The Best & Brightest EDC Flashlights of 2022
It’s early and I’m leaving my house for work. I have my keys, wallet, knife, pistol, my water bottle; am I forgetting anything?
How about my EDC flashlight?
It may seem like a low-priority, but having a high-quality flashlight is a must for anyone looking to be prepared and ready to respond to any number of possible scenarios.
Night time comes everyday. Each day the sun sets and the darkness pours across the land until the sun comes around to shed light on us once more.
We often take power and light for granted. As I sit here penning this article, it is night time. What if the power goes out? What if you’re out after dark and your car breaks down?
In our modern age of technology people have gotten accustomed to relying on their phone flashlight. The phone flashlight may be fine for menial tasks, but in a pinch or a measured response situation you will want a dedicated EDC flashlight.
Would you trust your phone battery to hold up if the flashlight were required for a lengthy period? If your phone battery is anything like mine, the answer is a resounding no.
Also, what if the situation you encounter requires you to use both hands? Do you think your phone flashlight will be effective while holding it in between your teeth? An actual flashlight is quite effective in that particular scenario.
These are just a few basic reasons why keeping multiple quality flashlights is important, and why having a couple of high-quality EDC flashlights is imperative.
What Does EDC Flashlight Mean?
EDC stands for “Everyday Carry”, and can be the term attached to any preparedness item deemed necessary to pack on your person through your everyday life. Therefore, EDC flashlights are small, light, and can usually reside in your pocket.
You are probably not going to pack around a full size Maglite, so there are specific types of flashlights, usually found under the moniker “tactical”, that are much better suited and well performing than the older, larger flashlights.
EDC Flashlights are small and offer you even better performance thanks to advances in technology.
For more ideas on some useful items to consider for your everyday carry needs, head on over and take a look at:
What is the Best EDC Flashlight?
When searching for the Best EDC Flashlight there are few key qualities to consider. Those are brightness, size/weight, and durability/duration:
Brightness - Dipping under 1,000 lumens is typically not a good decision.
Size/Weight - This is an item you are going to be carrying everyday so the lighter and smaller it is the better.
Durability/Duration - You will want a well constructed and tough EDC flashlight with a lengthy runtime.
Many items on your EDC checklist may vary greatly from the same items carried by someone from a different region or community.
For instance; depending on your occupation or hobbies or even the time of year, your EDC knife or firearm may be very different from someone who is a state or even a town away.
With flashlights however, most people are looking for a similar application and outcome. Whether you are an urban professional, a law-enforcement officer, a tradesman, or a rancher; you are likely looking for a few main criteria.
First, is it bright enough? For the purpose of this list, I wanted to make sure we are sticking with quality products with excellent performance, so dipping under 1,000 lumens is typically not a good decision.
Second, is it lightweight and noninvasive? This is an item you are going to be carrying everyday so the lighter and smaller it is the better, so long as it covers what you need.
You certainly don’t want a heavy or large flashlight if you are pocket carrying. Even if you are carrying in a daypack or briefcase, you still don’t want to waste weight and space on your flashlight, especially when it is not necessary.
Likewise if you are out on your ranch checking fences, whether it’s your pocket, pack, or saddle you don’t want a heavy light taking up space in it.
The final criteria to consider is durability and duration. You will want a well constructed and tough EDC flashlight with a lengthy runtime.
For most of us it is good to carry flashlights that can stand be dropped a few or more times and sometimes on surfaces like asphalt. I once dropped my EDC flashlight down 30ft of rock face in a national park, it still works fine.
On a side note, if you are using your EDC flashlight in a national park, it is good to have a light that can be adjusted to a low beam setting making it able to be used for many hours or even days if you need it to.
Sometimes it may be raining pretty hard when we need our flashlight, can your EDC light hold up to moisture or full submersion in water?
Durability and performance concerns can easily be answered by purchasing a rock solid EDC flashlight to begin with, something of high quality.
Below, I have compiled an excellent list of The Best and Brightest EDC Flashlights of 2022 to help remedy these very concerns. Let’s shed some light on them!
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The 9 Best EDC Flashlights of 2022
NITECORE i4000R
If you do in fact work in a tactical field such as security, law enforcement, etc. you may want to consider the NITECORE i4000R.
The NITECORE i4000R is made with tactical occupations in mind, and boasts the performance and accessories to prove it.
At 4400 lumens and 251 yards of beam throw, this flashlight is maybe the brightest on the list.
The impact resistance and all weather capability solve your durability question.
