Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

August 27, 2022 // 6 minutes read

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Best Flashlight For Bug Out Bag - Bugoutbill.com

Make any situation shine with a dependable survival flashlight on the go (no pun intended).

Best Flashlight For Bug Out Bag: In preparing your bug-out bag or just an emergency survival bag, one of the most important gears and accessories that shouldn’t be forgotten is the good ‘ole flashlight. 

A far cry from ordinary flashlights, the best survival flashlight for you should be more robust and durable than the regular ones. It’s also best to have more lighting modes, including zooming the beam in and out, as you’ll never know what situation you’ll be in. 

So what are the best survival flashlights for your bug-out bag?

We’ve tested the creams of the crop, and here’s how it went. 

In this Best Flashlight for Bug-Out Bag review, we’ll be looking at:

  • The best flashlights for every bug-out and survival need;
  • Flashlights for every budget;
  • How every one of them worked for us;
  • How to find the best survival flashlight for you;
  • Lots more!

Keep on reading because we’ve also prepared a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best one among the ton. 

So without further ado…

…let’s light it up!

Best Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

Best Super Bright LED Flashlight For Bug Out Bag – Editor’s Choice Award

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Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight with Cob Sidelight

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Value for Money
100
Ease of Use
90
Durability
100
Run Time
100
Brightness
100

Power Source – LED/Battery
Weight – 5 ounces
Waterproof – Yes
Zoomable – Yes
Manufacturer – Hoxida

Overall Score:

98

The Bottom Line:

A mini flashlight that can do many things, this LED light by Hoxida is waterproof and can last up to ten hours of use. It boasts four lighting options along with a nice magnetic base.

Pros

  • It has a magnetic base that allows you to attach it to any metal surface
  • Super bright at 1000 lumens light output
  • Features 4 modes of lighting
  • Zoomable
  • It has an overcharge protection feature
  • The battery can last up to 10 hours
  • Waterproof
  • It also comes with a pocket clip
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • The battery it comes with isn’t always good and might have to buy your own battery
  • The ON button is beside the COB light so it’s hard to find it when the COB light is brightly lit

Summary

This Hoxida flashlight is notably smaller than most bugout flashlights we’ve had. But we’re able to do more things with it. It’s literally overflowing with good features. 

And this is how it became this review’s Editor’s Choice. 

At barely 5 inches of length, this is the definition of small but terrible. This Hoxida survival flashlight is very light, too, so I thought I’d got myself a knockoff or the like. 

Turned out…

…its charging time of 3 hours was so well worth it as I was able to use it for nine full hours. 

This LED flashlight also proved itself very bright at a blinding 1000 lumens. But don’t worry, it has three lighting options, so you won’t have to content yourself with a super bright light. You can actually customize it according to your situation’s needs. 

Some of its lighting modes are low brightness and high brightness. At low brightness, you can have a fairly dim light that is soft and just right if you’re not in need of harsh light. The battery can also last up to 10 hours in this mode alone. 

On the other hand…

…the high brightness mode is very helpful, especially in emergency situations. It’s not only very bright, but it’s also zoomable!

You can use it with a focused spotlight or switch to zoomed or floodlight. It basically lit up my whole room with no dark corners to spare with its floodlight. 

And it doesn’t end there. 

It also has a COB and COB SOS mode to boot. 

In SOS mode, the light will flicker, so you can use it as a signal light. Meanwhile, the COB sidelight proved really useful to me, especially when working in the garage. 

And speaking of working…

…as if all these features are not yet enough, it also has a magnetic base that can stick to any metal surface. 

It helped me use the flashlight when my hands are full, again, such as when I’m working in my garage or fixing vehicles. All I had to do was attach this survival flashlight to the metal component above me and under the vehicle!

Aside from that, it’s also impressively waterproof, so not even rain or snow can stop you from feeling safe, especially in emergency situations. 

And it doesn’t end there. 

