In the wilderness, there are no lamp post or street lights that will illuminate your surroundings or path. The light that you can rely on is the moon light and there are times when the clouds would block the moon as well. A good flashlight can provide adequate light to illuminate the path that you are traveling. There are lots of very powerful flashlights that are very affordable. I have listed a few below. Hopefully, these flashlights will help light up the trail that you are taking while traveling at night.
Best Backpacking Flashlights – Quick Chart
| Backpacking Flashlights | Weight | Lumen | Battery type | Dimensions |
| 1. J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight | 2.4 oz | 300 | Single AA battery | 1.02″ x 3.7″ x 1.02″ |
| 2. PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight | 11.2 oz | 1000 | 18650 Lithium Ion Battery or 3 AAA batteries | 1.6″ x 5.3″ x 1.1″ |
| 3. Coast HP1 Focusing 190 Lumen LED Flashlight | 0.32 oz | 130-345 | 1 x AA, Li-Ion, or NiMH | |
| 4. ThorFire Mini Flashlight | 1.3 oz | 500 | AA battery, or one button top 14500 rechargeable battery | 0.82″ x 3.78″ x 0.82″ |
| 5. Helotex VG1 CREE LED Adjustable Focus AA Zoom Flashlight | 4 oz | 120 | AA Battery | 4.1″ x 1.3″ x 1.2″ |
| 6. Fenix PD35 TAC CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight | 3.1 oz | 1700 | 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries | 137mm (5.4″) Length x 25.4mm (1.0″) |
| 7. SureFire G2X Series LED Flashlights | 2.4 oz | 400 | 2 RCR123 or 16340 | 1.25″ x 5.2″ x 1.25″ |
| 8. Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA | 4.8 oz | 350 | CR123A Lithium Battery, One AA Alkaline OR AA Lithium Batteries | 0.8″ x 4.25″ x 0.8″ |
| 9. ThruNite TN12 EDC LED Flashlight | 10.2 oz | 1100 | One 18650 battery | |
| 10. Coast HP7 Focusing 360 Lumen LED Flashlight | 360 | 4 AAA | 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 5.58″ | |
| 11. Thorfire Powerful Flashlight | 14.2 oz | 5000 | 4 x 18650 or unprotected button top | 5.3″ x 2.4″ x 2.4″ |
| 12. Nitecore MH25GT 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight | 7 oz | 1000 | 2x CR123A or 18650 | |
| 13. Klarus Upgraded XT11GT | 4.6 oz | 2000 | CR123A and protected 18650 Li-ion batteries, one 3100 mAh high-quality 18650 battery | Bezel 34.9mm (1.37″) (D), Body 25.4mm (1″)(D), Length 142.6mm (5.59″) |
| 14. ACEBEAM L30 Tactical Flashlight | 168 g | 4000 | One 18650 Battery or 20700 Battery | 162 mm (Length) x 48 mm (Head Dia.) x 25.4 mm (Body Dia.) |
| 15. SureFire Defender Series | 8 oz | 600 | CR123 batteries | 4″ x 2″ x 8″ |
How To Choose A Backpacking Flashlight
Types Of Flashlights
Penlight
A penlight is a lot smaller than a regular flashlight. I see this type of light in the medical field more than anywhere else. Penlights are pretty good and have enough power to light up your surrounding area. This type of flashlight is very light in weight.
Keychain Flashlight
Keychain light is very light and very compact. They have a lot of power as well. They are great for lighting up the surrounding area. The only drawback is that the battery does not last long. The battery will often only last a few hours so it is best that you have this for emergency purposes.
Compact Flashlight
Compact flashlights are great for outdoor and tactical purposes. Most people who work as security guards, police officers and other related jobs will often have a compact flashlight. These flashlights are very good and they have a lot of lumens. They can illuminate a wide area or focus on one spot.
Large Flashlight
Large flashlights with D batteries used to be very popular but with new technology and batteries, most people prefer compact flashlights now. There are large flashlights that can illuminate a wide area. It can light up that area very well. It is like a portable sun. People often use these flashlights for search and rescue.
Bicycle Lights
A lot of cyclists would use their bicycle lights for outdoor purposes as well. Bicycle lights will often have a mount which adds weight. But bicycle lights are often compact flashlights with just a different design.
Hand Crank / Solar Flashlights
Hand crank and solar flashlights are used for emergency purposes. They can often be used as power banks as well but these lights are often too heavy to be used for backpacking purposes. They are great for survival and emergency situations.
Essential Features To Consider
These are the main features that I look for when getting a flashlight for hiking, camping or backpacking.
