If you walk at night, you know how scary and dangerous it can be. Between fast cars or strangers on the road, you always want to make sure you can see around you and that others can see you back! If you’re wanting a high-quality, bright flashlight for your evening walks, take a look at our compiled list below of some of the best options available for you.
What is the Best Flashlight For Walking At Night?
We have compiled for you the top 8 Best Flashlight For Walking At Night in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with nighttime walking flashlight and having used several flashlights for walking at night you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about flashlights for walking at night.
1. GearLight S1000 LED Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.32 pounds (0.15 kg) Size: 6.1 x 1.6 x 1.6 inches (15.5 x 4 x 4 cm) Batteries: 3x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 800 Type: LED |
This classical design of Ben & Howell’s TacLight reached Chinese OEM factories. Now, you’ll find it under different brand names while browsing online listings. It’s not bad news!
S1000 is an indestructible pack of value with two military-grade flashlights and accessories! It integrates sought-after features, such as multi-mode and zoomable settings. And it goes the extra mile by providing cases of battery holders too!
Gearlight’s tendency to drag older LED technology is problematic. As a result, the torch’s brightness lingers below 1000 lumens despite its potential. Overall, it makes an amazing purchase. And the polite staff is quick to resolve issues if there are any.
Pros
- Classic all-weather design,
- Order one and unpack two,
- Anti-roll bezel,
- Proactive customer service
Cons
- Older LED chips,
- Quality control issues
2. OLIGHT S2R II Rechargeable Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.23 pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 3.9 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches (10 x 2.3 x 2.3 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion Brightness (Lumens): 1150 Type: Magnetic |
One can’t fathom a pocket-sized flashlight crossing 1000 lumen. But OLight stays ahead of the competition with its cutting-edge technologies. The famed S2R has returned with the second version – shorter, brighter, and clearer.
A multifunctional side switch dictates all functions. There is also a moonlight mode. It lights up at about half a lumen so that you don’t end up blinding yourself in the midnight. The battery meter is green at full power that turns yellow once the remaining charge drops 70%. And red light stands for less than 15%. It helps you map your way ahead before finding a power source.
Pros
- Three-color power indicator,
- Balanced and luminous beam,
- Moonlight mode is given,
- Completely waterproof up to 2 meters
Cons
- Not so economical,
- Not zoomable
3. AmeriLuck Battery-Powered Handheld Flashlight
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.33 pounds (0.15 kg) Size: 4.6 x 1.4 x 1.4 inches (11.6 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm) Batteries: 3x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 250 Type: EDC |
AmeriLuck flashlight qualifies as EDC because it’s palm-sized and low-cost. You can rely on it for a regular night walk or an emergency situation. This is where strobe and SOS modes come in handy. The other three settings are dedicated to brightness manipulation. The rotatable neck allows you to change the focus of the beam.
Its jaw-like head works as a protective cover for the lens. However, it can also be used to break windows in an unfortunate car accident. The strength is outstanding but not boundless. Its knurled handle ensures good grip so that you don’t transcend those boundaries more often.
Pros
- Adjustable, zoomable focus,
- Heavy-duty edges,
- Handle’s unwavering grip, 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Heavy for its size,
- Batteries are sold separately
4. NEBO TORCHY Rechargeable Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.13 pounds (0.06 kg) Size: 3.4 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches (8.7 x 8.3 x 4.4 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion Brightness (Lumens): 1000 Type: Magnetic |
If there’s a contest for the brightest of flashlights in the smallest of packages, TORCHY is winning! Look at its infinite magnetic wonders. The hands-free base that sticks to metals is not so rare. But wireless charging is a life-saver in the woods. Place the torch on MagCable, and enjoy a full charge again. There is no after-market expense. However, the charging cord and batteries are not standard; only the manufacturer sells them!
It has four light modes besides strobe, stretching from low and medium to high and turbo with maximum 1000 lumen output. It memorizes and repeats the last mode while turning it on.
Pros
- Wireless charging,
- Four brightness levels,
- Memory recall,
- Magnetic base
Cons
- Hard-to-find spares,
- Made in a single style
5. ThuZW 2 Pack Tactical Flashlight Torch
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) Size: 5.9 x 4 x 1.5 inches (14.9 x 10.2 x 3.9 cm) Batteries: 3x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 1000 Type: LED Tail Diameter: 1.02 Head Diameter: 1.33 |
It brings two flashlights for the price of one, along with their respective holsters, battery holders, and lanyards. One can’t ask for anything more except batteries, of course! However, you can choose to power it using standard AAA cells or a rechargeable 18650 battery.
