Choosing the best camping flashlight can be challenging since there are so many options. A good camping flashlight should have specific features, such as an intense beam, strobe light options, and it should be compact. These top choices for the best camping flashlight offer many great features.
Pros
- No hidden modes
- It always starts in low setting
- Compact in size
- 2 way pocket clip
Cons
- No strobe
- Only 160 lumens
The Fenix E12 is a good flashlight for camping that is durable, reliable, and compact. It lacks the strobe feature, which can be problematic if you use it for emergency signaling. There is no red light mode.
The manual, spare o-ring, primary AA battery, and flashlight are included in the packaging. The limited lifetime warranty from Fenix Store is also included when you purchase this flashlight.
The Fenix E12 has many good features. There are no hidden modes, there is a 2 way pocket clip, and it always starts in low. This flashlight has 3 modes – low, medium, and high. The low mode is best for camping because the medium and high modes can seem too bright when your eyes are not adjusted to the dark.
The medium and high modes are good for collecting firewood or looking in the woods when you hear something rustling. While it is only 160 lumens, it is still bright enough for camping.
Pros
- Durable aluminum build
- Good UV output
- About 170 feet beam reach
- Firm pocket clip
- IP68 rating
Cons
- The beam is only 100 lumens
The Fenix LD02 has an IP68 rating, which means that the UV output function will cause things to fluoresce. This powerful flashlight is compact and has a durable aluminum build. It has a beam outreach of about 170 feet.
Included in the packaging, you will receive everything you need to begin using the flashlight. It consists of the AAA battery and the LumenTac battery organizer. There is also a limited lifetime guarantee warranty from Fenix Lighting USA.
The Fenix LD02 has three levels of light output. The low output is 1 lumen for every 45 hours, the medium is 25 lumens for around three hours, and the high is 70 lumens for 45 minutes. The pocket clip is a great feature, enabling you to clip the flashlight to your pocket or belt.
Since the Fenix LD02 is so tiny, it makes sense that it is not that bright. It is only 100 lumens, but it still makes a bright enough flashlight for camping.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Simple to operate
- Firefly mode is useful
- Strobe light function
Cons
- Lacks red light mode
- The clip positions
The Thrunite Archer LED flashlight has many functions that I like and it can be purchased on amazon. It has a solid build quality and is easy to operate. The Thrunite Archer LED light comes with a lanyard, spare o-ring, and belt clip in the package. There is a 24 month replacement warranty with proof of purchase.
The pocket clip is supposed to be reversible, and there are two different spots to put the clip on. However, the arrangement for the clip is unusual. It does not sit firmly in place on either side of the flashlight but works best when it is positioned in a head-up orientation.
It has a strobe light function, which is helpful for camping emergency situations. It also has a firefly mode, which I find extremely useful for nighttime use. The firefly mode emits only .2 lumen.
While that sounds highly dim, it still works well for typical camping situations. You can use the firefly mode for reading a book before bed, looking at a map, leaving the tent to use the bathroom, or you can use it to help you find something in the dark. The super bright strobe mode emits 500 lumens during the rapid flash rate.
Pros
- It comes with a battery and USB rechargeable
- Sustains 1,000 lumens for 1.5 hours
- Endures more than 2,000 lumens every 4 minutes
- Great LED coloring
Cons
- Cannot recharge the flashlight during use
- Difficult to vertically position this flashlight
The Sofirn C8L flashlight is a great option to use for camping and can be purchased on amazon. Included in the packaging is the flashlight, 2 spare o-rings, a lanyard, manual, 21700 battery, USB cable for charging, and a cell spacer so you can use 18650 batteries. The C8L tactical flashlight provides a good grip and is comfortable to hold.
There are 2 switches to change modes – one in the tail that is clicky and one e-switch on the side. The e-switch will light up to show the status of your battery. Since the tail switch protrudes a bit, it makes it difficult for the flashlight to stand vertically.
The Sofirn C8L is the perfect size to fit your jacket pocket, pants pocket, backpack, or holster. Sofirn provides a 2 year warranty, but the cells are only covered for 1 year. I like that it includes a strobe feature, which can be activated by triple clicking the tail switch.
Pros
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- Water-resistant
- Durable design
Cons
- Low run time
- Not rechargeable
The Maglite Mini Pro is one of the best camping flashlights. It is incredibly compact, yet it still emits a 226-lumen beam extending up to 459 feet. The beam can easily be adjusted from spot to flood by simply twisting the head. Inside the packaging includes the Maglite Mini Pro flashlight and 2 AA batteries.
There is a 10 year limited warranty offered by Mag Instrument, Inc. The starting brightness level is a very bright light and you cannot adjust the brightness. Therefore, it can be tough to use inside of a tent. It works great around the campground until it darkens, and the light just seems too bright.
