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Best All-Purpose Pocket Flashlight
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Flashlights can be an essential part of your equipment both at home and on outdoor adventures. However, most home flashlights are too large to bring with you when hiking or backpacking. If you have this problem, you should look into getting a pocket flashlight.
To help you find the ideal balance between size and brightness, our small flashlight reviews will take a look at all the best pocket flashlights with all their pros and cons. And, if you’re curious about what to look for in a small flashlight, be sure to check the buying guide below.
Best All-Purpose Pocket Flashlight
Streamlight 66121 Stylus Pro Pen Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Ideal size and shape for carrying in a pocket
- Strong clip for securing the flashlight
- Easily resists drops from up to 2 meters
- Works with two battery options (AAA and rechargeable)
- On/off switch conveniently placed on the tail
Length:Â 5.3 inches
Diameter:Â 0.6 inches
Weight:Â 1.64 ounces
Material:Â Anodized Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 100lm
Range:Â 62 meters
Runtime:Â 8 hours
Battery Type:Â 2 x AAA
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX4
Best LED Pocket Flashlight
Streamlight MicroStream Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Double-sided clip for securing to a hat brim
- Protected with Type II Mil-Spec anodic coating
- Scratch and break-resistant polycarbonate lens
- Fits perfectly in your palm or a smaller pocket
- Strong safety lanyard included in the package
Length:Â 3.6 inches
Diameter:Â 0.6 inches
Weight:Â 1.10 ounce
Material:Â Anodized Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 45lm
Range:Â 41 meters
Runtime:Â 2.25 hours
Battery Type:Â 1 x AAA
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX4
Best Budget-Friendly Pocket Flashlight
Hausbell 7W Mini LED Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Two flashlights included in the package
- Great lumen output for its size (up to 300lm)
- Lotus head design prevents lens scratching
- Can be used with disposable or rechargeable batteries
- Three light modes with a 200-meter beam distance
Length:Â 4.3 inches
Diameter:Â 1.5 inches
Weight:Â 2.24 ounces
Material:Â ABS Plastic
Lumen Output:Â 300lm
Range:Â 200 meters
Runtime:Â Between 2 and 4 hours (depending on the battery)
Battery Type:Â 1 x AA or 1 x 14500 rechargeable
Water-resistant:Â Yes
Best Tactical Pocket Flashlight
J5 Tactical V1-PRO LED Tactical Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Easy zooming between flood and spotlight
- Works with disposable and rechargeable batteries
- Pocket clip for keeping the flashlight secure
- The flashlight head is great for self-defense
- Covered by a full money-back guarantee
Length:Â 4 inches
Diameter:Â 1.125 inches
Weight:Â 2.29 ounces
Material:Â Aluminum Alloy
Lumen Output:Â 300lm
Range:Â Up to 600 feet
Battery Type:Â 1 x AA or 1 x 14500 rechargeable
Water-resistant:Â Yes
Best Travel Pocket Flashlight
Streamlight Nano Light Keychain LED Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- One of the smallest flashlights on the market
- Carabiner clip for attaching to a keychain
- Extremely durable LED bulbs (100,000 hours)
- Rotating on/off function for easier use
- Batteries included in the package
Length:Â 1.47 inches
Diameter:Â 0.51 inches
Weight:Â 0.36 ounces
Material:Â Anodized Aircraft Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 10lm
Runtime:Â 8 hours
Battery Type:Â 4 x IEC-LR41 coin cells
Water-resistant:Â No
Best Family Pocket Flashlight
BYB Super Bright 4-Pack Mini Aluminum Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Four lightweight flashlights for a great price
- Pre-attached wrist strap prevents drops
- Ideal size to carry and use in everyday situations
- Nine bright LEDs provide a great light output
- 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy
Length:Â 3.5 inches
Diameter:Â 1 inch
Weight:Â 1 ounce
Material:Â Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 30lm
Range:Â 61 meters
Runtime:Â 30 hours
Battery Type:Â 3 x AAA batteries
Best Versatile Pocket Flashlight
Coast HP1 Pure Beam Focusing LED Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Pure Beam adjustable focus switches smoothly between spot and flood light
- Compatible with three types of batteries (AA, NiMH, or Lithium)
- Great light output for its size (up to 190 lumens)
- Adjustable pocket clip for keeping the flashlight secure
- Covered by a lifetime warranty against defects in materials
Length:Â 4.02 inches
Diameter:Â 1 inch
Weight:Â 2.24 ounces
Material:Â Lightweight Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 190lm
Runtime:Â 1 hour 15 minutes
Battery Type:Â 1 x AA, NiMH rechargeable, or 14500 lithium
Water-resistant:Â Yes
Best High Zoom Pocket Flashlight
LE Cree LED Tactical Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Range of almost 500 feet when zoomed in
- Strong 6063 aluminum alloy guarantees durability
- Skid-proof handle design prevents it from slipping
- Fully resistant to rain and splashing (IPX4 rating)
