Whether you are an avid hunter or outdoor camper, an EDC flashlight should be the topmost priority for everyday use. Modern EDC is lightweight, powerful, water and impact-resistant. Consequently, EDCs have become an important tool to people for their versatile tactical and defensive capabilities.
Over the last few decades, I have used as many as 40+ EDC flashlights from popular brands such as Thrunite, Fenix, Nightcore, and Olight, and lesser-known EDC brands such as the Kootek and Gerber. This article will give you six of the best out there today.
 Top Pick | TrustFire Tactical Flashlight |
| $59   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | ThruNight T2 |
| $65   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Fenix TK16 V2.0 |
| $120   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Streamlight Wedge |
| $83   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Olight M2R Pro Warrior |
| $89   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Fenix LR35R |
| $200   Shop NowClick to read my review |
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Before providing the detailed review, let me cover other important things that you should also know. I’ll go over the basics of the EDC flashlights, thus it gives you a clear understanding of what you’re going to look for.
What is EDC Flashlight?
EDC stands for everyday carry. And an EDC flashlight is a torch that is lightweight, strong, and powerful. It is small enough to carry in your pocket or backpack and offers many adaptabilities. And lots of people are buying them. According to Persistent Market Research, a global firm specializing in business intelligence and data analytics, the global flashlight market is predicted to reach $8.2 billion by the end of 2025.
Different Parts of EDC Flashlights
These EDC torches are not technically complicated. Here are the basics:
- The Bezel It is the front part of the flashlight right where the lens is.
- The Head: It is the part that holds the LED, reflector, lens, and everything that makes the flashlight work. Many refer to it as LED housing.
- Battery Compartment: Yes, you already guessed it. No need to explain further.
- Tail Cap: The tail cap holds the battery in. Most edc flashlights have a tail switch making them more convenient and versatile to use.
Pocket Clip: There are two types of clip: one-way clip and two-way clip. A two-way clip provides more flexibility because you can clip the flashlight in your pocket in two directions: top-down or bottom-up.
What is Lumen in an EDC torch?
Lumen is the measurement of the intensity of lights coming out of flashlights per square meter. A higher number of lumen indicates brighter and intense light, whereas the lower lumen indicates the opposite.
One easy example to understand lumen is LED lights. Generally, a 12 watt LED lamp at your house radiates 800 lumens. Put simply; one LED watt is 90 lumen.
On the market, you can find flashlights with a lumen range of .50 to 4,000.
What are the general battery types for an EDC Flashlight?
The most common types of batteries are:
- AAA: AAA, also known as Triple-A, is the best-selling in the states due to its small size. These batteries are slimmer and widely available. You can get these as low as $.29 per battery. Some are also rechargeable. However, one disadvantage is that the charge may run out quickly.
- AA: This battery is similar to AAA but lasts longer and slightly more prominent. You can get these batteries as low as $.68. Rechargeable battery options are also available.
- CR123A: Famous for its small size yet higher power output, each battery starts at $2.49 per unit. You can also find rechargeable CR123A batteries.
- 18650 Battery: This battery, twice the length of CR123A, is popular due to its more extended power output and capacity. It retails around $4.3 and is completely rechargeable.
What is a good EDC Flashlight?
Well, there is no one-line answer for this. Each EDC flashlight is made uniquely – keeping certain types of scenarios and applications in mind. Therefore, before buying an EDC, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the look of the flashlight necessary or the performance?
- Is the flashlight easy to use and has versatility? For example, can I attach it to my cap, or do I need to hold it all day long?
- If I needed to use it in a self-defense situation, could I use it?
- What is my expectation of the flashlight performance?
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6 Best EDC Flashlight
Here’s a quick comparison of the products covered before we go to a more in-depth review of each. Note that all are rechargeable.
