Last updated on December 29th, 2023 at 08:40 am
Best Backpacking Flashlight of 2022: The Top 10 Lights for Any Budget
Packing for a camping or backpacking trip can be a hassle. You have to worry about food, shelter, clothes, and of course, a flashlight.
A good flashlight is a key when you’re out in the wilderness. Not only does it help you see at night, but it can also be used as a signaling device in an emergency. Traditional flashlights are bulky, heavy, and not ideal for backpacking. A regular flashlight is cumbersome and can slow you down when you’re trying to enjoy a nature hike or backpacking through the wilderness.
The best backpacking flashlight is one that is lightweight and durable. It needs to have a long battery life so you can stay safe and well-lit on your journey.
There are a lot of different flashlights on the market, so it can be tough to know which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll help you narrow down your choices and find the most suitable backpacking flashlight for your needs.
Table of Contents
Quick Recommendations: The Best Backpacking Flashlight
OLIGHT S2R II – Overall Best Backpacking Flashlight
STREAMLIGHT 88062 ProTac – Best Backpacking Flashlight with Multi-fuel Option
ThruNite Catapult V6 SST70 – Best Multi-Mode Backpacking Flashlight
OLIGHT Baton3 – Best Pocket Backpacking Flashlight
Ledlenser MT10 – Best Backpacking Flashlight with Lock
Alifa LED Light – Best Backpacking Flashlight with High Lumens
Goal Zero Torch – Best Backpacking Flashlight with Solar Lantern
Gehavin Tactical Light – Best Ultra-High Output Backpacking Flashlight
Energizer T1000 LED Light – Best Affordable Backpacking Flashlight
GearLight TAC – Best Backpacking Flashlight Set
10 Best Backpacking Flashlights
From small hand-held to charging by USB, our research team has selected the best lighting options available out there to equip you with your journey through the backcountry or your night lookouts. The following are the 10 best backpacking flashlights that will surely assist you in any adventurous or remote field activity en route.
OLIGHT S2R II (Overall Best Backpacking Flashlight)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 1150 lumens
Weight: 98.5 grams
Key Features: Three standard modes; fast charging USB cable; IPX8 waterproof
The OLIGHT S2R II is the best backpacking flashlight because it is lightweight, has a long battery life, and is very bright. It is also rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about buying batteries for it. This flashlight has a new TIR lens design which provides a great beam pattern while the multi-function side switch is easy to use and has a variety of modes.
The flashlight is made with IPX8 waterproofing, meaning it can withstand any weather conditions you may encounter on your travels. It also features three standard modes, so you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs. Plus, the OLIGHT S2R II is perfect for gripping and carrying around thanks to its lightweight and portable design.
Moreover, this flashlight is incredibly bright, with a maximum output of 1150 lumens, and the battery indicator is also a nice touch, so you always know how much power you have left.
The OLIGHT S2R II also comes with dual direction pocket clip, so you can attach it to your backpack easily. The fast-charging USB cable is also a great feature, as it means you can recharge the flashlight quickly and easily. Overall, this is an excellent flashlight and a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable backpacking light.
STREAMLIGHT 88062 ProTac (Best Backpacking Flashlight with Multi-fuel Option)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 500 lumens
Weight: 111 grams
Key Features: Multi-fuel; three selectable modes; waterproof
When it comes to backpacking flashlights, the STREAMLIGHT 88062 ProTac is another great option on the market. This flashlight is designed with a multi-fuel option, so you can use either batteries or a USB rechargeable power source.
It features an aluminum housing for durability and an abrasion-resistant finish. The light is bright enough to be used in any situation, making it a great choice for any outdoor enthusiast.
The Streamlight 88062 can be operated with its two CR123A batteries or a separately available rechargeable kit, making it ideal for a variety of applications. It produces 500 lumens of light, making it more than capable of lighting up even the darkest of areas.
Featuring three operating modes and a tactical tail cap switch, this flashlight is sure to meet your needs. The serialized for positive identification feature is an added bonus that ensures your flashlight will always be easy to identify.
Moreover, it has a waterproof rating of 2-meters and comes with a removable pocket clip and holster which are also convenient features. The STREAMLIGHT ProTac is a great option for those who want the ability to use different fuel sources.
