Is your current, clunky flashlight just not cutting it for EDC anymore? Either it’s too big, the battery’s shot, or it lacks the features necessary to make it practical for everyday carry – doesn’t matter, here are 8 things to look for in your next model to make sure it goes the distance.
A Magnetic Tailcap
Some smaller EDC flashlights are made with magnetic tailcaps that allow for hands-free use whenever there is steel around – you can stick the tailcap on some shelves, a car hood, an HVAC system, ductwork, or just an appliance and enjoy use, hands-free.
A Reverse Pocket Clip
Specifically, a pocket clip that points away from the lens – this will allow you to clip the light to the visor of your cap, converting it into a sort of impromptu headlamp for hands-free use, anywhere, magnetic tailcap or no.
Negligent Discharge Protection
Some EDC flashlights feature special switches that don’t just turn on with the push of a button. You need to activate a specific sequence in order to turn the light on. While this extra step makes the light a little less intuitive to use, it helps prevent the light from turning on in your pocket or pack without you noticing, thereby preventing unforeseen dead batteries.
Multiple Brightness Settings
Any good EDC flashlight will offer multiple brightness settings, which are valuable for more than just the obvious reasons. Naturally you don’t need 1000 lumens to search through a slightly dark drawer, but on top of that, when you just need a little light, less is more, and the battery will last far, far longer as a result as well.
Waterproof Rating
Not all EDC flashlights are waterproof – just the good ones. And trust this anonymous post; it’s not “if” your light will get wet, it’s “when.” Forget about spills or accidents, too. Rain happens and if you’re outside enough, your light will get wet.
Durable Construction
Most EDC flashlights are made of heavy-duty, impact-resistant polymers or anodized aluminum and both are good. They’re lightweight, can handle impact and some even have drop ratings, and are just generally tough. You don’t want to pack a fragile flashlight for daily use, light plastic won’t cut it. You need a model that can stand up to the hard knocks.
Double Duty As a Power Bank
Though this is a relatively rare feature in EDC flashlights, there are some that can double as a power bank, and which have not only power inlets but outlets where you can reverse the flow from the battery. This can give you the ability to charge other small devices like phones, which can be highly valuable if you’re ever in need of a signal but your phone is dead.
Alternative Charge Methods
This is another relatively uncommon feature on EDC flashlights, but there are some that can be charged via integrated solar panels, or with hand cranks. Invariably these are also a little bit bulkier and heavier, but the ability to charge the light via alternative methods is a hedge against uncertainty in the field and helps ensure you’ll never be completely in the dark, figuratively and literally.
Where to Get Your Next EDC Flashlight
In the market for a new EDC flashlight to round out your pocket dump? Make your first stop online to CH KADELS and save yourself a longer trip. They carry a wide variety of emergency preparedness essentials so naturally their online catalog is well-stocked with flashlights.
Check out their collection and make sure you bookmark the page – they sell a lot more disaster preparedness supplies than just flashlights so you should have them on virtual speed dial.
