Best Flashlights for Camping – 2020 Top Picks Reviewed

| Last Updated: January 14, 2022

No doubt, the best part about camping is staying out at night, sitting around the bonfire and having fun with your friends or family. However, even in such mesmerizing scenarios, you need a source of light to illuminate your vision for an enjoyable experience.

Therefore, you must grab a camping flashlight to suit your needs perfectly. The question that arises here is, what type should you get?

Make your way through this article to help you determine the best flashlight for camping.

Comparison of the Best Flashlights for Camping

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 5 lights modes to choose from
  • Long-range of observation up to 60 feet
  • The top-notch features and sturdy construction make it the best overall on our list
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  • Package includes two flashlights
  • 10 times brighter than incandescent lights
  • Runner-up with similar features as the best one like vibrant light production and high-quality construction
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  • Compact in size
  • 10 times brighter than the old Incandescent lights
  • Being available at a very reasonable price with high-end features, it is the best for the money
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  • Easily operated thus user-friendly
  • Weather-resistant seals to last long
  • Sturdy aluminum body to serve long
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  • Offers a 900-lumen output
  • Comes with an 18-months warranty
  • 5 modes setting to adjust according to your needs
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Are Flashlights Important While Camping?

Using a flashlight at the campsite can be highly beneficial due to several reasons. These include:

Few or No Accidents

Accidents are quite common in the dark as you may happen to bump into things (sometimes dangerous tools) when walking to your tent. Similarly, there are chances of tripping and falling over rocks or tangled roots which can lead to a serious injury. Such accidents can be highly minimized by using a flashlight, as it will light up your path and help you avoid stumbling.

Save Energy

Most smartphones are equipped with a flashlight. However, using these for a long time will drain the battery at a faster rate than usual. Therefore, you need to recharge your phone quite frequently, which can be really troublesome. In order to avoid such a problem, you can use a flashlight instead. 

Convenient

Camping flashlights are highly portable. You can carry them in your hand and they can be accessed quite easily.

Helpful in an Emergency

You can always use your flashlights in case of any emergency. It will help others to locate you easily in case of any camping emergency.

What Makes a Flashlight Great for Camping? 

In order to get an exciting outdoor experience, it is important to get one that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Mentioned below are some important factors to consider when you decide to purchase a camping flashlight.

Lumens

The primary purpose of using a flashlight is to enhance the vision in the dark. You must opt for a model with adequate brightness. The amount of brightness produced will depend on its lumen capacity. The higher the lumen number, the brighter the light will be.

Beam Distance

A flashlight with a low beam will limit your vision and thus, impede your hiking process. Therefore, you must opt for a product that illuminates long distances.

Size

The size of your flashlight is a crucial factor which determines the amount and duration of light you receive. Smaller models are very easy to pack and can be carried around easily. However, they will emit low light compared to their larger counterparts.

Weight

The weight of the flashlight directly affects its portability. Heavier models are not easily carried around, making them suitable for car camping only. Lighter and compact-sized items are quite easy to carry and therefore, suitable for backpacking.

Construction

The material used for the construction of the flashlight determines its durability. Aluminum-cased models are sturdy and shock-resistant. Therefore, they are capable of serving you in the long run.

Run Time

An outdoor activity where the electricity supply is uncertain requires a flashlight with a long run time. In turn, this will ensure that you can complete your nighttime camping and backpacking activities in the presence of proper lighting.

Review of the Best Flashlights for Camping:

Now, let's check out the reviews of our top-listed products. It will surely help you find the best one that suits your demands.

Let's jump in!

Best Overall:
Outlite A100

No products found.

Pros

  • High-quality construction makes it reliable
  • Skid-proof and waterproof, ensuring top-quality
  • Head cooling groove design makes it a comfort to use
  • Can be operated by both rechargeable and disposal batteries
  • Equipped with five lighting modes to choose from, according to your needs

Cons

  • Insides may rattle at time
  • It may consume a lot of power
  • Batteries need to be purchased separately

What Recent Buyers Report

This torch is very popular among users for its intense light and sturdy construction. The five modes, features, and groovy design add on to perfection. Moreover, it is most appreciated for its long-range mode that makes things visible up to 60 feet.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Equipped with top-notch features, this Outlite A100 won't leave you in the dark. It comes with five amazing settings, including high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS emergency modes to illuminate dark areas. It comes with a lifespan of 100,000 hours and the high-quality aluminum alloy construction makes it greatly reliable.

Who Will Use This Most

With a wide to narrow beam zoom, this product is ideal to use on a campsite. Moreover, it can also be used when you go for a walk with your dog or set out for running. Its sturdy design makes it suitable for people of any age.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a flashlight to produce an intense spot for long-range observation, this model should not be missed. Made of high-quality material and being water-resistant, this light is perfect for any emergency.

Runner-up:
 Gearlight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000

No products found.

Pros

  • Lightweight and can be carried around easily
  • Top-quality construction, making it highly reliable
  • Can be operated by using either rechargeable or disposal batteries
  • Water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about using it near water
  • Ultra-bright and produces 10X brighter light than old incandescent lights

Cons

  • The switch may fail sometimes
  • Flashlight lens is fixed, and thus, can't be removed
  • The initial bulb needs to be switched out in order to get the best results

What Recent Buyers Report

This sturdy model is much appreciated by its consumers for its quality production topped with wonderful features. Moreover, it's available at a very affordable price, relatively. Similarly, a fall rating of ten feet marks the reliability of the product.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Made of military-grade aluminum, this Gearlight is built to last. Being water-resistant means it can be temporarily submerged in the water. Plus, it's available at a very affordable price and can illuminate objects up to 1000 feet away. Moreover, five modes make it useful for every situation.

