A flashlight is a useful but understated item to have around the house. Whether you’re heading out in the dark or packing an emergency kit, you need a flashlight.
Despite all the technological advancements made by humans, we are still unable to see in the dark. This is a pivotal accessory to have.
Wherever there is no source of light, it becomes difficult to see even our own hands. That’s why having a few flashlights around the house is so important because you never know when you might need them. You never know when power will go out – all that solar and wind power has damaged the electric grid but this is another topic. Either way, having power is not guaranteed.
A vital tool
Flashlights happen to be one of the most essential supplies in a bug-out bag or survival kit. Of course, food and water are important, but they are of not much use if you can’t see anything. Proper preparation and arrangements can often keep a small emergency from turning big.
Not many consider the importance of a survival kit. Emergencies don’t happen all the time, but there’s nothing better than being prepared for them.
If you live in a region prone to natural disasters (or in a mismanaged city like Chicago or New York), you have more reason to have a survival kit on hand. Whenever a natural disaster strikes, an emergency survival kit sustains you until help arrives.
Flashlights today are lightweight, compact, and more powerful. Mostly equipped with LEDs, they are not only bright but also have different modes to set the brightness of your choice. Most compact flashlights today come with batteries that can be recharged with a USB cable.
If you choose a rechargeable, waterproof, lightweight flashlight, it can last you for years. There are flashlights for as little as $10, and you can buy several of them and have them around the house.
ABOUT A STREAMLIGHT FLASHLIGHT
One of the oldest and most reputed flashlight manufacturing companies is Streamlight. Since 1973, Streamlight has been producing a variety of tactical and safety lights. Streamlight prides itself on being a company that learns from experience, so they have a better understanding of customer needs.
The hands-on experience makes them acutely aware of different flashlight needs, be it firefighting, low-light shooting, fishing, hunting, or other outdoor activities.
They aren’t just a bunch of people sitting around a room and designing impractical flashlights. It’s their hands-on, real-world experience that sets Streamlight apart from everyone else. They believe in what they produce.
There are a number of reasons why people choose Streamlight. One of the many reasons is the range of lighting tools they produce.
From handheld flashlights to head mounted lamps to laser products, this kind of variety isn’t available with any other supplier. Whether you need a flashlight for your hiking trip or a hands-free light for emergency purposes, Streamlight makes just the right tools for all your needs.
Streamlight has also pioneered flashlight design and technology, delivering the right tool for a wide range of applications. No matter what your purpose, it is easy to find a Streamlight lighting tool for the job.
They are lightweight, cost-effective, came in a variety of price ranges (and with tax cuts, things are much more affordable now), and also look stylish. Streamlight understands that with the right lighting tool, it is easier to complete the job faster and more efficiently.
The other reasons why Streamlight is so popular include the trust that the military places in the brand. Streamlight lighting tools have been used by law enforcement and armed forces for years, making the brand more reputed. This trust has also led to the brand’s growth across markets. No matter what your profession or purpose, Streamlight has the right lighting tool for you.
A valuable product
From homeowners to mechanics, military personnel, to industrial contractors (even your mother!), everyone trusts Streamlight for their uncompromising product quality, excellence, and accountability. Streamlight lights last long, are easy to use, and budget-friendly. The company holds over 150 US patents and over 100 US and foreign trademarks.
Now that we know what makes Streamlight so popular, let’s look at the top seven flashlights from the company that every survival enthusiast or outdoor lover should stock up on.
You might want to also check our best Fenix flashlights article.
Top 10 Survival Flashlights
1. TOP 7 STREAMLIGHT FLASHLIGHTS
Those who want a lightweight, compact and powerful flashlight for under $50 should look no further than the ProTac 1L, the newest addition to the Streamlight ProTac range. This everyday carry light requires only one lithium or alkaline battery but provides powerful brightness in all conditions.
There are three output modes, thanks to the Ten-Tap Programming. The high output mode is 350 lumens, the low output mode is 40 lumens, while the strobe light runs for three hours.
Although this is only 350 lumens, this tactical light is extremely bright with the latest in shock-proof power LED technology. The combination of size, output, and battery versatility result in one of the brightest and versatile everyday carry lights.
The flashlight comes with a durable, anodized aluminum construction, with a shock mounted, AR coated, impact-resistant borofloat glass lens.
The product is IPX7 waterproof to 1-meter for 30-minutes, and impact resistant up to two meters. The flashlight is only 4.25 inches long, and weighs between 2.5 and 2.8 ounces, depending upon the type of battery used.
Additional features of the flashlight include an anti-roll face cap, RoHS compliance, and removable, reversible pocket clip. The clip also attaches to a visor for hands-free use.
