Are you searching the internet for “best survival flashlight“? If so, this article will guide you through the ins and outs of finding a great flashlight that suits your needs as you discover the best flashlight for survival situations. By now, you’ve probably read a lot online –if not, don’t worry, the article walks you through everything–and this article will summarize all the necessary features of a survival flashlight. After that, we make a recommendation on the best survival flashlight. So, begin your journey now by reading more below.
What You Should Look for in the Best Survival Flashlight
If you’ve been surfing the web for flashlights, what one guy says is the best survival flashlight might be totally different than what the next guy says. Here at KnifeUp, we believe that, instead of buying one $100+ flashlight that does wonders, you’re better off buying a few cheaper flashlights that perform well so that you can have a light in your bag, emergency kit, car, and anywhere else you’ll need a light. On top of that, most high-end flashlights require 123A or some other specialized battery. That’s a no-go in a survival situation because, when that battery runs out, it’ll be hard to find another one! In addition to this, the following are other good considerations:
Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA 350-Lumen Dual Fuel Professional Tactical Light
- Compact Size – Small and light are better than big and heavy. You might have to carry the flashlight for a while and the weight adds up.
- Water Resistant – Humidity, water, and the elements are unpredictable. It is better to have a water-resistant flashlight. Also, floods happen all the time.
- Rugged – Will it break if you accidentally drop it?
- LED – The light should be LED not incandescent. This saves on battery usage and gives you a very bright light.
- Clip – The pocket clip should be sturdy.
- Dual Mode – A low light mode for walking through the woods and a high beam mode for seeing stuff far away.
Features of the Streamlight 88061 ProTac
The Streamlight 88061 ProTac is an ultra-compact, high lumen, tactical handheld flashlight that requires only one AA battery OR one CR123A lithium battery. Unlike other flashlights, this one is “dual-fuel” meaning you can use either an alkaline battery (one AA) OR a lithium battery (one CR 123A). For that reason, the ProTac offers the ultimate in flexibility and versatility. This flashlight was built to be shock-proof and runs on the latest in LED technology. It also features three different user selectable programs.
The ProTac features a high and low beam at 150 lumens and 40 lumens respectively using one AA battery. You can easily switch between high, low, and strobe mode with the push of a button. This allows you to comfortably use the flashlight with only one hand. The flashlight also has a removable clip and flattened face cap that prevents rolling.
The flashlight uses c4 LED technology (which means the LEDs are soldered) and features high temperature, shock-mounted, AR coated, impact-resistant borofloat glass in the lens. It is waterproof to 1-meter for 30 minutes. Run times are as follows:
-on high: 150-lumens; runs 1-hour 20-minutes (alkaline); runs 4.25-hours (lithium).
-on low: 40-lumens; runs 7.5-hours (alkaline); runs 14-hours (lithium).
-on strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 3.5-hours (alkaline); runs 8-hours (lithium).
Reviews of the Streamlight 88061 ProTac
Out of over 7,000 reviewers online, the Streamlight 88061 ProTac received 4.5 stars. Reviewers stated why, for the price, this flashlight is an excellent and strategic buy. Other reviewers like it for its small size and weight. Reviewers also mention how the flashlight is very bright compared to other flashlights they own.
Summary
If you are looking for the best survival flashlight, the Streamlight 88061 ProTac is a solid buy. It performs well compared to higher-end models but this flashlight is very affordable. It’s versatile in its battery usage and is tough and rugged. The compact size suits it well for a “bug-out” bag or emergency kit. The rugged features of this flashlight will make sure it withstands abuse and drops. Click here to see the best prices for this flashlight.
50 lumens…? That’s it? I have a great Ultrafire 502b that is rugged…has 5 modes, and shoots a 900 Lumen beam that is brilliant. Yes…it uses the larger exotic battery, but they are not that expensive at all, and last longer than AA. And I got it for less than $37.00
I’m just saying.
If your looking for a good cheap flashlight, look on amazon for any “mini cree” flashlights. The L.E.D. is on a chip, and the “cree” company based out of North Carolina. They makes those L.E.D. chips for flashlights and other equipment.
The “mini cree” flashlights… You will find a lot of different Chinese manufactures making the same flashlight and putting there company name stampped on them. The price point is anywhere from $3.50 to $5.50. Just be careful because some of the shippers are actually over in China, and it could take up towards 5 weeks for you to get the flashlight.
Sometime you can find the $5.00+ ones that ship from a U.S.A. distributor, and you’ll get it faster. They are really great cheap flashlights for the price and easy on your wallet.. which is even better!
This seems like poor advice to me. Like Geelo said, if you want a cheap AA flashlight spend 3$ on it, not 37$. For around that price to around 50 there are so many good options that can run a rechargeable or both. There are even some like the Nitcore Mh1a that runs a an 18650 rechargeable and can also use AA. That’s a much better idea, and then use 3$ flashlights in your car etc. At the very least, recommend that people use a lithium AA rather than alkaline. They have a much better shelf life and they don’t leak and corrode like alkaline are prone to do. Also, those 123A you’re bashing have extreme shelf lives of 7 years or more, making them MUCH better for a survival situation. Overall, this is just bad, bad advice.
For a less than $40 option, that will give you years of light, check out the 2C Solar Light Cap. Its self-charging so you wont be dependent on batteries or rechargers etc. Its not a tactical light (although 2C does have a built in SOS mode) but for survival, having a light that’s always with you and lasts for years, is more important. Just wear it for hands free light. USA made. Fully integrated battery management. LED.
The flashlight is bright using technology to power 2000 Lumens out to 900 feet. With this Powerful Mini Flashlight, you can utilize it to visually communicate your location, with the brightness you have in your flashlight. The flashlight come in five different modes, Strobe, Waterproof, and Low, high and medium. Recently I bought this Powerful Mini Flashlight, looks great and can also adjust the focus range for different usage.
Good review, there are so many flashlights out there for sale, this one looks good, I like the single AA battery, it’s hard to beat! Good information thanks