One of the cool bits of accoutrement is the NTH20 holster which fits belts up to 2.75”. Being able to attach your flashlight individually to your belt is awesome, and frees up pocket and pack space for other necessities.
My favorite feature of the NITECORE i4000R is it has multiple power options. You can charge the battery off a USB-C, use a rechargeable 5000mAh battery, or use 2x CR123s or 2x RCR123s with an included adapter sleeve.
This makes the NITECORE i4000R not just a great EDC flashlight, but a great carry flashlight for multi-day camping or hunting excursions.
The 4 different settings and strobe mode are excellent for charge conservation and emergency usage (strobe).
At 6.26” long and 1.28” in diameter and weighing 4.8oz it isn’t the smallest flashlight on the list, but it certainly won’t be an encumbrance on you as a very reliable EDC flashlight.
FEATURES & SPECS:
6.26” in length
4.8oz in weight
4400 lumens = maximum output
251 yards of beam throw
Rechargeable with USB-C
5000mAh rechargeable battery (included)
Adapter sleeve (included) for CR123 and RCR123 batteries
NTH20 belt holster fits up to 2.75” belts
Waterproof
4 settings and strobe mode
This flashlight very much resembles our first entry. They are both built with crossover capability between EDC tactical and multi-night outdoors expeditions.
The FENIX PD40R v2 is however a little higher on my personal list because it’s slightly more compact. At 5.4” in length and 4.13oz it shaves some length and weight from the NITECORE.
At 3000 max lumens and a 442 yard beam throw I don’t think we’re giving up much, if any, illumination capability.
The 4 settings are excellent for saving power, the FENIX PD40R v2 can run a whopping 88 hours on 30 lumens. The USB-C charging port accepts a 5V/2A adapter and recharges in three and a half hours.
Again, like our NITECORE entry, this flashlight comes with a rechargeable battery and an adapter for disposable batteries as well!
A standout feature that also makes the FENIX PD40R v2 a cut above is the charge indicator, which goes from constant green to flashing green to constant red to flashing red as the charge diminishes.
Perhaps my favorite feature of the FENIX PD40R v2 is the extra durability testing. As my flashlight dropping story might have indicated, I can be pretty hard on equipment; so the fact that they do multiple drop tests from 1.5 meters and submersion tests at 2 meters really reinforces confidence this is among the toughest EDC flashlights you can carry.
FEATURES & SPECS:
5.43” in length
4.13oz in weight
3000 lumens = maximum output
442 yard beam throw
Rechargeable with USB-C
5000 mAh rechargeable batteries (2) included
Adapter for disposable batteries included
Holster and clip point
Waterproof
Manual switch for setting
Charge indicator light
4 Settings and Strobe mode
Olight makes some of the best tactical and EDC flashlights on the market.
This updated version of the OLIGHT WARRIOR X PRO is equipped with all the modern bells and whistles, such as USB-C recharging capability and faster charge times, while improving the standard performance such as increasing illumination.
At 2250 maximum lumens it is the least luminous thus far on the list, but has the highest beam throw at 656 yards.
Much like our previous two entries the USB-C port is backed up by a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery (included).
At 5.87” in length, the OLIGHT WARRIOR X PRO passes one leg of the compact test, but at 8.43oz it is certainly our heaviest flashlight so far.
Carrying this half pound flashlight everyday may seem a bit much for some, but consider the upside. The reason the OLIGHT WARRIOR XPRO weighs so much is because it is constructed from IPX8-rated aluminum alloy.
Olight conducts their waterproofing and drop tests from 3 meters, so I think this flashlight means business in terms of durability.
Being equipped with a lanyard and holster, I don’t think the extra few ounces of weight overrule the absolute hard to kill nature of the OLIGHT WARRIOR X PRO.
FEATURES & SPECS:
5.87” in length
8.43oz in weight
2250 lumens = maximum output
656 yard of beam throw
Rechargeable with USB-C
5000mAh rechargeable battery included
Holster and clip point
Charge indicator vibration
IPX8 aluminum alloy construction
Serrated ring
Waterproof
Simply put, the SUREFIRE FURY is a finalist for toughest and most versatile EDC flashlight on the list.
SureFire has been making excelling lighting equipment since 1979, and is a major supplier of equipment to the United States Armed Forces.
The proprietary IntelliBeam technology allows for some really awesome features.
One is the seamless beam adjust, which allows you to grade the beam up or down from 15 to 1,500 lumens at max output.
The anodized aerospace aluminum body and O-ring seal makes the SUREFIRE FURY incredibly tough and waterproof, so much so that it passes the military-grade test; at up to 40 hours of run time, it’s also one of the most reliable EDC flashlights on the market.
