10 Of The Best Hiking Flashlights You Cannot Miss 2023

Are you looking for the best hiking flashlight for your next wilderness adventure?

Look no further! Finding the best hiking flashlights can be a complete game changer.

Whether you are embarking on the best wildflower hikes in Colorado and want to get an early morning start or you are going on an overnight backpacking trip in the backcountry, finding the best hiking flashlight will definitely come in handy during your outdoor adventures.

As frequent hikers, we love hitting the trails early in the morning to beat the crowds, so having one of the best hiking flashlights helps us stay safe while hiking as the sun comes up.

We do hours of research when it comes to each piece of our hiking gear and pride ourselves on finding the best equipment on the market!

Continue reading below to discover the ultimate list of the best hiking flashlights for your next outdoor adventure!

Trekking Price’s contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.

Don’t have time to read the entire article? Check out our top 3 picks below!

Our Top 3 Picks for The Best Hiking Flashlights:

🌟 #1 Pick: ThruNite Archer 2A V3

• 500 lumens
• 5 different light mode options
• Great price

👉🏼 Get your ThruNite Archer 2A V3 here!

⭐️ #2 Pick: LEDLENSER MT10 Flashlight

• 1,000 lumens
• 3 different light modes
• 7 year warranty!

👉🏼 Check out this link to grab your very own LEDLENSER MT10 Flashlight!

⭐️ #3 Pick: Fenix PD36R

• 1,600 lumens
• Rechargeable
• 280+ beam distance

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to get your Fenix PD36R today!

The Best Hiking Flashlights:

1. ThruNite Archer 2A V3 – Overall Best Small Flashlight for Hiking

ThruNite is another exceptional flashlight brand that is known for their quality products and thoughtfully crafted flashlights and batteries. 

Pros:

This flashlight was designed to be small and lightweight which is great for a hiking flashlight. 

Another feature that we rave about is the dual buttons that were created to turn on the flashlight and to turn off the flashlight.

We love that ThruNite specifically designed this flashlight with thoughtful buttons so that you never accidentally turn the flashlight off/on when you are not wanting to. 

Another characteristic that we are very fond of is that this flashlight puts out 500 lumens and the beam distance is 93 meters.

These are both excellent for hiking and spending time in the great outdoors. 

Additionally, we love that this flashlight has 5 different light modes to choose from including various brightness levels and a strobe option. 

Lastly, we would be remiss if we did not talk about the awesome price of this flashlight.

We love that this product is right around $25 which is truly incredible for the different features, brightness, and compactness. 

Cons: 

This battery is charged by 2 AA batteries that are not included with the purchase of this flashlight.

This is not necessarily a huge con but it is important to note that you will have to buy batteries separately and that this flashlight is not considered to be rechargeable and requires you to buy batteries every time the juice runs out. 

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to grab your very own ThruNite Archer 2A V3!

2. LEDLENSER MT10 Flashlight – Best LED Flashlight

The Ledlenser brand prides itself on making a variety of high quality lighting products such as headlamps, flashlights, floodlights, lanterns, and so much more!

Pros:

We love that this flashlight puts out 1000 lumens which is super bright and really enhances the things around you.

Another feature that we love about this flashlight is that it comes with 3 different lighting modes including normal, low, and strobe feature.

This is great for those looking for several options!

A huge characteristic that stands out with this flashlight is its immense 7 year warranty guarantee in case you need to get your flashlight fixed or you need a replacement.

Additionally, we love that this flashlight is made to last a long time and that it is rechargeable. Both of these features are nice for extended usage!

Lastly, we love that there is a lock feature on this flashlight that prevents the flashlight from accidentally being turned on.

This is great for hiking and backpacking adventures because you will most likely be transporting your flashlight in your backpack filled with other belongings. 

Cons:

This flashlight is right around $90 which is pretty costly especially for those looking for a flashlight to use while hiking.

However, for the price, it does come with some truly awesome features and characteristics.

Plus, it comes with a great 7 year warranty!

Another con is that many people say that when this flashlight is used on the highest setting that it gets really hot while in use.

👉🏼 Click here to get your own LEDLENSER MT10 Flashlight today!

3. Fenix PD36R – Best Fenix Flashlight 

Fenix is a highly recognized and appreciated flashlight, headlamp, and lantern brand that is known for creating a variety of quality products.

The Fenix PD36R is an incredible flashlight and an excellent option to bring on a hike or backpacking excursion.

Pros:

This flashlight puts out maximum lumens of 1600 which is super bright for a small handheld flashlight.

We love that the beam distance of this flashlight is 283 meters which can reach quite a far distance. 

Another feature that we adore about this flashlight is that it’s rechargeable! This is super nice for those looking for a flashlight that they will gain several years of use out of.