ThruNite Catapult V6 SST70 (Best Multi-Mode Backpacking Flashlight)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 2836 lumens
Weight: 203 grams
Key Features: Muli-usage option; six brightness levels; USB rechargeable
What makes the Catapult V6 SST70 stand out from other backpacking flashlights is its high-lumen output. With a maximum output of 2836 lumens, this flashlight is able to produce a lot of light, making it perfect for backpacking in low-light conditions. The Catapult V6 SST70 also has a long runtime, which means you can use this flashlight for extended periods of time without having to worry about it running out.
This multi-mode backpacking flashlight is made of aluminum and has weather-resistant seals, making it perfect for use in any condition.
The flashlight features an upgraded SST70 lens which has a very powerful and long throw, making it ideal for illuminating a large area. The beam distance is 692m, which is much greater than most other flashlights on the market.
Moreover, the flashlight’s six brightness levels make it perfect for any situation, and its USB rechargeable battery means you won’t have to worry about replacing batteries often.
Additionally, the Catapult V6 SST70 has an excellent impact-resistant capability and can withstand up to 1.5 meters drop. Likewise, it has a firm grip to prevent accidental dropping. The hidden lanyard hole and holster make it easy to carry and store.
OLIGHT Baton3 (Best Pocket Backpacking Flashlight)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 1200 lumens
Weight: 53 grams
Key Features: LED and TIR lens; 166-meter throw; rechargeable battery
The OLIGHT Baton3 is the best pocket flashlight for backpacking. It is lightweight, durable, and has a bright beam that can light up your campsite or trail.
It is compact in size and comes with a magnetic tail cap that securely holds it in place. The body has a textured, anti-slip surface that ensures a good grip even when wet. The beam is focused, making it the perfect light for hiking or camping.
This light has a 1200-lumen output and a 166-meter throw, making it one of the most powerful and versatile flashlights on the market. It comes with high-performance LED and TIR lens, which make it ideal for illuminating your path in the dark.
Moreover, this pocket flashlight includes an excellent single rechargeable battery. It has a maximum runtime of 20 days, which is great for long-term use. The two-way pocket clip is also very handy, allowing you to keep it close at hand when you need it.
If you’re looking for a pocket-sized flashlight that can handle any backpacking adventure, the OLIGHT Baton3 is the best option on the market.
Ledlenser MT10 (Best Backpacking Flashlight with Lock)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 1000 lumens
Weight: 150 grams
Key Features: Temperature control; three light functions; smart lock
The Ledlenser MT10 is the best backpacking flashlight for those who want a reliable and durable light that can be locked. This flashlight is made with a high-quality aluminum alloy and features a lock system that prevents it from being turned on accidentally.
Featuring a patented advanced focus system and a temperature control system, this flashlight is designed to provide optimal light output in any situation. Whether you’re trying to light up a dark trail or simply need a powerful beam to help you find your way, the Ledlenser MT10 is more than up to the task.
It is extremely bright, with an output of 1000 lumens, and it throws light over 550ft. It also has three light functions, making it versatile for different situations.
More importantly, this flashlight runs for 144 hours on a single charge and can be quickly recharged. The charge and battery indicator let you know when it’s time to recharge.
Alifa LED Light (Best Backpacking Flashlight with High Lumens)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 200000 lumens
Weight: 544 grams
Key Features: 5 lighting modes; 1000m range; impact-resistant
This flashlight by Alifa is one of the best backpacking flashlights for a number of reasons. First, it has a high lumen output, making it perfect for lighting up your campsite or illuminating the trail ahead. Second, it is very durable and well-made, meaning it will withstand the rigors of backpacking and camping. And fourth, it is quite affordable, making it a great value for your money.
Made with high-quality aluminum, this flashlight has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold, and the non-slip texture ensures a secure grip.
The Alifa LED light has a high lumen output of 200000 and a long irradiation distance of 1000m. The advanced LED chip provides a bright, clear light that is perfect for illuminating the trail ahead. Moreover, it has 5 different lighting modes to choose from, and it’s zoomable. The fast charging port is also a great feature.