USB Rechargeable
A great way to charge your compact flashlight is to have the feature of it being USB rechargeable. Most cars these days can charge devices using USB which makes flashlights that can be charged using USB great and more useful.
Lumens
The lumen is very important but we really do not need a high lumen flashlight. Something that can light up the path is fine. Although some people really do love high lumen flashlights. But keep in mind that high lumen flashlights can temporary blind people plus they can also disorient people who are walking with you. This is what I experience. So while high lumen flashlights are pretty cool, they may be very annoying to the people you are backpacking with.
Battery Life
Battery life is also very important. Some cheap flashlights will only last for an hour or so. So always check the battery life. People often not look at it. I don’t usually do it also. I get so impressed with the lumen, other people’s reviews and the good points of the flashlights that I often forget the battery life. I just want to remind you to check it.
Waterproof And Water Resistance
Since people that go backpacking will always have to deal with the weather turning awry, it is best that they get a waterproof or water resistant flashlight. The weather is often unpredictable and rain can happen while you are in your backpacking trip. It is a wise decision that your gear including your flashlights to be waterproof.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the flashlight are important because there are a lot of other things we want to bring also. We want a flashlight that is small, compact but at the same time lights up the world like the sun. I’m just kidding on the sun part. But seriously, we do want items that are very compact and small. So when you are going to pick a flashlight, check the dimensions first.
Weight
The weight of the flashlight matters. Everything or every weight matters. Even just an ounce. This is because they can add up very fast. The weight of the item is very important. We should always consider it even though the item is a very basic necessity or a must have for backpacking. Remember that batteries also have a weight. We need to consider those also along with the weight of the flashlight itself.
Price
The price matters. So there are so many counterfeits and copycat flashlights out there. It is hard to choose which one sometimes. You get companies advertising that their items have 1000 lumens for a $10 price tag but when you get it, it is not really that bright. They rely on people not giving back the flashlight. So always check the price, if it sounds too good to be true, it maybe is.
Beam Type Of Flashlight
Focused
Focused beams of light can reach a large distance but the beam is often narrow. Focused beams are not good for backpacking purposes. You will end up blinding people instead of illuminating the path or illuminating your camp site.
Flood
Flood lights are wide beams of light. They are often softer and easier on the eyes. This is the preferred type of light for backpacking as it can illuminate the footpath and trails rather easily. If you are planning on getting a backpacking flashlight, be sure to get one with flood lights.
Adjustable
Adjustable beam types will often allow the user to go from low lumen settings to high lumen settings. The user can choose from different lumen by pressing a button repeatedly. This is great if you want to save battery life and just want to use the lowest setting.
Additional Features That Are Also Relevant
These are additional features that I look for. These are not the most important but they are still important.
Durability / Impact Resistance
Since the wilderness and outdoor life can be very unforgiving, it is best that the flashlight is very durable and can handle a lot of slips and falls. I have dropped my flashlight several times and they still work. Durability is always something we have to consider when we are getting items for outdoor purposes.
Modes
It is best to understand the modes, options and features that the backpacking flashlight has. It is best to know if the item has focus beams, flood lights, adjustable lights and so on.
Bulb Type
The most popular bulb type for backpacking flashlights are LED bulbs. LED bulbs last for a very long time. They are very durable and their power or effectiveness barely diminishes when used. Most flashlights will tell you how many hours the LED bulbs will last.
Beam Distance
The beam distance is very important if you like to focus on an object that is very far away. For backpacking, beam distance isn’t really that important. You will want to illuminate the area around your body and in the immediate area in front of your body. You do not need to light up objects from a distance unless you are searching for someone.
Battery Type / Power Source
There are many types of batteries. Batteries affect the power and effectiveness of the LED bulbs.
Disposable
Disposable batteries used to be popular but now, they are not as popular as rechargeable batteries. Once the charge is gone from the battery, you can throw away the battery since it can no longer be recharged.
Rechargeable
Lithium ion batteries are very popular as they can put a lot of power to the LED bulbs and most of them are rechargeable as well. Rechargeable batteries are very popular as they are cheaper to use in the long run.
Renewable
Renewable power would be solar power, hand crank, fire and so on. There are a lot of ways to recharge a battery using renewable resources. This type of charging capability is more common on survival and emergency gear rather than backpacking flashlights.
Best Backpacking Flashlights
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Affordable Flashlights
Here are some very inexpensive flashlights that work very well for backpacking purposes.