Aside from being very lightweight, it also comes with a pocket clip, completing the perfect EDC flashlight functionality. It’s so small and light that you can put it in your pocket as if it’s just a pen. 

And my favorite thing about it?

You won’t have to go through the whole cycle of its lighting modes just to turn it off because you can easily turn it off by pressing the button for two seconds. 

Lovely!

And have I mentioned its durability? I dropped this little guy three times in the course of one month, but aside from the few scratches it got, it’s still working as good as new.

Best Budget Flashlight For Bug Out Bag – Best Value Award

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GearLight LED Flashlight Pack – 2 Bright, Zoomable Tactical Flashlights

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Value for Money
100
Ease of Use
90
Durability
100
Run Time
80
Brightness
90

Power SourceLED/Battery
Weight5.1 ounces
WaterproofYes
Zoomable Yes
ManufacturerGearLight

Overall Score:

92

The Bottom Line:

A big value for its price, this GearLight flashlight comes in two survival flashlights with different light modes, anti-roll design, and even waterproof capabilities.

Pros

  • It comes with two flashlights
  • Water-resistant
  • Drop- and shock-resistant
  • Durable military-grade aluminum
  • Anti-roll patterns
  • Zoomable

Cons

  • The beam is narrow
  • It doesn’t have a pocket clip

Summary

With its agreeable price, this EDC survival flashlight is something that you wouldn’t mind getting used and abused…and maybe, even lost. 

But as we soon discovered, it certainly won’t be the case because its practical features and excellent build and design will make it a big part of your bug-out arsenal, making it this review’s Best Value. 

At first glance, it certainly looks as tactical as it can be, with the excellent texturing on its surface. And it also has an anti-roll design to keep it stationary in its place. 

Actually…

…this came to me as a set, further making it the best value among the ton. 

This set includes two LED flashlights, two AAA battery holders, two battery tubes, two hand straps, two holder cases, a manual, and a warranty card. 

Each of the flashlights has a power output of around 1000 lumens. 

And, of course, we had to test them out. 

Actually, the maximum output is around 1040 lumens. But it depends on the battery you’re using, temperature, and several other factors. So between the light modes, you get around 1040 to 300 lumens. Again, it also depends on the mode and battery type. 

What we noticed…

…the two flashlights tend to give different light outputs sometimes. It could be bothersome, but to me, it wasn’t much of a big deal as both were still bright. 

It doesn’t come with batteries, but each of the lights has slots for 3 AAA batteries. So I had to go out and buy some. 

In case you’re wondering, yes, you can also use rechargeable batteries for this.

This little guy is just a few centimeters longer than the Editor’s Choice flashlight, but it’s just as lightweight. 

It also has light modes, including a strobe light for self-defense. Yay!

In addition to that…

…it’s also zoomable, although the beam is notably narrower than the Editor’s Choice flashlight. But it’s still incredibly helpful, especially when walking through a field at night.

Its build is also quite impressive. We did a 10-feet drop with it just to see if it’s true, and quite surprisingly, the flashlight survived the fall and still worked like it was never dropped at all. 

Although I can say that the casing tends to acquire more scratches with its material but hey, it’s for the bug-out bag anyway, so it’s meant for rugged use. 

I also like how it’s made with the ON/OFF button situated at the tail of the flashlight, and it’s a big and bright button so it’s easy to find, even if you’re in the dark.

Best Flashlight Removable Pocket Clip For Bug Out Bag – Top Pick Award

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Streamlight – 88040 Streamlight ProTac Professional Handheld Flashlight

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Value for Money
80
Ease of Use
100
Durability
90
Run Time
90
Brightness
90

Power SourceBatteries
Weight5.6 ounces
WaterproofIt’s IPX7 waterproof up to 1-meter and for 30 minutes
Zoomable – No
ManufacturerStreamlight Inc.

Overall Score:

90

The Bottom Line:

Small and light, this tactical flashlight has a unique Ten Tap Programming feature and fairly far-reaching.

