9 Best Camping Flashlights [2024 Upd.] LED Lights for Woods

Last Updated on November, 2024

Camping is so much fun! And it is EVEN MORE fun with the right flashlight by your side. 

You absolutely need a flashlight if you are going camping. It is an essential inclusion in any camping trip. The right flashlight in your backpack could mean the difference between spending hours illuminated by the beautiful light and being stranded in the dark in a half-lit campsite. 

Since you are clearly on the hunt for a GREAT flashlight for camping, I thought to provide you with a list of my personal recommendations. Now, I personally hand-tested dozens of flashlights before coming to the conclusion of this BEST 9; so you can TRUST me! 

These flashlights have all the features necessary to make them a FINE companion during your next camping trip. 

Hence without further ado, let’s dive into this list as I uncovered the list of the BEST 9 flashlights for camping. 

Editor’s Choice
Acebeam E70 Mini
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

4.9

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

#2nd Best Choice
Olight Warrior Mini 2
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

4.9

4.9

4.9

5.0

4.9

Overall Score

4.9

#3rd Best Choice
FENIX LD22 V2.0
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

4.9

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.8

Overall Score

4.8

Top 9 Best Camping Flashlights

Camping flashlights are the most important aspect of camping. Even if you plan on camping in a cave or under a tree, you will need a flashlight to ensure that you are properly lit. 

This list of the best nine has been formulated after careful research and testing of so many flashlights. You can trust any flashlight on this list to deliver an AMAZING camping experience. 

1. Acebeam E70 Mini (Editor’s Choice)

When camping, size does matter. Plus, we love it when things are small enough to fit in a pocket!

The Acebeam E70 Mini is a miniature flashlight at only 4.3 inches in length and weighing 3.3 ounces.

This is just above 4 inches in length (not very big…). Don’t let the small size of this flashlight fool you; this is a powerful little light with some AMAZING features!

Firstly, it has a maximum runtime of 100 HOURS, which is more than 4 DAYS of light on ultra-low mode. On the highest setting, this flashlight has a maximum output of 2000 lumens! That is more than twice as bright as a 60-watt bulb. 

With a beam distance of 153 meters, this flashlight has a good range, sufficient for camping and hiking. When looking for a flashlight for camping, you want to consider the max lumen output and the beam distance, which are both important factors that tell us how good the flashlight is. 

This rechargeable flashlight has five modes and has a battery life of 2 HOURS on TURBO mode, with 2000 lumens of brightness. 

The fact that this flashlight can be used for up to 4 days in ultra-low mode means it could prove helpful in survival scenarios. When you go camping, you never know of the dangers that await you.

If you ever find yourself stranded somewhere overnight or for even nights at a stretch, the battery life of this flashlight could prove to SAVE YOUR LIFE!

It has a 1000-lumen strobe mode. The strobe setting is a rather important aspect of a flashlight. The strobe light feature will produce a flashlight light that could be useful to signal someone in case of emergency.

It could also work to scare away unwelcomed wildlife, such as a raccoon you may stumble onto while camping. 

The strobe setting is a very useful feature of this flashlight that makes it one of the best camping flashlights on the market. 

This is a very versatile flashlight with a simple user interface. Rated IP68 waterproof, this flashlight can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water. Hence you won’t have to worry about getting your flashlight wet in the rain while camping. Even if you drop it in a puddle of water, this flashlight will work just fine. 

Shock-proof (shock resistant) at an impact distance of 1 meter, this is a durable flashlight made with TOUGH and STRONG aluminum. You need the flashlight to be durable because it is intended to be used in the rough outdoors, which will probably result in ROUGH use. 

The tactical tail switch allows for swift action, and the pocket clip is an excellent addition, allowing you to fasten the flashlight onto a pocket, shirt, belt, or bag. 

