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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
9.8
Chosen by1,284
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
3664 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
9.8
Chosen by1,284
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
3664 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 I3T 2 EOS Pocket EDC Flashlight, 200 Lumens Compact Bright Handheld Flash Lights, Dual-Output Tail Switch with AAA Battery and Two-Way Pocket Clip for Camping and Hiking (Black)

Rating
9.6
Brightness (Lumens)
Beam Distance
Battery Life

Most important from
1636 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Despite its small size, it emits an impressive 180 lumens on the high setting, providing bright and reliable illumination.
Beam Distance
The beam pattern is smooth and well-balanced, with just the right amount of flood and throw for general use.
Battery Life
Operates on a single AAA battery, which is both cost-effective and widely available.
Weight and Size
This compact powerhouse delivers exceptional performance and versatility for everyday carry.
Modes and Features
Switching between the 5-lumen low mode and the 180-lumen high mode is effortless with the tail switch.

The OLIGHT I3T 2 EOS Pocket EDC Flashlight is a compact and lightweight option, making it an excellent choice for hiking and camping. It boasts a brightness of up to 200 lumens, which is impressive for its small size, and can reach up to 62 meters in beam distance. This flashlight operates on a single AAA battery, with the flexibility to use a rechargeable battery for an increased output of up to 300 lumens.

The battery life is extended by 31%, and the flashlight maintains a surface temperature under 45°C even with prolonged use, which is beneficial for long hikes or camping trips. At just 2.08 ounces and dimensions of 3.5 x 0.59 x 0.59 inches, it's easy to carry in your pocket or attach to a hat brim for hands-free use. The flashlight is also IPX8 waterproof, ensuring durability in wet conditions.

It features a dual-output tail switch for easy toggling between modes. However, its runtime of 19 minutes might be a limitation for those needing extended light periods. The OLIGHT I3T 2 EOS offers a good balance of brightness, portability, and durability, making it a strong contender for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Rating
9.6
Brightness (Lumens)
Beam Distance
Battery Life

Most important from
1636 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Despite its small size, it emits an impressive 180 lumens on the high setting, providing bright and reliable illumination.
Beam Distance
The beam pattern is smooth and well-balanced, with just the right amount of flood and throw for general use.
Battery Life
Operates on a single AAA battery, which is both cost-effective and widely available.
Weight and Size
This compact powerhouse delivers exceptional performance and versatility for everyday carry.
Modes and Features
Switching between the 5-lumen low mode and the 180-lumen high mode is effortless with the tail switch.
#3

Streamlight 89000 ProTac 2.0 2000-Lumen 17300 Candela Rechargeable Tactical LED Flashlight with USB C Cable, and Holster, Box, Black

Rating
9.3
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
1046 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The flashlight delivers impressive brightness, lighting up sidewalks for nearly an entire block and excelling in visibility during night walks.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, lasting about five hours across various brightness levels before needing a recharge.
Weight and Size
Its compact size strikes the perfect balance—not too big or small—making it easy to carry in a pocket or clip on a belt.
Durability and Water Resistance
The build quality feels solid and durable, crafted to withstand regular use with a sturdy aluminum body.
Modes and Features
The thumb-operated button enables easy one-handed control, enhancing usability on the move.

The Streamlight 89000 ProTac 2.0 is a powerful hiking flashlight offering up to 2,000 lumens of brightness, which is very bright for spotting paths and hazards in the dark. Its beam can reach up to 262 meters, giving you a strong long-distance view. The flashlight weighs just over half a pound and measures about 6 inches long, making it compact enough to carry comfortably in a backpack or clipped to a belt.

It uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts around 2.25 hours on the highest setting, which is decent for typical hiking trips but may require carrying a backup for longer outings. Recharging is convenient with a USB-C cable included, and a sliding sleeve protects the charging port from dirt and damage. The flashlight’s aluminum body is sturdy and designed to handle rough use, though its IP64 rating means it is dust-tight and water-resistant but not fully waterproof, so it's safe in light rain but not for heavy water exposure like river crossings.

It also features multiple light modes including a tactical strobe, which can be useful for emergencies or signaling. The TEN-TAP programmable system allows easy switching between modes with one hand, helpful if you're on the move. This flashlight suits hikers who need strong, reliable lighting with easy recharge options and solid durability, but if you plan extended trips in very wet conditions, you might want a model with higher waterproof protection or longer battery life.

Rating
9.3
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
1046 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The flashlight delivers impressive brightness, lighting up sidewalks for nearly an entire block and excelling in visibility during night walks.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, lasting about five hours across various brightness levels before needing a recharge.
Weight and Size
Its compact size strikes the perfect balance—not too big or small—making it easy to carry in a pocket or clip on a belt.
Durability and Water Resistance
The build quality feels solid and durable, crafted to withstand regular use with a sturdy aluminum body.
Modes and Features
The thumb-operated button enables easy one-handed control, enhancing usability on the move.

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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