Changing a car tire can be a pretty difficult task, but it can be even more difficult to do in the dark. This is just one example, of many, when an EDC flashlight could come in handy.
Hopefully, you aren’t changing your tires every day, but there are plenty of other daily situations in which you may find yourself needing a flashlight. The best EDC flashlights are functional tools that rank among other great everyday staples like pens, key organizers, and carabiners. They’re particularly valuable in the fall and winter when the sun seems to hide away before the clock even strikes 5 pm.
But what exactly makes for a great EDC flashlight? This list breaks down 6 of the best options available right now. Whether you want something cheap and simple to keep on hand, something durable for the toughest working conditions, or just a quick gift for dad, this list should have you covered.
So, let’s light up these 6 contenders for the best EDC flashlight you can buy right now.
Key Takeaways
To compile this list of EDC flashlights, I took several factors into consideration. Variables such as brightness, size, and additional features can all make or break a pocket flashlight. Overall, I think the best EDC pocket flashlight comes from a brand called Nicron, with its N7 600 Lumens Tactical Flashlight. Another great choice is the Olight Arkfeld UV Flashlight, highly durable and versatile.
Why it’s great: This Nicron N7 Flashlight features a rotating head that can bend 90 degrees, making it perfect for lighting up tight spaces. It also has a magnetic base which allows it to easily attach to metal surfaces. Not to mention, this light has a removable pocket clip for easy attachment onto clothing and an IP65 water-resistance rating for wet conditions.
How to use it: Press and hold the power button to cycle between the high and low settings. This can also be done to activate the strobe and SOS modes.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Nicron N7 requires either one AAA battery or a rechargeable battery sold separately. Unfortunately, this light tends to drain power quickly, and the batteries will need to be replaced or recharged frequently.
Weight: 1.92 Ounces | Length: 4.4-Inches | Max output: 600 Lumens
Why it’s great: This EcoGear FX E300 Tactical Flashlight gives you many of the benefits associated with a tactical light but in a body meant for everyday carry. This best budget EDC flashlight has a pretty significant output for its size, up to 300 lumens, which can travel 500 feet. With three different modes (high, low, strobe) and such a cheap price, this flashlight would make a great gift for just about anyone.
How to use it: To cycle through the three light settings on this EDC tactical flashlight, partially press the button on the tailcap until you reach the desired mode. There’s also a “zoom” feature on this light, which can be adjusted by pulling the head of the flashlight while holding the barrel in place.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Being such an inexpensive product, this flashlight obviously isn’t the most durable option out there. However, it could work great as a beater flashlight that you won’t really worry too much about losing or breaking.
Weight: 2.1 Ounces | Length: 3.6-Inches | Max output: 300 Lumens
Why it’s great: The Streamlight 88811 Wedge Flashlight is not only a unique EDC option, but it’s also a luxurious one. To start, this flashlight doesn’t require any batteries. Instead, it charges via the USB-C port at the bottom of the aluminum frame. This flashlight also has a “THRO Output” option which produces a 1,000 lumen beam for 35 seconds. Finally, the wedge design allows it to comfortably fit into even the tightest of pockets.
How to use it: This flashlight reaches a full charge in about 3 hours, which is indicated by the LED light located under the main switch. The light itself is activated by the sliding switch on the bottom of the body.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The activation switch of this flashlight can be finicky, making it difficult to use at times. The beam may also be too bright for simple tasks like reading or writing in the dark.
Weight: 3.3 Ounces | Length: 5.46-Inches | Max output: 1000 Lumens
Why it’s great: This Tool AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight from LuminTop features 4 different brightness levels and a strobe mode for just about any situation. The activation button at the bottom of this light also glows in the dark, making it super easy to find at night. And you don’t need to worry about this flashlight being around water because it’s water-resistant up to 6.6 feet.
How to use it: Activate this light by pressing the button at the bottom, then twist the head to cycle between light modes. To activate the strobe light mode, press the button 6 times consecutively.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While the glowing tail cap is conceptually a great idea, in reality, it tends to drain the battery life of this flashlight.
Weight: 0.8 Ounces | Length: 3.52-Inches | Max output: 650 Lumens
Why it’s great: The sleek design of this Smith & Wesson Night Guard Flashlight makes it a great choice for those who want something for every slice of life. It also happens to make a great small gift, if you’re looking for stocking stuffers. The simple design is easy to use, and it features a non-slip grip to stay in your hands at all times. There are also multiple variations of this top EDC flashlight, including a slim version, a dual-beam version, a quad-beam version, and more.
