Are you about to take your first backpacking trip in a rugged environment? Well, you’re expected to be both physically and mentally prepared for any kind of survival situation that might arise on the way. Such situations occur at inconvenient times without previous warning, forcing you to rely on your skills and tools to survive.
Therefore, backpackers are supposed to carry a bug-out bag, equipped with a variety of essential survival tools. Flashlights are believed to be among the most beneficial survival devices, providing both visibility and self-defense features. These devices come in various sizes, materials, and designs, suitable for different requirements.
These are the key things to consider when purchasing a torch for rugged conditions.
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a survival flashlight is durability. These handheld devices are supposed to be made from sturdy material that withstands various weather conditions, constant drops, and bumps. The material has to be strong enough to protect the sensitive electronics and prevent severe damage when being mishandled.
Despite the extensive range of plastic flashlights, plastic isn’t suitable material for survival torches. Therefore, it’s paramount to pick a model made from metal or a blend of metal and rubberized plastic for better longevity. Regarding metal, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium are believed to be the most long-lasting casing materials. Read more about the physical and chemical characteristics of aluminum.
Moreover, stainless steel and titanium are known to be incredibly durable, but these are much heavier than aluminum. Also, the survival flashlights made from these materials are among the costliest models in the market. In contrast, aluminum torches are lightweight, affordable, and long-lasting, hence being the preferred choice of numerous backpackers.
Weight and size
Traveling light is of the utmost importance when backpacking in the wilderness, which is why you’re advised to choose a lightweight survival torch with compact size. Therefore, make sure you purchase a flashlight whose weight doesn’t exceed more than 16 ounces when equipped with batteries.
In terms of size, adventurists are supposed to carry survival flashlights that take almost no space in their bug-out bags. Considering the myriad of survival tools you need to take for the trip, all of them need to be small-sized in order to fit inside the bag. Fortunately, backpackers are provided with a variety of small-sized and mini torches in the form of keychain models. These pocket-sized devices are known to provide excellent light despite their small dimensions.
Bulb types
In terms of bulb type, survival torches are usually equipped with incandescent or LED bulbs. The former are already considered to be old-fashioned and less efficient than the latter, as their lifespan is considerably shorter. In spite of their long-lasting popularity, incandescent bulbs will soon go down in history.
LED bulbs, on the other hand, provide excellent brightness, an amazing lifespan, and incredible energy efficiency. The average lifespan of a LED bulbs is 10, 000 hours in comparison with the few hundred hours’ longevity of incandescent bulbs. Make sure you visit the following review site, https://survivalmethods.net/, to check out the wide range of LED survival flashlights in the online market. Their awesome brightness is extremely beneficial for tactical torches, as it’ll undoubtedly blind any person who tries to harm you when pointing the light to its face.
Brightness
Brightness is another vital consideration when choosing a rugged flashlight, as it directly affects visibility. There’s nothing more important than visibility when wandering in the woods at nighttime in order to prevent unexpected surprises. Make sure you purchase a model that provides a brightness of 45 to 150 lumens for optimal visibility. Backpackers looking for self-defense torches are advised to buy a model with at least 100 lumens so as to provide blinding light.
Apart from the number of lumens, you are also supposed to consider the beam and the reflector of this handheld device. Purchasing a model with a wide reflector is essential for illuminating a bigger area, while an adjustable beam is indispensable for extending the light per your requirements. Anyhow, bear in mind that models which provide better brightness cause greater battery strain.
Battery type
When purchasing a survival flashlight, make sure you equip the device with batteries whose power allows individuals to use it for long periods of time. For instance, alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, and D) are long-lasting and affordable alternatives. In contrast, Li-ion batteries have a longer lifespan but their price is considerably higher.
Nevertheless, when using alkaline batteries, make sure you inspect them regularly for battery acid leakage. Such leakage leads to corrosion after a short period, thus threatening to damage the entire device. Therefore, upon noticing leakage of battery acid, you are advised to replace the batteries in no time.
Waterproofness
Considering the great likelihood of experiencing harsh weather conditions when going for a backpacking trip, make sure you purchase a waterproof survival torch. Your flashlight is supposed to withstand rain, snow, mud, and other weather challenges in order to be functional.
Therefore, take a good look at the product specifications, looking for information about the waterproof rating of the device, ranging from IPX-1 to IPX-8. The models with IPX-4 rating are considered to be water-resistant, while the ones with IPX-7 and IPX-8 rating are entirely waterproof.
Self-defense feature
Most of the survival flashlights can be used for the purpose of self-defense, in the event of coming in contact with fierce animals or attackers. These devices are armed with a feature called crenulated bezel, which provides the necessary sharpness for a torch to be used as a striking instrument.
Also, nearly all models are equipped with brighter beam settings, whose function is to blind potential attackers. Nevertheless, a self-defense flashlight isn’t obligatory for backpackers who use other means of protection against enemies, such as pepper sprays, firearms, or knives.
Bottom line
Carrying such a torch on your backpacking adventure will provide you with excellent convenience and protection.
Make sure you purchase one!