Pros

  • Durable
  • Rechargeable
  • Excellent beam profile
  • Tactical strobe
  • Pocket clip for fastening
  • 4 days of runtime

Cons

  • The light turns on with double click

2. Olight Warrior Mini 2 (#2nd Best Choice)

When it comes to picking a flashlight for camping, the best flashlight for camping will have great features making it an ideal pick for camping.

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 has some AMAZING features, which makes this an excellent pick for camping. 

This is a compact flashlight with great light output. With a maximum light output of 1750 lumens, this flashlight has a maximum beam distance of 220 METERS! – That is quite the range for a flashlight that is only 4.6 inches in length. 

The light modes and brightness settings give you COMPLETE CONTROL over the amount of light you produce.

It has five light modes that you can choose from and works GREAT as a camping lantern. 

Some great Rechargeable flashlights such as the Warrior Mini 2 use rechargeable batteries. You won’t need spare batteries (disposable batteries) to use the Olight Warrior Mini 2. This flashlight runs on a 18650 lithium ion battery, which has a charge time of only 3.5 hours! (That is fast charging!)

It also has a strobe mode (flashing light) which can come of great tactical use. The best flashlights for camping will include tactical features, which makes them even more useful in the great outdoors!

Easily pocketable, this flashlight isn’t too bulky, which is perfect for camping. It is the perfect size to help you set up a tent in the dark or even have it around the campsite for general use. 

Waterproof, rated IPX8, you won’t have to worry about using this flashlight in the rain. There is a good chance that you may encounter wet conditions while camping. Having a flashlight that is capable of getting wet with you is a handy inclusion while camping. 

This flashlight is an excellent addition to existing camping gear and can work as a primary or backup flashlight, depending on your gear of choice. 

With 45 DAYS of runtime on moon mode, this flashlight can work amazingly well as a backup light in case of emergency (survival light.)

The Olight Warrior Mini 2 has all the features, including light output, to provide a sufficient light source for basic camping. Most flashlights won’t allow it to be used for 45 DAYS at a stretch… The Olight Warrior Mini 2 does! (Amazing battery life!)

Want to learn more about this flashlight? Read this Warrior Mini 2 Review.

Pros

  • Simple to use user interface
  • Strong and durable
  • Rechargeable battery allows for reuse
  • Extended battery life on low mode
  • Fast charging
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Proprietary battery setup

3. FENIX LD22 V2.0 (#3rd Best Choice)

Fenix is a well-renowned brand of flashlight and is known to produce some excellent lights!

This is an upgrade of the Fenix LD22 – this is VERSION 2.0! It uses a rechargeable battery that fully charges in only 4 hours!

You need something that will charge fast! The faster the flashlight charges, the more useful it can be while camping. 

The previous model ran on AA batteries, but version 2.0 runs on lithium ion rechargeable batteries which makes a whole lot of difference.

A rechargeable battery means you won’t have to carry all those spare batteries to last you through the camping trip.

With 7 lighting modes, a full charge on this flashlight will provide 54 minutes worth of illumination in TURBO mode, which has a light output of 800 lumens!

Though the lumen count is equated to that of a 60-watt bulb, the maximum beam distance is IMPRESSIVE, to say the least. The range of this flashlight is 214 meters, which is more than sufficient for any camping trip. 

When it comes to picking a camping flashlight, you have to consider the beam distance. You ideally need something that has a reach of greater than 150 meters. 

This rechargeable flashlight is one of the best camping flashlights with an impressive battery life. On the lower modes, this flashlight will work for 220 HOURS! That is almost 10 DAYS of illumination on a single charge. 

The best camping flashlight will also have added features that make them ideal for camping and tactical scenarios.

This flashlight has both a strobe mode and SOS, which enables you to rely on this flashlight in case of emergency. If you ever find yourself stranded somewhere in need of signaling for rescue, this flashlight could prove to SAVE YOUR LIFE!

A good camping flashlight such as this doesn’t have to be expensive. This is a great camping flashlight on a budget and proves as a great camping lantern for your camping needs. 