Pros

  • It features the brand’s very own Ten Tap Programming to switch to three different programs
  • Durable materials and construction
  • Features a removable clip
  • It also comes with lithium batteries and a nylon holster
  • Lightweight
  • 50,000 hours of lifetime
  • 1-meter impact resistance

Cons

  • It’s not zoomable
  • The tail switch could be too sensitive at times

Summary

This tactical flashlight from Streamlight is so unique in its build and features that it’s able to snag this review’s Top Pick award. 

It ended up being the top-notcher in the Ease of Use test and metric, thanks to its very own Ten Tap Programming feature. 

With this feature, you can switch to different programs (take note: not lighting modes but programs) with just some taps on its tail.

So how does it work?

Upon opening the flashlight, it’s set on the first program, which has the lighting modes high, strobe, and low. 

Program number two, on the other hand, is high only and you’ll just have to tap the tail switch ten times to switch to the next program. 

The same goes if you want to switch from the second to the third program. 

If you think it sounds like too much work…

…I thought so, too! But that was before I discovered that after that ten-tap switch, you can now turn the flashlight on and off and it will just stay in your chosen program until the next ten taps. 

Interesting, right?

Its runtime depends on the lighting mode. The maximum light output that it can give is 750 lumens which are from the high settings. The runtime is 1 ¼ hour.

At a low setting, it only gives off 35 lumens but can last for up to 18  hours. Meanwhile, strobe mode runs for around 2 and a half hours. 

It runs on AA batteries but you can also use rechargeables, although we’ve noticed that the light output was noticeably less compared with AA batteries. 

In case you’re wondering… 

…it’s also waterproof but for 1 meter and 30 minutes only. But that also means that you can still use it when it’s raining or snowing. 

Furthermore, it has O-rings on both ends to protect the flashlight from moisture that could destroy it. 

As for its durability, well, what can you expect from a tactical flashlight?

It’s built from aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish. Needless to say, it’s durable and built like a tank. The same goes for its lens which is made of tempered glass.

As a matter of fact…

…it also has a 1-meter impact resistance, which may not sound like a lot but is still a lot of help, especially if you’re using it on rugged terrains. 

Oh, and I also love how it comes with a removable pocket clip and even a nylon holster so you can conveniently carry it on your side or your pocket where it would be very easily accessible. 

Best Flashlight With Twist Focus For Bug Out Bag

Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight

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Value for Money
90
Ease of Use
80
Durability
100
Run Time
90
Brightness
90

Power SourceBatteries
Weight4.2 ounces
WaterproofWater-resistant but not waterproof
Zoomable Yes
ManufacturerCoast Cutlery Company

Overall Score:

90

The Bottom Line:

A light and compact flashlight, it has a great twist mechanism to easily switch from floodlight to focused light and vice versa.

Pros

  • Easy to zoom
  • Impact-resistant
  • Water- and weather-resistant
  • It comes with a pocket clip and alkaline batteries
  • Very lightweight

Cons

  • It doesn’t have O-rings or gasket seals
  • Some people find the twist focus feature inconvenient

Summary

At over four ounces, this little flashlight from Coast Cutlery is surely one of the most lightweight options you can have on the market today. 

But it’s surprisingly heavyweight when it comes to its build and features. 

Mostly metal, the Coast PX1 Pure Beam flashlight is famed for its weather-, water, and shock-resistant capabilities. 

Yes, that’s all that!

Over the three months that we’ve used this survival flashlight, it has never acquired a scratch yet, although the anodizing looked like it would wear off after a year. 

Also, do take note:

It’s not waterproof, but water-resistant. 

It means that you can drop it in mud or puddle (unintentionally, of course!), and it would still come out unscathed and work like new. 

On the other hand, it’s unadvisable to submerge it in water as it doesn’t have O-rings or gasket seals. 

