EDC Flashlights: Why You Need One and How to Choose the Right One

EDC stands for everyday carry. An EDC flashlight is a small, portable light that you can carry with you wherever you are. It’s the perfect tool for illuminating your path in dark places, finding things in your bag, or reading in low light.

EDC flashlights are typically powered by batteries, which makes them easy to keep handy. Many models also feature a built-in clip, so you can attach it to your keychain or belt loop.

There are many different types of EDC flashlights available on the market today. Some of the more popular brands include Fenix, Nitecore, Olight, and Streamlight.

Why you need an EDC flashlight

An EDC flashlight is a necessary tool that everyone should have. Here are three reasons why you need an EDC flashlight:

  1. You never know when you'll need it. Whether you're looking for something in the dark or you need to signal for help, an EDC flashlight can be a lifesaver.
  2. It's inexpensive and easy to carry. An EDC flashlight is small and light enough to carry with you everywhere, so there's no excuse not to have one. Plus, they're usually very affordable.
  3. It could save your life. In an emergency, an EDC flashlight can help you find your way out of a dark building or signal for help. Having one could mean the difference between life and death.

The benefits of an EDC flashlight

An EDC flashlight is a versatile and handy tool that can be used in a variety of situations. Here are just a few of the benefits of owning an EDC flashlight:

  1. They're small and easy to carry: Unlike a traditional flashlight, an EDC flashlight is small and compact, making it easy to carry with you wherever you need it.
  2. They're helpful for emergencies: If the power cuts out or you find yourself in an emergency, having an EDC flashlight can make all the difference.
  3. You'll always have light when you need it: Whether you're trying to find your way in the dark or need to illuminate something in a dark space, an EDC flashlight will come in handy.

Different types of EDC flashlights

One type of EDC flashlight is a penlight. Penlights are small and can be carried in a pocket, making them ideal for everyday carry. They typically have a clip that attaches to a pocket, and some models have a built-in key chain loop. Penlights are often used by medical professionals to check pupils and throat damage.

Another type of EDC flashlight is the tactical flashlight. Tactical flashlights are designed for self-defense and are usually larger and more powerful than penlights. They often have features like an adjustable beam, adjustable strike bezel, and textured grip. Tactical flashlights can be attached to a belt or bag for easy access.

How to choose the right EDC flashlight for you

A few key factors to keep in mind when selecting the right EDC flashlight for you include size, weight, and light output.

Brightness

When it comes to finding the right flashlight, brightness is an incredibly crucial factor to consider. A flashlight that is too dim won't be of much use in emergencies, while a flashlight that is too bright can be difficult to control. The highest-quality flashlights strike a balance between these two extremes, providing enough light to see clearly without being so blinding that it's difficult to keep the beam focused on one area.

There are a few different ways to measure brightness in a flashlight. The most common unit of measurement is the lumen, which refers to the amount of light that is emitted by the source. Another way to measure brightness is through lux, which determines how much light is reaching the surface that you're trying to illuminate. When choosing a flashlight, it's imperative to look at both the lumen and lux ratings to get an idea of how bright the light will be.

Battery life

Your EDC flashlight is only as good as its battery life. If you're constantly having to replace batteries, it's not going to be a very reliable light. But what exactly is the battery life?

Battery life is the amount of time a battery can power a device before it needs to be recharged or replaced. This is typically measured in hours or days. For example, a flashlight with a battery life of 10 hours would need to have its batteries replaced or recharged after 10 hours of use.

There are a few factors that can affect battery life. These include the type of battery being used, the size of the battery, and the efficiency of the flashlight itself. In general, though, you can expect an LED flashlight to have better battery life than an incandescent one. This is because LEDs are more efficient, meaning they use less power overall.

Size and weight

An EDC flashlight is a small, lightweight flashlight that can be easily carried with you daily. These flashlights are typically no larger than 4 inches in length and weigh less than 5 ounces, making them easy to carry in your pocket or purse. While they may not be as powerful as some larger flashlights, EDC flashlights are more than adequate for most everyday tasks such as checking the oil in your car or finding your way around the house at night.

When choosing an EDC flashlight, it is wise to consider the size and weight of the flashlight. If you will be carrying the flashlight in your pocket, you will want to choose a smaller model that is lightweight and easy to carry. If you plan on keeping the flashlight in your purse or backpack, then size may not be as much of a concern.

Waterproofing and impact resistance

It is very crucial to choose a flashlight that is both waterproof and impact resistant.

Waterproofing will protect your flashlight from the elements, whether you are using it in the rain or dropping it in a puddle. Impact resistance is a must in case you drop your flashlight or it bumps into something harsh. A flashlight with both waterproofing and impact resistance will be able to withstand anything you throw at it.

Output modes

There are three primary output modes for an EDC flashlight: low, medium, and high.

The most common and useful output mode is low. Low settings on an EDC flashlight are usually between 5-25 lumens, which is more than enough light to see around in the dark without being too blinding. Medium output settings are usually between 50-200 lumens, and these are effective for temporary blindness or disorientation of an attacker. High output settings are generally 200+ lumens. These should only be used in emergencies where you need to signal for help or temporarily blind a large group of people.

Some EDC flashlights also have a strobe setting, which can be used to disorient or startle an attacker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an EDC flashlight is a worthy investment for anyone who wants to be prepared for anything. They are small, lightweight, and can be easily carried on your person at all times. There are many different types and models of EDC flashlights to choose from, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase.