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When you're backpacking, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the dark. That's why having a good backpacking flashlight is so important. Not all flashlights are created equal, though. So, which one should you choose? In this article, we will review some hiking flashlights we found on the market and help you decide which one is right for you.
How We Chose These Flashlights
It can be hard to find a good hiking flashlight because there are so many on the market.
With all of the different options for the hiking flashlights, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. Do you want a flashlight that’s lightweight and has a long battery life? Or do you need one that’s super bright and can withstand any weather condition?
We’ve done the hard work for you and found the best flashlight for backpacking based on weight, battery life, and brightness. Our top pick is perfect for anyone who wants a powerful flashlight that doesn’t weigh them down.

Best Backpacking Flashlight
Eton - Scorpion II Rugged Multipowered Portable Emergency Weather Radio & Flashlight
Why We Picked It
This multipurpose tool is perfect for backpacking, camping or any other outdoor activity where you need to be prepared for anything which makes it our top choice for the best flashlight for backpacking.
The Eton - Scorpion II Rugged Multipowered Portable Emergency Weather Radio & Flashlight has an AM/FM radio and NOAA weather radio to keep you informed in case of an emergency. It also has a hand crank feature to charge your cell phone or the built-in solar panel can be used to recharge the battery for unlimited battery life. The LED flashlight is bright and long-lasting, making it perfect for emergencies or simply providing light in the dark.
Don’t be caught unprepared in an emergency situation, make sure you have the Eton - Scorpion II Rugged Multipowered Portable Emergency Weather Radio & Flashlight with you on your next adventure.
What You Should Know
The built-in solar panel, hand crank, and internal rechargeable battery make it easy to recharge while you are on the go. The 800mah rechargeable battery provides the best battery life for a long hike or camping trip, and the usb rechargeable battery, hand crank, and built in solar panel ensures that you will never be left in the dark.
This hiking flashlight also has a built-in AM/FM and NOAA radio, making it a great tool for emergency communication. With its many features and easy to use design, this flashlight is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

Best Backpacking Flashlight For Your Money
Eton – American Red Cross Crank-Powered Clip on Flashlight & Smartphone Charger
Why We Picked It
Looking for an affordable and reliable flashlight? Look no further than the Eton American Red Cross Crank-Powered Clip on Flashlight & Smartphone Charger. With the built in rechargeable batteries and hand crank, you will have unlimited battery life. This hiking flashlight is perfect for backpacking, camping, or any other outdoor activity.
The best part about this flashlight the built in hand crank - simply crank the handle to charge up the internal rechargeable batteries for unlimited battery life. It also has a built-in smartphone charger, so you can keep your phone charged even when there's no power outlet around. Whether you're dealing with a power outage or just enjoying a night under the stars, the Eton American Red Cross Crank-Powered Clip on Flashlight & Smartphone Charger has you covered.
What You Should Know
This flashlight has a built-in hand crank that gives you 10 minutes of light output for every minute of cranking. With the built in rechargeable battery you'll always have light. There is only one light mode and does not include a strobe mode, but all in all it's small and lightweight, so it won't weigh you down on your hike and it's unlimited battery life, you'll never be left in the dark.

Best Ultralight Backpacking Flashlight
Sun Company TempaBright – Thermometer Carabiner with Ultra-Bright COB LED Flashlight
Why We Picked It
Whether you’re trekking through the woods or scaling a mountainside, having a reliable flashlight is crucial. The Sun Company TempaBright is a great keychain flashlight that's perfect for any outdoor adventure.
This keychain flashlight can be easily clipped onto your backpack or added to your keychain, and features two brightness settings and a strobe mode. With its ultra-bright COB (chip on board) LED light, the TempaBright will light up your path – no matter where you're headed. So don't leave home without it on your next backpacking trip!
What You Should Know
Carrying a flashlight while backpacking is always a wise idea, even if you don't expect to be out after dark. But finding the right flashlight can be a challenge, especially if you're trying to save weight.
This keychain flashlight casts a 35 lumen flood light, Which is plenty of light to make your way back to camp. With the 2 included CR2032 batteries and 2 brightness settings and strobe mode, you have more flexible battery life.
All in all, this is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable, lightweight flashlight for backpacking or any other outdoor activity.