As for its light output, it’s without much fluff. So if you’re looking for a very simple and basic flashlight, this is also your best bet. 

As a matter of fact…

…it only has high, low, and strobe settings. Moreover, you can also switch between a focused beam for distant lighting or a flood light for a wider scope. 

But unlike most flashlights, there are no buttons for that. You’ll have to twist it to change from one mode to another. 

I don’t know about you, but some people do find it a very inconvenient mechanism, while some think it’s actually quite smart. But mostly, you’d need two hands to twist, of course. 

Unlike the three previous flashlights…

…it’s not blindingly bright even in the highest settings, but it’s still excellently bright. At a high setting, it gives off up to 480 lumens. 

And I thought it was just right. It illuminated my pitch-dark room very well, and I was also even able to use it out on the farm at night. The light reached around 107 meters, which is not bad. At low light, it could illuminate up to 30 meters. 

In case you’re wondering about portability…

…its utter lightness definitely helps. It felt like I wasn’t carrying anything in my pocket. But aside from that, it also comes with a clip so you can attach it to your pocket like it’s just a pen.

Best Flashlight With Magnetic Base For Bug Out Bag

4 Pack Flashlights, LED Work Light

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Value for Money
90
Ease of Use
90
Durability
90
Run Time
90
Brightness
80

Power SourceBattery
Weight140 grams
WaterproofWater-resistant
Zoomable No
ManufacturerVICOODA

Overall Score:

88

The Bottom Line:

A small flashlight with a big purpose, this LED work light doesn’t only have lots of features and different modes but also a very strong magnet bottom for a satisfying hands-free use.

Pros

  • Can be rotated up to 360 degrees
  • Features 5 lighting modes
  • It has a USB port for recharging
  • Comes with four pieces USB cables
  • It can work up to 16 hours at low light
  • It doesn’t only has a magnetic base but also a hook
  • Its head is aluminum which dissipates heat effectively
  • Anti-slip and anti-sweat rubber exterior
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • The hook is a bit thin
  • Not zoomable

Summary

If you’re looking for a versatile flashlight that isn’t only good for the bug-out bag, but for more chores outside or even around the house and garage, this is the perfect one for you. 

This hard worker comes in a pack of four, and I’m glad it did because this is something that I’d love to give out to my family and friends who are handymen and busy bees. 

This over six inches flashlight has two lights to start with. The first one is the domed proper flashlight at the top of the unit and the second one is a bar light located at the side.  

As if that’s not enough…

…you get five modes of lighting from this powerful little guy. 

The first one is a white light that can be adjusted to high brightness, medium brightness, and front light, which allows it to be used as a handheld work light.

Aside from that, it also has a red light. The first mode for that is just a stationary red light that’s perfect for aiding with your night vision, and the second one is a red strobe light that you can use in emergencies. 

As a matter of fact, the red light mode is visible up to one mile away at night, especially when it’s pitch dark. 

This, alone, makes this unit a very worthwhile purchase, in my opinion!

The charging time is two to three hours, but it lasted us six hours in high light and over fifteen hours in low light. 

It uses a built-in rechargeable battery, which I prefer very much as it’s way more convenient than buying batteries all the time. 

What’s cooler…

…is that the head of the flashlight is also made to let heat dissipate quickly so that the unit doesn’t overheat. 

The exterior is also coated with rubber, aside from aluminum, and that makes it slip- and sweat-proof, as well. 

In case you’re wondering, it’s not really waterproof, but it’s water-resistant. 

And that’s not all. 

It can also be rotated to 360 degrees and has a strong magnetic base, so you can attach it to any metal surface and twist it around to get the best lighting angle while you work. 

This little wonder comes with 4 USB cables for charging, one for each flashlight.