It’s not short of trending features – three-mode brightness, strobe, SOS reflector, and zoomable function are a few to name. The aluminum crust is 5-6 inches long, depending upon the beam’s selected focus.
Watch out! The torch is not 3000 lumens as advertised. It doesn’t break the boundary of 1000, not even at the brightest setting though sufficient for most tasks.
Pros
- Full range of lighting modes,
- Focus adjustable,
- Portable hand strap,
- Compatible with rechargeable battery
Cons
- Misleading advertisement,
- Batteries are not included
6. Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.27 pounds (0.12 kg) Size: 5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches (12.8 x 3.3 x 3.3 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion Brightness (Lumens): 400 Type: LED |
Bolder LC40 packs a powerful punch in its small dimension. It produces 400 lumens at the brightest setting that can be diminished to 120 and even 20. Strobe and SOS modes come next. Hold the switch for a little longer, and it quickly turns off.
The battery is amazing. It’d exhaust after 20hrs of medium-level output and require six hours to be able to join the field again.
The industry-leading XPG2 bulb has a 50000hrs lifespan. Its dedicated IC supplies non-fading brightness consistently. Also, LED’s rubber wrapping makes it water-impregnable to an extent. It has your back in extreme conditions, whether polar chilly or desert dusty.
Pros
- 20hrs average runtime,
- Integrated pocket clip,
- Weather-resistant,
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Slow charging,
- No adjustable focus
7. VASTFIRE Rechargeable 2-in-1 Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.95 pounds (0.43 kg) Size: 12 x 2.3 x 2.3 inches (30.5 x 5.8 x 5.8 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Brightness (Lumens): 5000 Type: Spotlight |
Vastfire flashlight proves a heavy-duty spotlight doesn’t have to look like sky beams. A four-bulb panel notifies battery health at every step. Use it to juice up your smartphones and cameras when off-grid. There are infinite lighting options. You can toggle the front light between high, low, and strobe with the maximum output of 5000 lumens, throw of 230m, and runtime of 8hrs. Double-press on the power button will trigger a multi-mode lantern. Additionally, a red side light enables night vision and alert signal. Although the switch is silicone-covered, it would’ve been much better if the whole frame was at least IPX6-rated for reliable usage in wet conditions.
Pros
- Heat-dissipating fans,
- Numerous modes and lights,
- Real-time power display,
- Last for a long time
Cons
- It feels a bit heavy,
- Not fully waterproof
8. LUMINTOP TOOL AA 2.0 Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.05 pounds (0.02 kg) Size: 3.5 x 0.7 x 0.7 inches (8.9 x 1.9 x 1.9 cm) Batteries: 1x AA Brightness (Lumens): 650 Type: EDC |
LUMINTOP Tool v2.0 has brought major changes. You can now use a rechargeable Li-ion battery to increase output to 650 lumens and beam drop-off to 130m. Its built-in smart circuit prevents overheating, overcharging, and reverse polarity.
The housing of tail switch has integrated a blue-light diffuser. It is a boom for aesthetics but a parasite for energy. Tool flashlights focus on brightness manipulation. There is a turbo in addition to three typical settings.
It’s jam-packed with ideal attributes of an EDC: resistant to rain and cold, a palm-sized anodized framework, weight of four quarter dollars, and a reversible pocket clip.
Pros
- Cool white light,
- Up to 60hrs runtime,
- Four brightness levels,
- Works in sub-zero temperatures
Cons
- Battery-draining lighted tail cap,
- Not zoomable
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of flashlights for walking at night and decided that 8 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Flashlight For Walking At Night is GearLight S1000 LED Flashlight which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider OLIGHT S2R II Rechargeable Flashlight as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, AmeriLuck Battery-Powered Handheld Flashlight is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying flashlights for walking at night
Battery Type
The best battery type for your flashlights depends entirely upon your use. Whether you want it to be rechargeable, or disposable. Do you need to use them right away or after a while? The size and the weather in which the flashlight will be used also matters. The most common rechargeable batteries are alkaline batteries. Found in AAA, AA, C, and D types, their nominal voltage is 1.5V and they have a self-discharge rate of approx. 2-3% per year, making them an excellent and easily available choice if you want a disposable battery for an emergency flashlight that is stored most of the time. If you want better performance in rechargeable batteries, go for lithium batteries. With a nominal voltage of 3V per cell and extreme weather endurance, they are perfect if you are looking for a disposable battery with a lower discharge rate than alkaline batteries. The only con is that they are more expensive than alkaline batteries.
