Flashlights

The Flashlights collection is centred on handheld and pocket lights. Everyday-carry models are well represented: OLIGHT clip-on and keychain lights, the Streamlight MicroStream, NEBO Mini Larry, Nitecore TINI 3 and Lumintop AA lights. You will also find tactical and long-throw lights from ThruNite and WUBEN, handheld spotlights from YIERBLUE and BUYSIGHT, emergency car lights with window breakers, red-light models, multi-packs of mini lights for kits, Stinger replacement battery packs and a DeWalt 20V MAX work light.

Choosing a flashlight comes down to size, power source and beam. A light that fits a pocket gets carried; for EDC, 200 to 1,000 lumens in a compact body is plenty for most people. Battery choice affects convenience: AA and AAA cells are easy to find anywhere, while built-in or 18650 and 21700 lithium-ion cells offer more output and USB-C charging. Beam shape matters too: a floody beam lights a wide area nearby, while a high-candela beam reaches farther. Check the ingress rating, IPX6 for rain or IPX8 for submersion, and useful features such as a magnetic tail, a lockout mode and a red light for preserving night vision.

Lumen figures in the hundreds of thousands are hard to verify, so compare lights that cite ANSI FL1 testing for output and runtime. For a vehicle emergency kit in a Canadian winter, AA or AAA lithium primaries tolerate cold better than alkaline cells. Store spare rechargeable lights partly charged and top them up every few months.

Frequently asked questions

What size flashlight is good for everyday carry?

Most people find a light under about 10 cm long, powered by a single AA, AAA or small lithium-ion cell, comfortable to carry daily. Look for a pocket clip or keychain attachment, 200 to 1,000 lumens and a lockout feature so it does not switch on in a pocket. Rechargeable USB-C models avoid buying disposable batteries.

Should I choose a flashlight with AA batteries or a rechargeable one?

AA and AAA lights are easy to keep running because spare cells are sold almost everywhere, which suits emergency kits and cottages. Built-in rechargeable lights are usually brighter and cheaper to run if used often. Some lights take either a rechargeable 14500 cell or a standard AA, giving you both options in one body.

What is ANSI FL1 on a flashlight?

ANSI/PLATO FL1 is a voluntary standard that defines how flashlight output, runtime, beam distance, peak beam intensity, impact resistance and water resistance are tested and reported. Lights that list FL1 figures can be compared fairly, because the numbers come from the same method. Claims without the standard may use different, less conservative measurements.

Why would I want a red light on a flashlight?

Red light preserves night vision because your eyes stay adapted to darkness, which is useful for stargazing, hunting, boating and reading maps in a vehicle. It is also less disruptive to others in a tent or bedroom. Some lights include a red mode, while others use a filter over the main beam.