1. TrustFire Tactical Flashlight
If you are looking for a sturdier bright, yet small flashlight, then it is for you. It is only 4 inches in length and weighs just over 3 ounces with batteries. In this compact size, you get a pretty powerful flashlight. Max is 2,500 lumens. This is enough to give you a beam range of almost 1,200 feet. There are high, low, moonlight, and strobe settings too. My only gripe with this one is that I would love a middle setting around 300 lumens.
The casing is durable and it has an IP68 rating. This means you can drop this EDC flashlight from a height of 1 meter without any issues. It also means it is well protected from dust and water getting into the housing. It can be submerged for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 5 feet.
As with most other flashlights, it has a one-button quick mode switch. What this has that others lack is the strong magnet in the tail. You can easily attach this flashlight to anything metal. It also has a solid clip for attachment to belts, straps, and clothing.
It is powered by a rechargeable battery. The charging connector is magnetic ensuring there are no ports or fiddly rubber caps you have to deal with. Furthermore, it has a battery level indicator. The battery is strong enough to give you a 206 foot (75m) beam for 16 hours. You can also put it in moonlight mode and have a nice little nightlight in your tent for 1,000 hours.
- Water, impact, and scratch resistance
- Magnetic charging
- Strong beam
- No middle setting around 300 lumens
TrustFire Tactical Specs
| Max. Performance | 2500 Lumens |
| Beam Distance | 360 meters (1,181 feet) |
| Charger Type | Magnetic charging (Max 2A) |
| Powered By | 21700 5000 mah rechargable li-ion battery |
| Body Material | Aluminum Alloy Body |
| Runtime | Turbo: 2,500 lumens,, 360m, 168 minutes Strobe: Same High: 700 lumens, 128m, 3.9 hours Low: 160 lumens, 75m, 16 hours Moonlight: 3 lumens, 1,000 hours |
| Weight | 56.5g (2 oz) excluding battery |
| Length | 4.4 inches (112.5 mm) |
| Waterproof | Yes, IP68 level dust proof and waterproof |
| Battery Level Indicator | Yes |
| Clip | One way clip |
| Color Temperature | Neutral White LED |
2. ThruNight T2 Rechargeable Flashlight USB Type-C Fast Charging
For everyday use, nothing could be much better than ThruNight T2. It is small yet has a maximum output of 3757 lumens with a 158-meter beam distance. Extraordinary. Moreover, with its USB Type-C cable, you can quickly recharge it.
Another valuable feature of the T2 is its lock-out mode. Most importantly, it helps prevents accidental activation in your bag or pocket.
- Simple design and everyone can use it
- Lockout mode to stop accidental activation
- Long-lasting performance in medium mode
- Keeping turbo mode on for more than 10 mins may generate heat
ThruNight T2 Specs
| Max. Performance | 3757 Lumens |
| Beam Distance | 518 feet (158 meters) |
| Charger Type | Built-in Type - C USB Charger |
| Powered By | a rechargeable 5000mAh 21700 Lithium-Ion Battery |
| Body Material | Aluminum Alloy Body with seven different colors |
| Runtime | Turbo mode: 3757 Lumen -- 2 mins Strobe mode: 1450 Lumen -- 5 hours High mode: 1712 Lumen -- 3 mins Medium mode: 366 Lumen -- 7.5 hours Low mode: 30 Lumen -- 77 hours Firefly mode: .3 Lumen -- 69 days |
| Weight | 87 g (3.06 oz) |
| Length | 4.41 inches (112 mm) |
| Waterproof | Yes (2 meters or 6.56 feet water-resistant) |
| Battery Level Indicator | Yes. While charging Blue (>21%), Red (11-20%), Flashing Red (<10%). |
| Clip | One way clip |
| Color Temperature | Neutral White LED lights |
3. Fenix TK16 V2.0 Tactical Flashlight
The Fenix TK16 V2.0 features an impressive performance with its maximum capacity of 3100 lumens covering 380m. It is quick, versatile to operate with six different lighting modes, and has two tactical tail switches. Furthermore, if you have a specific preference for stainless steel body and versatility, it is made for you.