1. GearLight S1050 LED Flashlight Pack
Weight: 2.4 oz
Lumen: 800
Battery type: Three AAA battery
Dimensions: 6.06 x 3.74 x 1.93 inches
Feature Summary: Fit this mini flashlight in your pocket, backpack, or purse, tactical flashlight is virtually indestructible, ideal for camping and hiking preparedness, dog walking, or use around the house
Short Review: This backpacking flashlight is outstanding and it has lots of positive customer recommendations. This is constructed out of military-grade aluminum, it’s also water-resistant, and strong enough to survive a 10-foot drop. This features high lumen LED technology that casts a wide-narrow beam making it the perfect versatile flash light. This is very cheap or inexpensive and you get two flashlights. For the price, this is one of the best you can get. This one is pretty good and can illuminate the path rather well. This hiking item is good to have and this is very high quality as well.
2. PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight
Weight: 11.2 oz
Lumen: 1000
Battery type: 18650 Lithium Ion Battery or 3 AAA batteries
Dimensions: 1.6 x 5.3 x 1.1 in
Feature Summary: Durable and made to last for many years, 10 times brighter than old incandescent flashlights, water resistant, anti-abrasive, skid proof, compact design
Short Review: The high quality components used to produce this high powered flashlight made it amazing. This is a high Lumens LED flashlight which is 10 times brighter than old incandescent flashlights. This features a material that is water resistant, anti-abrasive, skid proof, compact design makes it the top pocket flashlight for all situations. I am really satisfied with this item so far. This is exceptionally resilient and I haven’t had any difficulties with it. This is a very fantastic item and I like using it. Another very low priced flashlight that works very well. This has a great deal of positive consumer reviews that this became pretty popular in very little time.
3. COAST HX5 130 Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight
Weight: 0.32 oz
Lumen: 130-345
Battery type: 1 x AA, Li-Ion, or NiMH
Dimensions:
Feature Summary: Construction is very durable, compact design allows for saving space, designed to be very compact
Short Review: This is one of the best backpacking flashlights that I know of. This features Slide Focus system enables you to seamlessly transition between spot and flood beam with the push or pull your finger. This also features Quick-Cycle Switch makes it easy to move between full light, medium light, lowest light by simply pressing the on/off button multiple times. This is pretty affordable and this works well. One of the lightest flashlights that I have ever used and this brightens up the path rather well. I know that high quality items such as this one always have plenty of satisfied customers.
4. ThruNite Ti3 EDC Cree XP-G2 R5 AAA Torch Max120 Lumens
Weight: 0.42 oz
Lumen: 120 Lumen
Battery type: AAA Battery
Dimensions: 4.45 x 1.54 x 0.75 inches
Feature Summary: 3 light modes with extra strobe, great item for the outdoors, pocket clip is 2 ways reversible, convenient twist switch design, portable and economical EDC light
Short Review: This high powered flashlight is one of the best that I definitely love. This is constructed with Premium type III hard-anodized surface finish and can withstand impacts of 1 meter. This is also IPX8 rated and allows use in heavy rain and snow. This mini keychain flashlight can light up to 120 lumens max output with up to a 45 meter beam distance. This is very simple to use and very affordable as well. One of the smallest flashlights that I have ever come across. This is small but very durable. Easy to carry because of the tiny design. This is absolutely what I expected and this also offers a great deal of usefulness.
5. WdtPro High-Powered LED Flashlight S3000
Weight: 0.5 Pounds
Lumen: 1600
Battery type: Four AA Battery
Dimensions: 7.37 x 1.66 x 1.66 inches
Feature Summary: Compact to save space, items with intuitive designs come from this company, this is very high quality
Short Review: One of the greatest things I have ever tried is this flashlight. This company was in a position to develop a really awesome item. This features the PDO technology for extreme brightness, providing up to 30 hours (low light mode) of continuous running time. This flashlight is built with IP67 waterproof, now you can stop worrying about unexpected weather rain or snow. The extraordinary thing that I love relating to this item is the affordable price tag. I love that this is very compact and very small which makes this ideal for the outdoors. All in all, this has been a pleasurable and wonderful experience for me and large amounts of people.
| Check Out My Other Reviews – backpacking hammock straps – backpacking hammock pads – backpacking winter hats – backpacking frying pans – backpacking stoves |
Mid Range Flashlights
These flashlights have a very competitive price. These flashlights are very durable and have very high lumens. They are very bright and work well for backpacking purposes.
6. Fenix PD35 TAC CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight
Weight: 3.1 oz
Lumen: 1700
Battery type: 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries
Dimensions: 137mm (5.4 in.) Length x 25.4mm (1.0 in.)
