What is an EDC Flashlight?
An EDC flashlight is an abbreviation for Everyday Carry flashlight. These flashlights are usually lightweight, compact, and offer enough functionality for, you guessed it, everyday use.
Who needs an EDC light? You might be asking. The answer is EVERYBODY. Imagine a blackout, and you have to run into every piece of furniture before reaching your emergency flashlight. With an EDC flashlight, you would have it on your person or close by and ready to GO! It is a vital piece of survival gear, which can get you out of sticky situations and save the day.
Why do you need an EDC flashlight?
The simple answer would be WHY NOT. But a more detailed reply would be that it better prepares you for the uncertainty the world might throw your way. If you like to have fun in the dark, it would be handy to have a powerful, long-lasting light source on hand. And if you go to work in low light or total darkness, your EDC flashlight becomes a survival flashlight.(Guide here).
Considerations when choosing an EDC flashlight
You know what an EDC light is and how it can serve as a survival flashlight, but deciding which model or brand to choose from is a different ball game. Not to worry, we have got you covered. Below is a list of factors you need to keep at the back of your mind when shopping for EDC flashlights, some of which I found from https://www.gofastandlight.com/the-best-survival-flashlights/ a trusted survival enthusiast blog.
Portability
The purpose of having an everyday carry flashlight is defeated the moment it becomes too bulky. Therefore, to qualify as an EDC light, it must be light enough to be carried on your person effortlessly and at the same time must not compromise on its brightness.
Features
While the flashlight must be compact and portable, it is more important that it is a flashlight first and foremost. And that it comes fitted with extra features that give you more value for your money. Some of these features include but are not limited to the following:
- Some EDC torches have a USB port to charge other devices
- You have the option to choose different light modes (usually hi, med, low) to save battery
Design
A good flashlight, EDC or not, should be able to combine both functionality and design seamlessly. And most flashlights accomplish this task in more ways than one. For example, some feature a rugged grip that makes the torch easy to handle, and some flashlights are fitted with a magnetic base that allows you to use them hands-free.
Brightness
The primary function of any flashlight is to serve as a source of light in low or no light conditions. Brightness is measured in the lumen, and for context, the iPhone X flashlight is approximately 12 lumens at its lowest setting and 50 lumens at its highest setting.
These small flashlights, on the other hand, can be as much as 1,000 lumens bright. That’s about 20 iPhones put together, and that’s without accounting for the super long ranges these torches bring to the table.
Durability
They might be small and handy, but they are not toys — at least they should not be. Compactness mustn’t be mistaken for tacky, and the flashlights should have superior, long-lasting, and durable builds. Many brands have waterproof, fireproof, and even crushproof builds.
Budget
All these fancy gizmos and you’re probably worried it’s outside your budget. While they are affordable, many might exceed your budget. Regardless, many cheap options on the market would fit your budget perfectly, but how much functionality you would get from those devices would depend on what you have planned for the EDC lights.
Power
One thing you don’t want to have to worry about as far as emergency lighting is concerned is it running out of juice or you needing to scamper around to get it charged. Arguably more important than getting it charged is the flashlight being able to retain that charge. The flashlight should be able to stay on for long periods without overheating or needing a recharge.
High-end flashlights usually offer users several power options, ranging from AC and DC power to solar-powered.
FAQs
What does lumen mean?
Lumen is the SI unit of luminous flux. It is used to quantify and measure the amount of visible light produced by an object in unit time. For example, the brightness of these flashlights -and brightness generally- is measured in the lumen, with more lumens translating to brighter light being emitted.
What is the difference between a tactical flashlight and an EDC flashlight?
The difference is already evident in the names. An everyday carry flashlight is just for that and nothing more. It is okay to use when power temporarily cuts off or when camping outdoors with friends and family, and the lumen output is usually capped at 1000.
Meanwhile, a tactical flashlight is for serious business. It is used by first responders and has a lumen output of about 3000, powerful enough to pierce through the most serious of light pollution.
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