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10 Best Hiking Flashlight 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro Rechargeable EDC Flat Flashlight with Green Beam, UV and White LED Combo, 1300 Lumens Portable Pocket Lights, Triple Sources for Outdoors Emergency Working (Orange CW)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,186
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
4116 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The flashlight is exceptionally bright with 1300 lumens and offers three different light intensities.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting weeks even with daily use.
Weight and Size
The flashlight is compact and fits comfortably in pockets without being cumbersome.
Durability and Water Resistance
The anodized aluminum construction with a satin finish is praised for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Modes and Features
The intuitive mode selector and five-level battery indicator are handy features for outdoor use.

The OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro is a versatile flashlight ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. With a maximum brightness of 1300 lumens, it provides powerful illumination, making it suitable for dark trails and emergency situations. Its three-in-one functionality, combining white light, UV light, and a green beam, adds versatility for various uses, such as inspecting trail markers or identifying wildlife. The UV light, with a high power output of 900mW at a 365nm wavelength, is particularly useful for more professional applications like checking for leaks or cleaning purposes.

The intuitive circular selector for switching modes makes operation simple and seamless, which is helpful in outdoor settings where quick adjustments are necessary. The five-level battery indicator ensures you can easily monitor the battery life, which is essential for prolonged outdoor use. Weighing 5.9 ounces and measuring 4.72 inches in length, the Arkfeld Pro is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket or backpack. Its aluminum construction ensures durability while the IPX7 water resistance rating means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, making it reliable in wet conditions.

However, the flashlight requires a single Lithium Polymer battery, which is included, but may not last as long as multiple battery configurations, potentially necessitating more frequent recharges. Additionally, while the green beam output is less than 5mW and classified as 3R, it may not be as powerful as other laser pointers some users might expect. The OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro's combination of high brightness, multi-functional capabilities, and durable design make it an excellent choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile flashlight.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,186
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
4116 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The flashlight is exceptionally bright with 1300 lumens and offers three different light intensities.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting weeks even with daily use.
Weight and Size
The flashlight is compact and fits comfortably in pockets without being cumbersome.
Durability and Water Resistance
The anodized aluminum construction with a satin finish is praised for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Modes and Features
The intuitive mode selector and five-level battery indicator are handy features for outdoor use.
#2

OLIGHT Arkfeld Ultra 1400 Lumens EDC Flat Flashlight, Rechargeable Pocket Light with White LED, UV, and Green Beam (Olive Grey)

Rating
8.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Beam Distance
Battery Life

Most important from
1242 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers bright, adjustable lighting with three useful modes including white light, laser, and UV, each serving a distinct practical purpose.
Beam Distance
Laser pointer is impressively strong and long-range, enhancing its utility beyond typical flashlight tasks.
Battery Life
Boasts an almost unreal battery life, lasting for days with regular use and requiring very infrequent charging.
Weight and Size
Compact and slim design fits comfortably in a pocket and includes a magnetic clip that enables hands-free use on hats or belts.
Durability and Water Resistance
Built tough with water resistance and durable materials, surviving drops and wet conditions without losing functionality.
Modes and Features
Delivers bright, adjustable lighting with three useful modes including white light, laser, and UV, each serving a distinct practical purpose.

The OLIGHT Arkfeld Ultra is a bright and versatile flashlight well-suited for hiking use. It delivers a powerful 1400 lumens white light, providing strong visibility on trails, and includes a green beam and UV light for added functionality such as spotting wildlife or checking trail markers. The rechargeable lithium polymer battery adds convenience and eco-friendliness. Weighing about 10.8 ounces and measuring roughly 6.3 by 2.2 inches, it is fairly compact and portable, making it easy to carry in a pocket or pack.

Constructed from tough O-aluminum with a matte finish and a high-hardness glass lens, the flashlight offers durability and scratch resistance suitable for rough outdoor conditions. It is water resistant, which helps in rain or wet terrain. The Arkfeld Ultra provides multiple light modes, allowing brightness and beam type adjustments based on user needs, which is helpful for conserving battery or adapting to different lighting situations.

Some users might find the rectangular shape less ergonomic compared to round flashlights. This model suits hikers who want a tough, bright, and multi-functional light with rechargeable convenience, but those needing precise specifications for extended trips may want to consider additional information before purchasing.

