Author Starre Vartan has been an environmental and science journalist for more than 15 years. You also might want to consider two lights in your emergency kit - the flashlight with a powerful beam, and a headlamp, which gives you hands-free option if you need to do any close or detailed work with both your hands in an emergency.Īt Treehugger, we want to help our readers live more sustainably and be prepared for the next climate disaster. So for emergencies, look for a flashlight with a strong, directed beam (rather than one that is spread out) or a function that gives you that option. Both of those situations call for a strong, focused beam, rather than a light that fills a room (that’s more useful for camping or project work). Emergencies could include a variety of situations, but life-threatening scenarios include treating an injury with first aid, and navigating your way out of a dangerous space. The two most important functions in an emergency situation are light when you need it (so a reliable battery that keeps a charge) and where you need it. However, if you flashlight is only going to get occasional use, this may not be a priority for you. If you plan on using your flashlight on a daily basis, a robust warranty policy is something you’ll want. While some flashlights don’t offer any warranty at all, others have limited lifetime warranties. When it comes to flashlight warranties, manufacturers vary a lot. You should consider how you plan to use your flashlight: Is it for emergencies, to keep in the car, to use regularly for projects, or camping? Consider your particular needs when parsing the various options, and make sure your flashlight comes with the appropriate cables and connectors for the settings you want to use it in. However, some are also compatible with disposable lithium batteries or have a built-in solar panel, which could be handy options in some emergencies. Most of these flashlights use a USB port or wall attachment to recharge. Any manipulation of the beam can alter the perception of how bright a light appears. Most of our recommended flashlights have multiple brightness settings and some have filters or allow for different thicknesses of beam as well, or may have colored filters (red is popular for easier night vision).

a spotlight beam could both emit 500 lumens, but the single beam might look brighter and travel farther because it’s concentrated. However, brightness can be affected by how much the light is spread out. So, for the most part, a higher number means a brighter light. The number you see attached to the word lumens is simply how much light it gives over an area. A lumen is simply a measurement of the amount of visible light emitted by a source over a specific time period. Don’t worry, even if you’ve never heard of lumens before, it’s fairly straightforward. You’ll see lumens used as a light measurement scale in this and other discussions about flashlights. What to Look for in a Rechargeable Flashlight If you're looking to go solar, consider the Goal Zero Torch 500 Multi-Purpose Light. Our pick for most durable and all-around best rechargeable flashlight is the Streamlight LED High Lumen. The FATMAX comes with a year warranty in case you do encounter any issues. Users most give this flashlight high ratings, but as with most rechargeable products, some users report the battery failing after a few weeks or months of use-but this seems to be a random issue and most don’t have this problem. It will hold its charge for a year, which is particularly useful if you want to keep on standby for emergency needs. The lithium-ion battery will last for an hour at the highest setting, but closer to seven on the lowest (for a total of two brightness settings). The FATMAX can be charged with either AC or DC current, so car charging is an option, or you can plug it into the wall, and USB charging is an option too.Īt 2200 lumens and a 10-Watt LED bulb, this flashlight produces a strong light. But with that bulk comes options, like a pivoting stand that means it can be set up for hands-free use. True to its name, this flashlight is on the bulky side, at 11 inches (plus handle) and weighing in at 2 pounds. Sometimes you want a big light in case of emergency, for a night work project, or to light up a whole room when the power’s out.

High candela flashlight