The Alifa LED light is also waterproof and shockproof, making it extremely durable. The best part is that it comes with a 2-year free replacement service, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
This product is highly recommended for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful flashlight for their next backpacking adventure.
Goal Zero Torch (Best Backpacking Flashlight with Solar Lantern)
Power Source: Sun and USB-C input
Output: 500 lumens
Weight: 363 grams
Key Features: Built-in solar panel; three modes; 5200 mAh battery
The Goal Zero Torch is the best solar-powered backpacking flashlight on the market. It is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for backpackers. Its main function is as an emergency light, but it can also be used as a regular flashlight or a solar lantern.
The flashlight has a 5200 mAh high-capacity battery that can be recharged with the included solar panel. The lantern can also be used to charge smartphones and other small devices. It is extremely bright, with 300 lumens spotlight and 500 lumens floodlight. It has a runtime of up to 50 hours, and three modes: high, medium, and low.
This top-of-the-line product is made with waterproof materials and comes with metal hangers, making it not only perfect for your next camping trip but also durable enough to withstand any weather conditions. The best part is that it comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, so you can be confident of its performance.
The Goal Zero Torch is the perfect choice for backpackers who want a reliable, solar-powered flashlight and lantern.
Gehavin Tactical Light (Best Ultra-High Output Backpacking Flashlight)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 700000 lumens
Weight: 600 grams
Key Features: 6 modes; 1200m beam distance; telescopic zoom function
The Gehavin Tactical Light is a powerful flashlight that is perfect for backpacking and camping. It has an ultra-high output, making it one of the brightest flashlights on the market. It also has a long runtime, so you’ll never have to worry about it running out of battery power.
It is made of explosion-proof aluminum alloy and has rapid heat dissipation. This makes it perfect for use in all environments, both hot and cold. Additionally, it is shock-resistant, making it ideal for use in rugged terrain.
This flashlight is upgraded with an xhp160.5 chip, which allows for an output of up to 700000 lumens. Additionally, this flashlight can charge mobile phones, so you can always keep your devices powered up while on the go.
It has a 1200m long beam distance which makes it perfect for hikers and campers who need a reliable light source. The flashlight also has six modes, making it easy to find the perfect light setting for any situation. And its focus feature ensures that you can see objects clearly, even if they’re 3500 feet away.
Moreover, this Gehavin Tactical Light comes with USB input and output ports for fast charging. It’s also waterproof. Plus, the company offers a 2-year free replacement service, so you can feel confident that you’re getting a quality product.
Energizer T1000 LED Light (Best Affordable Backpacking Flashlight)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 1000 lumens
Weight: 540 grams
Key Features: Three lighting modes; 200m beam distance; USB port
Energizer’s T1000 LED light is among the best affordable backpacking flashlights on the market. It’s durable and has a long battery life, making it perfect for backpacking trips. The light is also bright enough to light up a campsite or trail, and it has a variety of modes to suit your needs.
It features a rugged and waterproof design, and is made from durable aluminum. Likewise, it is up to 1-meter impact-resistant which makes it very tough. The shatterproof lens makes it especially ideal for backpacking trips.
This LED light has 1000 lumens output and can beam up to 200 meters, making it perfect for camping and hiking trips. It also comes with six AA alkaline batteries, so you’ll have plenty of power to keep your light going all night long.
Additionally, the flashlight has three lighting modes and comes with a USB port, which makes it very versatile. Another great feature of this light is the rear push button which makes it easy to operate.
Whether you’re looking for a simple flashlight for your next hike or a more versatile light for your backpacking trips, the Energizer T1000 is a perfect choice.
GearLight TAC (Best Backpacking Flashlight Set)
Power Source: Battery powered
Output: 1040 lumens
Weight: 340 grams
Key Features: Single high mode; wide beam; two battery options
If you’re looking for a compact flashlight to take backpacking, the GearLight TAC is a great option. It is lightweight and can easily be carried in a backpack without adding much weight. Additionally, the TAC is very durable and can withstand being dropped or bumped around. It’s also water-resistant and has a bright LED light that can be seen from far away.
This light is made from military-grade aluminum and can withstand a 10-foot drop, making it perfect for backpacking or other outdoor activities. Moreover, it features one-touch technology which makes it super easy to use.
