would decrease, as it is a natural aspect of battery utilization.
The durability of a flashlight is rated via its impact resistance. Flashlights that undergo the ANSI FL1 testing are required to be dropped six times to the ground at a given distance. This will let the manufacturers tell if the flashlight remains in operation if you accidentally dropped them. Of course, this test doesn't measure the toughness of the flashlight when you strike it with a blunt force or heavy object.
Survival flashlights should be water-resistant (or waterproof, if possible). You can know if such is the case if the flashlight has an IPX rating. The IPX system is a designated standard for assessing the capabilities of items to remain operational even if drenched in water. An IPX 4 is the minimum rating that survival and tactical flashlight should possess. Any lower than that, and the flashlight is not safe to be exposed to water and moisture. Meanwhile, the highest rating is IPX 8, enabling you to submerge the item 13 feet in the water for around 30 minutes.
Outdoor enthusiasts are always encouraged to bring a flashlight to each of their trips. It is not only a useful survival tool but also a functional utility that can help them do their errands during the night or low-light settings.
If possible, you should get the best survival flashlights rather than their counterparts. These rugged and durable flashlights can tackle different conditions without losing their reliability and performance.
That's it for now. If you have other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.
