Important specs to consider.
Before we jump into our list, we must quickly discuss what specs to consider when looking for a flashlight for outdoor applications like hiking, camping, or hunting.
Depending on the planned application, the specs to consider can vary. But in general, the two most important spec is the flashlight’s brightness and durability, which can determine whether you should use the flashlight for outdoor activities.
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a flashlight for the outdoors is the total output and whether the light can illuminate your path through terrain or countrysides at night. A good rule of thumb is to look for a flashlight with at least 600 lumens to light up larger outdoor areas at night.
The flashlight’s durability is also an important spec to consider; if you plan to go camping or backpacking, your flashlight must be able to endure the elements and accidental drops without dying. Therefore, you should always look for a flashlight with an IPX rating of at least 4.
If you are looking for a flashlight for backpacking, hiking, or camping, the flashlight’s weight is significant to consider. Luckily, most modern flashlights don’t weigh more than 2-6 oz and won’t bust your bank.
If you are looking for a more professional flashlight for hunting, search and rescue, or self-defense, it might be a good idea to look for a tactical-flashlights. Tactical lights are lightweight, pocket-sized, and have an output of 600-1500+ lumens, which is ideal for those applications.
If you are looking for more information regarding tactical flashlights or how to choose a flashlight, feel free to read our Flashlight-Buyers guide.
How we reviewed the flashlights
To give you the best and most accurate flashlight reviews, we have four criteria on which we rate the flashlights on brightness, design, run time, and value for money.
Brightness: How well the flashlight handles in the real world: is it bright enough to illuminate larger areas at night? What kind of beam does it use? Is it an adjustable beam?
Design: The flashlight’s size, weight, and durability: Is it lightweight and easy to carry on your person? Is it sturdy and easy to grip? Does it have an acceptable impact and water resistance rating?
Run time: The overall run time of the flashlight on different modes: what kind of battery does it require? Is the flashlight rechargeable, or does it use single-use batteries? Does it get hot over more extended uses?
Value for money: is the flashlight worth buying? How many features does it have? is there an extended warranty?
For easy comparison, check out our flashlight comparison charts.