Flashlights have become an essential tool in our life. You never know when you're going to need one. From finding your lost items to finding your way back home a little extra light can go a long way.
Though most phones have a flashlight, there are a lot of limitations to how helpful that can be, especially in situations where you’re having to search for your phone. In instances like these, having a pocket flashlight can be super helpful.
Pocket flashlights are also known as EDC flashlights because you can easily carry them in your shirt or pants pocket.
Unlike cell phone flashlights that produce only 10 lumens, pocket flashlights are brighter, durable, and readily available when you need them. There are lots of reasons why you should own a pocket flashlight.
1. Lighting
The primary function of a flashlight is to light up the dark area and help you assist your search in finding what you’re searching for. Whether you’re walking to your car in a dim parking lot or trekking during sunset, having an extra light from your pocket flashlight will give a serious peace of mind.
A pocket flashlight is not only useful for trekking and camping but you will need it during a power outage, car breakdown in the middle of the night, and emergencies.
2. Reading
Let’s assume you and your friends are walking in the middle of a jungle hoping to reach the campsite before dawn. As the sun goes down you see a diverged road and all of you are confused about which path to choose.
You pull out a roadmap, but it’s already dawn and your eyesight is not able to see the details on the map. In this situation, a pocket flashlight would be a handy tool that can help you out.
3. Finding Things Under the Car Seat
If you own a car, I am sure you’re aware of a bottomless black pit that is between your car console and your car seat. Sometimes when you accidentally drop things in this endless black hole, it can feel like it's gone forever. But if you have a pocket flashlight, finding things in this dark hole can be easy.
4. Dog Walking After Dark
Whether you’re taking your dog out for a walk at night or you’re going out for jogging, you want to carry a flashlight with you. Other cars, joggers, cyclists, and other dog walkers might not be paying attention and could collide with you or your dog. Having a flashlight will keep your distance from all of them.
5. Self-Defense Weapon
Other than keychain flashlights and penlights most pocket flashlights can be used as a self-defense weapon. But how?
Simple, you can buy a small tactical light that can fit into your pocket. Tactical light has sharp edges and is mostly made of an aluminum body. It can cause serious injury if stuck on the delicate part of the body.
This type of flashlight is also high in lumens and comes with a strobe mode capable of temporarily blinding someone if the light is pointed directly to their eyes.
6. Reliability
When you have a flashlight inside your pocket you can light up any area in any situation instantly. Though you can use your phone flashlight, there are many other things you can do with your phone instead of just using it as a flashlight.
When you’re in a panic situation you can drain your phone batteries faster than you think. Having a pocket flashlight saves your mobile batteries and at the same time act as a reliable source of light.
7. Cheaper and Low Maintenance
Another benefit of a pocket flashlight is the cost and its low maintenance. When you can buy it for a few dollars why not have it in your arsenal as a safety tool. And the best part is you don’t have to think much about taking care of it.
Most pocket flashlights are made of aluminum and have a strong body that won’t break even if you drop them accidentally. This tiny flashlight can be used for camping, hiking, and trekking because it is made to withstand most climatic conditions without having to worry about maintenance.
8. Save Time
A pocket flashlight is much faster and less effort to have handy than reaching for your phone or emergency knife. Whether you’re traveling, hiking, camping, or trying to find items in the dark, this little light can be super handy.
Pocket flashlights are compact, versatile, and easy to carry. Having a flashlight in your survival kit is a valuable accessory.
How to Choose a Pocket Flashlight?
Not all flashlights are made equal. You should be specific about what you need in a pocket flashlight. Here are some of the few things to take into consideration while choosing a pocket flashlight.
Light Output
Lumen is measured by the brightness of a flashlight. 1 Lumen (lm) equals one candle brightness. So, 500 lumens means the brightness of 500 candles. If you ask me, how much lumen pocket flashlight should I buy? My answer will be 500 lumens and above.
Beam Distance
The longer a flashlight can throw its beam the better. You should look for a pocket flashlight that can throw light at least 100 feet or more.
Battery Life
Depending on how much you use the flashlight, the batteries can last 1.5 to 7 hours. Some higher-end flashlights can even last up to 50 hours. Choose a pocket flashlight that can last at least 7 hours.
Impact Resistance
You don’t want a flashlight that breaks at one fall. Look for a pocket flashlight that is made of quality material so that it can withstand unexpected drops and scratches.
Water Resistance
The Ingress Protection Standards is how you will know what protection your flashlight has. The first IP number is for solids protection and the second is for liquids protection. If it has a rating like IPX8, that means it hasn't been tested for solids yet.
Olight S2R BATON II Pocket Flashlight
This tiny pocket flashlight can produce up to 1,150 cool and neutral white lumen output and can throw a perfectly balanced beam up to 135 meters.
S2R Baton II is powered by a single Olight customized 3200mAh 3.6V 18650 battery. The battery can last up to 60 days straight on moonlight mode.
It has a double-side clip, lanyard, and a magnetic tail cap for an easy carry option. You also get a battery tracker with a three-color indicator light that let you know when you need to recharge this tiny pocket flashlight.
Olight Warrior Mini 2 Compact EDC Tactical Flashlight
The Warrior Mini 2 is the brand-new upgraded version of the previous Warrior Mini, and one of the most powerful compact tactical lights on the market. It produces an astounding max output of 1,750 lumens and 220-meter beam distance despite its pocketable size. Its newly adopted proximity sensor drops the brightness level proactively in case of obstruction.
As the successor of Warrior Mini, this flashlight still features a side switch for daily use and a tail switch for tactical operation. The three-level battery indicator tells the battery level and when to charge, and the customized 3500mAh 18650 battery charges with the MCC3 magnetic charging cable. In addition, the included carabiner-style ring (not for climbing) is added for enhanced portability. Compared to its predecessor, the Warrior Mini 2 is more secure, way brighter, and packed with new refinements that make it one of the most well-designed tactical pocket lights out there.
Olight Baton 3 Rechargeable EDC Flashlight 1200 Lumens with Charger
The Baton 3 Premium Edition is the perfect do-it-all compact flashlight kit. Including the new 1,200 lumens powerful Baton 3 and portable wireless charger, never worry about battery life again! The Baton 3 is the brand new upgraded version of our most popular pocket flashlight, the S1R Baton II. Equipped with a high-performance LED and TIR lens, this extremely compact light delivers an incredible maximum output of 1,200 lumens and a 166-meter beam distance.
The tailor-made charging case includes a built-in 3500mAh 18650 battery, allowing you to fully charge the Baton 3 up to 3.7 times. With upgraded performance and an included charging case, the new Baton 3 Premium Edition is the perfect flashlight companion everywhere you go.
Stay Handy, Stay Protected
A pocket flashlight is one of the handiest instruments that can be used in a variety of situations. And the best part is they are lightweight that can be carried with you wherever you go.
The type of pocket flashlight you should buy ultimately depends on your personal preference, the environment you will be using it in, and the activity you will be doing while using it.
Other than your personal preferences, make sure to buy a flashlight that is tough enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor life and bright enough to help you see anything you need to.