If you want rechargeable batteries, as they are far more cost-effective in the long run, there are two options available – Lithium Ion and NiMH batteries. NiMH can be found in standard alkaline battery sizes but Li-Ion batteries come in their own standard sizes like 18650. NiMH batteries last longer than standard alkaline batteries despite having lower (1.25V) voltage owing to their lower discharge rate.
With a nominal voltage of 3.7V per cell Li-Ion batteries beat every other battery in terms of energy density, although its prices are reflective of that. Read the instruction manual of your flashlight to pick the best battery option for yourself. Also, consider your requirements and the use of your flashlight (emergency use, everyday use, etc.).
Lumens and Light Output
Lumen is a measure of the flashlight light output – so the ideal lumen number will depend on your situation. Usually, a flashlight with 300 to 1000 lumens is considered versatile enough for everyday use and frequent nightly tasks. But the number can go up for certain tasks that require more light output.
For reading or random everyday tasks, you will find a 300 lumens flashlight to be useful enough. For camping or similar outdoor activities like nightly walks or running, a 300 to 900-lumen flashlight will work well. If you’re hunter or military personnel, you may need to spot your prey or a threat from a considerable distance – for such situations, pick a flashlight with a light output of 1250-2500 lumens.
Flashlights with a higher light output than 2500 lumens are usually used in search and rescue operations as such operations require a much-focused illumination.
Beam Intensity
Many people confuse lumens for the measure of flashlight brightness or beam intensity. Lumens are merely the measure of total light output generated by a flashlight. The beam intensity depends mainly upon candelas. Different candela settings provide different beam intensities – from highly focused to wide and dispersed. Purchase a flashlight with a higher candela rating if you want a long-distance or more focused beam. Alternatively, get a flashlight with a low candela rating for more uniform illumination. Other factors that affect beam intensity are the size and shape of the lens or reflector.
Run Time
The run time of a flashlight primarily depends upon its batteries. Li-Ion batteries have the highest energy capacity and they are also rechargeable. While alkaline and lithium are long-lasting disposable batteries. Other factors that affect the run time of a flashlight are its power draw i.e., its brightness setting, light output, and the number of batteries. A flashlight will last longer on a lower brightness setting than on a higher one. Flashlights with the lowest lumens will last the longest. Also, the higher the number of batteries the longer the run time of a flashlight. Choose the variables that best suit your situation.
Portability
The portability of a flashlight directly depends upon its size and weight. Pocket-sized LED flashlights made from aluminum are the best when it comes to picking the ideal portable flashlights. Not only are LED bulbs long-lasting but they also do not produce excessive heat – while aluminum is extremely lightweight and durable, making the combination of both an ideal portable flashlight option. Most compact LED flashlights to have a light output of 500-1000 lumens making them far superior to mobile phone torches. Consider a water-resistant LED flashlight with a belt clip for maximum performance, portability, and endurance.
Questions and Answers About flashlights for walking at night
How many lumens is a good flashlight?
This depends on what function you want the flashlight to fulfill. An EDC (everyday carry) used to illuminate the indoors and maybe even outdoor camping activity only requires 20-150 lumens. If you require a longer throw and better light, such as required in a search-and-rescue, it can go up above 1000 lumens.
What is the red light on a flashlight for?
The red light on a flashlight is used to preserve night vision. When transitioning from light to dark, red light allows your eyes to transition faster than white light. Red light is also less disruptive in the sense that it can help your eyes to adjust to the darkness faster. It also has the added advantage of being less noticeable in the dark than white light.
How do you signal SOS with a flashlight?
The way to signal SOS with a flashlight is to use morse code. Three short and rapid 1-second flashes followed by three longer 2-second flashes and finished with three rapid 1-second flashes again. This spells out S-O-S in morse code and is universally recognized to be a distress signal.
How do you put batteries in a small flashlight?
Most flashlights no matter the size will have similar ways of replacing the batteries. For small flashlights, high chance that they are using button batteries instead of the normal cylindrical ones. Unscrew the cap on either end of the flashlight to access the batteries. Then, replace the batteries with the new ones. Ensure that the direction is correct before screwing the cap back on.
What is the strobe function on a flashlight for?
Bright, flashing lights are disorienting and can be used as a self-defense measure. Flicker vertigo or Bucha effect is a result of flashing pulses of relatively bright light which can induce disorientation/vertigo/nausea. The strobe function can also act as a distress signal as a secondary function.
