Ever been in a situation where you needed a flashlight but didn’t have one? Well, you’re not alone. It’s always good to carry a small light that doesn’t weigh you down or take up a lot of space. But what flashlights are best for purses, pockets, and packs?
Whether you need to light up your evening commute or see what rolled under the car seat, everyday carry and keychain flashlights and penlights are perfect for pockets and EDC accessories like messenger bags. Which type is best for you depends on your lighting needs, storage options, and preferences.
EDC Flashlight
EDC flashlights are the best option for convenient lighting. Their compact and lightweight builds fit easily into a pocket, backpack, or purse compartment, making them perfect for everyday carry. In addition, EDC flashlights come with varying brightness outputs to provide the ideal amount of light.
When looking for an EDC flashlight, consider the most important and practical features, such as a hidden charging port that protects the charging interface from dust and water. Other factors to think about include brightness level, size, weight, and lighting modes. For example, the Fenix PD36R is an EDC flashlight with five levels of light and a useful strobe for signaling others.
Some EDC flashlights have convenient carry options. For example, a small flashlight with a body clip can go on a hat brim, shirt collar, or belt for hands-free lighting. In addition, newer lights may have a magnetic base that attaches to metallic surfaces for easy use.
Keychain Flashlights
Keychain flashlights are small and lightweight, making them convenient for carrying on a keyring or sliding into a pocket. Many flashlights for keychains are USB-rechargeable and come with multiple brightness settings. Suppose you carry a pocket knife or multitool every day. In that case, a keychain flashlight is a perfect addition to your everyday carry.
When looking for the best flashlight for a keychain, consider extra features that can come in handy for everyday use. For instance, some compact flashlights that fit on a ring of keys double as power banks you can use to finish topping off a smartphone battery or charge a small device. This handy feature can prove indispensable in an emergency or if you encounter someone who needs to power their phone for a few minutes. Another keychain flashlight characteristic you may find useful is a tail cap that doubles as a flashlight diffuser.
Penlights
Penlights are the slimmest light option. They’re great for carrying in a pocket or purse because they can fit into small compartments.
Penlights have various handy features, such as multiple brightness levels and rechargeable batteries. Some also have a durable design that can withstand everyday use. Dual-purpose penlights are also great to have. These lights feature a pen on one end and a flashlight on the other. This form gives you two handy items in one sleek design.
When considering penlight power sources, you have two popular options: rechargeable and disposable. Disposable batteries are the most common penlight power source but require regular replacement. Rechargeable batteries are environmentally friendly, but you must charge them periodically to ensure you always have a convenient light available.
With so many types and styles of small lights available, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs. So whether you want a powerful light for illuminating dark areas on an evening walk or a small light for reading in low-light conditions, something that fits easily in a pocket, purse, or pack is perfect. So don’t be caught in the dark without a light — make sure you have one handy at all times!