- Money-back guarantee with a 2-year warranty
Length:Â 4.29 inches
Diameter:Â 1.34 inches
Weight:Â 4.5 ounces
Material:Â 6063 Aluminum Alloy
Lumen Output:Â 140lm
Range:Â 492 feet
Runtime:Â 5 hours
Battery Type:Â 3 x AAA batteries (included)
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX4
Best Brightest Pocket Flashlight
UltraFire 7w Mini Cree Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Powerful 7-watt Cree LED (300 lumens)
- Works with three battery types (AA, Lithium, NiMH)
- Anti-slip handle and head for a firmer grip
- Protected against water and impact damage
- Head moves in and out for an adjustable focus
Length:Â 3.7 inches
Diameter:Â 1.02 inches
Weight:Â 2.7 ounces
Material:Â Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 300lm
Runtime:Â 1.5 hours (with AA battery)
Battery Type:Â 1 x AA alkaline, 1x NiMH
Water-resistant:Â Yes
Best Waterproof Pocket Flashlight
ThruNite Ti3 LED Pocket Flashlight
- What Makes This Pocket Flashlight Stand Out
- Small enough to carry on a keychain
- Durable type III anodized aluminum casing
- Reversible pocket clip for attaching to a hat
- Twist on/off switch for easier one-handed use
- Safe to submerge up to 2 meters deep
Length:Â 2.76 inches
Diameter:Â 0.55 inches
Weight:Â 0.42 ounces
Material:Â Aircraft-grade Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 120lm
Range:Â 50 meters
Runtime:Â 1 hour (high), 6.3 hours (low)
Battery Type:Â 1 x AAA
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX8
How To Choose A Pocket Flashlight – Buying Guide
Flashlight Size
Since we’re talking about pocket flashlights, size is more important than with any other flashlight type. As their name suggests, they need to fit in your pocket without a problem. However, an extra-small flashlight often means a lower light output and a shorter battery life.
The models we’ve featured range in size from 1.5 inches to just over 5 inches, so you’ll have plenty of options when considering what’s best for you.
Materials and Durability
With this type of product, there is a good chance that it’s going to be dropped, rolled off the table, or get splashed by water. Because of this, it needs to be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the trials of everyday use.
The best choice of material for the casing is anodized aluminum that will shelter the system inside from hits and shocks. In addition, it’s a big plus if the unit is waterproof (or at least water-resistant) so it doesn’t get damaged in the rain.
In relation to this, the warranty you get with the product is often a good indicator of durability. Many of the higher-end flashlights come with a 1 or 2-year warranty that will cover any problems you might have while using the flashlight.
Brightness (Lumen Output)
The brightness of pocket flashlights varies greatly from one model to the next. A dimmer torch will be better for viewing items up close, while a brighter light is more useful for illuminating larger areas.
The light output of any flashlight is measured in lumens and represents the amount of visible light that a flashlight creates. A good EDC flashlight usually has around 100 lumens, but weaker and more powerful flashlights are also available based on what you need.
Battery Life
The battery life of a flashlight depends on its brightness as well as the type of battery it uses. Generally speaking, a brighter flashlight will drain more power, requiring a larger battery for a good runtime.
As for the batteries, pocket flashlights can be powered by disposable and rechargeable batteries (some can use both). Disposable batteries are easy to change in the middle of the forest but cost more in the long run. On the other hand, rechargeable batteries often last longer, but you may run into a problem if there’s nowhere to charge them.
FAQs
Q:Â What Are The Advantages Of A Pocket Flashlight?
The biggest advantage of a pocket flashlight is convenience. Unlike regular-sized models, these are very small and ideal for carrying anywhere. Many of them also come with pocket clips and lanyards so it’s easy to attach and secure them. Besides portability, another advantage is a very powerful light output relative to their size.
Q:Â Are Pocket Flashlights Effective?
Yes, pocket flashlights are very effective. Since the introduction of LED bulbs, manufacturers were able to pack a bright light source in a compact package. Because of this, you can find small pocket flashlights with several hundred lumens of output.
Q:Â What Is The Illumination Range Of A Pocket Flashlight?
Just because they’re compact doesn’t mean pocket flashlights can’t be powerful. In terms of lumen output, the products we’ve featured range from 10 to over 300 lumens. Keep in mind, however, that a brighter flashlight usually goes through batteries much faster.
Globo Surf Overview
Having a flashlight that fits in your pocket can be very useful, especially on outdoor adventures. A pocket flashlight doesn’t require much space and shines a lot brighter than the flash app on your phone. We hope that our reviews and guide helped you narrow down your search so that you’ll always have a reliable light source within hand’s reach.