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EDCs, or your “everyday carries,” are helpful things you bring with you whenever you head out. Flashlights are one of them, and you might be surprised to hear that since bringing the one you keep at home might attract some unnecessary attention in public. Well, we live in the future, and people have created ultra-portable flashlights that will shock you with their power. Manufacturers have found ways to shrink the size167 of flashlights to make them easily fit in your pockets. Many of these EDC flashlights are compatible with standard batteries, but you can also invest in rechargeable ones, so you don’t have to visit the store regularly to buy new batteries. The good thing is you won’t need to spend a ton of cash to get your own EDC flashlight, so here is a list of the best options on the market as of 2022.
The Fenix PD35 V2.0 is a 1000 lumens flashlight, which is a terrific upgrade from the original PD35 flashlight. You can opt to use dual CR123A batteries, but you can also choose the rechargeable lithium-ion battery which you can charge with a micro USB cable. The flashlight comes with a boot-up battery level indicator, and it can detect when it has low voltage. The device is equipped with a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED, reaching a max distance of 250 meters or 820 feet. It’s undoubtedly powerful because of its 15,600-candela peak intensity. You can pick between six lighting modes, and using the ECO brightness level promises about 430 hours of usage. The Fenix PD35 V2.0 has an IPX-8 rating, which means it can be submerged underwater up to two meters(6.5 feet). The product measures 5.43 x 0.9 x 1 inches, so it’s perfect to keep in your pockets. Its size and power come in handy most especially if you love jogging at night and want to see the dark roads you’re passing through.
Compact SizeRechargeable battery compatible250-meter max distance
Some people reportedly had issues getting some batteries to work
If size matters to you, you will love the SLUGHAUS BULL3T. It promises an impressive amount of power despite its tiny size. It’s a 100-Lumen flashlight that only weighs 11 grams, and it uses 3 LR44 alkaline 1.5 V button-cell batteries. You can compare its size to the tip of your finger, making it a perfect keychain. You shouldn’t underestimate the SLUGHAUS BULL3T because it’s fireproof, waterproof, and crushproof. You can run it over with your car, and it will still be intact! The flashlight features a Micro Light LED that is shatterproof, and its body is made from anodized aero-grade aluminum and titanium. The SLUGHAUS BULL3T’s light reaches more than a mile. It’s among the smallest flashlights you’ll find on the market, and it’s perfect to use for EDC, late-night runs, hiking, camping, and different emergencies. You have the option to pick between two colors: gunmetal and black.
Small sizeLight reaches over a mile
When you hunt for an EDC flashlight that will guarantee your money’s worth, you can opt for the Olight S2R II. It deserves recognition for its appearance, power, and durability. It can reach as much as 1150 lumens when using its turbo mode, giving you a 4600-candela beam intensity and a maximum distance of 135 meters(440 feet). Forget about the flashlight breaking if ever you drop it because it is made from Type III hard anodized 6061-T6 aluminum. The military frequently uses such material. The flashlight will still be functional even after falling from a height of 1.5 meters. Accidentally dropped the S2R II in water? Its IPX-8 rating means it’s water-resistant up to about two meters for about 30 minutes. The flashlight has a rechargeable battery which you can quickly charge with its MCC 1A magnetic charger. The Olight S2R II also has a light indicator for the charge of your battery. You can easily keep this flashlight inside of your pocket because of its two-way stainless steel pocket clip. You get a free pouch and lanyard with the flashlight when you buy one.
Reaches 1150 lumens and a 135-meter distanceHas an intensity of 4600 candelaWater and shock resistantUSB reachargeable
Pricey
Priced at less than $40, the Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA is among the most budget-friendly EDC flashlights that don’t fall short in their performance. You can use it with a CR123A or lithium/alkaline AA battery. The flashlight only reaches 150 lumens with AA batteries, but it can get up to 350 lumens and achieve an intensity of 6400 candelas if you use the CR123A battery. The 1L-1AA has three light modes: low, high, and strobe. Using the flashlight with a AA lithium battery promises the best battery life, ranging from 4.5 hours to 8 hours. Streamlight promises that you can maximize the flashlight’s light output because of their LED Solid State Power Regulation. The 1L-1AA is only 4.25 inches long and weighs 4.8 ounces, making it a great EDC flashlight. It’s even water-resistant with an IPX-7 rating. Thanks to its reversible pocket clip, it will also be secured in place inside your pocket.
Lightweight and affordableIntensity of 6400 candelaEquipped with reversible pocket clip
No rechargeable battery
Streamlight is a reputable brand when it comes to portable illumination, and their MicroStream 66604 micro-USB rechargeable pocket light is an excellent option for those who want a compact and affordable option. The 3.87-inch EDC flashlight has a rechargeable battery that you can quickly charge through a USB cable. Still, you also have the opportunity to get a variant that uses AAA alkaline power. The flashlight reaches 250 lumens and a 1,150-candela intensity. Its maximum beam distance is about 68 meters(220 feet), so it isn’t as powerful as others on this list. Nevertheless, it’s still worth using the 250-lumen pocket light because of its portability. It’s only 3.87 inches and weighs about 1.20 ounces. The MicroStream 66604 has a detachable pocket clip that you can use to clip the flashlight onto your hat. Its light source comes from its White C4 LED, which promises extreme brightness. The flashlight’s battery life lasts 1.5 hours on the high setting and 3.5 hours on the low setting, so it might not be the best choice if you need a flashlight for long periods.
AffordableImpressive portabilityUSB rechargeable
Not as powerful as competitors
The EagleTac D25C clicky LED flashlight is a fantastic choice for those who want a smaller EDC flashlight that’s on the more premium side. It features a total of seven lighting modes and four output levels. It ranges from 1-453 lumens, with the battery life decreasing as the output gets higher. Its maximum beam distance is 105 meters(340 feet), and it makes use of one CR123A battery. The flashlight may look big in photos, but it’s only 7.37 x 1.98 x 1.98 cm. It has “clicky” in its name because it makes use of a clicky button which is pretty satisfying to hear. It’s also waterproof with an IPX-8 rating. Some things that will make you think twice before purchasing it are its price tag and how its pocket clip isn’t that strong.
Small size4 output levels7 lighting modes IPX-8 waterproof
PriceyFaulty pocket clip
If you don’t care about prices and want to maximize getting your money’s worth, the SureFire E2D Defender Ultra is undoubtedly worth splurging on. This premium EDC flashlight has an extremely durable body made from hard-anodized aerospace aluminum. It’s packed with a TIR lens which shines a focused beam and ample surround light. It uses its energy efficiently, and you won’t have problems with dropping it because a heavy-duty window protects its LED bulb and lens. It also features a weatherproof O-ring and sealed gasket. You can quickly switch between high and low modes by using its tailcap click switch. You won’t accidentally turn it on because of the twisting lockout tailcap feature. The Defender Ultra has three models, with one having a high output of 600 lumens and the other 2 reaching 1,000 lumens. You can trust the pocket clip that comes with the flashlight because it’s made from high-strength steel and Mil-Spec hard-anodized. The 123A battery inside it reportedly has a shelf life of 10 years.
Powerful for its sizeHigh-quality TIR lensShock and water resistantHigh-strength pocket clip
PriceyNo rechargeable batteriesLimited to 2 output modes
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