Rating
8.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Beam Distance
Battery Life

Most important from
1242 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers bright, adjustable lighting with three useful modes including white light, laser, and UV, each serving a distinct practical purpose.
Beam Distance
Laser pointer is impressively strong and long-range, enhancing its utility beyond typical flashlight tasks.
Battery Life
Boasts an almost unreal battery life, lasting for days with regular use and requiring very infrequent charging.
Weight and Size
Compact and slim design fits comfortably in a pocket and includes a magnetic clip that enables hands-free use on hats or belts.
Durability and Water Resistance
Built tough with water resistance and durable materials, surviving drops and wet conditions without losing functionality.
Modes and Features
Delivers bright, adjustable lighting with three useful modes including white light, laser, and UV, each serving a distinct practical purpose.
#3

OLIGHT Baton4 Premium Edition EDC Flashlights 1300 Lumens with Type-C Charging Box, Powered by Rechargeable Battery, Small Bright Light IPX8 Waterproof for Emergencies, Outdoors (Black)

Rating
8.5
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
1535 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
A compact flashlight that delivers powerful illumination, perfectly balancing portability with high performance.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with long-lasting power and a charging case that can recharge the flashlight multiple times, ideal for extended outdoor use.
Weight and Size
Despite its robust features, it remains small enough for everyday carry, fitting comfortably in a pocket.
Durability and Water Resistance
The flashlight’s durable aluminum construction and IPX8 waterproof rating ensure it can handle tough weather and rough handling.

The OLIGHT Baton4 Premium Edition is a compact yet bright flashlight ideal for hiking and outdoor use. With a powerful 1,300-lumen maximum brightness and a beam distance of up to 170 meters, it provides plenty of light to navigate dark trails or spot distant objects. Its rechargeable battery and Type-C charging case are convenient, offering a long standby time of up to 190 days, which means fewer worries about frequent charging. The flashlight weighs just under 15 ounces and is made from durable aluminum with an IPX8 waterproof rating, so it stands up well to rough weather and accidental drops, key for outdoor conditions.

This model shines in versatility with six adjustable lighting modes, including a low 0.5-lumen setting for preserving night vision and a strobe for emergencies. The built-in magnet and belt clip allow hands-free use, which is great for multitasking on the trail. Battery and brightness indicators on both the flashlight and case provide clear status updates, helping you manage power efficiently.

At nearly 6 inches long and almost 15 ounces, it is not the lightest or smallest EDC flashlight available, so those prioritizing ultra-light gear might find it somewhat bulky. Additionally, heavy use at maximum brightness will drain the battery faster. This flashlight is well-suited for hikers seeking a robust, bright, and feature-rich light that is easy to recharge and durable enough for all weather conditions.

Rating
8.5
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
1535 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
A compact flashlight that delivers powerful illumination, perfectly balancing portability with high performance.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with long-lasting power and a charging case that can recharge the flashlight multiple times, ideal for extended outdoor use.
Weight and Size
Despite its robust features, it remains small enough for everyday carry, fitting comfortably in a pocket.
Durability and Water Resistance
The flashlight’s durable aluminum construction and IPX8 waterproof rating ensure it can handle tough weather and rough handling.

Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Flashlight

Choosing the right hiking flashlight is crucial for ensuring safety and visibility during your outdoor adventures. A good flashlight can help you navigate trails, avoid obstacles, and signal for help if needed. When selecting a hiking flashlight, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the flashlight emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. Flashlights with lower lumens (20-100) are suitable for close-up tasks and reading maps. Medium lumens (100-300) are good for general hiking and camping. High lumens (300+) are ideal for long-distance visibility and signaling. Choose a brightness level based on the type of hiking you do and how much light you need.
Beam DistanceBeam distance refers to how far the light can reach. This is important for seeing ahead on the trail and spotting potential hazards. Short beam distances (up to 50 meters) are adequate for close-range tasks. Medium beam distances (50-150 meters) are suitable for most hiking situations. Long beam distances (150+ meters) are best for open areas and spotting distant objects. Consider the terrain and your typical hiking environment when choosing the beam distance.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the flashlight can operate before needing a recharge or new batteries. This is crucial for ensuring your flashlight lasts throughout your hike. Short battery life (up to 5 hours) is fine for short hikes or occasional use. Medium battery life (5-20 hours) is suitable for day hikes and overnight trips. Long battery life (20+ hours) is ideal for multi-day hikes and extended use. Think about the duration of your hikes and how often you can recharge or replace batteries.
Weight and SizeThe weight and size of the flashlight affect how easy it is to carry and use. This is important for comfort and convenience on the trail. Lightweight and compact flashlights (under 100 grams) are great for minimalist hikers and those who prioritize portability. Medium-sized flashlights (100-200 grams) offer a balance of power and portability. Larger flashlights (200+ grams) provide more features and power but can be bulkier. Choose a size and weight that fits your hiking style and how much gear you carry.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance determine how well the flashlight can withstand rough conditions and weather. This is important for reliability and longevity. Basic durability and water resistance (IPX4) are suitable for mild conditions and occasional use. Enhanced durability and water resistance (IPX6) are good for regular hiking and moderate weather. High durability and water resistance (IPX7 and above) are ideal for rugged terrain and harsh weather. Consider the environments you hike in and how tough your flashlight needs to be.
Modes and FeaturesModes and features refer to the different lighting options and additional functionalities the flashlight offers. This is important for versatility and adaptability. Basic flashlights may have a single mode, which is fine for simple use. Multi-mode flashlights offer various brightness levels and strobe/SOS functions, which are useful for different situations. Advanced features like red light mode, focus adjustment, and USB charging can enhance usability. Think about the different scenarios you might encounter and which features would be beneficial.

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