Whether you like to go camping or you just need to find something in your backyard at night, you will need some kind of illumination to help you not to stumble in the dark. Flashlights are a great solution, but the big ones can be a little inconvenient. Therefore, a pocket flashlight can be a perfect tool – it is small, easy to carry, and gives you a decent amount of light.
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Our Top Picks
Check out our list to see what kind of pocket flashlights is for you.
1. J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight
The J5 Tactical V1-Pro runs on only one AA battery. However, you can also get rechargeable 14500 batteries and it will work just as well. If you utilize this flashlight daily for normal use, it will work well for weeks, or it can give you an hour of continuous light with – all with a single battery.
This flashlight has a 300-lumen output, and it can be used in three different settings – low, high, and strobe, with a range of 600 feet. As an addition, it has a zooming feature so you can easily switch between a spotlight and a wider kind of light beam.
This powerful flashlight is not only strong in performances but is built with quality as well. The aluminum casing will resist any kind of fall so it’s perfect for outdoor activities, whether you are into camping, hunting, cycling, running, or just about anything you can think of. It comes with a clip so you can safely clip it to your pocket, and the good thing is – even if it somehow breaks, you will have no trouble replacing in since it has a 1-year warranty.
2. Streamlight MicroStream 66318
Streamlight MicroStream is a 3.5-inch flashlight made of anodized aluminum making it very resistant to falls and bumps, but also waterproof, so you’ll have no trouble using it on any kind of your outdoor endeavors.
It comes with a LED bulb that can last pretty long (literally thousands of hours) and a scratch-resistant lens made of polycarbonate. The white light will give you only 45 lumens with a 41 meters long beam, but it will be enough to light up your way whether you are headed in a dark basement or just need to find something in your tent during a camping trip. It also comes with a safety lanyard so you can hang it around your neck, and a removable pocket clip that can also be used to put the flashlight onto the brim of your hat so your hands are free.
This flashlight uses AAA batteries, and since it is a small and compact model it can only fit one battery at a time. It can run for 2.5 half hours before you need to replace the battery.
To turn the light on, just push the tail button switch and you can choose from momentary to constant operation.
3. CAT Pocket Beam
The CAT brand is known for making very durable products and this flashlight is no exception. It is designed with an ABS thermoplastic body that is very resistant to damage and water, making it perfect for work environments.
This model is designed a bit differently than your usual pocket flashlight. A square magnetic base allows you to place this light on the floor and have your hand free for the task you’re about to do. It can also be clipped onto your pocket providing you with a large amount of light.
CAT Pocket beam is very bright with its 175 lumens and since it is light source is attached vertically to the body of the flashlight, it gives you a longer light source than regular pocket flashlights. It runs on 3 AAA batteries so it has more power and can run for 7 hours at a time.
It IS a bit larger than some pocket lights, with its 6 inches length, but if you are willing to compromise about the size, you will get a great light source that you can use anywhere.
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4. Maglite XL50
This Maglite flashlight is small enough for your palm and of course, it fits your pocket, but don’t let the size fool you. It will provide you with a strong light of 200 lumens that is pretty outstanding for a pocket flashlight, and also has a 224m beam. This model is fairly easy to use with a tail cap switch.
It runs on AAA batteries that are included in the package. You can choose from 3 settings – low light, high light, and strobe. The battery life on a high setting is 6 hours and 45 minutes. If you choose to use the low light setting, you will have no problem using this flashlight for 25 hours without charging the batteries.
As for the design, Maglite is famous for its high-quality flashlights, so you can expect the same performances from this small model. It is definitely made to last with its waterproof seal and anodized insides that are corrosion resistant, but it also has a strong outer case and you get to choose the color between black, red, blue, and gray.
It is a bit more expensive considering it’s a pocket light, but the performance this model gives outstand the price.
5. Slughaus bull3t Micro Flashlight
If you’re in need of a really tiny flashlight, the SLUGHAUS BULL3T Micro flashlight is the one for you. It is a very compact model so it won’t take up much space and since it comes with a steel ring you can easily hang it on your keychain.
Regardless of the size, this light is extremely durable thanks to the ultra-light titanium shell. It is waterproof, crushproof, and fireproof, you name it!
It does have only two modes – ON and OFF but this mini flashlight gives you 100 lumens that can shine for over a mile long beam, and the LED bulb provides an amazing 100 000 hours of usage.
All things considered, this is a very interesting item suitable for everyday use but also for hiking and camping as well as an emergency light.
6. NITECORE TM10K Tiny Monster
This is definitely the most expensive flashlight on our list but for a good reason: it provides you a 10 000 lumen light source when used on the highest output. If that is too much for you, you can choose the output intensity anywhere from 400 to 2000 lumens. It has a small OLED display that allows you to control the brightness but also see how much battery you have left.