The brightness settings (light modes) give you complete control over the level of illumination projected. With five brightness settings to choose from, you can use the level of lighting that suits the campsite. 

Shock resistant at 1 meter, this flashlight is made with durable aluminum and is rated IP68 waterproof (water resistant). Not only can you drop this flashlight, but you can drop this flashlight in 2 meters of water, and it will still work!

Fenix has a LIFETIME warranty on this product! That is how confident they are about the capabilities and durability of this flashlight, which is clearly one of the best camping flashlights on the market. 

Pros

  • Durable and strong flashlight
  • Easy-to-use user interface
  • Rechargeable battery doesn’t require disposable batteries
  • Fast charging of battery
  • Strobe mode and SOS for tactical use

Cons

  • Expensive

4. Nitecore TINI 2

When searching for the best camping flashlight, you need to consider the level of lighting that you need to complete basic camping tasks.

A quality camping flashlight will allow you good control over light settings and should be ideally sufficient for night hiking. (Sometimes, you have to hike a little even to relieve yourself behind a bush.)

The Nitecore TINI 2 is a reliable camping flashlight that is TINY! This TINI TINYflashlight is not even 2 inches in length.

It comes with a key ring, which you can use to attach this flashlight to a chain, belt buckle, or even a bag. 

With 5 modes of light settings to choose from, this handy little key chain light is a great addition to your gear for all camping trips! It can just hang from the side of your bag and prove as a useful source of light, if it ever becomes necessary. 

On turbo mode, this flashlight will work for 15 minutes, while on the lower ultra-low mode, it will illuminate for 60 hours. (That is almost THREE straight days of illumination!)

Simply having this flashlight in your arsenal could prove very useful when camping. 

Though small, this is a powerful flashlight (rechargeable.) The small size, at less than 2 inches in length, is very appealing. 

It has a dual-switch design, allowing for great tactical application. You can swiftly and quickly turn this flashlight on in case of an emergency. 

With a maximum light output of 500 lumens, it has a maximum range of 88 meters. Though the lumen output and throw distance aren’t as great as other flashlights on this list, those other flashlights are much larger than the Nitecore TINI 2!

Rated IP54 waterproof (water resistant), you won’t have to worry about a little rain while night hiking! This little flashlight is also impact resistant from a drop of 1 meter. (I tested this personally and loved how STRONG this little flashlight was!)

All in all, this is a handy flashlight to include in your camping gear. This flashlight will fit in your pocket with ease and is an ideal flashlight to have with you while camping; perfect camping flashlight. 

Pros

  • Small enough to easily carry everywhere
  • Great beam profile for small size
  • Affordable budget flashlight
  • Various light modes
  • Rechargeable
  • Durable and strong
  • Water resistant 

Cons

  • USB charger not included

5. Cyansky P25 V2

The Cyansky P25 V2 is version 2 of the classic Cyansky P25. This upgraded version is a super bright light with 3600 lumens of brightness! 

Though this flashlight has a high lumen count, this is not an expensive flashlight. Though it is higher in price than most of the flashlights on this list, it is still a comparatively affordable flashlight. 

This tactical flashlight is perfect for camping and has all the features perfectly built for camping. It has a strobe mode and SOS, which can be put to great tactical use in case of emergency.

With a maximum beam distance of 208 meters, this is a high-performance flashlight with the ability to deliver both as a flood light and a focused beam spotlight. 

At only 5.7 inches, weighing 5.9 ounces, this is a small flashlight that is easy to carry and fits perfectly in your hand. 

When it comes to picking LED flashlights, you will find flashlights with huge lumen counts. This flashlight at 3600 maximum lumen output is one of the brighter flashlights on this list (a reliable flashlight for you to pick.)

