Having a good quality camping flashlight is essential as there can be various unexpected situations you will feel like having a strong stream of light is vital. When camping, the fun continues even after sundown; but never put your safety second. Let’s find the best camping flashlights not to struggle any longer in the dark.
- Coast G55 Flashlight
- Fenix PD36R Rechargeable Flashlight
- Coleman OneSource 1000 Flashlight
- Nite Ize Inova T4R Tactical LED Flashlight
- Surefire e2T Tactician Flashlight
- Goal Zero Torch 250
- Ledlenser MT18 Flashlight
- Pelican 7100 LED Flashlight
- Nitecore TM9K Flashlight
- Maglite ML50L LED Flashlight
- Nitecore P30 Flashlight
With hundreds of different options out there in the market, it is not easy to find what exactly can work for you. Therefore, we make the job easier with concerned the following features.
Brightness: The purpose of a flashlight is strong beams. Think about one that releases a minimum of 600 lumens
Numerous modes: If you have different modes of light you can use the flashlight for multiple purposes
Durability: Weather-resistant and shockproof are really useful features that add value to make use of your flashlight for a longer time
Which is the best flashlight I should buy; here we bring you the 11 best camping flashlights for different camping needs.
Coast G55 Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 650 lumens
- Battery: 4 AAA
- Brightness levels: 3
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
- Price: $29.95
The two-beam technology of Coast G55 Flashlight allows the user to choose from broad flood beams and spots making it one of the most popular choices of the best camping flashlights. You can simply twist the head and change the light.
This has 3 brightness levels as 650 lumens (high), 300 lumens (medium), and 95 lumens (low) with run times of 2:30 hours, 6:15 hours, and 17:00 hours respectively. With a nice design and lightweight, it becomes a nice addition to your gear. But not being a rechargeable flashlight, you should always have extra batteries to keep it working throughout the journey.
Product highlights:
- Nice design value for its price
- Two-beam technology- flood and spot
- 3 brightness levels for maximum use
- Weather-resistant design
- Non-rechargeable flashlight
Fenix PD36R Rechargeable Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 1,600 lumens
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Brightness levels: 5
- Waterproof rating: IP68
- Price: $99.95
Bringing 5 different lighting modes, Fenix PD36R Rechargeable Flashlight comes extra smart in the category which is also rechargeable and compact in design. This LED flashlight is made for easy use with the on-off button supported with a slide switch. It is a quick rechargeable flashlight that you can use conveniently by having the right portable battery pack with you to the campsite.
It has light outputs as Turbo: 1,600; High: 800; Medium: 350; Low: 150; Eco: 30 lumens with a run time of 2 hrs 50 min, 5 hrs 49 min, 8 hrs 24 min, 26 hrs, and 115 hrs respectively for each mode. And with intelligent overheat protection, you can ensure its usage for a longer time in many useful ways.
Product highlights:
- Powerful and long-lasting flashlight with advanced grip
- Rechargeable and maximum usage
- Multiple light modes
- Features Eco-mode for extra convenience
- Intelligent overheat protection
Coleman OneSource 1000 Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 1,000 lumens
- Battery: 4,800mAh
- Brightness levels: 2
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
- Price: $74.99
Coleman OneSource 1000 Flashlight is a perfect camping flashlight to light up your way at night with two brightness levels as 1,000 lumens (high), and 50 lumens (low) with run times of 2:00 hours and 100:00 hours respectively. And this is much more to its price with its ability to charge some other electronic devices with the interchangeable reusable battery through USB-charging.
It has two useful modes and the highest mode is enough to light up the campsite. And you can use the low light mode for anything inside the tent. Adding value to it, the flashlight has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, ease of use, lifetime LEDs, and a high-end build leaving the user satisfied.
Product highlights:
- Smart rechargeable battery to charge up your smartphone and more
- Pocket-fitting size
- Useful two light modes
- Fine water-resistant rating
- Durable build for long-time use
Nite Ize Inova T4R Tactical LED Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 850 lumens
- Battery: 2,600mAh
- Brightness levels: 4
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
- Price: $159.95
The rugged designed Nite Ize Inova T4R Tactical LED Flashlight is made to last in extreme conditions which are guaranteed shockproof, crushproof, and water-resistance. If you are highly concerned about the durability of the flashlight over its brightness, this is a smart option to try out. For too adventurous types of campers and hikers, this is a nice addition to gear that is safe from any potential damages.
This flashlight has brightness levels of 850 lumens (high) and 12 lumens (low) with 2:00 hours and 138:00 hours respectively for each level. And with its ability to charge via a car charger or USB, it fits most of the camper situations well. But it is a pricier option in the market only a few campers would be willing to bear.