I love this Fenix model in particular because it has a powerful, lightweight, and simple design. It’s small in size, and its glass breaker ring on the lens makes it a defensive tool as well.
- Fantastic build quality with simple design
- Versatile and effective beam
- Provides consistent performance with long runtime
- Outstanding balance in output and have uniform all-side illumination
- The light green tint in low mode
- Don’t have many light options
Fenix TK16 Specs
| Max. Performance | 3100 Lumens |
| Beam Distance | 380 meters (1247 feet) |
| Charger Type | USB Charger |
| Powered By | 21700 rechargeable li-ion battery |
| Body Material | Stainless Steel |
| Runtime | Strobe mode: 3100 Lumen -- 2.40 hours covers 380m or 1247 ft Turbo mode: 3100 Lumen -- 2.40 hours covers 380m or 1247 ft High mode: 1000 Lumen -- 2.50 hours covers 220m or 722 ft Medium mode: 350 Lumen -- 8.20 hours covers 125m or 410 ft Low mode: 150 Lumen -- 19.10 hours covers 80m or 262 ft Eco mode: 30 Lumen -- 43.20 hours covers 40m or 131 ft |
| Weight | 112 g (3.95 oz) excluding battery |
| Length | 5.63 inches (143.0 mm) |
| Waterproof | Yes (6.56 feet or 2 meters water-resistant) |
| Battery Level Indicator | Yes |
| Clip | One way clip |
| Color Temperature | Neutral White LED lights |
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4. Streamlight Wedge 300 Lumens Slim Everyday Carry Flashlight
The Streamlight Wedge EDC is perfect for everyday light application due to specific reasons. First, its ergonomic efficient design offers high performance. Second, with almost the size of your pen, you can easily slide it down to your pocket for everyday use. Lastly, you can use either of the two modes:
- A 300-lumen 69 meters constant carry on a mode that runs for 3 hours or
- A 1,000 lumens with 110m beam with 35 seconds burst
I prefer this particular model over others because I can recharge it very quickly, and it provides stable long-lasting battery performance. Also, if I want to clip in my hat, I can do that as well. So, I am biased toward this model over all the other models with a similar price range and versatility.
- Rotatable Switch for mode change
- Straightforward design
- Recharges quickly
- Mainly built for light application and prolonged performance. So, not necessarily suitable for an emergency
Streamlight Wedge 300 Specs
| Max. Performance | 1,000 Lumens |
| Beam Distance | 110 meters (360.8 feet) |
| Charger Type | USB-C Fast Charger (Approximate full charging time 3 hours) |
| Powered By | a 1500mAh rechargeable Lithium-polymer Battery |
| Body Material | Aluminum Alloy Body |
| Runtime | THRO mode: 10000 lumen - with a 35-second burst Constant mode: 300 lumen - 3 h |
| Weight | 93.5 g (3.3 oz) |
| Length | 5.46 inches (138.68 mm) |
| Waterproof | Yes ( 1 meter or 3.28 feet water resistant) |
| Battery Level Indicator | Yes. (Green will illuminate for 5 seconds to show the battery has sufficient power. Steady red indicates the battery needs to be charged soon. Blinking red indicates the battery is depleted, and shutdown is imminent. ) |
| Clip | One-way clip |
| Color Temperature | Neutral White LED lights |
5. Olight M2R Pro Warrior
This slick-looking flashlight is the upgraded version of the Olight two-button tactical flashlight. It is one of my favorites due to its impressive long-distance (300 meters) and 1800 lumens comprehensive cover.
It has a firm-grip, easy-to-operate two tail options, and a battery level indicator. In addition, you can charge it quickly using the magnetic USB charging cable once the battery is dead. Just in case, if required, you can also use its crenelated bezel made from the aerospace-grade aluminum body as a powerful defensive tool.
