A flashlight is such a small tool but choosing the best EDC flashlight, also known as an everyday carry flashlight, needs some basic knowledge of its technology. It is a tool that can be no less than useful on any day for any emergency purpose or any daily task that needs shedding some light.
The best flashlight for EDC is not necessarily a tactical EDC flashlight, everyday needs are not usually emergency situations. As such, you need a more “regular” flashlight that allows good illumination, can fit in your pocket or daypack, and in an affordable price.
A tool that helps you see things clearly and doesn’t take much space while not cutting down on illumination power is essential. You don’t just need it for when it is dark outside.
You need a good EDC flashlight when you want to check your car or bike engine or when you need to shed some light behind or under furniture.
It is a compact tool that takes very little space. When you check for the proper flashlight, look for size, weight, beam intensity, beam range, battery type if it is IPX rated (waterproof rating), and such.
If you are a frequent hiker or a regular in camping, then tactical EDC flashlights are an essential part of your hiking or camping gear. It can be a backup along with your head flashlight.
Such a flashlight should be part of your outdoor survival gear or your 72-hour survival kit.
Comparison of Best Flashlight for EDC
We examined five everyday flashlights (tactical and regular), examining their features and capabilities. Here are the results. Also, read what to look for in an EDC flashlight.
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1. WUBEN C3 Rechargeable Flashlight 1200 High Lumens
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2. NICRON N7 600 Lumens Flashlight
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3. Hoxida USB Rechargeable Magnetic LED Flashlight
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4. Fenix FX-PD35TAC Flashlight
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5. Streamlight 250 Lumen Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
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What is the Best EDC Flashlight to Choose?
As always, we will provide you with a few selected options with quality in mind. Feel free to check them and compare them against the different features we provided for you to know.
1. WUBEN C3 Rechargeable Flashlight 1200 High Lumens
This one is an EDC flashlight that utilizes a high-efficiency OSRAM P9 LED.
Its max output is 1200 lumens, and the max beam distance is 200 meters. It has 6 lighting modes and is USB rechargeable, made of hard anodizing aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. It is IP68 waterproof and dustproof.
Specifications
| Package includes | 1 LED Flashlight |
| Weight | 4.34oz |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Color | Black |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
Features
- Max 1200 Lumens
- 6 lighting modes: High, Medium, Low, Eco, Strobe, SOS
- Mode memory function
- Pocket clip and lanyard
- Unique light head to know whether turned off/on
- IP68 Waterproof: Works well for about an hour underwater 2 meters
2. NICRON N7 600 Lumens Flashlight
This “shape-shifting” EDC flashlight is an intelligent voltage flashlight with an AA battery that produces 250 lumens but 600 lumens with the rechargeable battery.
It also has 4 beam settings (High – Low – Strobe – SOS), is IP65-rated water-resistant, and is designed for heavy rain days.
Specifications
| Package includes | 1 LED Flashlight |
| Weight | 1.92 ounces |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Color | Black |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
Features
- Max 600 Lumens (with rechargeable battery)
- 90-degree rotation & magnetic cap
- Steel body clip
- IP65 water resistant and for heavy rain
3. Hoxida USB Rechargeable Magnetic LED Flashlight
This is a zoomable flashlight, with a simple stretching lamp head to adjust the focusing light and floodlights.
It is a waterproof flashlight to use on rainy days. Great for hiking, repairing, and camping.
An emergency flashlight for hurricane season and power outages. Only press 2 seconds to turn off the flashlight in any mode
Specifications
| Package includes | 2 x LED Flashlights |
| Weight | 3.36oz |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Color | Black |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
Features
- Max 1000 Lumens Super Bright
- 4 Modes: High, Medium, Strobe, COB
- Zoomable with telescopic zoom in and out
- Pocket-size Torch
- Rainproof, but can’t be soaked in water
- Micro USB charging cables
- 1200mah rechargeable battery
4. Fenix EDC Flashlight, 1000 Lumen
The Fenix EDC flashlight set is an EDC flashlight that supports up to a 656 feet beam distance. Lighting modes change by light taps of a button, making it perfect for camping, hiking, cycling, and home emergencies.
The latest optics system with CREE LED chip. That is 10 times brighter than old incandescent lights.
Specifications
| Package includes | 2 x LED Flashlights |
| Weight | 3 oz. |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Color | Black |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
Features
- Max 1000 lumens
- Up to 650feet illumination distance
- 6 Lighting Modes: Eco, Low, Mid, High, Turbo, Strobe
- Submersible up to 6.5 feet or 2 meters
- Intelligent memory circuits memorize the latest output mode
- Adjustable Zoom
- Lightweight
- Compact size for portability
5. Streamlight 250 Lumen Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
The ultra-compact MicroStream USB is a Lithium-ion battery-powered flashlight.
High lumen gives you maximum illumination with extraordinary brightness in a wide beam. Ideal for smaller areas where lots of light is needed but no longer reached.