The GearLight TAC has a single high mode with a wide beam and has a focus zoom feature that allows you to zoom in and out to adjust the beam width. The light is also very bright and has a decent run time. Plus, the two battery options give you the flexibility to run this flashlight on either three AAA batteries or one 18650 battery according to your preferences.
If you are looking for a top-notch flashlight set that will light up your life during your next backpacking trip, you need to check out this flashlight deal. The set includes two TAC flashlights, two AAA battery holders, two battery tubes and two belt clips.
Comparison Table
| The Best Backpacking Flashlight | POWER SOURCE | OUTPUT | WEIGHT | KEY FEATURES |
| OLIGHT S2R II | Battery powered | 1150 lumens | 98.5 grams | Three standard modes; Fast charging USB cable; IPX8 waterproof |
| STREAMLIGHT 88062 ProTac | Battery powered | 500 lumens | 111 grams | Multi-fuel; three selectable modes; waterproof |
| ThruNite Catapult V6 SST70 | Battery powered | 2836 lumens | 203 grams | Muli-usage option; six brightness levels; USB rechargeable |
| OLIGHT Baton3 | Battery powered | 1200 lumens | 53 grams | LED and TIR lens; 166-meter throw; rechargeable battery |
| Ledlenser MT10 | Battery powered | 1000 lumens | 1500 grams | Temperature control; three light functions; smart lock |
| Alifa LED Light | Battery powered | 120000 lumens | 544 grams | 5 lighting modes; 1000m range; impact-resistant |
| Goal Zero Torch | Sun and USB-C input | 300 lumens | 363 grams | Built-in solar panel; three modes; 5200 mAh battery |
| Gehavin Tactical Light | Battery powered | 150000 lumens | 600 grams | 6 modes; 1200m beam distance; telescopic zoom function |
| Energizer T1000 LED Light | Battery powered | 1000 lumens | 540 grams | Three lighting modes; 200m beam distance; USB port |
| GearLight TAC | Battery powered | 1040 lumens | 340 grams | Single high mode; wide beam; two battery options |
Conclusion
After extensive research, we believe that the OLIGHT S2R II is the best backpacking flashlight on the market. It is durable, has a long battery life, and is bright enough to light up the darkest trails.
Thank you for reading, and we hope that this article was helpful in your search for the perfect backpacking flashlight.
Also Read: Best Backpacking Poncho
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking flashlight?
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a hiking flashlight. First, you’ll want to think about the size and weight of the flashlight. It’s important to find a flashlight that’s easy to carry, so you won’t get tired out on your hike. Second, you’ll want to consider the brightness of the flashlight. You’ll want to find a flashlight that’s bright enough to light your way in the dark, but not so bright that it’s blinding. Finally, you’ll want to think about the price. You don’t want to spend too much money on a flashlight, but you also don’t want to get a cheap one that won’t last.
What is the best flashlight for camping?
Flashlights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. The most important factor to consider when choosing a flashlight for camping is the type of batteries it uses. Rechargeable batteries are best for camping, as they will save you money in the long run. Other factors to consider include the size of the flashlight, the brightness, and the range.
Is 1000 lumens bright for a flashlight?
In general, a flashlight with 1000 lumens will be bright enough for most purposes. Lumens measure the amount of light that is emitted from a source, and the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light will be. A flashlight with 1000 lumens will be bright enough to light up a dark room or to see in the dark. However, it is worth noting that the actual amount of light that you see will also depend on the size and shape of the flashlight beam.
How many lumens will blind an attacker?
It depends on a number of factors, including the type and intensity of the light source, the distance between the attacker and the light source, and the sensitivity of the attacker’s eyes. In general, it takes about 100 lumens of light to temporarily blind an attacker. However, if the light source is very intense or the attacker is very close to the light source, less light may be needed to blind the attacker.
Is 6000 lumens too bright?
Generally speaking, a 6000-lumen flashlight would be considered too bright for most everyday applications such as walking the dog or finding your way around the house at night. However, there are some situations where a flashlight of this brightness would be useful, such as during a power outage or while camping in the woods. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide if a 6000-lumens flashlight is too bright for their needs.
