Choose LED Camping Flashlights
Whether you’re going for a quick weekend trip or spending a month on the trail backpacking, no outdoor gear list is complete without a good LED camping flashlight.
In fact, flashlights are so essential to camping that a good torch is part of the original “10 essentials of backpacking” that outdoors enthusiasts live by.
To help you choose the right light for your next trip, we’ve put together a few key points to consider, as well as some standout features you may want your next camping flashlight to have.
Types Of Camping Flashlights
We carry three main types of camping-focused flashlights in our store: Headlamps, lanterns, and baton-style flashlights.
Headlamps are by far the most common camping flashlight, and if you only take one light into the woods with you, it should be a headlamp. Headlamps are hands-free and therefore perfect for camping whether you’re setting up a tent in the dark, hiking trails at night, or just reading a book in the tent before bedtime.
Lanterns are the second most popular light in a campsite and swapping out an old propane lantern for a modern LED version is a no-brainer. No more gas, no more delicate tie-on mantles: Just switch it on and enjoy. Plus, lanterns now have so much more to offer!
Batons are a more rugged, feature-rich version of a classic handheld flashlight. The batons we recommend in our store are perfect for camping because they are compact, water and dust resistant, and can be used as powerful emergency signals.
Why Do You Need A LED Camping Flashlight?
Who wants to be caught in the woods after dark with only the light from their phone to guide them? Not us, that’s for sure! Headlamps and lanterns are both ideals for pitching a tent, cooking over a camp stove, or getting a fire going after dark due to their hands-free design.
A good baton flashlight will always come in handy as well, for exploring after dark, for example, due to their high-power outputs and generous throw distances.
How Bright Should An LED Camping Flashlight Be?
We recommend at least 100 lumens of output for any light you’ll be using outdoors. Not enough for you? Simply get a stronger unit that fits your needs better, we have plenty of options on our website and we’re here to help if you have any questions. Many of our lights will also include super low light modes around 5-10 lumens, which are perfect inside of a tent for reading or getting your sleeping bag set up for the night.
If you’re looking to do any night hiking or exploring, consider buying a light that produces at least 300 lumens and has a decent throw, that way you’ll be able to clearly see the path in front of you.
What Size Should An LED Camping Flashlight Be?
Generally speaking, the ideal camping flashlight is small and lightweight, so it doesn’t take up too much room in your backpack.
For regular campsite use or car camping, you can get away with a much larger light, especially if you’re considering adding an LED lantern to your camping gear. It’s up to you!
Other Features To Look For?
One of the most important features in a camping flashlight is a good and long runtime in a medium setting. Depending on how long you plan to be in the woods between charges, you’ll likely want to look for a torch that runs for 12-24 hours on a full charge, although many of the lights on our website will run for 50 hours or more. We can’t say this enough, a good and long runtime on a medium setting is key!
The possibility to have a red-colored light is also a popular feature for camping flashlights because red light won’t negatively impact your night vision and doesn’t attract bugs like white or yellow light do. In some cases, a red-light mode is included in the features of your light but if not, very often you’ll be able to simply add a red-colored filter onto your light to get that same result. Either way, a red-colored light will surely come in handy for you.