The 5 Best AA Flashlights in 2024 for Your Survival Kit

Do you often have to walk in dark places, like an empty parking lot to get to your car after work? In such situations, you tend to feel more than a little insecure and vulnerable. It is a good thing to have a source of light not only to help you see in the dark but also feel safer.

AA flashlights are a terrific tool to have whether it is for EDC or to pack with your outdoor gear. There are countless models available these days, all in varying shapes and sizes, so you can find the best AA flashlight for your style and needs.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER AN AA FLASHLIGHT

Having an AA flashlight with you at all times can be very useful. Here are 5 reasons you should consider buying an AA flashlight:

  • Compact and Portable: Although they are not as compact as keychain flashlights, AA flashlights are compact and lightweight enough to carry everywhere, everyday. You can carry it in your handbag or backpack without adding any weight to it, or put it in your car’s glove box. Having an AA flashlight allows you to have an easy-to-access light source whenever you need one as they are compact and portable.
  • Easily Available: While you will find many compact flashlights for EDC and backup for tactical ones, the availability of AA flashlights is what makes them a salient option for anyone looking for a small, portable source of light. You can find this type of flashlight everywhere, from grocery stores to gas stations. Any time you need one, all you have to do is run into a store and get one – no flashlight hunting needed!
  • Rechargeable Batteries: Are you tired of always replacing the batteries in your flashlight? Well, you never have to worry about that with AA flashlights. Nowadays, these types of flashlights use rechargeable AA batteries. Some even come with the more powerful lithium-ion batteries. When you notice your flashlight becoming slightly dim, all you have to do is recharge it. You can quickly get a performance boost without any hassles.
  • Saves Money: AA flashlights are not only easily available but also very affordable. Plus, as mentioned above, they come with rechargeable batteries, which can save you a lot of money in the long run – replacement batteries are often more expensive than the flashlight itself. When you press the button for an AA flashlight, you get a powerful and bright portable source of light without having to burn a hole in your pocket.
  • Fantastic for Emergencies: Because they are compact and lightweight, you can carry AA flashlights everywhere. You never know when you might be in an emergency situation where you need a source of light. When you have an AA flashlight, you are prepared for any situation and have a reliable light source within easy reach. It is especially handy when you do not have time to go through your survival kit to find your survival or tactical flashlight.
  • Provides Security: When you are walking in a dark path or any other place without light, you tend to feel unsafe and insecure. An AA flashlight is very useful in such situations. All you have to do is take out your flashlight from your handbag or pocket and you have a powerful source of light that instantly makes you feel safer and more secure. Plus you do not have to worry about tripping or stumbling in the dark and possibly injuring yourself when you have an AA flashlight around. That is not very fun!

As you can see, AA flashlights are an excellent tool to have for a number of reasons (not just to tell scary stories with!). Whether you need a compact and portable source of light for an EDC or backup for your survival flashlight, an AA flashlight should be on your shopping radar. In fact, you may want to buy two of them!

You might want to also check our best CR123A flashlights article.

THE TOP 10 AA FLAHSLIGHTS

 #1 FENIX LD22 FLASHLIGHT

EdisonBright Fenix LD22 2015 Edition 300 Lumen XP-G2 R5 LED Tactical Flashlight with Holster, Lanyard, Clip and Two AA Alkaline Batteries

Specifications:

Our Rating:(4.8/5)
Lumens:300 Lumens
Light Modes:4 b. leves, strobe, sos
# of Batteries:Two
Battery Duration:22h 30min (medium)
Weight:2.5 oz
Water Resistant:IPX-8

Pros:
(+) Lightweight and portable
(+) Made with quality materials for durability
(+) Easy and convenient operation
Cons:
(-) Quality of holster and lanyard could be better

Overview

The Fenix LD22 is a well-made AA flashlight with awesome specs and features. It is a 300-Lumen flashlight with Cree XP-G2 (R5) LED that lasts for 50,000 hours, giving you bright illumination when you need it most.

