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It’s no secret that camping and hiking require a lot of gear if you’re going to do it properly. While it’s impossible to forget the basics like your tent, backpack, water and bug spray, it’s easy to overlook other essential gadgets in the name of packing light. One thing you should never go without is a dependable outdoor flashlight to help you see even after the sun goes down.
Outdoor Flashlight Buying Guide
When selecting your flashlight, there are a few main factors to take into consideration: the conditions it can withstand; its brightness and battery life; and, how it can accommodate your personal camping and hiking preferences.
The best outdoor flashlights should at least be water-resistant, meaning that a few splashes of water or a quick spill won’t hurt anything. However, choosing a waterproof model is recommended if you live in a particularly wet area or do most of your outdoor activities by the waterside. That way, accidental submersion does not turn into an emergency — and neither does rainfall. Hikers and climbers will want to take durability one step further and select an outdoor flashlight that is also shock and/or resistant to unexpected drops.
In addition to their durability, the best outdoor flashlights are also relatively compact so they don’t bulk up your gear. For campground getaways or easy hikes, many of today’s smaller flashlights can get the job done — and since they often come in value packs, there will be plenty to go around. However, for more advanced activities, the best outdoor flashlight would be a model with multiple light settings, including a strobe and/or SOS mode. If you’re the type of adventurer who visits trails where two hands are needed to navigate safely, then a headlamp will be the best outdoor flashlight so that you never have to sacrifice safety.
What Are the Best Outdoor Flashlights?
Luckily, there is an outdoor flashlight for every type of situation. These four picks will help you prepare for whatever comes your way.
