March 28, 2024
EDC flashlight
Get insights on how to make the most use of your EDC flashlight in the Outdoors. Find out all the exciting features EDC lights make available to you

Do I need an EDC flashlight for outdoor survival?

It depends. Do you have night vision? NO? Me neither, so you absolutely need a powerful flashlight for outdoor survival. There is no question whether or not you need a flashlight with you when you are braving the outdoors, but having one that is too bulky just might do more harm than good.

It does not get better than an EDC flashlight if you are looking for a handy, portable survival flashlight.

But there’s more to owning an EDC torch than light packing. Let’s find out!

Features of an EDC Flashlight that make it ideal for outdoor survival

Whether you are backpacking, mountain, rock or ice climbing, hunting, or just camping outdoors with family and friends, there are a few things you do not want missing in your survival kit, a walkie-talkie, a compass, a map, and a flashlight.

The same way you can not go with a run-off-the-mill communications radio is the same way you must be particular and intentional about your choice of flashlight.

To be considered a proper survival flashlight, your choice of EDC flashlight must satisfy the following conditions, check out https://www.gofastandlight.com/best-flashlights/ to see examples of model flashlights that meet these conditions.

Portability

You are going outdoors, not relocating. So you do not have the luxury to pack all you want, just what you need. This means prioritizing space and going only with essentials. The last thing you want to worry about is a flashlight that sticks out like a sore thumb.

This is where EDC torches join the fray. With some no longer than your index finger, their small size makes them very easy to pack.

Durability

You are pitting yourself against mother nature and whatever she might throw at you. Sometimes you might find yourself running through the woods or falling down a bush path. Whatever hurdles you might face, you need your equipment to fall off, shake off the dirt and keep working.

One thing you don’t want to worry about is having your only light source fail you and leave you stranded in the dark of the night. Lucky for you, EDC lights are built tough as nails; their small compact bodies are engineered to take whatever you throw at them.

Brightness

You might be wondering what the fuss is about. You could just take your iPhone; the flashlight is pretty bright. Maybe, but there is too much at stake for pretty bright to be good enough when you are outdoors.

The iPhone X, on its highest setting, has a maximum output of about 50 lumens. On the other hand, EDC torch lights have an average of 300-500 lumens, with some having as many as 1,000!

Power

Power is not so important when you are home or near a civilization. You can easily replace batteries or charge the flashlight. But when you are outdoors, mother nature has no sockets. And you have a limited supply of batteries, so you do not want to run through them on your first day or week of expedition.

What you need to light your way in the dark are EDC lights with adjustable brightness to manage the battery charge, torches that can be powered with both AC, DC, and solar energies so you can always be on the move.

Design

The design of these everyday carry touches enhances their usability. Some of these torches have textured grips that ensure they don’t slip off when you hold them. Some come with clips for easy fastening and others with magnetic bases for hands-free use,

FAQs

Can a flashlight really start a fire?

Yes, a flashlight can start a fire. If it can at all and how easy it would depend on the intensity of the light and having a high-efficiency reflector installed. Any flashlight that ticks both boxes would more likely than not be able to start a fire.

How long can a flashlight last?

How long a flashlight would last depends on several factors. These include but are not limited to the following:

  • The battery type (AA, AAA, CR123a, C, d, etc.)
  • The material the battery is made from and also the quality (Lithium, Alkaline, Zinc Chloride, etc.)
  • The different light settings available on the torch
  • The flashlight’s battery voltage regulation
  • Number of batteries that power the torch
  • The torch’s brightness (measured in lumens)
  • Amount of power the flashlight draws

On average, it is estimated that a low lumen flashlight under 60 lumens will run for 15 to 25 hours. A flashlight with 60 to 160 lumens will last between 5 and 13 hours. And you can only get about 3 to 9 hours run time on a headlamp or high lumen flashlight delivering an output of over 140 lumens.

SaltLife.com