Who Will Use This Most

This high-quality Gearlight flashlight is a must-have if you want to go camping or trekking. The vibrant light makes your way visible, making it ideal for a camping enthusiast. Moreover, it can be used around your house or when you go for a walk.

Bottom Line

In case you want a great flashlight to illuminate your space at the campsite at an affordable price tag, you must get your hands on this Gearlight. It gives a narrow beam zoom, making your surroundings highly visible. In short, it is a great addition to any outdoor enthusiast's pack.

Best for the Money:
J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight

No products found.

Pros

  • Capable of surviving a 9-foot drop
  • Top-quality construction and water-resistant
  • 3 useful settings to choose from according to your desire
  • Can be used with both rechargeable and disposal batteries
  • A small-sized flashlight that can be easily carried in your pocket or purse

Cons

  • Firefly mode emits only 0.2 lumens
  • Could feel too small for larger hands
  • Batteries need to be purchased separately

What Recent Buyers Report

Capable of producing a very vibrant light, this J5 Tactical Flashlight is much-appreciated by its users for its affordable price. Moreover, the size is very compact and you can clip this model onto your belt, pants, pocket, or can fit it inside your purse.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This J5 Tactical Flashlight is a perfect option to take camping. With its three modes of setting and ability to produce 300 lumens, you will not lack the light you need. Moreover, its compact size makes portability easy. So, if you want a product with the best features, you can't go wrong with this product.

Who Will Use This Most

This flashlight with a vibrant light is a must-have in your camping setup. It can be a great source of light in a dark campsite. Plus, you can use it in your house or in case of any emergency as well, as it can be accessed easily.

Bottom Line

Small in size, with top-notch features at a very reasonable price, this flashlight is a must-have when you set out for camping. It can be operated with just a single AA battery, so you don't have to worry about bringing lots of extra batteries.

4Maglite Mini PRO LED 2-Cell

No products found.

Pros

  • Very easy to use and highly durable
  • The compact size for high-portability 
  • High-quality aluminum construction makes this flashlight reliable
  • Comes with batteries, so they don't need to be purchased separately
  • Water-resistant, thus you don't have to worry if it gets submerged in water

Cons

  • Can't be recharged
  • Consumes a lot of power
  • Battery lasts for only 2.5 hours

What Recent Buyers Report

This small-sized flashlight, capable of producing a bright light is much loved by its users. It is especially appreciated for its high portability. Moreover, you don't need to buy the batteries separately. However, there are some concerns over the short battery life.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Maglite Mini PRO flashlight is a great option to take with you to the campsite for its compact size and high durability. It is capable of producing a lot of light with 272 lumens, making it great for general camping usage. Moreover, the package includes two batteries and a nylon holster.

Who Will Use This Most

With a capacity of 272 lumens, this flashlight is great for anyone who wants a model that can be used in outdoor activities, as well as in routine. It is very small in size, so even children can handle it quite easily.

Bottom Line

Ideal for camping, this Maglite Compact Flashlight will illuminate your campsite like a pro. It can easily fit in the pocket or purse. Moreover, you don't have to worry about purchasing separate batteries, as they come in the package.

5Anker Bolder LC90

No products found.

Pros

  • Batteries can be easily recharged
  • Can be operated for up to 6 hours continuously
  • Backed by an 18-month warranty, making it highly reliable
  • Wide-range and long-range bright light to illuminate the space
  • Adjustable 5 settings to choose from, according to every situation

Cons

  • Equipped with only one button
  • Expensive for those on a tight budget
  • The switch needs to be removed in order to charge the battery

What Recent Buyers Report

This great flashlight, capable of producing light of 900 lumens, is great to have on the campsite. It is much appreciated for its rechargeable batteries that last long. However, there are some concerns over its high price by those on a tight budget.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Anker Bolder LC90 will be there to illuminate your space with its amazing 900-lumen capacity. It offers a wide range of illumination up to 660 feet. Additionally, it is water-resistant and shock-resistant, making its handling easy and ensuring durability.

Who Will Use This Most

A flashlight with 900-lumen capacity is an ideal product for any camping or trekking enthusiastic. Moreover, you can take it with you for other outdoor activities without any worry because of its sturdy construction.

Bottom Line

Made from a high-quality aluminum alloy, this Anker Bolder LC90 gives you a bright light that can illuminate the space up to 660 feet. Moreover, the sturdy construction and shock resistance are counted as the cherries on the top. Additionally, it comes with rechargeable batteries and a wrist strap.

Types of Flashlights Ideal for Camping

These days, the design of these flashlights has been extremely creative. There are various types that come with amazing features and can be used on the campsite. Mentioned below are a couple of them.

Lantern Flashlight

These models are bigger in size and emit light from a fixed position. However, they can be carried around by the attached handle, if needed.

Pocket Flashlight

These are small and compact in size and can easily fit in your pocket or purse.

Headset Flashlight

They are attached to a strap of headpiece which emits light from the forehead area. These are great for a hands-free experience.

Keychain Flashlight

Keychain flashlights are miniature models that can be easily attached to your keychain and fit in your pockets. They can be used in emergency situations. 

Handheld Torchlight

These are the most common models. They are large enough to illuminate your way and small enough to fit in your pocket.

Spotlight

Spotlights are capable of illuminating the whole campsite because of high voltage and high amounts of energy.

Conclusion

To conclude, flashlights are an important part of your camping pack. Therefore, it is quite important to find the one that suits your needs best. A great product is one that has multiple light settings, so you can adjust the brightness according to every situation. Evaluate your needs and requirements before making any purchase so you can find the right one for you.