Best Pocket-Size Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

LED Tactical Flashlight Rechargeable, IPX6

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Value for Money
80
Ease of Use
80
Durability
80
Run Time
80
Brightness
90

Power SourceLED, rechargeable battery
Weight0.27 pounds
WaterproofYes (IPX6 Waterproof)
Zoomable Yes
ManufacturerHoxida

Overall Score:

82

The Bottom Line:

An outstanding little tactical flashlight that’s one of the most compact on the market but is even brighter than the traditional incandescent bulbs.

Pros

  • Lightweight and very compact
  • Super bright lumens
  • All-aluminum exterior
  • Impact-resistant
  • Features overcharge protection
  • It has four lighting modes
  • Zoomable and can also be focused
  • Far-reaching beam
  • It comes with a pocket clip

Cons

  • The LED is square
  • You have to cycle through the functions to turn it off

Summary

They say that the greatest things come in small packages, and it’s certainly true for this flashlight that’s even bigger than a water tumbler (or maybe your smartphone!).

This Hoxida tactical flashlight measures just 4.9 inches when it’s zoomed out and over 5 inches when stretched out or zoomed in, and I know what you might just be thinking. 

If it’s that small, then what of its quality and performance?

Well, it’s surprisingly packed with great features and lighting modes. 

First off, it has 1200 lumens, so it’s actually very bright for something that can fit in my fist. It’s not as bright as bigger flashlights, of course, but I like how its light was able to reach up to 600 feet when we tested it out one night. 

Aside from that…

…it has four lighting modes, just like the typical quality flashlight. You can use it for high, medium, low, and even in strobe mode, that’s ideal for emergencies. 

As for its power, it’s rechargeable, as well, and comes in a pack of 2. Each pack includes a battery for each flashlight as well as USB cords for charging. 

The charging time is satisfactorily short, but the battery life is kind of average. In high light, it can last up to 4 hours. That’s only half of the battery life of some of my best survival flashlights at home. 

If used in medium light, it can last for 5 hours and 8 hours in low light and strobe mode. 

But despite that…

…I also like how it can be zoomed in or out depending on the purpose you want it to serve. 

Moreover, it also has an overcharging protection feature, which will automatically stop charging the unit when it’s already full, so you don’t have to worry about safety issues with it. 

And to top it all off…

…it also has a very durable and compact exterior to boot. As a matter of fact, its exterior is designed to be impact resistant, aside from the flashlight being waterproof, as well!

And it comes with a nice little clip to complete the tactical look and feel of this great flashlight. 

Best Zoomable Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

90000 Lumen Super Bright Flashlight

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Value for Money
90
Ease of Use
90
Durability
90
Run Time
90
Brightness
100

Power Source – Battery
Weight – 1.37 pounds
Waterproof – Yes (IPX5 waterproof)
Zoomable Yes
Manufacturer – ‎NiaoChao

Overall Score:

92

The Bottom Line:

A very powerful and excellent flashlight, this 9000 lumens flashlight is utterly bright in both focused and zoomed-in mode.

Pros

  • One of the brightest EDC flashlights at 9000 lumens
  • Perfectly waterproof with its IPX5 waterproof design
  • Its beam can focus up to 1,650 feet distance
  • Zoomable with 3 lighting modes
  • It has a power display so you’d know when it needs recharging
  • Its handle has anti-slip texturing
  • The aluminum alloy material can be used to smash glass windows in case of emergency
  • It also comes with a battery, USB cord, a lanyard, and a manual
  • Backed by 2-year warranty

Cons

  • It needs a bit more adjustability
  • Bigger than most pocket flashlights

Summary

If you want some real action and heavy-duty performance to help you get prepared for the toughest of challenges that your bug-out bag is just waiting for, this bigger-than-usual flashlight is your best bet. 

Without further ado, this almost 10-inch flashlight is even brighter than an incandescent lamp at a staggering output of 9000 lumens. 

It’s also very uncomplicated in both its interior and exterior designs. 

In fact…

…it only has three lighting modes which are high, medium, and strobe. If you don’t like much fluff, you’ll love this. On the other hand, if you look for more customizability and adjustability in your flashlight, then you may find it lacking in this respect. 

