What is the most underrated, yet most important item in regular everyday carry gear? If you answered, “flashlight,” you are right! Considering the variety and number of situations that you could find yourself needing a light, a flashlight is an irreplaceable item in your EDC collection that shouldn’t be overlooked.

When you pick a flashlight for your EDC gear, there are a few things you should keep in mind such as reliability, durability, and long-lasting performance. An LED flashlight will provide you with all these features and then some.

Different Lighting Modes

One of the greatest advantages offered by LED flashlights when compared to incandescent bulbs is the ability to switch between different modes on a single light. This means that you can own a single flashlight and use it for different activities. For example, the tiny but powerful Fenix E09R comes equipped with 5 modes of brightness.

If you are out simply walking your dog, use the Low mode that emits 25 lumens of light. If you find yourself caught off-guard by something, quickly shift to Burst mode that will blast 600 lumens of light. Different modes on LED flashlights are also an important feature when it comes to safety. The Strobe mode on some of Fenix’s brightest LED flashlights can be used to either defend yourself against a threat, or to signal for assistance. You can use an LED flashlight for more than lighting up your path. You can also use it as a way of signaling in the dark.

Effective Lighting

Whether it’s a lighter hiking backpack, or a brighter, longer-lasting flashlight, equipping yourself with efficient gear is a competitive advantage. Some of Fenix’s LED flashlights such as the LR80R can emit up to 18,000 lumens, while others such as the Fenix PD36R can not only deliver very bright light, but also run for up to 115 continuous hours.

LED flashlights are so efficient because they produce light using electroluminescence, a process that uses semiconductors to generate light. They also have heat sinks, which prevent them from overheating and burning out. While you may spend a little more money upfront on LED flashlights, their longer lifespan and use of rechargeable batteries mean you will save money in the long run.

Reliability

No matter where you are going, you want to have tools you can rely on. This is especially true for flashlights. When you are counting on something to light up a dark path, you want to know it will work irrespective of the environment you are in. Take, for example, extreme cold. A light bulb can burst in cold temperatures, but because LED flashlights don’t emit heat in the same way, they can withstand lower temperatures.

LED bulbs are made of solid material, which also makes your LED flashlight more impact-resistant. Durability and the ability to function smoothly regardless of external factors make an LED flashlight a reliable piece of EDC gear. The LEDs in Fenix flashlights have a lifespan of 50,000 hours—that’s reliability you can count on.

While in most cases the environment you are in, the task you plan to undertake, and your budget may play a role in determining the best kind of flashlight for you, LED flashlights’ high-performance and longevity make them a strong bet. Whether you are looking for a tactical flashlight, an everyday carry, or simply the brightest flashlight, you will find it in Fenix’s collection of LED flashlights.