It has multiple brightness settings (five) and tactical modes which make this very useful in camping scenarios. The multiple light settings give you control over this bright light. With a maximum runtime of 80 hours on ECO mode, this flashlight could provide you with illumination for more than 3 DAYS!

This is a rechargeable flashlight that you can charge using a USB cable attached to the USB port. You won’t need extra batteries! 

Waterproof flashlights are often the more reliable choice for camping. You need the whole flashlight to be waterproof, including any USB port used for charging. The Cyansky P25 V2 is rated IPX8 waterproof and can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water!

This flashlight is perfect for emergency situations that you may come across while camping. The strobe mode could work to scare away that raccoon, while the SOS mode could work to signal for help; if ever in need of assistance in the woods. 

Remember, if you are car camping or have an RV, you can recharge these flashlights whenever necessary! It is worth noting that when camping, you have to be conservative about the flashlight charge unless you have access to a power outlet.

Hence, any flashlight that has an ECO mode that will last you for days is very USEFUL when camping in the great outdoors. 

Pros

  • Durable and strong
  • Rechargeable
  • Easy-to-understand interface
  • Tactical use through strobe and SOS
  • Great beam profile and beam distance
  • Reliable battery life
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Micro-arc oxidation coating stains easily

6. Imalent MS03

The Imalent MS03 is proclaimed as the BRIGHTEST EDC (everyday carry) flashlight and with just cause. It offers 13000 LUMENS worth of light.

That is more brightness than twelve 60-watt bulbs.

This really bright flashlight can be very useful in camping.

The extremely bright light will not only help you see in the dark with extreme intensity, but the bright light does also have great tactical application (ideal for signaling.)

With 324 meters of range, the beam distance on this flashlight is impressive. You will quite easily be able to light up the whole campsite by relying on the brightness of this single flashlight. 

This rechargeable flashlight is charged through a type C USB cable. This flashlight isn’t too big and bulky. Considering how it offers so many lumens of light, you would expect this flashlight to be bigger. At only 4.3 inches in length, this flashlight is easily pocketable. 

With 6 modes of lighting to choose from, the lowest level of lighting will work on a single charge for 27 HOURS! – That is still 150 lumens of light! (Bright enough for basic camping tasks.)

This flashlight is so bright that you can chase away a bear with it! 

With 26320 candles worth of light, this flashlight is exceptionally bright for its size, ideal for camping. 

Rated IPX8 waterproof, this flashlight can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water. Hence you won’t have to worry about rain during your camping trip, making it impossible to use a flashlight. 

The varied modes of this flashlight give you complete control over the levels of brightness, while the highest mode, TURBO, allows for great tactical use. The turbo mode can be used to chase away wildlife and can even prove as a useful feature when signaling for help (if ever becomes necessary.)

All in all, this extremely bright flashlight is ideal if you want more brightness for your camping trip. Not only will this prove as a great everyday carry flashlight, but it is also bright enough to light the whole campsite with a beautiful spectrum of bright light. 

Checkout the complete review of Imalent MS03.

Pros

  • Turbo mode is very bright (13000 lumens)
  • Great control over level of lighting
  • Satisfactory battery life
  • Durable and strong

Cons

  • On the pricier side

7. Wuben D1

The Wuben D1 is a great EDC (everyday carry) flashlight that provides an exceptionally excellent flood light

With a maximum lumen output of 1100 lumens and a beam distance of 130 meters, this flashlight is bright, and the floodlight feature allows for illumination of the WHOLE area before you!

It has a 175-degree wide spectrum of light, making this an exceptionally great EDC flood light. 

Easily bright enough to help you pitch a tent in the dark, this flashlight is rechargeable and can be used as a portable power bank.

This means you can use this flashlight to charge your mobile devices. 

Using your flashlight to charge your phone during a camping trip could prove a very useful feature. 

It has a two-way holding clamp, allowing one to fasten this flashlight in a pocket or onto a bag, and a magnetic tail cap, allowing for HANDS-FREE illumination. This flashlight will stick to any metallic surface!