At 1,500 lumens the SUREFIRE FURY produces a 350 yard beam throw. Just like our other entries, this flashlight is equipped with USB-C and battery power (rechargeable battery not included).
At 5.6” and 6.5oz this EDC flashlight is the right combination of capability in a compact size.
You cannot go wrong with this flashlight whether it’s your EDC in the city or you are a backcountry expedition leader.
FEATURES & SPECS:
5.6” in length
6.5oz in weight
15 to 1,500 lumens (IntelliBeam technology)
Anodized aerospace aluminum
O-Ring seal for waterproofing
Up to 40 hours of run time!
350 yard beam throw
Rechargeable with USB-C
Rechargeable 5000 mAh battery compatible (battery not included)
Serrated ring
Waterproof
Much like our previous entries, the STREAMLIGHT 88052 PROTAC HL is a compact and durable tactical flashlight that is ideal for EDC.
At 1,000 lumens on maximum output, this may have the least illumination capability on the list but is a worthy performer due to its construction and design.
The STREAMLIGHT 88052 PROTAC HL comes with three different settings including High/Strobe/Low, High Only, and Low/Medium/High, which not only allows for battery conservation (can be adjusted down to 35 lumens for maximum battery life), but the strobe mode is a great tactical feature which allows you to signal or disorient depending on your situation.
The type 2 Mil-Spec anodized aluminum construction is extremely light while maintaining durability.
The 240 yard beam throw at 1,000 lumens may be fairly short of what we’ve gotten used to, but this flashlight can also be adjusted down to 65 lumens at which point it can run for 20 hours and still throw a 58 yard beam!
The STREAMLIGHT 88052 PROTAC HL, like our previous selections, has the “dual fuel” technology; for recharging from the USB-C it will take about 7 hours. The battery has a half-life of 1000 recharges!
At six and a half inches in length and just over seven ounces, this is the second largest EDC flashlight we’ve considered.
My favorite feature is the self-adjusting battery cradle, which allows you to use multiple types and sizes of battery without them rattling around loosely inside the flashlight!
FEATURES & SPECS:
6.5” in length
7.2oz in weight
35 to 1,000 lumens
20 hours of runtime at 65 lumens
Self-adjusting battery cradle
Rechargeable via USB-C for “dual fuel”
240 yard beam throw at 1,000 lumens (58 yard at 65 lumens)
Anodized Mil-Spec aluminum
Water resistant
As I mentioned in our previous Olight selection, the company simply makes excellent EDC flashlights.
What will stand out to you about the BATON 3 PREMIUM EDITION is the incredible capability while being so small in size!
At just under 2.5” and a weight of 1.87oz this is easily one of the most noninvasive EDC flashlights you could own.
Despite the immense difference in size, OLIGHT has made sure the BATON 3 PREMIUM EDITION sacrifices nothing in performance. This little bundle of dynamite produces up to 1,200 lumens and has a beam throw just over 180 yards!
The performance for size factor alone is enough to make this EDC flashlight a finalist on your list, but my favorite feature is the versatile settings!
Boasting six different modes including strobe, the BATON 3 PREMIUM EDITION can operate at 1,200 lumens for up to 75 minutes or be adjusted all the way down to half a lumen for 20 days!
This kind of range of performance in such a small tool is one of the reasons OLIGHT is so well respected in the EDC flashlight community.
Just like our previous OLIGHT entry, the BATON 3 PREMIUM EDITION is constructed of IPX8 aluminum, drop tested at 1.5 meters, and submerged in 2 meters of water to ensure waterproofing.
This is one of my favorites on the list!
FEATURES & SPECS:
2.48” in length
1.87oz in weight
0.5-1,200 lumens (20 days of runtime to 75min)
Clip point
Rechargeable (battery and wireless charges included)
IPX8 aluminum alloy
Drop tested at 1.5 meters
Waterproof (tested at 2 meters)
Maximum 181 yards of beam throw
Sticking with the rechargeable theme, we get around to another selection from FENIX.
The PD36R has many of the same features as the PD40R, but the differences between them happen to fall in areas that matter.
The 1,600 max lumens are just over half of the PD40R, but the PD36R has an “eco mode” in which it can be adjusted down to 30 lumens for 115 hours!
This is 27 more hours of runtime at the same lumen output as the PD40R!
At 5.35” in length and 3oz in weight, the PD36R is more compact than it’s cousin as well.
Constructed with IPX68 aluminum this flashlight is drop tested at 1.5 meters and submerged at 2 meters to ensure durability and waterproofing.