Conclusion on the Streamlight ProTac 1L: This lightweight affordable flashlight is good to have around the house as well as for survival purposes. Even though 350 lumens is the highest output, the flashlight is bright enough for all kinds of activities.
You don’t need it to watch an amazing movie though like Transformers, Sicario, Jason Bourne, or Logan Lucky though – your flat screen will do the job there!
Pros
- (+) Lightweight and compact
- (+) Sturdy durable build
- (+) Three different output modes
- (+) Works with both alkaline and lithium batteries
Cons
- (-) 350 lumens is the highest output
2. STREAMLIGHT 88040 PROTAC HL
This is the brightest flashlight on this list. It has a maximum capacity of 750 lumens, with the Ten-Tap Programming providing users with the choice of three user selectable programs.
C4 LED technology is resistant to shock and has a 50,000 hour lifetime. Like several Streamlight flashlights, the ProTac HL has a multi-function push-button tail switch for easy one-handed operation.
The body is made of durable anodized machined aircraft aluminum with O-ring sealed glass lens. The IPX7 rating makes the device waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes. The flashlight comes with two 3V CR123A lithium batteries and nylon holster.
Conclusion on the Streamlight 88040 ProTac HL: Those looking for a powerfully bright illumination shouldn’t hesitate to get the ProTac HL. With brilliant features and powerful performance, the Streamlight flashlight is capable of all tasks.
The 88040 ProTac HL owns the night! Rambo, Jack Bauer, if is good enough for them it should satisfy you!
Pros
- (+) Bright and portable
- (+) High visibility strobe
- (+) Durable and lightweight
- (+) Affordable
Cons
- (-) Drains battery fast
- (-) Not rechargeable
Check out our recommended Nitecore flashlights article.
3. STREAMLIGHT 75813 STINGER DS C4
This is an all-purpose flashlight designed to meet all lighting needs. The Stinger is a rechargeable flashlight with a C4 LED that provides three times the brightness of a regular LED.
Since there is no glass or filament, you have no fear of breaking the light and you hardly ever have to replace LEDs because they last a lifetime.
The body of the flashlight is made of durable and water-resistant materials, which facilitates use in extreme conditions. The Stinger is often used for outdoor use, law enforcement, fire and rescue, automotive, hardware, industrial, and home use.
The three modes of the flashlight are controlled by a dual-switch technology. The high mode is 350 lumens, the medium is 175, and the lowest mode is 85 lumens.
Other features are the multi-function on/off push-button switches located at the head and tail cap, microprocessor controlled intensity light modes, and also a strobe mode. Moreover, the flashlight is rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about running out of batteries.
Even though it costs more than a $100, this compact and extremely powerful Stinger (and this is not the Stinger that Bumblebee killed in Transformers 4!) is the best you can get in terms of power LED technology.
Conclusion on the Streamlight Stinger: This is an all-round flashlight great for use for all outdoor purposes. It’s lightweight and durable and powerful, worth every penny.
Pros
- (+) Handy and compact
- (+) Lightweight
- (+) Three modes, plus strobe
- (+) Easy to use
Cons
- (-) Expensive
4. STREAMLIGHT 74751 STRION
When you need the maximum illumination, consider the Streamlight Strion, which is a rechargeable, powerfully bright flashlight that provides up to 500 lumens with 200-meter of beam distance.
It has a multi-function push-button tail switch that lets you choose from three lighting modes (plus the strobe). The highest output is 500 lumens. The Medium mode provides 250 lumens, for two hours, while the Low output has 125 lumens for 3.5 hours.
The C4 LED technology has a 50,000 hour lifetime, and the Lithium-ion battery is rechargeable up to 1,000 times. The body of the flashlight is made of 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish, while the lens is made of Borofloat high-temperature glass.
The head has an anti-roll mechanism, which prevents the light from rolling away when you put the flashlight down. The IPX8 water-resistant rating means the flashlight is waterproof up to two meters. The device is also impact resistant. The flashlight comes with a clamp style charger holder with a digital control circuit that prevents overcharge.
Conclusion on the Streamlight 74751 Strion: At this price range, the Strion is one of the best flashlights in the market today. It is extremely bright and is lightweight enough for everyday use.
There is not one dark forest or desert this flashlight cannot handle.
Pros
- (+) Powerful 500 lumens
- (+) Four modes to choose from
- (+) C4 LED technology
- (+) Durable aircraft aluminum with anodized finish
Cons
- (-) Overheats after a while
- (-) Lasts only one hour at the maximum setting
Learn more about the best Surefire flashlights by clicking here.