NITECORE’s Tiny Monster comes with a 4800mAh 35A built-in battery that can be charged using a USB Type C Quick Charge 2.0 so you can charge it quickly at home, or on your laptop when you don’t have access to a power outlet.
This flashlight is only 4.33 inches long so it fits the criteria for pocket lights, and it features a slim body and weighs only 8.7 oz.
If you don’t mind the excess price, there is no doubt you will be assured why this light is called a Monster.
7. Everbrite 4 Pack
If you decide you need a low-budget flashlight, Everbrite is the one for you, and to compensate for the lack of build quality, you get 4 flashlights at the price of one (very convenient if you lose one). They come with included batteries, so that’s another thing that saves you money.
These lights have only 25-lumen power and have a 20m beam length, so you can’t expect much brightness, but they can be helpful if you ever find yourself in total dark or if you just don’t need that much light.
Made out of aluminum, these flashlights look elegant and they come in 4 different colors (red, silver, blue, and teal) so you can share them with your friends or give them to your kids.
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What You Need to Know When Choosing a Pocket Flashlight
Size
The first thing is first – when buying a pocket flashlight you need it to be small enough to fit your pocket. Since these kinds of flashlights don’t take up a lot of space, it is only natural to assume they can’t hold much electronics and be as powerful as bigger flashlights. There is also not much room for batteries. Nevertheless, there is a variety of models you can choose from that will be good enough for any type of activities you engage in. Pocket flashlights are usually about 4 inches long, and 1 inch wide, but they do give a pretty decent amount of light.
Brightness (or How Many Lumens Does a Flashlight Have)
Next to size, an important thing to consider when buying a flashlight is the brightness. This feature is measured in lumens. If a flashlight has more lumens it will give you a brighter light. Pocket flashlights have less lumen since they are small in size and have smaller bulbs and battery space. The brightness range for smaller flashlights usually goes from 40 to 50 lumens.
There are a few more things to consider in terms of brightness: beam distance and beam width. Beam distance is the range of light that your flashlight will give you. The meaning of beam width is pretty clear: while some flashlights have a narrow beam and help you illuminate small areas, others have a wider beam for illuminating bigger areas.
Some flashlights have multiple settings that allow you to change brightness levels from low to high and also adjust the beam length and width.
Batteries
Another thing that is very connected to the size of the flashlight – batteries. Since pocket flashlights tend to be smaller they can only fit one battery as opposed to bigger flashlights.
If your pocket flashlight uses only one AAA battery, it will last about 3-4 hours. If you get one that can fit more AAA or AA batteries, you can expect a battery life anywhere from 6 to 10 hours per charge.
Battery life also depends on the brightness – the more lumens your flashlight has, the more battery life it will consume.
Durability
Since pocket flashlights are mainly used outside (and in the dark), and you carry them in your pocket, you’ll want one that is durable and it will last long. To avoid breaking your light when it falls out of your pocket, consider the materials that are used to make the flashlight. The ones that are made out of aluminum or strong plastic are sturdier and more durable. Also, consider getting a flashlight that is waterproof so it still works even if it gets wet during rainy days or if it simply falls in the water.
Price
While pocket flashlights tend to be inexpensive, you CAN get one that will cost you a decent amount of money. The difference between the cheaper ones and the pricier ones is in performances and build quality. Logically, if you pay more money for a flashlight, you will get a better bulb, more brightness, higher-quality electronic circuits, and better build materials. With that being said, the price of a pocket flashlight can go from about 20 dollars to EVEN over 200 dollars.
FAQ
How many lumens do you need in a flashlight?
10 lumens are enough to help you during a blackout emergency or for outdoor activities. If you get a flashlight that uses 2 AA batteries, it will last you all day long with the illumination of 10 lumens, although most lights nowadays are more powerful.
Do LED Flashlights Get Hot?
If driven hard enough, LED flashlights can get hot, but it is a good thing since it means that the heatsinking is doing its job – preventing the heat reach sensitive electronics.
What Does EDC Flashlight Mean?
EDC means Everyday Carry and is referred stuff that you bring with you every day. EDC flashlight is an item you can carry in your pocket in case of emergencies.
What Is the Illumination Range Of A Pocket Flashlight?
Usually, small pocket flashlights have a range of up to about 50 meters. If you need a range of 100-200m and more, get a larger flashlight.
Pocket flashlights can be very convenient and useful if you ever find yourself in a blackout or you just need to see where you’re going while finding a way through the woods once the sun is down. Hopefully, reading this article made it easier to find the right one for you.
If you still need some help in choosing the right flashlight, watch the following video and find what you need to know before making a purchase:
Before you go, take a look at some other interesting models available on today’s market:
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