You get 4 brightness modes with this flashlight – Plus, Rapid, Strobe, and Hidden SOS. The push-button tail cap switch features momentary-on function as well as a side mode switch in the front so you can quickly and conveniently turn it on.

The Fenix LD22 also comes with a holster and lanyard so you can carry it any way you want to. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish and toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating for durability and toughness under any condition.

Conclusion

Although not much has changed from the previous version, the Fenix LD22 is still a fantastic model. We like the steel crown that this version has instead of the previous one’s notched top. This is a very bright AA flashlight that is built with high-grade materials to ensure durability. We like the fact that the Fenix LD22 uses standard AA batteries so we do not have to hunt for special batteries.

While the holster and lanyard quality could be improved, it is still a superb flashlight. After using it in water and being dropped and beat around, we found that it still worked well – it is definitely a tough little flashlight that you must get if you are in need of a compact, sturdy flashlight.

 #2 NITECORE MT2A

Nitecore MT2A 345 Lumens LED Flashlight w/Bonus Premium Holster - Use 2x AA Batteries

Specifications:

Our Rating:(4.7/5)
Lumens:345 Lumens
Light Modes:3 b. leves, strobe, sos
# of Batteries:Two
Battery Duration:12 h (medium)
Weight:2.36 oz
Water Resistant:IPX-8

Pros:
(+) Very bright with 345 Lumens
(+) Brightness is easy to adjust
(+) Made from light yet durable materials
Cons:
(-) Slightly tricky to insert batteries
(-) Pocket clip is a little loose

Overview

Considered one of the most popular products because the batteries it uses are easily available and it features various modes, the Nitecore MT2A is another superb choice for anyone looking for a small yet powerful AA flashlight. It uses 345-Lumen LED to give you optimum light whenever you need it.

Its focused beam reaches 166 yards and comes with 3 brightness modes along with Strobe and SOS. The aluminum reflector gives you a smooth, powerful beam each time you activate it. The Nitecore MT2A also comes with a Lumen Tactical Premium top cover loop holster for easy and convenient carrying. For a compact, waterproof and impact-resistant AA flashlight, there is nothing like the Nitecore MT2A.

Conclusion

The Nitecore MT2A is an impressive AA flashlight. It is bright, easy to use and carry and made of top-quality materials to make it sturdy and long-lasting. Unlike many flashlights out there, brightness levels are easy to adjust. We found that inserting batteries can be a little tricky but it is not a serious problem.

Also, the pocket clip on the flashlight sits quite loosely so you might want to be careful with that. All in all, we think that the Nitecore MT2A is a great AA flashlight and highly recommend it.

Check out our recommended 18650 Flashlights article.

 #3 STREAMLIGHT 88061 PROTAC

Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA Dual Fuel Professional Tactical Light - 350 Lumens

Specifications:

Our Rating:(4.6/5)
Lumens:350 Lumens
Light Modes:2 b. levels, strobe
# of Batteries:One
Battery Duration:14 h (low)
Weight:2.5 oz
Water Resistant:IPX-7

Pros:
(+) Easy to operate
(+) The durable anti-shock feature protects the lens from shattering
(+) Built for rough use and all types of conditions
Cons:
(-) Water resistance does not last very long

Overview

This ultra-compact, top-quality AA flashlight is another smart choice for anyone looking for a portable flashlight. The Streamlight 88061 ProTac is a 350-Lumen dual-fuel flashlight that uses one AA alkaline or AA lithium battery or one CR123A lithium battery.

This super-high flux C4 LED flashlight features a 20,000-hour lifetime and is water resistant and impervious to shock. It also features a multi-function, push-button tactical tail switch that allows you to operate momentary, variable intensity or strobe mode with one hand. The Streamlight 88061 ProTac, with its LED Solid State Power Regulation, gives you maximum light output as long as the battery lasts.