5. STREAMLIGHT 88850 POLYTAC
The Streamlight PolyTac is ideal for those who seek different levels of output from the same flashlight. This product comes with three output levels: the highest is 275 lumens, with 195-meter beam distance and a 3-hour run time, the lowest is 14 lumens with a 65-hour run time, and the other is strobe for disorienting or signaling, with a 5.5-hour run time.
The PolyTac has high-impact, super-tough nylon polymer body for exceptional durability and an excellent grip, while the It is IPX7 waterproof rating means the flashlight can survive any type of weather. The glass lens is O-ring sealed.
The flashlight is equipped with the latest in power LED technology with a Ten-Tap programmable tail-switch for easy selection of one of three different settings.
The C4 LED technology is shock resistant up to 50,000 hours, the parabolic reflector producing a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination. The flashlight is powered by two 3-volt lithium batteries, and also comes with a removable pocket clip.
Conclusion on the Streamlight 88850 PolyTac: For under $50, this is one of the most compact flashlights by Streamlight. You can use it for everyday carry or as a backup light.
Pros
- (+) Small and compact
- (+) Lightweight, with a durable body and lens
- (+) 250 lumens of output
- (+) Waterproof
Cons
- (-) Not rechargeable
6. STREAMLIGHT 66118 STYLUS PRO LED PENLIGHT
Flashlights used to be big and heavy back in the day but not anymore. They are getting smaller, lighter, and more compact by the day. A flashlight can be as small as the size of a keychain.
Although such small flashlights will not be effective for self-defense or driving away wild animals, they can compensate for the absence of any other light source in emergencies. One such tiny flashlight is the Streamlight Stylus Pro LED PenLight, which, as the name suggests, is the size of a pen.
This alkaline battery powered flashlight has the maximum capacity of 90 lumens, which is sufficient for lowlight tasks. The product is made of abrasion and corrosion-resistant anodized aircraft aluminum with unbreakable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens. The product is IPX4 water resistant.
The flashlight is about the size of a marker and conveniently fits in the pocket, with the removable pocket clip keeping it in place. The white C4 LED delivers 90 lumens for 6.5 hours. The push button tail switch facilitates easy operation. The flashlight accepts alkaline batteries, as well as a rechargeable NiMH battery. The flashlight weighs a mere 1.64 ounces.
Conclusion on the Streamlight Stylus Pro LED PenLight: This lightweight pocket-sized flashlight is ideal for low light purposes. It is affordable, small, and great to use a backup light.
Pros
- (+) Convenient size
- (+) Lightweight and compact
- (+) Water resistant
- (+) Ideal for low light tasks
Cons
- (-) Not suitable for heavy duty tasks
We recommend checking our top Coast flashlights article.
7. STREAMLIGHT MICROSTREAM
The Streamlight MicroStream is a compact LED flashlight designed for convenient use. It comes with a push-button tail cap switch, momentary or constant on operation, and powerful brightness and runtime.
This single alkaline battery-powered light has an aluminum body with Type II Military Spec anodizing, which keeps the flashlight abrasion resistant, durable, and lightweight.
The flashlight uses C4 LED technology for extreme brightness, with a 30,000 hour lifetime. The highest output is of 45 lumens with a beam distance of 52 meters.
This flashlight is great for low light tasks, but it is too bright for purposes like conducting pupil checks on patients. The product is so light that you forget it’s in your pocket.
It is smaller than a pen, and the only problem is that you might end up losing it because of its size. If you have always only owned expensive flashlights, you will be surprised at how powerful this one is at only $17.
It doesn’t last forever because it runs on AAA batteries, but you can just pop another in if it dies. The flashlight also comes with a two-way clip that can be used for both the pocket and a hat.
Conclusion on the Streamlight MicroStream: The MicroStream is one of the most popular products of Streamlight, and it isn’t without reason. Despite the size, this flashlight delivers a powerful performance, with a brightness that lasts for hours. Even though it isn’t rechargeable, you can easily replace the battery and make it work like new again.
If you could only do the same thing to your toothbrush, car, or laptop!
Pros
- (+) Tiny but powerful
- (+) Inexpensive
- (+) Bright light
- (+) Convenient to use and carry
Cons
- (-) Not rechargeable
- (-) Not ideal for heavy duty tasks
Check out our selection of the highly-rated Olight flashlights article by clicking here.
FINAL POINTS
Flashlights come in various forms. You could get a standard flashlight with more than 700 lumens for heavy duty tasks, or a tiny penlight for low light tasks. The bottom line, you can never have enough flashlights (you should have one or two for each room in your home and one or two in your car). Even if you aren’t a flashlight junkie, having multiple of these small capable tools can bail you out during an emergency.