Feature Summary: Can handle lots of accidental punishments, very durable because of high quality materials, very durable construction
Short Review: This is a pretty amazing backpacking flashlight. The price of this item is great that I recommend it all the time. This features two-stage tail switch to power on-off and themetal side switch to adjust the mode and brightness. This ultimate tactical flashlight with a very bright beam up to 1700 lumens, farther throw up to 390 yards. This has exceeded my expectations. We can carry more because this is very light. The price is rather medium range or close to $80. This can shine around 1700 lumens but you will not need that much lumens. You will often use the lowest setting.
7. Nitecore E4K 4400 Lumen EDC Compact Rechargeable Flashlight
Weight: 2.82 ounces
Lumen: 4400
Battery type: 5000mAh NL2150HPR
Dimensions: 4.62 x 1.13 x 1.11 in
Feature Summary: Control beam shape with one hand, wide angle flood beam illuminates the broadest possible area, built for the hand, designed for performance.
Short Review: You certainly will love and make use of this outdoor flashlight all the time. This features convenient side switch to power the light on / off or cycle between five brightness levels and 3 special modes. The flashlight holds comfortably in hand. Easily attach it to any belt, vest, or pocket with its bi-directional clip. This light can run for up to 30 days on ultralow mode, ensuring you have enough light for any activity. Anyone looking for a well-made and well-designed item that can illuminate a wide area, then look no further. Versatile item that makes hiking a lot more fun and this is high quality as well.
8. Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA
Weight: 4.8 oz
Lumen: 350
Battery type: CR123A Lithium Battery, One AA Alkaline OR AA Lithium Batteries
Dimensions: 0.8 x 4.25 x 0.8 in
Feature Summary: High quality material made this very durable, perfect everyday carry light that accepts a single lithium or alkaline battery, ultra-bright white LED, impervious to shock, with a 50,000 hour lifetime
Short Review: This high lumen flashlight is incredible and I love it a whole lot. This features ultra-bright white LED, impervious to shock, with a 50,000 hour lifetime. This dual fuel ultra-compact flashlight accepts a single lithium or alkaline battery, providing ultimate flexibility in the field. This is pretty good and works very well. Space saving design is amazing because items that are compact are easily organized. The outdoors can be easier with this and this works well. This is small but definitely powerful.
9. ThruNite TN12 EDC LED Flashlight
Weight: 10.2 oz
Lumen: 1100
Battery type: One 18650 battery
Dimensions:
Feature Summary: Amazing and durable item that will last for many years, CREE XP-L V6 LED to give out max 1100 lumen with one 18650 battery, compact & reliable EDC flashlight, improved circuit design makes the brightness difference between High and Max modes more obvious
Short Review: There are lots of people that obtained this flashlight mainly because this is great. This features 0.5 lumens in Moonlight mode to 1900 lumens in Turbo mode. This is constructed from aluminum alloy construction treated with a scratch-resistant anodized finish, identical in size to fit comfortably in your hand. This features 1900 Lumens with SFT40 LED, an anti-reflective coated ultra-clear toughened glass lens, and a smooth reflector. Easy to carry because of the compact design which gives us more room in our backpacks. This hiking item is good to have and this is very high quality as well. This is one of the greatest that you can obtain over the internet because of the high quality materials that were used to create this.
10. SureFire G2X Series LED Flashlights
Weight: 2.4 oz
Lumen: 400
Battery type: 2 RCR123 or 16340
Dimensions: 1.25 x 5.2 x 1.25 in
Feature Summary: Virtually indestructible LED emitter, high of 600 lumens for maximum light, and low of 15 lumens for extended runtime, tough Nitrolon body, anodized aluminum bezel
Short Review: A good deal of individuals are often surprised at how outstanding this high lumen flashlight is. This features high of 600 lumens for maximum light, and low of 15 lumens for extended runtime. This is constructed out of tough Nitrolon body, anodized aluminum bezel and comes with virtually indestructible LED emitter regulated to maximize light output and runtime. This is very lightweight which makes it great for the outdoors. It is easier and a lot more fun to have this for hiking which is why I highly recommend this. Coast makes a lot of really good flashlights and light related items for the outdoors.
| Check Out My Other Reviews – backpacking food kits – backpacking utensils – family camping cookware sets – mosquito head net – wheeled backpacks |
Expensive And High Powered Flashlights
Here are flashlights that are very expensive and very powerful. These flashlights are great for search and rescue. They are very bright and can blind a lot of people if pointed at them. So be careful.
