If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about flashlights until the power goes out. But a reliable, bright, and durable flashlight can be a lifesaver when the lights are off. Here are some tips on selecting a flashlight, plus recommendations for five of the best flashlights to have on hand in case of a power outage.
Things to look for in a power outage flashlight
Brightness
Flashlights come in a variety of brightness levels, measured in lumens.
It is essential to have a flashlight that is bright enough to see in the dark and signal for help if needed.
Some flashlights have a lumen rating of just 10, while others can go up to 1000 or more. Therefore, when buying a flashlight, always check the lumen rating and know how bright it is before making a purchase.
Rechargeable battery life
When a power outage hits, it’s crucial to have a flashlight that is both rechargeable and has long battery life. This way, you can keep the light on for as long as possible and not worry about running out of power.
To determine how long the battery life of a flashlight is before buying it, check the manufacturer’s website or look for the specs on the product packaging.
Durability
In a power outage scenario, you want a durable and water-resistant flashlight.
To determine the durability of a flashlight, start by focusing on its materials. A flashlight made from durable materials, such as metal or high-quality plastic, is likely to be more durable than one made from cheaper materials.
You should also consider the construction of the flashlight. A well-constructed flashlight is less likely to break than a poorly-made one.
To determine the water resistance of a flashlight, you should consider how well it seals off the battery compartment and the light lens. A flashlight with tight-fitting seals will be less likely to let in water than one with loose seals.
You should also consider how well the flashlight is weatherproofed. A weatherproofed flashlight will be less likely to corrode in humid environments or be damaged by rain or snow.
Five recommended power outage flashlights
- Anker Bolder LC90
The Anker Bolder LC90 is one of the best LED flashlights for power outages. It is incredibly bright, with a maximum output of 900 lumens. It also has a long runtime and can run for up to 6 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the flashlight is rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about buying batteries.
- Energizer Hard Case Professional
The Energizer Hard Case Professional is another great option for a power outage flashlight. It is also very bright, with a maximum output of 1000 lumens. It has a runtime of up to 4 hours and is also rechargeable. The flashlight comes with a case, so you can keep it protected when not used.
- Streamlight ProTac HL 3
The Streamlight ProTac HL 3 is another excellent choice for a power outage flashlight. It has a maximum output of 1000 lumens and a runtime of up to 2 hours. The flashlight is also rechargeable and comes with a case for protection.
- Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight
The Fenix PD35 TAC is another excellent option for a power outage flashlight. It is exceptionally bright, with a maximum output of 1000 lumens. It also has a long runtime, with the ability to run for up to 2 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the flashlight is rechargeable and comes with a case for protection.
- J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight
The J5 Tactical Flashlight is another excellent choice for a power outage flashlight. It has an impressive maximum output of 300 lumens and a runtime of up to 2 hours. The flashlight is also rechargeable and comes with a case for protection.
Any of these five bright, rechargeable and durable flashlights could make the difference between comfort and distress or even disaster in a power outage.
