As camping and hiking get more popular the demand for survival gear is also on the rise. Among all the survival gear, flashlights are one of the most important gear you can’t forget to write in your gear list.
You might ask, isn’t a phone light enough? No, the phone light is not enough. You need flashlights that are specifically made for camping. Additionally, you want to save your phone batteries for emergency calling and messaging or even taking photos and making videos.
If you’re camping at a nearby campsite, buying the best flashlights for your needs will be enough. But if you’re camping in the unfamiliar woods or far from home, even the world’s best flashlights might not be enough.
Apart from flashlights, you might also need headlamps, camping lanterns, and searchlights. In this article, we have listed the best flashlights and additional lighting gear for camping.
Camping Lantern, Headlamp, Or Flashlights?
If you’re a camping enthusiast, I am sure you are a member of various camping groups on FB, Quora, Forum, etc. The good thing is we are too!
After analyzing some of the most asked questions in multiple groups, we see that beginner campers are often confused between lanterns, headlamps, and flashlights.
One of the common questions we see is “Should I buy Flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns for my next camping trip?”
The answer is not that simple. In fact, nobody can give the perfect answer to this question, because the type of flashlights you need will depend on how you plan your camping trip.
Headlamps and lanterns serve a specific purpose for specific situations, and so do flashlights. All light sources have their advantages and disadvantages.
The best thing you can do is plan your camping trip and then decide when, how and which light source you will need in different situations.
Best Flashlights, Headlamps, and Lanterns for Camping
For any camping trip, we recommend you have at least 3 light sources, 1) Flashlight, 2) a Headlamp, and 3) Lanterns. Here are the 3 best camping lights from Olight that you will fall in love with once you use them.
1. Olight Javelot Mini
This is the first long-range tactical EDC flashlight from Olight which is taking the market by storm. Whether you are camping on the city outskirts or in the Himalayan region, this flashlight can deliver the light you need.
Though the Javelot Mini is only 4.53inc long, it can deliver a max output of 1000 lumens and a max throw of 600 meters. In short, this is a tiny lighting monster.
The multi-purpose tail cap can be used for magnetic charging, switching between high and low light modes, and for magnetic attaching to metal surfaces.
Talking about the battery, Javelot Mini is powered by a single 2040mAh 18500 rechargeable lithium battery, which runs up to 5 hours. It also has a small motor that vibrates when the battery is low.
Overall, the Javelot mini is considered to be one of the best flashlights for camping. High light output, aircraft-grade aluminum body, 1.5-meter drop resistance, and IPX8 waterproof rating are some notable features of this flashlight.
2. Perun Headlamp
If you’re looking for a headlamp flashlight combo this is it. Perun Headlamp is one of the best flashlights that give you the option to carry it, attach it, or wear it. What on earth can be more innovative than this flashlight?
Talking about the light, Perun Headlamp can deliver a max output of 2000 lumens and a max throw of 120 meters. Perfect for camping!
While you’re not using it as a headlamp you can use the magnetic base for attaching to the iron surface and stainless steel pocket clip.
This flashlight also has a proximity sensor that reduces the brightness and power off within 1 minute when the lens is obstructed by any object.
3. Olantern Classic 2 Pro
Lanterns are not as common as flashlights and headlamps, but if you wish to make your camping trip a special occasion, you should add them to the list. Flashlights light up only the area where you point it and so does the headlamp but lanterns emit lights 360 degrees.
Olantern Classic 2 Pro is a retro-style multifunctional lantern. It gives you the vibes of vintage style and makes a perfect lighting option for campsite, backyard, and party decorations.
The max runtime of this lantern is 7.5 days. It can be fully charged in just 4 hours. The battery indicator makes it easy to know when to recharge it. Other than that, you can also use the lantern to recharge phones, small fans, small speakers, and more!
Talking about the body, it has an all-metal housing that can withstand daily use and rough conditions. It also has an IPX5 rating, meaning it can resist water splashes and light rain.
Final Thoughts on the Best Flashlights for Camping
Without flashlights your camping gear is incomplete. It’s always a wise decision to carry a flashlight while camping, it’s even better if you can add one lantern and one headlamp to your backpack.
What’s more important is finding the best flashlights that work for you best. If you can get your hands on flashlights that have multiple light settings it’s even better. Remember, the brightest is not always the best!
Additionally, you should also consider the runtime of a flashlight regardless of how long you will be camping. Understanding the runtime will help you determine how many extra batteries to carry or how powerful the power bank should be.
We have listed the best flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps for camping; now it’s up to you to put the right light in your hands.