Whatever the time of year, there is still plenty of hiking and backpacking to do in 2023, and if you’re into outdoor activities, then you might be on the hunt for the best backpacking flashlights.
When there is less daylight, the importance of taking a proper flashlight with you on any outdoor expedition is paramount.
Here’s the thing:
To be safe in the backcountry – and to properly enjoy yourself around the campfire after the sun goes down – consider the top ten backpacking flashlights from 2023 listed here.
Table of Contents
What To Look For In A Backpacking Flashlight?
When looking at flashlights to take on a backpacking or hiking adventure, there are several things you should consider before making a decision.
Let’s start:
- Naturally, it should be lightweight so that it does not present too much of a burden to carry. You do not want to be taking an overweight electric lantern with you while climbing up those unforgiving mountain slopes!
- It should also be portable with as long of battery life as you can find. Some of the flashlights on this list include features that allow recharging via a hand-crank or solar power.
- This could come in handy if you find yourself away from electricity for an extended period. Alternatively, consider how many batteries each flashlight requires and determine how many spares you have room for in your pack.
- Ensure that the flashlight you take with you is also durable.
- Things quickly get dropped while you are on the move, and your flashlight should not break easily with a little wear and tear.
- Finally, consider the luminosity of the light itself.
It should be bright enough to be useful when the only other light you can see comes from the stars in the sky.
But remember that the brighter the flashlight, the faster your battery power is likely to drain. This trade-off is essential to keep in mind.
The Best Backpacking Flashlights Compared
Here are the best flashlights for backpacking and hiking in no particular order.
ThruNite Archer 2A
Making the Amazon’s Choice list, the ThruNite Archer comes at various options and prices, but the selection reviewed here is ideal for the serious backpacker.
The ThruNite Archer 2A features an LED light with different lighting modes but a maximum capacity to generate 500 lumens. In addition, it has an easily accessible battery compartment and relies on two AA batteries.
It is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum with a military-grade finish.
As such, you can rest assured that it can handle the occasional roll in the dirt, but just in case, there is a lifetime limited warranty on this product.
With all of this durability, it only weighs 2.08 ounces! So take the Archer with you on your next adventure, and you can sleep easy knowing that illumination is close at hand.
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The ThruNite Archer
- Lightweight and slim.
- Multiple light modes.
- Military-grade finish.
Cons Of The ThruNite Archer
- Some units seem to have a short lifespan (stop working).
Fenix E05 – best backpacking flashlight?
This highly compact unit from Fenix is an ideal pocket flashlight for those who frequently find themselves on the trail again.
It has a waterproof finish to protect it from unexpected downpours and is powered by only a single AAA battery.
It still provides up to 85 lumens but has three possible light modes depending on your requirements.
The body of the flashlight itself is only 2.6 inches, yet the beam of light it projects can reach up to 148 feet!
It also finds itself on Amazon’s Choice list, and at 0.64 ounces, it will not be a burden for you to add to your packing list.
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The Fenix E05
- Compact and durable.
- A powerful light beam from only a AAA battery.
Cons Of The Fenix E05
- The battery can run out quickly after heavy use (carry a spare AAA)!
- Not much else. An excellent option!
Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight
For those who need to use their hands (for holding hiking poles and the like) while in the backcountry, this headlamp flashlight is at the top of its class.
It also makes Amazon’s Choice list, and for good reasons. With CREE-3W LED technology, it can project a beam of light up to 200 feet!
With several light modes and a tilt-able base, it is sure to be helpful in any outdoor situation. It is also perfect for trail running if you have the opportunity to put down your backpack.
Weighing only 3.2 ounces (with batteries), you might not even notice that you are wearing it! All in all, this light provides a high degree of flexibility at a reasonable price.
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The Foxelli
- Excellent value for the price.
- Perfect for hands-free use.
- A tilt-able base allows a light beam to project in multiple directions.
Cons Of The Foxelli
- Takes three AAA batteries.
- Batteries can drain while the light is off.
GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight
This sleek and compact little flashlight packs a serious (light) punch!
This cool torch can generate up to 1000 lumens (though it features several modes if you want to save power).
Built from an aluminum alloy, it is durable enough to break glass in an emergency, and it is both shake-proof and waterproof.
It is slightly more massive than the other options on this list (at 5.3 ounces), but it is still light enough to fit into a backpack without bogging you down quickly. As such, it is the perfect addition to your outdoor survival kit. In addition, it comes with a stylish black case to keep it handy when not in use.
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight
- Excellent value for the price.
- The adjustable light beam (can “zoom in” for a narrower and more powerful beam).
- Water-resistant.
Cons Of The GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight
- It requires three AAA batteries.
NiteCore Thumb Flashlight
This standout offering from NiteCore is an ultra-light backpacking-friendly flashlight small enough to keep on a keychain.
This makes it perfect for walking trails in the evening or reading in the tent at night. It weighs less than an ounce and is easily clipped onto bag straps or caps.
With 85 lumens on light and three brightness levels, you will find that it serves you well for visibility on the trails.
It features a tilt-able head that can provide 120-degree adjustable lighting (making it highly user-friendly). Although it may not be the most helpful feature for remote locations, it does have a USB rechargeable battery, which provides a maximum of 22 hours of light (on low settings).