How to use it: This flashlight has a high and a low mode, which can be cycled through by pressing the recessed button on the back. This light also uses AA batteries for operation, which can be replaced by unscrewing the body.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Despite the recessed power button on the back of this flashlight, it can still turn on if tapped accidentally. This could potentially drain your entire battery if, for example, it happens to be activated inside a backpack.
Weight: 4.9 Ounces (Package) | Length: 6-inches | Max output: 350 Lumens
Why it’s great: When it comes to a great choice for the job site, this Olight Arkfeld Flashlight excels in many categories. This light features a UV mode which is great for checking the cleanliness of an area—it can even help to detect pests. The magnetic charging dock also makes this flashlight feel exceptionally premium, while the two-way pocket clip is great for carrying on both the left and the right side of your body.
How to use it: The white light is activated by pressing the blue center button. Once it’s on, you can use the outer ring to change over to the UV mode.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The pocket clip tends to be a point of failure for this flashlight and may bend or break. It’s also not as simple to use as you might think, so make sure to read the instructions before usage.
Weight: 3.07 Ounces | Length: 4.33 inches | Max output: 1000 Lumens
Buying Considerations For The Best EDC Flashlights
Brightness
The most important consideration for any top EDC flashlight is probably its brightness level. Most compact flashlights can’t get as bright as larger flashlights for obvious reasons, but that doesn’t diminish their capabilities. EDC flashlights typically range between 250 lumens to 1000 lumens.
While it may be tempting to just pick a light with the highest lumen level, it’s also important to consider different brightness modes. High and low settings are pretty much standard, but the more options you have in between, the more versatile your flashlight will be.
Size
Size is another crucial factor when picking up any piece of EDC gear—especially flashlights. You don’t want to be lugging around a hefty piece of metal, but you also don’t want something so small it has no power. There’s a delicate balance to find between these two extremes.
Try to search for something no more than 6 inches in length that also weighs a couple of ounces. It can also be a huge bonus if the flashlight you choose has a pocket clip or lanyard for alternate methods of carry.
Additional Features
In the end, any great EDC flashlight should also have some additional features to sweeten the deal. Some flashlights offer different modes like a strobe light, a laser pointer, and maybe even a UV light.
In the case of the Nicron N7, this light can be rotated 90 degrees and it includes a magnetized base. Features like these can make life so much simpler depending on your specific needs. Remember, the primary goal of everyday carry gear is to cram as many tools as possible into a small, lightweight package.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a writer for FashionBeans, I’ve done my fair share of research into men’s attire and style trends. I’ve also been putting these principles into practice for over a decade, trying out different brands and determining what’s best. While style is often associated with the clothes you wear, it can also include the items you carry daily. A great EDC flashlight can be used for a variety of situations and is an excellent tool to add to your everyday carry arsenal.
So, I made sure to include only the very best EDC lights on this list, narrowing down dozens of options in the process. Hopefully, these recommendations can inform you of what to expect when searching for the best EDC pocket flashlight to buy.
Final Verdict
Overall, one of the best EDC flashlights to pick up right now is the Nicron N7 600 Lumens Tactical Flashlight. This light has a bunch of useful features that help it serve as the perfect daily companion. The Olight Arkfeld UV Flashlight is another fantastic choice, with some high-tech features for whatever life may throw at you.
FAQ
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First and foremost, the best EDC flashlights are all small and easy to carry. They should also offer a reasonable brightness level, typically 250 lumens at the very least. Lastly, they should be pretty easy to use because they’re supposed to simplify your life, not make it more complicated. Every man worth his EDC salt should own one.
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Tactical flashlights are typically larger and bulkier than EDC flashlights. They have a specialized design that can be used to stun an enemy when in a combat situation. This is not to say EDC flashlights can’t have a tactical design; however, these features tend to be more effective on a standard-sized tactical light.
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The ideal brightness level for an EDC flashlight sits between 250 lumens and 1000 lumens. Obviously, you shouldn’t expect a long-lasting super-powered light crammed into the body of a miniature flashlight. However, any flashlight that falls within this range should work well for most daily dilemmas.
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