Aside from that, it has a nice-looking power indicator situated along its handle that shows the amount of battery left. 

And speaking of battery, it’s rechargeable with its USB port, so that means convenience. I like how I can charge this to my power bank or laptop anytime and anywhere I run out of power. 

And what’s cooler? It came with a free USB cable so I didn’t have to go out to buy one. 

Its battery has a service life of 100,000 hours, which is way more than the usual flashlight. 

And it doesn’t end there. 

Aside from overcharging protection, its aluminum alloy material is also designed to help dissipate heat quickly, which prolongs the flashlight’s life. 

In addition to that, this material is also so tough that it can also be used to smash glass in case of emergency!

In case you’re wondering, it’s also anti-slip and most importantly, it’s waterproof!

Of course, you wouldn’t want to submerge it in water but it can withstand moisture from snow or rain. 

It also comes with a free lanyard as a bonus.

Best Waterproof Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

Zoomable Tactical Flashlight 92000

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Value for Money
100
Ease of Use
90
Durability
100
Run Time
90
Brightness
100

Power Source – LED, Battery
Weight – 1.51 pounds
Waterproof – Yes
Zoomable Yes
Manufacturer – BUD k-448

Overall Score:

96

The Bottom Line:

One of the brightest flashlights on the market, this almost 10-inch of a flashlight isn’t only satisfactory in its output, but it’s also impressively durable and solid.

Pros

  • Super bright light output at 9200 lumens
  • Zoomable aside from its three lighting modes
  • Batteries are high capacity
  • Scratch- and impact-resistant
  • IPX4 waterproof
  • Designed to dissipate heat fast
  • Package comes with two batteries and a hand strap

Cons

  • It can’t fit into pockets
  • A bit heavy

Summary

We’re nearing the end of the list, but that doesn’t mean that the quality of the flashlight is decreasing. 

As a matter of fact…

…you’re now seeing one of our favorites among the LED flashlights that we’ve tested!

This 9-inch EDC flashlight is very much like the previous 9000-lumen one we’ve tackled. The difference is this one is much brighter and more solid, too. 

At 9200 lumens, this bad guy didn’t disappoint. It’s very, very bright, from its lowest setting to the highest. 

This is all thanks to its upgraded version of the XHP70.2 LED chip. This gives the flashlight a cool white light, which makes it even brighter than the usual light you get from EDC flashlights. 

That being said, that also means that this flashlight has no chill. You don’t get to have dim or subtle warm light. It’s all or nothing. If it’s an advantage or otherwise is up to you and your preferences and needs. 

Its lighting modes are pretty basic. It has three, which are: high light, medium light, and strobe. As mentioned earlier, it’s all bright down to the strobe mode. 

But what’s cooler…

…is it can also be adjusted to be zoomed in or out with its focused and flood light. Upon testing it out, the focused beam was able to reach as far as over 300 meters, which is a pretty great feat. 

It was also able to light up my whole backyard, which spans around 100 square meters. 

This light is also rechargeable and uses two heavy-duty batteries that also come free in the package. The charging time is short, and it can last up to six hours in bright light!

As if that’s not enough…

…it’s also slip and scratch-resistant, thanks to its durable exterior and the nice texturing on its handle. Oh, and more importantly, it’s not just water-resistant but perfectly waterproof. 

Best Flashlight With Tough Nitrolon Body For Bug Out Bag

SureFire G2X Series LED Flashlight

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Value for Money
90
Ease of Use
100
Durability
100
Run Time
90
Brightness
90

Power Source – LED, battery
Weight – 0.28 pounds
Waterproof – Yes
Zoomable No
Manufacturer – SureFire

Overall Score:

94

The Bottom Line:

One of the most durable flashlights on the market, this G2X by SureFire is a favorite among shooters thanks to its shock-proof build, so you can be assured that this will never break on you.