The FENIX PD36R comes with a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery, a holster, and a spare O-ring for ensuring it’s performance remains at the highest level.
My favorite feature of this EDC flashlight is it’s low setting. 150 lumens for 26 hours is just excellent performance.
If you are in an emergency situation, knowing you have more than a full day of battery life while being able to emit 150 lumens is a major stress reliever and speaks to the FENIX PD36R’s dependability as a survivalist flashlight in addition to EDC excellence.
FEATURES & SPECS:
5.35” in length
3oz in weight
1,600 maximum lumens (30, 150,350,800,1600)
5 standard settings and 1 strobe mode
310 yard beam throw at maximum lumens
Eco mode runs 30 lumens for 115 hours!
Waterproof (spare o-ring)
Lanyard
Holster
Two-way clip point can be used for gear mounting
IPX68 Aluminum construction
In terms of tactical application with an EDC flashlight, it’s hard to top the SUREFIRE E2D DEFENDER ULTRA.
Not only is there sharp serration on the light end, but the tail cap is equipped with a serrated or “scalloped” ring as well.
Any non-weapon EDC item that can double as a weapon is automatically worth greater consideration. It makes sense considering SureFire’s reputation with the police and security community.
With the SUREFIRE E2D DEFENDER ULTRAA I recommend the dual output vs. the single output which offers you the ability to reduce the beam from a maximum of 1,000 lumens to 5, and increases the runtime to 63 hours!
This flashlight is designed specifically for EDC, it has a great stainless steel clip point and at 5.6” in length and 4.2oz in weight it is the perfect size for hip, pocket or pack.
The SUREFIRE E2D DEFENDER ULTRA is constructed from Mil-Spec anodized aluminum and is as tough as any on the list.
The beam throw is just under 220 yards and IPX7 construction mitigates moisture and adds water resistance.
The most major difference is that this flashlight is not dual charging capable, just traditional 123A lithium batteries. But if having USB capability is a non-issue for you, which for me it’s a take it or leave it, then it’s hard to pass up the SUREFIRE E2D DEFENDER ULTRA.
FEATURES & SPECS:
5.6” in length
4.2oz in weight
5 minimum output to 1,000 lumens maximum output
2.75 hours at maximum lumens to 63 hours at 5 lumens
Approximately 218 yards of beam throw
IPX7 moisture mitigation
Mil-Spec hard anodized aluminium
Scalloped “serrated” tail cap
I wanted to make sure we are covering all bases, and a quality budget flashlight that is also a worthy EDC flashlight is necessary.
Once again we are tapping Olight and the S2R II may be the best EDC flashlight under $100.
With a 1,150 lumen output a maximum and 147 yards of beam throw, you aren’t sacrificing much if anything in terms of illumination.
In terms of tech, you are not sacrificing anything at all.
The flashlight comes equipped with 5 settings and ranges from maximum lumens at 30 minutes of run time down to 0.5 lumens for up to 60 days! That’s right, days!
The OLIGHT S2R II is capable of running 3 times longer than any other flashlight on this list. I personally like the 100 hours at 15 lumens, perfect for a three day excursion.
The OLIGHT S2R II means business in terms of durability too, the drop rating is conducted at 1.5 meters and the waterproofing is tested with the industry standard 2 meter submersion.
At 3.9 inches and 3.4oz with a slim profile, this flashlight is incredibly small for its capability and allows it to be very non-invasive.
The 3200mAh rechargeable battery obviously performs with considerable durability being capable of sustaining half a lumen for sixty days, and the green, yellow, and red lights for charge indicator allow you to easily keep track of your battery’s current power level.
All in all the OLIGHT S2R II is an ideal EDC flashlight, and if it fulfills your needs it would be difficult to pass up.
FEATURES & SPECS:
3.9” in length
3.4oz in weight
0.5 lumens to 1,150 lumens at maximum output
Runtime: 30 min. at maximum lumens to 60 days at minimum lumens
IPX8 waterproofing at 2 meters
1.5 meter impact resistance
147 yards of beam throw
Lanyard and clip point
“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Each and every light on this list will serve you well as an EDC flashlight, and I encourage you to examine your routine lighting needs to know exactly which one will be the best selection.
If I were in an urban environment I might lean more toward considering tactical application for self defense, such as a scalloped or serrated ring or tail cap.
In the rural environment, my focus would be beam intensity and runtime settings.
No matter which of these quality EDC flashlights you choose, may it light your way brightly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky.
Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
He is a carpenter by trade.
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