Specifications
| Package includes | 1 LED Flashlight |
| Weight | 1.20 ounces |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Color | Coyote |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Material | Aluminum |
Features
- Max 250 lumens
- 68m beam distance
- 2 lighting modes: Low, High
- IPX4 water-resistant; 1-meter impact resistance tested
- Removable multi-directional pocket clip
Our Choice for the Best EDC Flashlight
We find the WUBEN C3 Rechargeable Flashlight 1200 High Lumens Super Bright the best EDC selection, as it is the most complete solution in one package.
This involves factors like its weight, being rechargeable, having 6 lighting modes, and comes with 1200lm. It is both a tactical and everyday carry flashlight.
Where an EDC Flashlight is Most Useful?
Have you ever been in a room with dimmed light and wanted to check, i.e., some fuse or small letters on a box? Shedding some light on them with such a flashlight does the job.
An EDC flashlight should be easy/light to carry, doesn’t need frequent battery changes, and -when needed- illuminates the space quite well.
Walking down an alley or a narrow street with low light? There is where you can use it too. From illuminating dark corners to watching your steps to avoid stepping on dirt or poop, such a lightweight flashlight will help you grandly.
But don’t just think of extreme situations. Finding the door keyhole with low light is another way to use the flashlight (though many use their smartphone flashlight for such).
How to Choose the Best EDC Flashlight?
That is an easy question on its basis. Choose an EDC flashlight that you can carry at any time, on your shirt pocket, back pocket, or even in your work briefcase or handbag.
Its simplicity is its strength. You just need to know, check and compare a few characteristics related to EDC flashlights to be able to choose the right one for you.
Here they are for you to know.
Sturdy Construction
If you need one for daily usage, then make sure it can take the toll on that. Good ones are from anodized aluminum, toughened glass, and stainless steel. They are also resistant to sand, moisture, dust, and sand. Due to its size, you may drop it a few times, so you want it to be of solid construction.
Cheap ones will gradually break with usage, and their on/off switches will lose.
There is a factor that is called “impact resistance.” That is measured by dropping the flashlight 6 times on concrete at a specific distance.
Led and Lumens
Choose a led one, of course. Lumens are a measure indicator for the intensity of the light coming out of the flashlight. It is measured on the highest brightness setting powered by new batteries. When measured in lumens, the light output ranges from 20 to 3500 lumens.
It is also important to check the beam distance measurement/factor. That is measured in meters and calculated as how many meters a beam sheds light before it is reduced to the light a full moon sheds.
Beams also vary. They usually come as:
- Flood
- Spot
- Adjustable
The beam distance can be from 200ft to over 1000ft. Some EDC flashlights have features like a strobe beam or a signal beacon for defense purposes.
Water Resistance
That is usually measured with the IPX rating scale. It goes from 0 to 8, with 8 being the top in water resistance capability.
Battery Type and Battery Life
The best is to choose a battery type that you can easily find in almost any store around the country or abroad. Such are AA or AAA batteries. Some EDC flashlights take some more special types of batteries, but what is the use if you can’t find batteries where you are?
If you plan to store the flashlight for emergency use only and have long-term storage batteries for emergencies, then you can choose the CR123 lithium batteries, as they tend not to lose their power during storage.
CR123 generates higher power outputs, but AA is found anywhere. It can damage an EDC flashlight (or any). You can choose to use rechargeable batteries if you like. However, do not use lithium batteries if the specific flashlight manufacturer does not recommend them.
Flashlight Run Time
With a new battery, how many hours does it take to reduce the light to just 10%? That is the run time and is measured in hours. When flashlights have different beam/light strength settings, the run time factor can vary per each of the settings. Your EDC flashlight choices vary from 50 hours to some of the best, up to 300 hours.
Of course, the beam strength mode and usage greatly influence the run time.
What are the Types of Everyday Carry Flashlights?
There is a range of around four types of EDC flashlights, where the first category is usually closer to an EDC.
What is a Tactical EDC Flashlight?
A tactical, but EveryDay Carry Flashlight, is a smaller and more compact type of tactical flashlight. They are military grade in their smaller size, yet with lots of functionalities, durable, and emit much more light.
What Is a Pen LED Flashlight?
Less than an EDC flashlight but still useful are the penlight flashlights. They are far less compact, and more for some office usage or for medical usage as their beam strength and capabilities are far from an everyday carry flashlight.
What is a Micro Pen (Pocket) LED Flashlight?
A micro pen is usually powered by one AAA or AA battery and comes with limited light intensity (between 40-250 lumens).
What is a Keychain LED Flashlight?
As the name says, it is an ultra-compact micro flashlight, small enough to be attached to your key chain but with a relatively weak beam intensity.
Conclusion on How to Choose the Best EDC Flashlight
With durability also in mind, it is clear that the beam strength, different beam options, and run-time are crucial factors when choosing an everyday carry flashlight.
Ensure that your flashlight comes with a keychain option or a clip so that you can grip it firmly on you to not lose it.
It is one of those tools that are indeed small and compact but perform largely when necessary. Also, read Best Camping Flashlights.