The 10 Best Survival Flashlights in 2022 [with Buying Guide]

Flashlights are supplementary sources of light and are generally illuminated by incandescent lights or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The most common type of flashlights is the hand-held lamp and then those which are designed for particular purposes.

They can be recharged using electric power, disposable batteries, or rechargeable batteries. There are several types of flashlights which serve different purposes.

Here are the top 10 flashlights in the market from which you can choose the one which fulfills all your requirements. 

1. SureFire E2D Defender E2DLU 1000 Lumens Tactical LED Flashlight

It is a powerful light that has an indestructible brightness and a luminous beam. It can distract someone and hurt the eyesight of the one on whom the beam is shone. The TIR (Total Internal Reflection) lenses allow the beam to be focused in a very sharp manner…so, it can also be used as a self-defense mechanism.

Inclusion of E2D Defender Tactical makes it one of the superior-quality survival flashlights that utilize virtually indestructible high-performance LED. With this one, you will get an intense 1,000-lumen beam on High and a 5-lumen beam on low.

The best part of these beams is their ability to being precisely focused via the Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens. It comes up with a tough aluminum body alongside an ergonomic design that offers corrosion resistance and durability.

The specifications are:

  • Weight: 8.8 ounces
  • ASIN: B07NZ2B37Z
  • Colour: Black
  • Batteries: 4 CR123 A batteries
  • Output modes: Single, dual

Pros:

➞   The beam is bright and virtually indestructible, making it the best survival flashlight.
➞   It has a durable aluminum body.
➞   It is lightweight and portable.
➞   It has a stainless steel clip for pocket storage.

Cons:

➞   The beam on the low mode of the flashlight is too small.

2. Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight

It is a bright tactical flashlight that works on lithium batteries. It is so small that it can easily fit in your pocket.

The beam has a power of 1000 lumen and can reach a distance of about 656 feet. The switches promote the easy changing of operational modes and fast operation. This best survival flashlight can be used outdoors as well. 

Features that let it secure a place in this list are Cree XP-L (V5) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours along with one rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries and Tactical tail switch with momentary-on function. By opting for this flashlight, you will also get two EdisonBright CR123A lithium batteries.

The specifications are:

  • Dimensions of the package: 7.5*4*1.25 inches
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • ASIN: B00DR9GWX0
  • Model number: PD35-TAC
  • Batteries: 2 CR123A or 1 Li-ion rechargeable battery

Pros:

➞   It has a beam of 1000 lumen.
➞   Its lifespan is 50,000 hours.
➞   2 CR123A lithium batteries are included in the pack.
➞   The glass lens is ultra-clear and toughened.

Cons:

➞   There is no warranty for this flashlight.

3. RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered LED Flashlight

This flashlight comes with a relatively new and innovative design.

It functions as a power bank that can be used to charge your phone as well. It requires a simple micro USB cable for charging and also has a radio which gives channels of AM and FM along with the latest weather updates. There are three ways of charging this flashlight, viz. solar charging, micro USB charging, and manual hand crank.

With this survival flashlight, you get a 1W longer lasting powerful LED that can be highly useful in camping, hiking, backpacking, or different activities in your outdoors. With the box, you will get RunningSnail emergency radio, instruction, Micro USB cable, appreciation card, and hassle-free 12-month warranty.

Its specifications are:

  • Size: 5*1.8*2.4 inches
  • Weight: 7.84 ounces
  • ASIN: B01MFCFKG5
  • Colors available: Red, yellow

Pros:

➞   It is your friend in emergencies.
➞   It has a compact size.
➞   The LED has a power of 1W.
➞   It has a warranty of one year.

Cons:

➞   The sunlight needs to be powerful for solar charging.

4. Nitecore EA41 1020 Lumen Cree XM-L2 U2 LED Flashlight

This best survival flashlight has a supremely bright beam of 1020 lumen. There are two switches in this flashlight, one is the power switch, and the other is the dual-mode switch. This lamp has as many as five output levels and the beam has stupendous brightness that can travel up to 366 yards.

Incorporating innovative “Precision Digital Optics Technology” (PDOT) makes it one of the best survival flashlights for you. It comes up with digital simulation along with perfect point-to-point curved reflecting methods that are top-notch in optimizing reflector performance and hence, 366 yards can be your illuminate targets. It also includes three special modes for emergency scenarios and they are strobe, location beacon, and SOS.