Product highlights:
- Shockproof, crushproof, and water-resistant
- Fast charging via USB or car outlet
- Spot with flood beam light pattern
- Durable design to use in extreme conditions
- Highly-priced model
Surefire e2T Tactician Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 800 lumens
- Battery: Two 123A
- Brightness levels: 2
- Waterproof rating: IPX68
- Price: $139.00
Surefire e2T Tactician Flashlight is a smart addition to your camping gear which is fairly a lightweight flashlight with a maximum of 800 lumens. It can brighten up your campsite sufficiently with two brightness modes. They are 800 lumens (high) and 5 lumens (low) with run times of 1:30 hours and 95:00 hours respectively.
This nicely engineered flashlight is convenient to use. Simply hand-tight the front bezel for the highest light output and for low, lose it by a quarter-turn. And this will be a good option only if you are ready to pay a little extra than for some other models in the market.
Product highlights:
- Lightweight and compact design easy to carry in your gear
- Big-time power with low-light feature (5 lumens)
- Innovative build in changing modes
- Pricier model in the market
Goal Zero Torch 250
- Brightness (highest): 250 lumens
- Battery: 4,400mAh
- Brightness levels: 2
- Waterproof rating: None
- Price: $69.95
If you can make your flashlight perform maximum when fully charged, Goal Zero Torch 250 is definitely a great option to add to your gear. It supports a small solar panel, USB charging cable, and a hand crank to keep the best battery. Even some complaints that solar power charging is slow, it seems good to support to keep going well.
Not being cyclical just like most of the best camping flashlights this comes in a unique design. You can easily place it on a flat surface instead of holding it all the time. But if you are thinking about taking it in your pocket, that will matter with its design. However, this is useful as a flashlight, floodlight, or even red emergency light. And this helps you to stay connected all the time with its integrated USB port that allows charging phones.
Product highlights:
- Can use as a camping flashlight, floodlight, or a red emergency light
- Different charging options to keep it going
- Made of plastic and not durable as some other ones
- Features unique design
Ledlenser MT18 Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 3,000 lumens
- Battery: 10,200 mAh
- Brightness levels: 3
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
- Price: $199.95
If you expect serious beams of light with your flashlight Ledlenser MT18 Flashlight is a compact and fitting design. It provides extreme illumination at 3,000 lumens and comes providing 600 lumens at medium and, 30 lumens at low.
With Smart Light Technology you can smartly use programmable light options easily. And adding value to its high price, here you get a transportation lock feature that prevents your flashlight from getting unintentionally turning on. Also, it has rapid focus allowing you one-handed switching to using it faster and more conveniently.
Product highlights:
- Powerful rechargeable battery for long time use
- Provides extreme illumination at 3,000 lumens
- Special transportation lock feature
- Rapid-focus letting one-handed use
- Compact and nice design
Pelican 7100 LED Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 695 lumens
- Battery: 14,500mAh / 1 AA
- Brightness levels: 3
- Waterproof rating: IPX8
- Price: $73.99
Pelican 7100 LED Flashlight is a high-performing flashlight for tactical use with three useful lighting modes. It has military-level hardiness and its aluminum build can save it from possible damage.
Three light modes of it are 695 lumens (high), 348 lumens (med), and 33 lumens (low) with run times of 1:15 hours, 1:30 hours, and 9:15 hours respectively. And thanks to its fast charging support, you can easily get it ready for your adventures never leaving it to run out of power. Adding more value to its price, it has a full-time battery level signal, support to the additional power source, carbon pocket clip, and overall rugged design.
Product highlights:
- Best performing flashlight
- Rugged build with military-level finish
- Faster charging support
- Can replace the lithium-ion battery with a AA battery
- Value purchase for a fair price
Nitecore TM9K Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 9,500 lumens
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Brightness levels: 4
- Waterproof rating: IP68
- Price: $159.95
With a nice blend of quality, durability, and ease of use Nitecore TM9K Flashlight wins the top of the category which is intentionally developed for tactical use. It has a super-powerful battery, is extremely bright, and comes with a compact design to travel light.
With 9 powerful LED lights it releases a maximum of 9,500 lumens at the turbo and respectively comes in 1,900 lumens (high), 460 lumens (medium), and 130 lumens (low). Its built-in 5000mAh 21700 rechargeable Li-ion battery is super easy to recharge and go and better you are always gets prepared with the right camping portable battery pack.
Product highlights:
- Extremely bright at turbo level
- LED power indicator to show the position of charging and battery status
- Highly durable aluminum body
- Easy and quick with USB-C recharge
- Dual tail switches; one-touch turbo and two for strobe
Maglite ML50L LED Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 611 lumens
- Battery: 3 C-Cell Alkaline
- Brightness levels: 3
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
- Price: $49.95
Maglite ML50L LED Flashlight Maglite is an American-made flashlight that is of a sleek and compact design. For anything outdoors, this ultra-bright flashlight is perfect. It is highly durable with aircraft-quality anodized aluminum which is only a downside if you are an ultralight camper. And it is O-ring sealed at all edges for water and corrosion resistance.