Pros

  • Durable and indestructible
  • Simple to operate
  • Good grip that’s easy to hold
  • Impact- and shock-resistant
  • Compact and handy
  • Waterproof
  • Very bright

Cons

  • Doesn’t have much lighting choices
  • It’s not zoomable

Summary

If you think having a flashlight that’s basically indestructible is impossible, then you need to get yourself a good tactical survival flashlight. 

And what better one to get but this SureFire G2X that’s a favorite among shooters?

Yes, you’ve read that right…

…this is a flashlight that’s been mounted on rifles and guns and can withstand shock from shooting, making it the best EDC survival flashlight in terms of durability. 

In addition that, its exterior is made from Nitrolon, which is one of the best casing materials out there. 

If you think Aluminum is already light…

…well, think again, because Nitrolon is much lighter, making this a solid but lightweight piece. Quite rare nowadays!

Aside from being lightweight, it’s also basically indestructible. Just think about the fact that this is made to be mounted to guns and absorb shock without breaking. Yes, that’s what you’ll be getting. 

Moreover, it’s also sculpted with deep patterns and textures for an excellent grip. Not only is it perfectly waterproof with O-rings on its ends to keep dust and moisture at bay, but it also won’t accidentally fly if you hold it with wet hands. 

At 600 lumens, it’s not as blindingly bright as the previous flashlights, but it’s bright enough to satisfy. Also, it’s never dull. 

And to top it all off…

…it has a very simple and uncomplicated design. The ON/OFF switch is located on its tail end, and all you have to do is press it for momentary low light, press again for constant low light, and press to turn off and then on again for high light. 

That being said, there’s not much adjustability like the other flashlights with different lighting modes. But this is what makes it very simple. So if you’re also looking for a flashlight for the elders or the children in your family, this is a one perfect option to have!

Best Flashlight With LED Headlamp For Bug Out Bag

GearLight S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight

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Value for Money
100
Ease of Use
90
Durability
90
Run Time
90
Brightness
90

Power Source – Rechargeable batteries
Weight – 5.1 ounces
WaterproofWater-resistant
Zoomable Yes
Manufacturer – GearLight

Overall Score:

92

The Bottom Line:

A package that is more than complete, this flashlight by Gearlight comes with four lights in total (2 flashlights and two gear lights) as well as holsters and battery holders.

Pros

  • Package comes with two flashlights, two gear lights, battery holders, and holsters
  • Can be moved up to 45 degrees
  • Features 7 lighting modes
  • Weather- and water-resistant
  • Zoomable
  • The gear light is hands-free
  • Removable and washable headband with the gear light

Cons

  • A bit heavy

Summary

With its price, it’s almost unbelievable how we got four lights in total, more specifically, two gear lights, and two proper flashlights. But hey, who are we to complain? We just went straight into testing them!

Let’s start with the flashlight. 

At a little more than six inches in length, this is just about the size of your regular flashlight. That is aside from the fact that this is crafted with military-grade materials, making it almost indestructible. 

As a matter of fact, I may have dropped it accidentally twice (believe me when I say that it’s unintentional), but it never sustained even a scratch.

To add to that, it’s also weather-resistant, so you can definitely bring it to freezing places like how we bought it in Alaska. 

What’s cooler…

…it’s also water-resistant (but not waterproof).

As for the gear lights, they come in two, just like the flashlight. The gear light is attached to a headband, so this is what you want to use if you’re doing a chore that requires the use of both of your hands. 

And it doesn’t end there. As if being hands-free isn’t enough, the light can also be moved up to 45 degrees to help with finding the right angle for your light.

Oh, and it has not one, not two, but seven lighting modes. That’s way more than the modes of most flashlights on this list, and that alone makes this a worthwhile purchase. 

Batteries are not included, so I had to buy rechargeable batteries for this. But to make up for that, this package includes two holsters, two battery holders, and lanyards.

You can also wash the headband once it gets dirty or smelly. 