Cons:

This flashlight is roughly $100 which is pretty pricey for a small handheld flashlight that you will be using in the great outdoors. 

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your Fenix PD36R today!

4. Nitecore Thumb 85 – Best Nitecore Flashlight

The Nitecore Thumb 85 is a phenomenal option for those looking for a lightweight and extremely portable hiking flashlight option. 

Pros:

We love that this flashlight is designed to be extremely lightweight and portable.

In fact, this flashlight comes with a keychain so it can easily strap onto your belt buckle or backpack for easy access and carrying!

Another feature that we adore about this flashlight is that it comes with 3 different brightness levels.

This is a great option for those looking to shine their flashlight on different surfaces without always having to use the highest lumen option.

Additionally, this flashlight is rechargeable which is nice for those looking for rechargeable option.

Furthermore, we love that this flashlight comes with a red light feature. This is great for looking at things during nighttime and for navigating. 

Lastly, this flashlight is right around $20 which is incredible for all of the features and characteristics.

 

Cons:

This flashlight only gets to 85 lumens of light which is bright for the size but is not necessarily the “best” amount of lumens for navigating the wilderness at night time. 

👉🏼 Click here to get your own Nitecore Thumb 85 flashlight!

5. Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight

Another great option for an affordable hiking flashlight is the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight.

Pros:

This flashlight puts off 900 lumen which is excellent for putting off an immense amount of light and brightness. 

Furthermore, we love that this flashlight is right around $30 which is a great price for an outdoor flashlight that is meant to withstand inclement weather.

Cons:

This flashlight prides itself on being rechargeable but many people complain that the charging cable is not the best and that the charging process can be rather strenuous.

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to get your own Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight!

6. GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight 2 Pack

The GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight 2 pack is an excellent option for those searching for an inexpensive multipack flashlight option for their next hiking excursion. 

Pros:

These flashlights have 5 different light modes which are awesome for different settings. 

Additionally, we love that these flashlights are built to sustain weather and are crafted to be able to withstand being dropped.

This is awesome for those searching for an excellent outdoor flashlight to use while hiking in case you drop your flashlight or experience inclement weather. 

Furthermore, this pack of flashlights can typically be purchased for $15-$30 which is phenomenal for a pack of 2!

Cons:

Many people have complained that these flashlights are not overly bright which can be a big con when using them in the wilderness.

However, many people recommended this flashlight as the best flashlight for home.

👉🏼 Check out this link to grab your very own GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight 2 Pack today!

7. Olight Seeker 3 Pro

The Olight Seeker 3 Pro is a high performance flashlight designed for outdoor adventures such as camping, hiking, and backpacking!

Pros:

This flashlight is definitely designed to put out some light and has an output of 4,200 lumens and a beam distance of 250 meters.

Another excellent feature about the Olight Seeker 3 is the rotating knob on the flashlight that was created to help you quickly and easily adjust the brightness settings of the flashlight.

This flashlight comes with 5 different light modes so that you can select how much brightness you would like!

Additionally, we love that this flashlight is rechargeable which is excellent for extended use.

Cons:

This flashlight is about $140 which is very costly for an outdoor recreation flashlight.

Many people argue for the expensive price that this flashlight does not perform to the highest standards and that some of the functions can faulty from time to time such as the power button.

👉🏼 Click here to order your Olight Seeker 3 Pro flashlight!

8. Streamlight 88065 Protac

Another excellent option for a hiking flashlight is the Streamlight 88065 Protac. This flashlight comes with a high lumen, is light, and is waterproof.

Pros:

We love that this flashlight has an output of 1000 lumen which is a super bright capability for a small hiking flashlight. 

Additionally, we love the specific design of the flashlight along with its carefully crafted material which allows for it to be waterproof for up to 2 meters of water. 

Another feature that is unique to this flashlight that we adore is the pocket clip.

This is an excellent addition for those looking to store their flashlight on their hip or connected to their pocket so they can quickly and easily access this flashlight.

Cons:

Many people have complained that this flashlight can get pretty hot after long usage.

Additionally, many people have complained that the light is not very white but rather it is more of a yellowish color.

This could be annoying for some that are looking for a bright white LEDish type lighting.

Lastly, this flashlight is right around $80 which is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to hiking flashlights. 

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to order your Streamlight 88065 Protac!

9. Imalent LD70

The Imalent LD70 is a small and compact flashlight that is excellent for backpacking and hiking adventures. 

Pros:

We love that this flashlight comes in a variety of colors including black, blue, green, and gold. This is awesome for individuals looking for a specific color or look!

This flashlight is made for really lighting up your surroundings and puts out 4,000 lumens. 

Additionally, we love the rechargeable design which is awesome for those looking for a rechargeable flashlight.

Lastly, this flashlight is roughly $60 which is excellent for the compactness, portableness, and the amount of lumens that it puts out!