Some specifications are: 

  • Size: 4.6*1.7*1.6 inches
  • Weight: 6 ounces
  • ASIN: B00OYKXTDW
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Battery: 4 AA batteries

Pros:

➞   It has a bright beam of 366 yards.
➞   It also has a tactical keychain light.
➞   When the battery goes low, it shows a warning.
➞   It is lightweight and durable.

Cons:

➞   You need to use only the recommended batteries. Others damage the system.

5. Energizer Pocket-Sized LED Flashlight

This flashlight is tiny. It can easily fit in the palm and pocket of the user. It is light in weight and very portable. You can easily clip it to your jacket or attach it to a keychain and carry it around. The beam of this flashlight can go up to 30 meters or 100 feet which makes it the best survival flashlight for its size.

It runs on 1 Energizer MAX AA Battery (BATTERY INCLUDED), and it offers up to 75 lumens of bright light which is 10X brighter than the regular LED flashlights. It can be the best survival light for your on-the-job or at-home requirements.

Its specifications are:

  • Dimensions: 1.76*4.25*6.50 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • ASIN: B06XB9KPK8
  • Item number: 30039800129506
  • Battery: 1 AA battery

Pros:

➞   It has a small size and is portable.
➞   The beam is ten times brighter than other LEDs.
➞   The beam is solid, and brightness is evenly spread.
➞   It is water-resistant.

Cons:

➞   The beam is not that bright, and hence it cannot be used for heavy-duty purposes.

6. Hand Crank Super Bright Flashlight

This LED flashlight has the most amazing features which make it user-friendly and highly usable. Not only does it have a light with a powerful beam but also it has a radio with AM and FM channels and a mobile phone charger. It is a self-powered flashlight with a hand crank. These features make it the best survival flashlight in its league. 

By choosing this survival flashlight, you will get LED flashlight alongside AM/FM radio
USB charging cable and User manual.  Its light source HOSHINE includes a total of 5 LED bulbs for absolutely bright illumination. 

Some of its specifications are:

  • Dimensions of the package: 6.85*2.68*2.17 inches
  • Weight: 7.3 ounces
  • ASIN: B01HL355K8
  • Battery: 1 CR2 battery or electric power
  • Type of bulb: LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Pros:

➞   It has a 5V DC power output port for mobile phone charging.
➞   It has an emergency siren as well.
➞   There is an in-built speaker for AM and FM radio channels.
➞   It is super bright and has a long life.

Cons:

➞   The package does not include a cable for charging.

7. Simpeak Hand Crank Solar Powered Flashlight

It is the best survival flashlight to be used in emergencies. It has an in-built rechargeable battery that is charged by a hand crank. One minute of rotating the crank can get the lamp to be lighted for about 10 minutes. It also has a solar panel for charging the flashlight which needs strong sunlight. The design of this flashlight is done in an ergonomic manner giving it a conveniently usable finish.

With this one, you will get Ergonomic and rugged design that is quite convenient and secure to grip in hand. It is quite useful for daily, outdoor, and emergency lighting. You will get a portable size for outdoor use.

The specifications are:

  • Dimensions: 2.36*1.97*5.91 inches
  • Weight: 3.03 ounces
  • ASIN: B01CS949OS
  • Colors available: Black, green, yellow
  • Charging: Hand crank, solar power

Pros:

➞   It has a solar backup unit to save electric power.
➞   It has a solid grip for comfortable usage.
➞   It comes with a 2-year warranty and prompt customer service.

Cons:

➞   Rotating the hand crank can be a tough task for many. Also, recharging solar power needs strong sunlight.

8. Smith & Wesson Galaxy 12 LED 15 Lumen Flashlight

This flashlight has a fantastic feature of a dual-beam style. It has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that works on rechargeable batteries. The two beams can have two different colors as well. It makes for an unusual lighting appearance. This product is indeed the best survival flashlight that can be used for outdoor activities like hunting and camping.

Features like a highly versatile flashlight that includes eight white, two blue and two red LEDs make it top-rated survival flashlight. You will get general lighting and visibility within 20 feet, plus its red LEDs offer night vision and its blue LEDs are perfect for the low-light viewing.

It also comes up with the Multiple Switch Advanced Technology system (MSAT) in which white LEDs get operated via one switch, and red and blue modes get operated via a separate switch. 

Its specifications are:

  • Size: 1.6*1.6*6.5 inches
  • Weight: 6.1 ounces
  • ASIN: B000WCTXUY
  • Batteries: 3 AAA batteries
  • Runtime: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Pros:

➞   This flashlight has a bright and powerful beam.
➞   It has a dual switch system.
➞   Two beams of two different colors can be combined.
➞   The grip is solid and firm with diamond-cut knurling.

