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Hunting flashlights are a piece of equipment that you don't realize how useful they are until you've been miles away from the truck without one. Most flashlights can help you find your way back in the dark, but they aren't always reliable enough for the unexpected turns that hunting frequently takes. For example, when you arrow a buck at dusk and need a strong flashlight to follow a pin drop blood trail. Flashlights can not only help you recover game and find your way back to camp, but they can also save your life in dire situations. Whether you're hunting on the farm or in the backcountry, I've compiled a list of the best hunting flashlights to ensure you don't get caught in the dark this hunting season.
Throw
The throw of a flashlight is the longest distance its beam can travel and is usually measured in meters. For example, if you have a 500-meter-rated flashlight and shine it at a barn 400 meters away, the beam should be visible on the barn. If you shine the same flashlight 600 meters away, the beam should weaken and disappear before it reaches the barn.
The throw distance is primarily determined by the intensity of your flashlight's beam. Spotlights have longer throws because their beams are more focused, whereas floodlights have shorter throws because their beams are wider. Many of the flashlights on this list allow users to switch between spotlights and floodlights.
Time to Run
Run time, or how long your light's battery will last, is measured in hours and minutes. The more lumens your light emits, the shorter its run time will be (and vice versa). A light with multiple brightness settings will have a variety of run time ratings.
Batteries As previously stated, know what type of battery your light requires and bring extras with you if necessary. Nobody wants to struggle through the woods at night as their flashlight's beam fades and fades. The CR123A battery is the most common on this list, but we've also included a few lights that use AAAs and 18650s. There are also a few lights with internal batteries that can be charged via USB, AC (wall charger), or 12-volt (car charger). If you're going hunting with one of these lights, bring a battery bank or an inverter to charge it.
Weatherproofing and durability
It's no secret that hunting is hard on your equipment. We made every effort to include products known for their durability and weather resistance when compiling this list. Nobody has time for a light that will flicker and go out after a few minutes of rain. You also don't want a light that will break if you drop it on a rock or drive over it. All of the products on this list were designed for the outdoors and should perform well in adverse conditions.
For a detailed explanation of IPX ratings, which determine how weather-resistant your flashlight is, click here. If you're hunting in a dry climate, you might be able to get away with an IPX4-rated light, but if you're hunting in a wet and humid climate, you'll want to bring something rated IPX6 or higher.
Weight
As an ultralight backpacker and backcountry hunter, I try to keep my pack as light as possible while still remaining comfortable. Heavy kits can cause sore knees, rolled ankles, and exhaustion. Why would we want to drag a heavy pack around all day if we need all the help we can get?
That is why, before purchasing a flashlight, you should consider its weight. Look for a light with enough lumens for your hunt and focus on models that are lightweight. A few ounces here and there might not seem like much, but they add up. Don't buy a heavier light than you need, especially if you're going to be covering a lot of ground in the backcountry.
Why do nighttime hunters use red flashlights?
Hunters use red flashlights at night for a variety of reasons. First, a low-level red light will shorten the time it takes for one's eyes to adjust from red light to darkness. Second, many animals cannot see red light and are less likely to be startled if they do.
What is the most durable flashlight?
The Black Diamond Cosmo headlamp has the longest battery life in my review. The Cosmo lasted well over four hours on its brightest setting. It lasted up to 24 hours in reserve mode while still on high, with even more run time on lower settings.
How many Lumens does a hunting flashlight require?
The amount of lumens required for a hunting flashlight should range between 200 and 600 at its brightest setting. Lower outputs will provide enough light for close-up work without blinding you.
Without a best hunting flashlights, it's difficult to hunt prey, so having a standard flashlight comes in handy. Hunting at night is always difficult, and coyotes and deer are sneaky animals that can be difficult to spot. There are numerous hunting flashlights available, but not all of them are effective predator lights. Based on our research, we've provided you with several options. But, in the end, the decision is yours to make based on your requirements. The devil is in the particulars. Before making a purchase, always read the product specifications. Read now to avoid later regrets or returns.
Pawel Dimitri
Hey, I’m Pawel Dimitri, creator of BestLEDLightReviews. I’ve been blogging and writing guides/reviews on lighting items for over five years now.
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