This flashlight runs on 3 C-cell alkaline batteries (sold separately) and it is not rechargeable. However, its three different brightness levels are worth its price as at 611 lumens (high), 105 lumens (low), and 20 lumens (eco) with respective run times of 16:00 hours, 42:00 hours, and 153:00 hours.
Product highlights:
- Single-button design with high ease of use
- Coming from a long-trusted brand with ensured quality
- Non-rechargeable flashlight
- A slightly heavier model with batteries
- Affordable camping flashlight model
Nitecore P30 Flashlight
- Brightness (highest): 1,000 lumens
- Battery: 5,000mAh / 2 CR123A / 18650
- Brightness levels: 5
- Waterproof rating: IPX8
- Price: $79.95
Nitecore P30 Flashlight is a 1000 lumen long-throw flashlight that is designed for various brightness needs. With 5 different brightness levels and 3 special modes as 1,000 lumens (high), 220 lumens (medium), and 70 lumens (low) for almost all of your campsite needs. And for any emergencies it brings strobe.
This flashlight is versatile in power usage accepting 18650 and 2x CR123A batteries in addition to included a USB-C rechargeable battery. So no chance to run out of life with more options to stay recharged. Also, it has a power indicator which is a valuable feature the best camping flashlights got which makes it a great addition to your gear.
Product highlights:
- Extremely bright lumens which make this great for hunting
- Features 5 brightness levels with 3 modes
- Strobe for emergencies
- Features power indicator
- Versatile in power compatibility
Best Camping Flashlights Buying Guide
To make the right purchase there are several features you should be familiar with. If you do not know where to start, here we go one by one.
Brightness levels and Lumens
To realize the level of brightness of a flashlight you should know its number of lumens. It is the unit of quantity used to identify the released light from a flashlight.
Different camping flashlights use different breakdowns of brightness levels to let you know the available modes and helping with identity what situations you can manage with the flashlight you have in your hand.
High: Above 600 lumens is considered high and adequate to light up a campsite
Medium: Between 200-500 lumens which are perfectly enough for a smaller area
Low: This is about 30-100 lumens which are dim enough to use inside the tent especially for a personal need without any disturbance to others
In addition to the above usual modes, some camping flashlights have extremely bright options. Ledlenser MT18 is such an option that takes 3,000 lumens at the highest which is enough to light up 3 campsites. Buying a flashlight with advanced brightness levels is great and probably these going to cost more than others.
Distance and Beam Angle
Release light a long distance is a very important feature a good camping flashlight should include as you are not only using light to see something nearby. Therefore, distance is a priority to check when buying the best camping flashlights.
Beam Angle is about how far your flashlight could light in front of you. This is too important as you do not have any idea about situations you could find and where while outdoors.
The number of light modes
A good camping flashlight takes several light modes separating from brightness levels. And if you have any special modes, it is worth purchasing.
High: This is the highest bright mode on a flashlight
Medium: This medium-light is good enough for anything around your campsite
Low: If you need to search for something in the tent or in your gear pack without disturbing others and wasting power
Strobe: This mode is for emergency situations and fortunately most of the flashlights include this feature by today. In any situation, you are lost somewhere blink strobe light to get help nearby
Usually, high to low modes are included in most of the flashlights. But if you get more you get more value to the price of your pick. For example, in the Nitecore TM9K, you find turbo mode that comes with extremely bright beams up to 9,500 lumens. Therefore, check for the light modes as per where you are going to camp and to get with what types of plans.
Weight and size of the flashlight
If you are a camper to aim at pack light, you should look for a compact design with minimal weight. In fact, the flashlight is a small piece of gear in your pack that should definitely come in a limited weight frame. There are pocket-size flashlights to somewhat larger to match with different requirements of the campers.
Generally, the brighter the flashlight, the heavier it can be due to strong battery requirements. But if you are smart enough you can find a value model with high lumens still with minimal weight and size.
Waterproof and dustproof qualities
If your flashlight is rated for waterproof and dustproof qualities it is more protected and can use for longer. And you will be able to find common ratings as IP68, IP63, IPX4, IPX8, and IP69K.
Those flashlights with an aluminum anodized finish are harder waterproof models on the market. But being waterproof does not mean you can swim having it in your pocket; instead, it refers you can survive heavy rain or accidental fall into the water.
Adequate light is essential when camping and useful in a number of ways. If you do care about your protection when outdoors, pack the right camping flashlight with you.
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