Cons:

➞   Too many colors can ruin the brightness of a single light.

9. NITECORE P12 2015 Version 1000 Lumens Flashlight

This flashlight is probably the best survival flashlight as it has a powerful beam of 1000 lumens. The LEDs in this system have a runtime of 520 hours. The laser can easily go up to a distance of 232 meters.

This flashlight can be operated even by one hand as it has a side-switch which is easily accessible. It has an intelligent memory function to store the preferred brightness settings.

With this survival flashlight, you will get the beam of CREE XM-L2 U2 LED for up to 520 hours runtime. It also offers a peak beam intensity of 13,500cd and 232 meters throw distance, plus its side switch interface will offer a one-handed operation along with convenient access to all functions. It also includes an intelligent memory function that stores preferred brightness setting.

Some of its specifications are:

  • Dimensions: 5.47*1*1 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • ASIN: B00GIE X8G
  • Model number: NiteCore-P12-Black
  • Batteries: 2 CR123A batteries

Pros:

➞   It has a beam of 1000 lumens.
➞   There is a display for power indicator and battery voltage.
➞   It is easy to operate and can be held in one hand.
➞   It has internal memory storage.

Cons:

➞   There is no warranty for this product.

10. Streamlight 88031 ProTac 2L 350 Lumen Flashlight

This flashlight counts as the best survival flashlight as it has some great features like a bright light of 350 lumens. The beam can reach a distance as far as 159 meters. The least runtime for this flashlight is 3.25 hours. There are two modes, viz. high and low. There is a strobe to navigate between the two. There is an anti-roll head design in this flashlight.

With this survival flashlight, you will get an anti-roll head design along with a removable and reversible pocket clip. It also includes a multi-function push-button tail switch.

You can opt for high for bright light which runs through 350 lumens, 159-meter beam, 6,300 candelas, and hence runs for 3.25 hours. You should choose low for the longer run time which runs through 30 lumens, 49meter beam, 600 candelas, and hence runs for 35 hours.

Its specifications are:

  • Dimensions: 4.72*0.79*0.79 inches
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • ASIN: B00396S1Q2
  • Colors: Black, blue
  • Batteries: 2 CR123A batteries

Pros:

➞   It has an easily available push-button switch.
➞   It has a pocket clip that is reversible and removable.
➞   The body is of lightweight aluminum.

Cons:

➞   The customer service of the company for this product is not very prompt.

Buying Guide 

There are countless options for the best survival flashlight in the market. That is why, while choosing your best survival flashlight, you need to pay heed upon some of the suggestions of the experts. Here are some tips that experts suggest in finalizing and buying the best survival flashlight for you. 

1) The lumens measure of the flashlight matters

In simple words, lumens are the measure of the brightness of the light. More the lumens measure of the beam, brighter is the beam of the light emitted from the best survival flashlight. Hence, you should look for this figure in the specifications of any flashlight before buying it. 

2) Know the best bulb type

The best survival flashlight is determined by the kind of bulb used in it. It can have incandescent light or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). It has been observed over the past few years that LEDs have proved to be better than incandescent lights. The focus and strength of the bean are better with LEDs.

3) The battery type is very crucial

The best survival flashlight will need minimum charging and still give maximum output. There are several ways to charge a flashlight like using electric power, rechargeable Li-ion batteries, or solar panels. You have to choose the best option for yourself based on the conditions of the place you live in. For instance, if your place does not get intense sunlight, you should not get a chargeable solar flashlight.

4) Consider the size of the product

The best survival flashlight should be easily portable and should be carried around with the least amount of effort. The material of the body of the flashlight is very crucial in this point along with the size. If the flashlight is to be used in the case of an emergency, you need to keep it handy.

Conclusion! 

Getting the best survival flashlight for yourself from the many options available can be a tedious task if you do not have the right reviews and tips with you. With this article, we have tried to shed some light on some of these aspects of the best survival flashlight to help you choose better and buy better.

FAQs

What is the best flashlight for outdoorsmen?

The iProtec Outdoorsman 2400 is the best survival flashlight for outdoorsmen. 

What is the best survival radio flashlight?

RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio with LED Flashlight is the best of its league. 

What is the best survival tactical flashlight?

The Coast HP21 flashlight is the best survival tactical flashlight. 

What is the survival flashlight that starts fires?

The ‘Wicked Lasers Flash Torch’ with small halogen lamps is the best survival flashlight that can start fires. 

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