As we approach the holiday season, we at the Loadout Room would like to make your shopping a little easier for you. We are going to have a series of gift guides coming out in the next few weeks. In this article, we are going to cover EDC Flashlights. As we’ve mentioned before, having a light on you can be a lifesaver. A quality light can be used as both an impact weapon and as a light. We have reviewed several lights and also recommend some that haven’t been reviewed yet. We’re going to consolidate those choices into this article so you don’t have to waste your time sifting through the hundreds of options on Amazon. An everyday carry sized flashlight is a gift anyone can benefit from, even your younger kids.
Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the lightweight, high lumen, ProTac 1L-1AA. The latest compact addition to the ProTac® series of tactical lights offers the added convenience of using either one CR123A or AA lithium battery, or an easy-to-source AA alkaline battery. Its size and “dual fuel” options make it the perfect Everyday Carry (EDC) light. The ProTac 1L-1AA uses a high power C4® LED to deliver up to 350 lumens, depending on the battery source selected. Offering high, low and strobe settings, it features a TEN-TAP® programmable switch that allows user selection of one of three different programs: high/strobe/low (factory default); high only; or low/high.
Olight M2T Warrior – I recently decided to upgrade from the Olight M18 Striker flashlight to something newer in the Olight lineup. I’ve carried the M18 Striker for quite some time and it never disappointed. For more on the M18, check out my review HERE. The M18 Striker is no longer available (The M1X is the replacement), so I decided to go shopping. I ended up landing on the M2T Warrior Flashlight. It’s a little less intimidating than the M18 and it had some other features I was looking for.
5.11 EDC PL 2AAA – The EDC PL or Every Day Carry Pen Light is an affordable $25 dollar light that performs well outside of its cost. The little light emits 107 lumens in a wide, view filling beam that predictably is powered by two AAAs. The runtime is an impressive 4 hours and 20 minutes. The EDC PL uses a CREE XP-G3 bulb which does give you a very bright white light that’s clean and sharp.
Streamlight Protac 1AAA – If you’re an aspiring minimalist with regards to your everyday carry, then this light may be the ticket for you. Granted it’s not some super lumen light putting out 1000 lumens, it will get the job done in low light and complete darkness. You don’t think 115 lumens is enough to disorient a threat? Go into a dark room or outside at night and face the light towards your face and turn it on. I guarantee you’re going to be seeing spots for several minutes. My other pet peeve with higher lumen lights is that I burn through the runtime when I have to use it as a task light, which to be honest, is what we are going to be using our lights for 99% of the time. The Streamlight ProTac 1AAA closes that gap, giving you a light that is still a viable personal protection option but can also function as a true everyday use light.
Surefire Sidekick – Flashlights are a common every-day-carry item, but honestly, they’re left at home in a lot of cases to make way for other items. Having a light in certain situations can be critical to one’s safety and convenience. With the introduction of SureFire’s Sidekick LED flashlight, there is no excuse to be without a light anymore. Virtually everyone leaves home with a set of keys, and the Sidekick is meant to be included on a key ring. Of course, pocket carry of the Sidekick is always an option too. It weighs in at a mere 1.2 ounces and is only 2.5 inches in length with a bezel diameter of only .58 inches. It comes with a 6-inch micro USB cable, key ring, and mini carabiner clip. It is available in black, pink, or white for $79.99 MSRP. An optional belt clip key reel and a compatible headband are available from the manufacturer as well.