The Maglite Mini Pro is water resistant and durable, as it has an anodized aluminum casing to prevent corrosion, similar to the Imalent MS18. Its anti-corrosion properties make it a good floodlight. It has a run time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is low compared to other good camping flashlights. The flashlight is not rechargeable and requires new batteries once it dies.
Pros
- Includes a strobe light function
- Rechargeable battery
- Water-resistant
- Has mode memory
Cons
- Long charge time
The Nitecore MH10 is a powerful; flashlight that is intensely bright with an output of 1200 lumens for over 3 hours. It includes a strobe light function for emergencies, and the strobe light feature on this flashlight is strong and almost blinding. This makes it a good survival flashlight.
This makes it a great flashlight to use for camping, especially if there is an emergency and you need someone to notice you right away. The packaging includes the flashlight, battery, holster, clip, lanyard, and USB charging cable. While the Nitecore MH10 is a rechargeable flashlight, it takes too long to charge.
To fully charge the flashlight, it takes about 6 hours. While charging, a blue light will appear to indicate it still needs to be fully charged. When the blue light goes away the battery is fully charged and ready to use.
6 hours is way too long for a flashlight to charge. However, it isn’t so bad if you charge it overnight. The Nitecore MH10 is designed to be anti-corrosive and is water-resistant. It has mode memory to ensure you have access to your previously used brightness level. There is a limited lifetime warranty with proof of purchase.
Pros
- Compact
- USB rechargeable
- Can be “partially” turned on
- Affordable
Cons
- Downlight can use more focus
- No memory mode
The Fenix CL26R camping lantern is affordable and a good size. It is affordable for a lantern, and is rechargeable via USB port. Inside the packaging of the Fenix CL26R includes the lantern, Fenix 18650, split ring and hook, USB charging cable, manual, and a spare o-ring.
A neat feature of the Fenix CL26R lantern is that it can be partially turned on, so you can enjoy lighting without it being too bright. This is an excellent option for inside the tent. Unfortunately, the lantern does not have a memory mode where you can turn the light on, and it is already in your favorite setting.
You will need to click continuously to find your favorite mode. The secondary light has a much more focused beam and warm white. This is a good reading option or use it as a ceiling light.
The lantern starts in low mode, and you can switch it to high. You can turn on the red light mode by double-clicking, and the next click causes a strobe feature. There is a limited lifetime guarantee warranty with proof of purchase.
How to Choose the Best Camping Flashlight
When choosing the best camping flashlight that is right for you, there are a few considerations to take into account. These characteristics are essential to determine the type of flashlight you purchase.
Brightness
The brightness, or lumens, of your flashlight, is important. You will notice the max lumen output on the packaging of your flashlight. The lumens advertised on the packaging indicate the highest output when your flashlight is fully charged.
You can choose a flashlight with lower lumens and brightness settings if you only use it inside the tent versus if you want to use it to walk in the dark woods.
Beam Distance
Beam distance is vital for camping so you know how far the light will shine. This is good to know if you need a high beam distance for walking to the bathroom at night or checking the bushes if you hear something. Long-distance is the best way to go for camping.
Mode Versatility
Mode versatility is a good feature to have in your camping flashlight, as options like red light and strobe can be helpful.
Red light features help preserve your peripheral vision better than white light, as your eyes adjust to white light and make it difficult to see objects outside of the light. A strobe light feature is useful on flashlights, as it can be used as an emergency signal or as a defense mechanism.
Weight
The weight of your flashlight might be important to you for camping. Usually, a compact and lightweight flashlight is a good option to bring with you on your trip and will fit with your camping gear.
Battery Power and Runtime
The battery power of your flashlight should be able to last a few hours, at least. Some flashlights have more battery power than others, depending on if they are rechargeable or take batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some frequently asked questions regarding the best flashlights for camping.
How many lumens is a good flashlight for camping?
A flashlight of at least 100 lumens is suitable for camping. The Streamlight Microstream has a maximum output of 250 lumens, which is more than enough light for camping. If you have a large group or feel you need more light, you can use a flashlight with more output.
Is 500 lumens enough for camping?
500 lumens is more than enough for camping. With a maximum output of 500 lumens, your flashlight can illuminate around a 45-foot circumference on its highest setting.
How far will 5000 lumens shine?
5,000 lumens shine much further than even a car’s headlights, usually no more than 1,200 lumens for halogen headlights. 5,000 lumens will light up a 250-square-foot space as a primary light source. A flashlight with 5,000 lumens can be the best flashlight for the woods.
Final Thoughts
These are the top picks for the best camping flashlights. Most of these flashlights should have the features you would expect for a camping trip.
Before choosing the best flashlight for camping, be sure to know the brightness, beam distance, mode versatility, battery power, and run time before making an ultimate decision.