Best Backpacking Headlight
ENERGIZER LED Headlamp PRO, Rugged IPX4 Water Resistant Head Light for Camping, Outdoors, Power Outage Emergency (Batteries Included)
Why We Picked It
Looking for a reliable and high-performance headlamp flashlight? Look no further than the Energizer LED Headlamp Flashlight! This headlamp is perfect for any outdoor activity, whether you're camping, hiking, or just need a hands-free light. The red light mode is great for reading or for those middle of the night trips to the bathroom. With its blaze-cutting beams, this flashlight will surely light up your way!
What You Should Know
If you're looking for an affordable flashlight for your next backpacking trip, look no further than one of our favorite headlamps. Powered by 3 AAA batteries (included) with the red light mode, you can expect hours and hours of battery life. With the highest light output of 315 lumens, it provides plenty of light to help you navigate your way after dark.
Whether you're setting up camp or trying to find your way back to the trailhead, this flashlight will come in handy. It's also small and lightweight, so it won't weigh you down on your hike. So why wait? Pick up this great backpacking flashlight today and be prepared for whatever the trail throws your way.
Backpacking flashlights FAQs
You're looking for the best hiking flashlights, but you have some questions.
Buying the right gear can be tricky, especially if you're new to it all. There are a lot of options out there and it's hard to know which one is the best for you.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about backpacking flashlights to help make your purchase decision today.
Which backpacking flashlight should I buy?
There are a lot of different choices out there when it comes to finding the backpacking flashlight for you, but ultimately it depends on what your specific needs and preferences are.
If you're looking for something lightweight and compact, then an LED headlamp might be a good option for you. You can also find rechargeable flashlights that are great for backpacking and have a long battery life so you won't have to worry about batteries running out while you're on the trail.
Ultimately, it's important to consider what features are most important to you and choose a flashlight accordingly.
How many lumens do you need for a hiking flashlight?
Different people will have different hiking flashlight needs depending on the individual's preferences. However, some detail about what kind of light is needed might be helpful. The term "lumen" measures the amount of visible light emitted by a source. flashlights vary in how much light they emit, which is represented in lumens. For example, a penlight might emit 20-30 lumens, while a tactical flashlight can produce 800 lumens or more.
The brightness of the light isn't the only factor to consider when picking a hiking flashlight- you'll also want to think about the beam style and focus. A narrower beam that can reach far into the distance might be more helpful than a wider beam that illuminates.
Lights with several brightness settings will help maximize battery life and models with red light also maximize utility and battery life.
What do waterproof ratings IPX4 and IPX5 mean?
IPX4 and IPX5 ratings indicate a device's ability to withstand water exposure. The IPX4 rating indicates that the device is protected from water splashing from any angle, while the IPX5 rating means that the device can be completely submerged in water for a certain amount of time.
Both ratings are important for different reasons. For example, the IPX4 rating is important for everyday gadgets like phones and laptops because it helps protect them from accidental spills or rain. The IPX5 rating, on the other hand, is crucial for devices that will be used in more extreme conditions, such as outdoors or near water. It ensures that they will be able to function properly even if they get wet.
What brand of flashlight is best?
There are quite a few flashlight brands on the market today, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
1. How will you be using the flashlight? If you need a flashlight for general use around the house, then any decent brand will suffice. However, if you need a flashlight for outdoor activities like camping or hiking, then you'll want to choose a brand that specializes in durable, rugged flashlights.
2. What is your budget? You can find decent quality flashlights at a variety of price points. If you're looking for a cheap flashlight that will get the job done, then don't bother spending too much money.
What is the best flashlight for backpacking?
When choosing the best flashlight for backpacking, it is important to consider the weight and size of the unit, as well as the type of batteries it uses. For example, a heavy-duty flashlight that uses 18650 batteries may be too bulky to carry on a long hike. Alternatively, a small, lightweight flashlight that uses AAA batteries may be ideal.
There are many different types of backpacking flashlights available on the market, so it is important to compare features and prices before making a final purchase. Some factors to consider include:
- The size and weight of the flashlight
- The type of batteries used and battery life
- The intensity of the light beam
- The range of the light beam
- Whether or not the flashlight is waterproof
- The price of the flashlight
Are hand crank flashlights good?
If you're looking for a reliable and durable flashlight, then a hand crank flashlight is a great option. These flashlights are designed to be tough and can withstand being dropped or bumping around. They're also easy to use – just crank the handle to charge the flashlight. And since they don't require batteries, they're always ready to go when you need them.
So, if you're looking for a good flashlight that will last, then a hand crank version is a great choice. Just make sure to choose one that has high quality construction and components so that it will stand up to heavy use.
Which Backpacking Flashlight Is Best For You ?
So, whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line all in one option or something more lightweight and ultralight, we’ve found some backpacking flashlights for you. And don’t forget to check out the best prices on any of these options – they may be more affordable than you think. Thanks for joining us as we explored some of the backpacking flashlight options on the market today. We hope you found this information helpful!