Advances in LED (light-emitting diode) technology and battery efficiency have resulted in flashlights that are smaller, lighter and brighter than they were just a few years ago. These advances have made it easier and safer to store with your emergency preparedness kit.
Hikingware.com suggests you choose your emergency flashlight(s) carefully; you may need to depend on them for up to several weeks at a time in a severe emergency.
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| SureFire G2 Nitrolon Flashlight |
So what is the best LED flashlight for your survival kit? Here are some guidelines:
The key factors to compare when selecting a flashlight:
• Light output
• Battery type and run time
• Size and weight
Flashlights range from under $20 to over $200, yet they may be the same size. What are the differences? Brightness is the biggest one. A pricier light is more powerful due to the use of an advanced bulb, battery and circuitry technology. A rechargeable battery can add to the cost, as can features such as strong impact- and water-resistance, effective heat dissipation and multiple lighting modes.
Light output is measured in lumens. Beam intensity, distance and type all influence the effectiveness of a light in different applications. A flashlight’s light output can range from a modest 20 lumens (great for reading a book) to a terrain-scorching 3500 lumens.
Check the run time of your flashlight. How long does it take the light output to drop to 10% of the rated output on new batteries? Light output may gradually decrease over time, or remain largely constant and then suddenly decrease.
How impact-resistant is your flashlight? Flashlights are tested today by dropping them a few times onto a concrete floor from a stated height. Your flashlight rating should include that height. It’s worth noting that no flashlight is rated impact resistant from being run over or when used as a hammer!
How water-resistant is your flashlight? Can it remain submerged for up to a half hour; will it stand up to being used in the rain? Is the casing metal or plastic?
What kind of beam does your flashlight have? The lens reflector that surrounds a bulb influences how the light is dispersed.
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| Nitrocore SRT7 LED Flashlight |
The 3 Common Flashlight Beam Options:
Flood (or fixed): A single beam width. Good for general tasks in camp or while walking.
Spot (or focused): A single beam condensed into a spotlight to penetrate a long distance. This is best for route-finding or other fast-paced activity.
Adjustable: Beam width ranges from wide to focused, or any point in-between. This means, for example, a climber looking for the next pitch would use a spot beam; to study a map, a flood beam.
What type of battery does your flashlight have? The type and availability of replacement batteries is often a factor in selecting a flashlight.
The 3 Common Flashlight Battery Options:
Disposable: The most common battery sizes in use, AAA or AA, are readily available. CR123A is also a common choice, but is more expensive and can be harder to find. Their upside is a higher voltage output for a smaller size and weight, making it possible to have a brighter flashlight in a smaller, lighter package. Flashlights using D cell batteries are still available if you want a baton-sized tool for security or a light that won’t get lost in a pocket.
Rechargeable: Built-in lithium-ion batteries can be recharged through a USB connection from a computer, AC or DC outlet or solar panel. The higher upfront cost is more than made up for by the low ongoing running cost, no need for disposable batteries and reduced waste.
Renewable: Flashlights with a built-in battery energized by a hand crank or solar panel are ideal for emergency kits.
Caution: Do not use lithium or lithium-ion batteries with any flashlight unless recommended by the manufacturer. You risk damaging a light by mismatching it with lithium batteries.
So which type of flashlight will you include in your emergency survival kit?
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