One of the best things about this is the battery life, which is around 10 hours at most when used in low light. Again, that’s even greater than most flashlights on the market!

Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

What do I need to look for when buying the best survival flashlights?

As previously mentioned, buying a survival flashlight is different from getting the regular one. There are more things to consider. We’ve listed the most important ones to guide you. They are the following:

Size

A smaller flashlight is preferable if it’s for your bug-out bag as you need all the space that you can spare. Fortunately, we’ve found quite a few flashlights that are very tiny but with the power of a big lamp. 

Lighting Modes

This may come off as unnecessary to some people who like to keep it simple. But having different lighting modes will certainly help you when in a survival situation. Much better if it also has a strobe feature to aid you when you’re stuck or need to get attention. 

Batteries

This includes the battery’s life. Whether you get a disposable or a rechargeable one is up to you and your needs, but one thing is for sure. Make sure that your flashlight’s battery is easy to replace and easy to find. 

Durability

We’re talking about rugged and survival situations here. You might also be needing it for disaster emergencies such as floods and typhoons, so you need a flashlight that’s more durable than the ones in your home. 

This also includes being weather and water-resistant.  

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions 

Q – Does the flashlight require a tool to change the batteries?

A – It depends on the model of your flashlight. Some don’t require any tools. You’ll just have to open the battery slot and put them in. Meanwhile, some models require screws to be removed, so it’s better to always have a screwdriver ready at home. 

Q – Why Flashlights are Important for Survival

A – Aside from the obvious reason, which is lighting up a dark path or place, you can also use your flashlight to catch attention and ask for help, especially if you’re stranded somewhere. The strobe lighting mode that most flashlights on this list have is the perfect light for survival situations. 

Q – Why is the battery important in a survival kit?

A – Depending on your flashlight, you won’t always have an electrical outlet or a power bank to charge from, so make sure that your survival kit or bug-out bag always has lots of battery supplies at the ready. 

Round-Up

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Value for Money

Not all expensive flashlights ensure great quality and output. What you want to look for is the value it gives in relation to its price. Fortunately, we’ve found a lot of survival flashlights with reasonable prices but premium qualities! See them below.

Ease of Use

Survival flashlights are mostly used in emergency situations. So having one that is difficult to operate and is fussy certainly won’t help you. That is why we also observed how easy to use these flashlights are.

Durability

It’s for your bug-out bag, after all. So you want your survival and EDC flashlights to be as durable as possible. So, for this metric, we looked at how weather-, water-, and shock-resistant these flashlights can be.

Run Time

Whether it is rechargeable or not, your flashlight’s run time is very important. After all, you don’t want it to suddenly shut down on you while you’re in the middle of nowhere, right? 

You wouldn’t want that, especially in emergency situations such as natural calamities, so know your flashlights run time before getting one.

Brightness

Last but not the least is what might just be the most important metric of all, the flashlight’s brightness. What’s a flashlight without clear and solid light?

Our Final Verdict: Best Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

Coming soon

Conclusion: Best Flashlight For Bug Out Bag

Best Flashlight For Bug Out Bag - Bugoutbill.com
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You may not have thought about it this way, but survival flashlights are investments. 

Buying an excellent quality flashlight one time and having it last for years and years is much better than getting the cheapest one with questionable quality and having to replace it every other month. 

If budget isn’t an issue for you and you just want the overall best, we recommend the Editor’s Choice Hoxida tactical flashlight with cob lights. It surprisingly exceeded our expectations with its fascinating features that made us look forward to our next trip just to be able to use it again!

  But if you’re on a budget, you certainly don’t have to settle for less. The Best Value GearLight zoomable flashlight is agreeably priced and won’t hurt your wallet while serving one of the most dependable qualities suited for the outdoors. 

Durability, brightness, grip, and resistance to weather and wear are also just some of the things some users want to focus on. That’s why we also listed the best flashlights in those categories. 

So what’s your preference?

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