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Table of Contents
1. Streamlight 66608 250 Lumen Microstream
In general, I’m a huge fan of Streamlight. I’ve owned several of their lights in the past and recently acquired this rechargeable one. I couldn’t be happier with it. It keeps a charge really well, doesn’t take forever to charge and fits perfectly in the pocket.
While it may ‘only’ be 250 lumens, it sure seems brighter! It’s a solid stream of light that truly lights up even the darkest of nights. I’ve taken it outside into the pitch blackness of Alaska and have seen a good distance and radius. Quite impressive.
Runtime is 3.5 hours.
Pros/Long runtime, strong clip, super bright
Cons/Short charging cord
Bottom Line/Excellent light on any budget
2. STANLEY FATMAX Rechargeable 520 Lumen
Looking for something with a bit more light? This isn’t made for your pocket but this is a great spotlight to have handy in the vehicle, tent, RV and even at home. At 520 lumens, it lights up the darkness. It’s also waterproof so it can withstand being out in rain and because of its bright color, easy to spot in case it gets dropped in water.
It has a runtime of up to 10 hours.
Pros/Bright color, high lumens, waterproof
Cons/Not the longest runtime
Bottom Line/Great spotlight for the price
3. OLIGHT S2R II 1150 Lumens EDC Flashlight
OLIGHT is a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts. It’s affordable, durable and has amazing output. The S2R II fits in your pocket and packs a punch with 1150 lumens on the highest setting.
It offers three modes, Turbo, Moonlight and Strobe.
One of the nicest features about this light is the magnet on the bottom. You can essentially be hands-free if you have a surface that this will stick to.
It’s also waterproof up to 2 meters underwater.
Pros/High lumens, lightweight, easy to carry
Cons/Clip not reversible, lens up carry only
Bottom Line/Great choice for a quality pocket light
4. Smith & Wesson Night Guard Headlamp
Yes, Smith and Wesson sells lights, too! In fact, they’re quite good. If you’re like me and like to be as hands-free as possible when I’m doing tasks outdoors in the dark (like going to the bathroom, maybe?), then this headlamp is for you!
It offers 420 lumens with a 2 hour and 15 minute runtime. It also can be switched to red, blue or green lights which can be handy for a variety of situations, especially while hunting.
It’s durable and lightweight! It can even be used as just a hat clip, instead of using the headband.
5. ThruNite Catapult V6
This is one of the most impressive flashlights that I own. Not only is it rechargeable but the beam is stunning.
It can throw light up to 756 yards! Not just that, but the maximum output is 2,836 lumens! In total, it has six brightness levels, Firefly, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, and Strobe.
It’s also extremely durable and can be dropped up to 1.5 meters and be totally fine. Of course, don’t just drop it over and over and over again, at some point I’m sure it’d break, but this thing is absolutely made solid and I can attest to that, especially having kids who love to throw things.
You may be thinking that with that many lumens it doesn’t have a long runtime. You’d be wrong. On the turbo setting, the highest setting, it can last 89 minutes. On the lowest setting, firefly, it can last 70 days. Really impressive times.
This is not a pocket light, but it can fit perfectly on a belt holster or of course, in most pockets.
Pros/Impressive runtime, high lumens, long reach
Cons/Can get hot on the brighter modes
Bottom Line/Must-have for any trip outdoors
Which ones are your favorite?
I never head out without multiple lights. We have at least three of these on or around us at all times at home, in the vehicle, on our person and while exploring the great outdoors.
Grab yourself an external battery bank, a solar panel, keep the charging cable accessible and you’ll never be without light again.
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