Cons:

Many people have complained that the magnetic charging cable is not the best and does not attach perfectly. 

Additionally, the battery life of this flashlight is not the best and it seems to die relatively fast compared to other hiking flashlights on the market.

This can be super annoying for those looking to go on multiple day hiking adventures and need to use a flashlight for extended use without being able to recharge it while in the wilderness.

👉🏼 Check out this link to get your Imalent LD70 flashlight today!

🎁 Bonus: #10 Gearlight LED Head Lamp – Pack of 2 – Best Headlamp for Hiking

Headlamps are an absolute game changer when it comes to exploring the wilderness at night!

The Gearlight LED Head Lamp – Pack of 2 is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable multipack option for your next outdoor adventures. 

Pros:

You can typically get this pack of 2 for right around $10-$30 depending on if they are on sale or regularly priced!

This is such a great price for a multipack that was created specifically for outdoor use.

Additionally, we love that these headlamps come with 7 different lighting modes that you can choose from.

This is great for all different types of scenarios and scenery!

Furthermore, we love that these headlamps are lightweight because it allows for your head not to feel super heavy with your headlamp on and it allows you to carry your headlamp in your gear without adding too much weight to your pack!

Lastly, we love that these headlamps were created to withstand inclement weather such as rain and snow.

This is great for those unexpected storms that pop up while outdoors. 

Cons:

These headlamps pride themselves for having a long battery life.

However, these headlamps tend to burn through batteries pretty quickly and many people recommend bringing an extra set of batteries with you if you plan on using your headlamp for long periods of time or multiple days in a row!

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to grab your own GearLight LED Head Lamp Pack of 2!

What is the Difference: Flashlight vs. Headlamp

There is quite a difference between a flashlight and a headlamp.

For starters, headlamps were designed to be worn on your forehead or on your hat.

This way your hands are free and you do not have to constantly hold up a flashlight in your hand. 

Another reason that flashlights and headlamps are different is that headlamps typically have a lower lumen and beam distance.

Typically, headlamps are meant to provide light to a closer up area than a flashlight. 

Best Flashlight Brands:

There are countless flashlight brands on the market. We believe some of the best flashlight brands are Fenix and NiteThru.

Both of these brands create high quality products that are designed for specific purposes and functions in mind. 

We strongly recommend these two brands as they have created some of the best hiking flashlights on the market!

Things to Take into Consideration When Purchasing the Best Hiking Flashlights:

There are countless characteristics to consider when purchasing the best hiking flashlights.

Below you’ll find our top points to consider when buying a hiking flashlight including things like price, size, lumens, and more!

✅ Price

As with any type of outdoor adventure gear, make sure to consider the price of the equipment!

Many times we have found that investing in good quality pieces of gear and equipment, allow you to get several years of use out of it.

However, if you are just starting out in the hiking or backpacking world… we totally understand buying less expensive gear and equipment until you really decide that you are passionate about the hobby! 

Do what’s best for you and what fits your budget the best. 

✅ Size and Weight

Size and weight are another two huge factors to consider when purchasing the best hiking flashlight!

Afterall, you will be taking this flashlight with you on a hike which tend to be quite a few miles in distance… you will want to make sure that the flashlight is small enough to fit into your backpack and does not weigh too much so that you are not carrying excess weight!

✅ Lumens

Lumens are what determines how much light is transferred from a flashlight. It is considered the “brightness” a flashlight gives!

That said, the bigger the lumen number… the brighter the light!

You will want to make sure that you consider purchasing a flashlight with a high lumen number because after all, you will be using this flashlight on a hike in the wilderness so you will want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable while out in the woods. 

✅ Type of Battery

Another feature that you will want to consider is the type of battery that the flashlight takes.

This is helpful to know so that you know what batteries to purchase.

Additionally, some flashlights come with rechargeable batteries which is such a bonus so that you do not have to keep purchasing batteries over and over again when they run out of juice.

✅ Different Light Modes

The best hiking flashlights tend to have various light modes and each one is designed with a specific purpose.

You will want to read and consider which light modes you think are necessary for your hiking flashlight.

Some light modes that come with flashlights include regular light mode, strobe lights, red lights, and many others!

FAQ’s About The Best Hiking Flashlights:

How many lumens do you need for a hiking flashlight?

We believe the best hiking flashlights typically have at least 200-300 lumens. However, this totally depends on you and your brightness preference. 

Why do hikers use red light?

Red light is an excellent function to use at nighttime.

It allows for your eyes to more quickly adjust to night vision because the red light is not as distinct as normal white or yellow light.

We hope this article on the best hiking flashlight helps you choose the best flashlight for you and your needs!

For similar posts, be sure to check out 11 of The Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters and 15 Best Energy Bars for Hiking 2023. Happy Hiking!