How To Pick The Best Camping Flashlight

Choosing the right camping flashlight doesn’t have to be hard. The key is knowing what matters most when you’re outdoors in the dark. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

1. Brightness: How Much Light Do You Really Need?

Lumens measure brightness. More lumens mean more light — but also more battery drain.

• 100-300 lumens — Good for walking around the campsite.

• 300-1000 lumens — Better for hiking trails or searching in the dark.

• 1000+ lumens — Overkill unless you’re exploring caves or signaling a rescue team.

If you need serious brightness without sacrificing size, check out the Nitecore EDC35 Tactical Flashlight. It packs up to 5000 lumens — powerful enough for any outdoor adventure.

Ask yourself: Will this light help me see, or just blind me and drain batteries?

2. Size and Weight: Will You Actually Carry It?

A bulky flashlight stays in your bag. A slim, pocket-friendly one stays in your hand.

For example:

• Mini flashlights (under 4 inches) — Great for backpackers.

• Mid-size (4-7 inches) — A good balance for most campers.

• Large flashlights (7 inches and up) — Best kept at base camp.

What’s more important to you — power or portability?

3. Battery Type: Rechargeable or Disposable?

Rechargeable flashlights save money over time. But they need power sources.

Disposable batteries (AA or AAA) are easy to swap but add weight.

Personally, I carry a small USB-rechargeable flashlight for daily use and a backup AA-powered light just in case.

Would your campsite have charging options?

4. Beam Type: Flood or Spot?

Flood beams light up a wide area — perfect for cooking or setting up tents.
Spot beams focus far ahead — great for hiking in the dark.

Some flashlights let you switch between both. That’s ideal for flexibility.

Where will you use your flashlight most?

5. Extra Features: Useful or Just Gimmicks?

Common features include:

• SOS or strobe mode for emergencies

• Waterproof ratings (IPX4 for rain, IPX7 for submersion)

• Magnetic bases for hands-free use

• Zoomable beams

Would you use these features — or forget they exist?

Final Thought

The best camping flashlight is the one you’ll actually use. It should fit your needs, not someone else’s checklist.

Before buying, ask yourself:

• Will this flashlight last all night?

• Will I want to carry it everywhere?

• Will it handle rough weather?

If you're looking for a tough, ultra-bright, rechargeable option built for outdoor use, the Nitecore EDC35 Tactical Flashlight is worth a look.

Choose wisely. A good flashlight can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a real emergency.