Above all, Olight M2R Pro Warrior has a max performance of 1800 Lumen and covers a distance of 300 meters.
- Light in weight and durable due to the aluminum shell
- Versatile in performance due to two-way clip, dual switch options, battery level indicator, and runtime
- Quick Magnetic Charging
- It can work as a defense tool
- Only one light option
- Can get hot
- Difficult to follow the instruction manual
Olight M2R Pro Specs
| Max. Performance | 1800 Lumens |
| Beam Distance | 300 meters (984.3 feet) |
| Charger Type | MCC3 Magnetic USB Charging cable |
| Powered By | Customized 5000mAh 21700 rechargeable lithium battery |
| Body Material | Aluminum Alloy Body |
| Runtime | Level -1: 1800 Lumen -- 4.5 mins 750 Lumen -- 145 mins 250 Lumen -- 45 mins Level -2: 750 Lumen -- 2.20 hours 250 Lumen -- 40 mins Level -3: 250 Lumen -- 10 hours Level -4: 60 Lumen -- 40 hours Level -5: 15 Lumen -- 130 hours |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Length | 5.37 inches (136.50 mm) |
| Waterproof | Yes (1 meter or 3.28 feet water-resistant) |
| Battery Level Indicator | Yes (Green > 75%, 75% > Yellow > 30%, and Red < 30% ) |
| Clip | Two way clip |
| Color Temperature | Neutral White LED |
6. Fenix LR35R 10000 Lumen Rechargeable LED Flashlight
If you are looking for a flashlight with monstrous performance for quite an extended period, then this is built for you. A portable Fenix 10,000 Lumen flashlight has astounding performance, yet it is not bulky. In short, its beauty is its sheer performance capacity. It is about 5.5 inches in length and 2 inches head diameter. Thus, it is perfectly the size of your palm.
- Have complete lockout mode
- Have super high performance
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Nice to carry and straightforward to use
- Not ideal for an emergency
- Gets hot in high mode. Using gloves recommended
Fenix LR35R Specs
| Max. Performance | 10,000 Lumens |
| Beam Distance | 500.1 meters (1641 feet) |
| Charger Type | USB-C Fast Charger (Approximate full charging time 3.50 hours) |
| Powered By | a rechargeable 5000mAh 21700 Lithium-Ion Battery |
| Body Material | Aluminum Alloy Body |
| Runtime | Turbo mode: 10000 lumen - 1 hr 25 min High mode: 3000 lumen - 1 hr 35 min Medium mode: 1200 lumen - 3 hr 15 min Low mode: 450 lumen - 8 hr 20 min Eco mode: 50 lumen - 80 hr Strobe mode: 10000 lumen - 80 hr |
| Weight | 238.9 g (8.43 oz) |
| Length | 5.5 inches (139 mm) |
| Waterproof | Yes (6.56 feet or 2 meters water-resistant) |
| Battery Level Indicator | Yes. (Green Continuous - 100% - 85%, Green Flashing - 85% - 50%, Red Continuous - 50% - 25%, Red Flashing - 25% - 1%) |
| Clip | One way clip |
| Color Temperature | Neutral White LED lights |
Conclusion
To sum up, finding suitable EDC flashlights is not an easy task, especially when there are hundreds of flashlights in the market. Your options are almost endless. Hopefully, this list will help you narrow down your options.
These are all good flashlights for your EDC kit. If you put one of your many guns to my head I would recommend the TrustFire Tactical Flashlight. It is lightweight, versatile, and powerful. Especially taking price into consideration. My runner-up is the Fenix LR35R due to its extended period performance. As it provides 10,000 lumens for an extended period and is quite small, it is perfect for long-distance activities such as hiking or hunting.
Performance and versatility are the topmost factors for me when I buy these everyday carry flashlights. The other EDC mentioned also offer impressive performance and versatility, and you wouldn’t go much wrong with any of them. Make sure to share your experience with us in the comment section. Which one is your favorite EDC?
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