Conclusion

Because it is so easy to operate and super-bright, we think that the Streamlight 88061 ProTac is an excellent purchase. It is made of premium quality materials that ensure tough and durability. We also like the C4 LED that makes it resistant to any kind of impact.

Compact and lightweight, it is easy to carry everywhere, especially with the handy detachable clip that it comes with. While it says that it is water resistant, we found that this feature does not last very long, but then again, this is not such a major issue. If you are looking to buy a sturdy, durable and bright AA flashlight, you should definitely consider the Streamlight 88061 ProTac.

 #4 PELICAN 2360

Pelican 2360 LED Tactical Light, Black

Specifications:

Our Rating:(4.5/5)
Lumens:375 Lumens
Light Modes:High, strobe, low
# of Batteries:Two
Battery Duration:13 h (low)
Weight:4.6 oz
Water Resistant:IPX-8

Pros:
(+) Impact-resistant LED lamp module
(+) Non-slip textured body
(+) Push-button tail switch is easy to operate
Cons:
(-) Slightly more expensive than many other AA flashlights

Overview

This is another compact and lightweight LED flashlight that emits 95 Lumens with a runtime of 2 hours on 2 AA batteries. The Pelican 2360 has an aerospace-grade aluminum body with a textured exterior that prevents it from slipping from your hand. It is highly resistant to impact and built to last long. The push-button tail switch is designed for ease of use.

This AA flashlight comes with a removable two-way pocket clip that allows you to attach it to your pocket or hat brim. The Pelican 2360 AA flashlight is a well-made product that gives you bright illumination whether you are on your work site, in the wilderness or at home in the dark.

Conclusion

The Pelican 2360 is an impressive LED AA flashlight that gives you bright light whenever you need it. We like the textured body and impact-resistant lamp module that ensures great performance even in wet or slippery conditions.

We also like the easy-to-use push-button tail switch. Although it is a little more expensive than many of the other AA flashlights out there, we think that it is worth it.

Not only is it extremely bright, but the Pelican 2360 AA flashlight is also rugged and tough, making it an excellent choice for EDC, outdoor trips, emergency kits, and survival gear. If you are looking for a high-quality AA flashlight, you should give the Pelican 2360 a try.

Check out our selection of the highly-rated AA flashlights article here.

 #5 Lepro LED Tactical Flashlight LE3000

Specifications:

Our Rating:(4.5/5)
Lumens:900 Lumens on high
Light Modes:5 Modes
# of Batteries:One
Battery Duration:9 h (low-medium)
Weight:8.5 oz
Water Resistant:IPX-4

Pros:
(+) Very bright
(+) Compact and lightweight
Cons:
(-) Needs 4 AA batteries
(-) Overheats and affects the brightness

Overview

The Lepro LE3000 is a powerful and awesome-looking 200-Lumen AA flashlight. You get 3 brightness settings along with Strobe and SOS mode. The black finish gives it a stylish look while adding to its durability.

You get a mil-spec paracord lanyard that’ll easily slide onto your hand and secure the flashlight. Easy to use and extremely bright, the Lepro LE3000 is a compact yet powerful and durable AA flashlight.

Conclusion

Using LED lights, the Lepro LE3000 is a powerfully bright AA flashlight that is ideal for EDC as well as a backup for survival or tactical flashlights. It is tiny so we were surprised by how bright it is. It is also very solid, so it is sure to last quite a while.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

As you can see, there are many awesome AA flashlights you can buy whether you need one for EDC or emergency kits or outdoor adventures. They are bright, powerful and well-constructed with quality materials and best of all, they are available at prices that do not burn a hole in your pocket.

These compact flashlights are handy in all kinds of situations, from finding keyholes in the dark to making you feel more secure in unlit parking lots or alleys to providing illumination to light your path when you are out camping, hiking, and so forth. If you are looking for a portable light source to prepare you for any situation, you should purchase an AA flashlight.

It is that simple.

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