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The NiteCore Thumb
- The unique shape and design make it suitable for hiking and outdoor purposes.
- The built-in clip allows for flexibility in use (attach it to your cap, for example).
Cons Of The NiteCore Thumb
- The tilt-able head is somewhat flimsy in construction (does not ultimately return to a dormant state).
- Light glare in the eyes can be a problem if clipped to headgear.
ThruNite Ti3
This little number from ThruNite is sure to last you through the darkest of nights out in the wild.
This ThruNite is a dependable keychain flashlight – highly lightweight (at 0.48 ounces) and easily clip-able onto shirts, hat brims, pockets, or keys.
Very sturdy, and the twist-action to turn on the light is highly user-friendly. It packs 120 lumens with a maximum beam distance of fifty meters. Three light modes allow versatility and provide a trade-off between battery life and light power.
Best of all, it only requires one AAA battery! So you are sure to be satisfied, but just in case, this product comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty. In sum, this is a practical and straightforward choice for natural illumination.
Check Price On Amazon
Pros Of The ThruNite Ti3
- Lightweight and durable.
- Minimal battery requirements.
Cons Of The ThruNite Ti3
- Some may prefer the traditional push button on/off switch to this unit’s twist feature.
- Paint can chip easily with heavy use.
Maglite Mini Pro
The Maglite Mini Pro is a standard yet reliable model that is excellent for occasional backpacking adventures.
Made of aluminum, it features weather-resistant seals and a diamond knurled design. It takes two AA batteries, which provide 272 lumens with an estimated two and a half hours of operating time.
Conveniently, this offer comes with two batteries included so you can fire the flashlight up right away. In addition, the beam is estimated to project up to 140 meters, so you should be able to spot trouble on the trail from afar.
In case you startle easily, it is drop-resistant from a height of up to two meters and is also water-resistant. The trademarked “MAG-LED” technology is marketed at professionals and consumers alike, so you can rest assured that this option will serve you well.
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The Maglite Mini Pro
- Lightweight for its lumens at only 4.2 ounces.
- Batteries included.
- Hook for a lanyard on the base.
Cons Of The Maglite Mini Pro
- It needs two AA batteries (a higher power requirement than most flashlights on this list).
VADIV – It’s Rechargeable!
This offer from MECO is perfect for backpacking and exploring wherever you might find yourself in the great outdoors.
It is a convenient emergency flashlight with a built-in rechargeable battery.
The best part is that the battery can be recharged in two ways. Firstly by using the built-in hand crank (which provides about an hour of battery life per six minutes of cranking), and secondly, it can recharge itself in the sunlight!
The convenience and security of not needing extra batteries are a huge plus for a backpacking flashlight.
The classic military design provides a fashionable rugged aesthetic, and it is highly lightweight at only 3 ounces. In addition, the body comes complete with a carabiner clip attached, making it easy to snap onto a backpack to keep it easily accessible.
It comes with all of these handy features, and it is available for a very affordable price and a satisfaction guarantee.
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The VADIV
- Hand-cranking rechargeable.
- Solar power rechargeable.
- Excellent price.
Cons Of The VADIV
- The built-in carabiner clip can be tricky to attach to things (little room to work with).
- It can be easy to accidentally switch on in a backpack (fortunately, batteries are rechargeable!).
Zotoyi Super-Bright LED Tactical Flashlight
This ultra-bright 1000 lumen LED torch is fantastic for nights around the campfire.
With five possible lighting modes, you can quickly adjust the brightness depending on the occasion’s needs.
It can project a beam of light up to 200-500 meters away with a spotlight feature for long-range observation and a floodlight option to fill a more substantial area with light.
This makes it perfect for identifying those spooky snapping branches in the dark from a distance or tidying your campsite in the evening before bed.
As a handy feature, it can be recharged (comes with a rechargeable battery) by merely plugging it into the wall.
While this is likely not an option when you find yourself at the mountaintop, this is ideal for taking a break from adventuring and needing a rest at home (when the power goes out).
Alternatively, the light can be powered using three AAA batteries. While this is a demanding requirement, it is a powerful illumination machine. It is also highly durable: it is shockproof, waterproof, and shatterproof (lens) with an estimated lifespan of 100,000 hours!
Check Price On AmazonOur favorite of the best backpacking flashlights.
Pros Of The Zotoyi
- Very bright.
- Rechargeable battery.
- “Police quality” durability.
Cons Of The Zotoyi
- With higher light power comes additional battery requirements (three AAA batteries).
- Heavy compared to other options on this list (essential to consider when packing light).
Dorcy 55 Lumen Floating Waterproof LED Flashlight
This option is fantastic for the whole family on your backpacking adventures.
The bright-colored design is very family-friendly and will not get lost amid the foliage or dirt of the trail.
Keep one in the glove box of your car to have an emergency light just in case you break down on the way to your favorite destination.
Check Price On AmazonPros Of The Dorcy 55
- It comes in many flashy colors.
- Waterproof
Cons Of The Dorcy 55
- They are made of (durable) plastic, which may be less resistant than the aluminum options.
- When the original battery life dies, the rechargeable battery can take a long charge.
If you are keen on hitting the trails to do a simple day trip or more serious multi-day backpacking, you must take along a reliable flashlight.
Explore the options provided here to find the right set of features that suit your personal needs.
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