11. Fenix LR40R 12000 Lumen
Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Lumen: 12000
Battery type: 12000 mAh or 1x-4x 21700
Dimensions: 6.06″ x 3.15″ x 2.01″
Feature Summary: This is made to last for a very long time, power of 18 LEDs provides amazing visibility and coverage, spotlight is capable of 845 yards of beam, perfect for search and rescue and outdoor adventures
Short Review: There’s no doubt that this backpacking flashlight is actually pretty great. This features super bright beam of 12000 lumens reaching over 2,536 feet. This also features 12000 mAh battery pack that can be easily fast recharged with the included USB type-C charging cable. One of the brightest flashlights made by Fenix specifically designed for search and rescue. This is way too powerful for hiking but if you love power then this is the flashlight for you. It is well known that a durable item like this one, lasts for a very long time. I have discovered this item to be incredible and I really like recommending this to a lot of men and women.
12. NITECORE TM9K TAC 9800 LumenFlashlight
Weight: 7.71 oz
Lumen: 9800
Battery type: 5000mAh Built-in
Dimensions: 4.92 x 1.57 x 1.1 inches
Feature Summary: Amazing and durable item that will last for many years, super bright tactical flashlight, 9800 lumen beam that reaches an impressive 306 yards, touch instant access to 9800 lumen turbo mode
Short Review: This outstanding outdoor flashlight will amaze you. I am impressed at the effectiveness of this item. This is the ultimate rechargeable flashlight with a 9800 lumen beam that reaches an impressive 306 yards. This features USB-C rechargeable with built-in 5000mAh high capacity battery. Comes with 3 hour charge time with quick charge power source. The creator or company did an incredible job. This is a very powerful flashlight. If you love power then this is good. It can blind people temporarily if pointed at their eyes though. This is a pretty durable item that can last for a long time mainly because of the high quality materials used to create it.
13. ThruNite TN36 Limited Version 11000 Lumen
Weight: 15.1 Ounces
Lumen: 11000
Battery type: 4 * IMR 18650 Lithium Ion
Dimensions: 5.24 x 2.52 x 2.05 inches
Feature Summary: Compact and amazing design, small as a 330ml-capacity Coke can, memory function to remember last mode, low voltage indication, which will glow red when the battery power is running low, strong illumination with a throw of up to 386 yards
Short Review: This outdoor flashlight that I have listed is superb. This features limited max output of 11000 lumen with triple CREE XHP70B LEDs, powered by 4pcs battery which provides strong illumination with a throw of up to 386 yards. This features intelligent temperature control, preventing overheating by reducing the output and has a low power indicator which will glow red when the battery power is running low. The positive consumer reviews that this item has can save you a whole lot of energy and time when it comes to researching about this item. This is not only amazing but also the type of quality that you would expect from this great company. The material is very lightweight and very durable as well.
14. Acebeam X80 Tactical Flashlight
Weight: 1.76 pounds
Lumen: 25000
Battery type: 4 rechargeable 18650 3100 mAh batterie
Dimensions: 162mm (length) x 48mm (head dia.) x 25.4mm (body dia.)
Feature Summary: High power rechargeable flashlight with a max output of 25000 lumens, 52 hours and beam distance of 332 meters, IPX 8 Waterproof, impact resistant, can be used handheld or on a tripod
Short Review: I am recommending this high powered flashlight since I am positive you will like it. This is constructed from aerospace grade aluminum body, water-resistant IPX8 standard, full waterproof and submersible for up to 30 meters. Amazing flashlight for heavy rain day and other extreme conditions. This provides powerful 34,000 lumens, optimized beam with wide illumination area. This has a great deal of customer reviews and I find this to be one of the most fulfilling items that I have ever tried. he lightweight design makes this ideal for outdoor adventures.
15. OLIGHT Marauder 2 Rechargeable Flashlight
Weight: 2.79 pounds
Lumen: 14000
Battery type: Built-in 54Wh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack
Dimensions: 7.01 x 6.22 x 3.62 inches
Feature Summary: Simple toggle switch to select either spotlight or floodlight, take 2.5 hours to fully charge, thermal sensor, a proximity sensor, and cooling fins to protect against overheating and obstruction, silicone surface for a solid grip
Short Review: I love using this flashlight and I know you will also. This features 800-meter spotlight beam from the central LED, and a 14000-lumen floodlight beam from 12 surrounding LEDs. This features a thermal sensor, a proximity sensor, and cooling fins to protect against overheating and obstruction. This is one of the most durable flashlights that I have ever encountered. I dropped this flashlight accidentally multiple times and this still works well. It is a good thing that this is very light which makes it ideal for backpacking. A very good item to have if you love the outdoors and this is pretty bright as well.