From tactical flashlights to EDC flashlights – having a reliable flashlight with you out in the wild can make a big difference to your outdoor adventures.
In this article, we look at some of the best waterproof flashlights out there for those times when you need some extra light in wet environments.
Best Waterproof Flashlight – Quick Picks
Much brighter than you would expect from a flashlight of this size, the Anker Super Bright Waterproof Flashlight is our pick for the best waterproof flashlight as it gives you more than enough light while still fitting comfortably in your pocket.
The J5 Tactical V1-PRO Waterproof Flashlight is a waterproof tactical flashlight that is tough, compact, almost indestructible and it looks awesome too!
This compact flashlight is fully waterproof and has a maximum output of 300 lumens and only needs one AA battery to work – and it comes in a twin pack.
Best Waterproof Flashlight: Full Reviews
The Anker Super Bright Waterproof Flashlight has a maximum output of 900 lumens with a beam distance of 660 feet (200 meters).
Long battery life of six hours makes it a good choice for a short trip into the wild.
It’s not only waterproof, but it’s also very tough and can withstand the inevitable knocks and bumps an outdoor adventure brings.
- Can stand on its end unsupported for use as a lamp
- 5 different light settings to choose from
- Fits comfortably in your pocket
5 different light modes are housed in a virtually indestructible, military-grade body.
The GearLight LED Tactical Waterproof Flashlight can handle drops from as high as ten feet and can also survive being fully submerged in water.
It even comes with a holster for easy carrying and protection.
- Comes in a pack of two so you always have a spare flashlight to hand
- Compact so fits nicely in your pocket
- Tough, military-grade body
The J5 Tactical V1-PRO Waterproof Flashlight is probably one of the toughest and coolest-looking flashlights out there.
It is a waterproof tactical flashlight that has a maximum output of 300 lumens so it is as bright as it is tough.
It has three light modes that you can use so it’s adaptable to different situations you may find yourself in.
- 3 light modes - high, low, and strobe
- Super tough tactical flashlight to withstand any outdoor adventure
- Compact and easy to grip body
This is bigger than other flashlights on the list.
It is mid-sized but extremely bright.
Despite its larger size, it still only needs three batteries to run and these will easily last you an entire night out in the wild.
- 5 light modes including an extra-bright SOS emergency function
- Long battery life
- Tough enough to survive a drop of ten feet and temporary submersion in water
Hausbell 7W Ultra Bright Mini LED Waterproof Flashlight
The Hausbell 7W Bright Mini LED Waterproof Flashlight is one of the smallest flashlights on this list.
t has a maximum output of 300 lumens and only needs one AA battery to work.
It may be small but it is tough, bright, and able to handle a dip in the water too.
- lighting modes to choose from
- Only requires a single AA battery to function
- Very compact design for easy storage
The brightest flashlights on this list with a maximum output of 1600 lumens.
The Wsiiroon 1600 Lumen XML-T6 Handhold Waterproof Flashlight is a tactical flashlight so can adapt to most outdoor environments.
As an added bonus, it comes in a pack of two so you always have two tough and reliable flashlights to hand.
- Zoomable light beam for a focussed view in the dark
- 5 light modes
- Super bright and comes in a pack of two for extra practicality
The Dorcy Battery Powered Floating LED Waterproof Flashlight might only emit 55 lumens but it is fully waterproof.
It is completely at home in the water and floats so you don’t need to worry if you accidentally drop it in the water.
It comes with a carabiner clip that attaches at one end for easy attachment to your belt or backpack.
- 8-hour battery life
- Fully waterproof and floats to help prevent losing it
- Carabiner clip attachment for practical and convenient storage
This is a large flashlight that is brightly colored and floats so will be difficult to lose in the water.
The Stanley Fatmax FL5W10 Waterproof Flashlight emits 520 lumens and is submersible up to six feet.
It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery meaning you don’t need to worry about buying spares to replace it, simply plug it in and it will recharge to full power again.
- 10-hour battery life from the rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- A tough and sturdy flashlight that floats in the water
- Large but light enough to carry comfortably
How to Choose a Waterproof Flashlight – Buying Guide
When looking to purchase the best waterproof flashlight, there are a few things to bear in mind to make sure you choose the right one for you.
Waterproof Rating
As you start seeing more and more flashlights, you will notice that not all waterproof flashlights have the same waterproof rating given to them.
These ratings will start with the letters IP and will be followed by two numbers. The higher the number after the letters, the higher level of waterproofing your flashlight will have.
The most common ratings for waterproof flashlights are IP65 which means it is a water-resistant flashlight and can handle rain showers. IP66 means it can withstand strong water jets e.g. longer, heavier rain showers. IP67 is the highest rating and it means your flashlight is submersible up to one meter with no damage being caused to it.
IP65 and IP66 are usually enough for most outdoor adventures. However, if you actually want to use your flashlight underwater, then IP67 will be needed.
Impact Resistance
Even though you want your flashlight to be able to withstand a rain shower or a quick dip in the lake, you will also want your flashlight to be drop-resistant so it can handle an impact as well.
When out in the wild, it is likely every piece of your kit, including your flashlight, will take a beating from time to time.
A good level of impact resistance means that a drop from a height onto a hard surface will not damage your flashlight.
Durability
A good flashlight is a long-lasting reliable flashlight.
As a lot of awesome flashlights are not cheap, it is important that they last as long as possible.
When choosing which waterproof flashlight to buy, you need to consider the manufacturer’s guide to how long it should stay working for.
Look at things such as LED lifespan, as well as recommended storage and maintenance instructions to make sure you are doing all you can to keep everything in full working order.
Features
There are many different features that you need to consider when choosing from the waterproof flashlights on this list.
The best waterproof flashlight for you will need to fit your needs better than all others. For example, some flashlights on this list have three light modes whereas others have five.
If you want more flexibility in your lighting then more modes might be beneficial to you.
You should also think about emergency lighting functions. These come in a few options such as an SOS light that pulses brightly helping rescuers to find your location. Some also have a strobe mode which is used for self-defense as it can daze and stagger an attacker enough for you to make a safe getaway.
Lumens
Lumens are the unit of measurement for how bright the beam of light from your flashlight is.
The higher the number of lumens, the brighter your flashlight will be.
Zoom
When out in the wild, sometimes you need to focus on one particular object or one particular point ahead of you.
Having a zoom function on your waterproof flashlight means that you can focus its light on a specific point helping you to see it better.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Waterproof Flashlight
Waterproof flashlights are a great addition to your outdoor kit.
The ones on this list are the ones we found to be the best. Take some time to go through all of our suggestions, compare their features, and see which one best fits your needs.
Finding good waterproof flashlights can be a challenge so hopefully, this list will help you find the right one for you.