It has 6 modes of lighting, giving you good control over the levels of illumination to choose from, and a maximum runtime of 150 HOURS! That is close to a WEEK of constant illumination! 

With great tactical features inbuilt, this flashlight has both a strobe feature and an SOS feature which can both be of great tactical use when camping! At the end of the day, you never know what awaits you on your camping trip and these features could prove to SAVE YOUR LIFE while camping.

Rated IP68 waterproof, this flashlight can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water. (I personally tested the water resistance on this flashlight, and it checked out!)

It also has an impact resistance of 1.5 meters (I drop-tested this flashlight, and it worked after dropping it from a height of 1.5 meters.)

Pros

  • Simple to use interface
  • Exceptionally durable and strong
  • Strobe and SOS for tactical use
  • Power bank allows you to charge your phone
  • Good battery life
  • Two-way clamp for proper fastening
  • Magnetic tail cap

Cons

  • Protection of the optics is not great

8. Astrolux WP4

The Astrolux WP4 is a HARDY flashlight that is made with aluminum alloy. This durable and strong flashlight is a simple flashlight with two modes to choose from (high and low.)

The high mode will illuminate the night sky with 310 lumens of brightness. Don’t be fooled by the low lumen count of this flashlight; this flashlight is VERY POWERFUL.

Why? Because it has a maximum beam distance of 1303 meters. (That is more than a KILOMETER in range.)

This exceptionally great flashlight has a single switch allowing for easy operation. 

The Astrolux WP4 even has strobe mode, which, as we know, can be very useful when camping. This strobe feature could work to scare away unwelcomed wildlife that may be lured in by the food at the campsite. 

At only 5 inches in length, this is a small flashlight that you can easily carry around in your pocket. This can be very useful when camping. The small size means you can carry it around anywhere you go!

The switch of this flashlight is tactically placed on the tail cap, which allows for swift operation. 

With 425,000 candelas of light intensity, this is a very bright flashlight that can illuminate the campsite, perfect for any essential camping task. 

Rated IPX6 waterproof, this is a durable flashlight that will not malfunction at the touch of a bit of rain. It is also impact-tested and is resistant at a drop of 2 meters! 

You need to consider the durability of a flashlight when picking a flashlight for camping. Camping flashlights are intended for rough and rugged use. You should be able to drop it on a rock and still expect it to work. 

The Astrolux WP4 is a strong and durable little light that packs some great features, making it a simple yet very useful flashlight when camping. 

Pros

  • Simple modes of use
  • Strong and durable design
  • Waterproof and shockproof
  • Exceptionally great range of light
  • Strobe mode for tactical use

Cons

  • Expensive

9. Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Max

The Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Max may not be a flashlight that you have heard about in the market. However, this is an absolute GEM of a find!

This is a headlamp flashlight, varied to a flashlight, by the fact that you don’t need your hands to hold the light.

This light is mounted on your head and will work to illuminate the space before you with 3720 lumens of brightness. 

You can use this light as a flashlight or head-mounted headlamp. The head mount comes with the package.

The option to either hold this flashlight or mount it on your head gives you so much control and maneuverability while camping.

The option to use this light HANDS-FREE is why this light has landed on our list of the BEST 9. 

Designed with high-grade aluminum, this is a durable and strong flashlight that offers both practical light and functionality. With a beam distance of 113 meters, this flashlight has a good range, sufficient for most camping tasks. 

With over 3 hours of runtime in the max mode, the battery life of this flashlight is satisfactory. This is a rechargeable flashlight that uses lithium ion batteries. (The more reliable type of flashlight battery.)

It allows for fast charging and will fully charge in 5 hours! 

When not mounted on the head, this flashlight comes with a steel clip that can be used to fasten this flashlight onto a pocket, shirt, bag, or belt. 

It has a strobe mode, allowing for great tactical use, and is rated IP68 waterproof (can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water.)

Pros

  • Hands-free operation
  • Excellent beam distance and brightness
  • Fast charging (full charge in 5 hours.)
  • Durable and strong
  • Pocket clamp
  • Strobe

Cons

  • The coating is easily damaged

Why Buy a Camping Flashlight?

a camping flashlight in the stone

When camping, you need a reliable source of light, whether it is to see in the dark or scare away wildlife. Having a flashlight with you during camping will mean the difference between being stranded in the dark with only a campfire or having a source of illumination for when you need it the most. 

While camping, there are no toilets, and you WILL have to relieve yourself at some point. Doing this without a flashlight can become a very daunting challenge. This is just an example of the many scenarios in which a flashlight is absolutely integral for any camping trip.

Regardless of how you plan on using that flashlight during your camping trip, it is important that you have a flashlight with you, just in case you need a source of light for absolutely anything!

How to Choose the Best Flashlight for Camping?

When picking the best flashlight for camping, you have to consider the durability of the product. You need something that will not break that easily. The flashlight is intended for rough and rugged use; hence be sure you ensure a good degree of durability. 

The beam profile is yet another important aspect. Coupled with performance, you need something that will have a good battery life, preferably DAYS, even if on a low mode. 

You should also check for tactical features such as strobe and SOS, which could all prove useful in various camping scenarios.

Benefits of a Flashlight While Camping (Uses)

A flashlight could prove to be very useful while camping. It can not only work to illuminate the campsite, which is a given, but can also work to save you from unwelcomed wildlife that may stumble onto the campsite. 

A reliable flashlight will help you set up camp even in the dark and provide you with a good source of light for basic camping tasks.

The benefits of having a flashlight with you while camping are many. The most important of all is the fact that a reliable light will provide you with illumination for the whole camping trip. Not to mention SAVE YOUR LIFE, if you ever find yourself in an emergency during your camping trip. 

Why is a Flashlight Important for Camping?

a human holding a camping flashlight

A flashlight for camping is an important tool to have at your disposal. It is very important that you carry a useful source of light to ensure that you have sufficient lighting to illuminate the campsite. 

No camping gear would be complete without the right flashlight. It is absolutely essential that you carry a good quality flashlight with you when you go camping. Not only can it provide you with a source of life, but it could also work to SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Ideally, you should carry more than one flashlight!

Final Thoughts

The right flashlight during camping will mean the difference between a pleasant camping trip and a horrible experience.

Nobody wants to spend the whole night at a campsite with no light source. It is essential that you have a good flashlight to illuminate the way if you plan on exploring the campsite at night. 

Picking a good flashlight for camping is not that difficult. However, with so many options in the market, it can become a daunting task. 

With a maximum runtime of 100 HOURS! Weighing on 3.3, the Acebeam E70 Mini, at only 4.3 inches, is in our opinion, the best of the best. 

You can TRUST the information in this article. It has been presented to you after carefully testing 100s of flashlights. These nine flashlights that have made this list are considered the BEST! You cannot go wrong with picking a flashlight for your camping trips, straight from this list!

FAQs

Yes, a camping flashlight should be waterproof to ensure protection against rain and water damage while camping.

To find the best camping flashlight, consider features such as brightness, runtime, and multiple operation modes to determine the one that best fits your needs.

Yes, a camping flashlight can benefit from having a strobe feature, as it offers an extra tactical option and can be used to signal for help in an emergency.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Acebeam E70 Mini
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

4.9

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

visa, master, amex, paypal
Pros
Durable
Rechargeable
Excellent beam profile
Tactical strobe
Pocket clip for fastening
4 days of runtime
Get the BEST PRICE until the end of November
Cons
The light turns on with double click

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Author
Dillon Morrison
I have been involved in the flashlight community since 2007. My brother has a flashlight shop from where I have tested and reviewed more than 600+ different types of flashlights. You can find more about me here.

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