The 10 Best Waterproof Flashlights for Camping (2024)

Flashlights are an essential part of your gear. Whether you go camping or fishing or you just have one around the house in case of a blackout. However, most flashlights aren’t all-weather appropriate and can be dangerous to use if they get wet.

That’s not the case with waterproof flashlights. They allow you to safely and easily see no matter if it’s raining or if you’re using them to help fix a plumbing problem.

Things To Consider With Waterproof Flashlights

While you might be tempted to just purchase the first waterproof flashlight you find, that could actually be a huge mistake. Multiple features can change how useful a flashlight is for your needs. Here are just a few main things to consider:

Size

You should consider a flashlight’s size before you purchase one. The size of a flashlight will have some effect on what you can use it for. For example, larger flashlights are better for lighting a campsite or hiking, while smaller flashlights are better for more precision if you want to focus on smaller areas.

Size will also affect portability. For example, a small flashlight can easily slip into your pocket or bag for easy access and use. Larger, heavier flashlights, instead, will be less easy to take around on a whim.

Power Source

You’ll want to consider which power source you’d prefer your waterproof flashlight to have before you make a decision.

Most flashlights will be powered in 1 of 2 different ways:

• Battery-powered: These flashlights will require you to physically change out the batteries (AA or AAA usually) when they die. This will add extra cost and things to pack.
• Rechargeable: These flashlights will have a cord charger (typically USB, but outlet chargers are also possible). Remember, you’ll need access to electricity, a portable charger, or a car charger when they die.

Durability

Though being waterproof will automatically add some durability to a flashlight, you’ll also want to consider the rest of its structure and how sturdy it is.

If you plan to use your flashlight outdoors, for example, you should look for drop-resistant options. That means nothing will shatter or become dislodged if you drop your flashlight while on a hike or camping.

Hot Tip: You should also consider whether or not a flashlight is dust- or debris-proof as well. This will ensure your flashlight lasts for years.

Brightness

You’ll want to consider how bright a flashlight’s light is and how it will suit your needs before you choose which one to buy. To determine this, look at the number of lumens a flashlight is supposed to produce.

Most typical flashlights will provide at least 100 lumens of light. However, if you need a flashlight for hikes or walks, or if you’ll be in reduced visibility conditions, you may want to opt for more light. Lower lumen counts will provide dimmer or smaller lights instead.

Design

The last thing you should consider when shopping for a waterproof flashlight is the design. This might seem like a superficial consideration, but it can have a huge impact.

The way the buttons are placed, how you’re supposed to adjust the light, and the grip on a flashlight’s handle are just some design elements that can affect convenience.

You don’t want to fumble around in the dark for a light, so making sure you have a flashlight that is designed so you can use it easily is of the utmost importance.

Hot Tip: Consider our guide to the best camping lights and lanterns, as well as the best camping headlamps.

The 10 Best Waterproof Flashlights

With so many waterproof flashlight options and so many things to consider when shopping for one, trying to decide which model is right for your needs can be daunting.

We’ve done most of the hard work to take some of the stress off you. We’ve looked at the best waterproof flashlights on the market and compiled them into this list.

1. A Flashlight You Can Always Keep Close

Dorcy 41-2510 Floating Waterproof LED Flashlight

If you’re on the hunt for a flashlight you can easily take with you anywhere you go, this Dorcy model is a great option to look at.

This flashlight can be clipped to your bag or belt, so it can help you save space if you need to, and you don’t have to worry about constantly keeping it in your hand when not in use. Not only that, the flashlight is ruggedly designed to stand up to rough use that can come from camping or other outdoor activities.

The flashlight’s big selling point is the fact it’s waterproof, however, this flashlight will also float if it’s been dropped, so you won’t lose it on fishing trips.

What We Like:

• Slip-free rubber grip

What We Don’t Like:

• Low lumen count

2. Long-lasting Flashlight

YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight

People looking for a high-quality and ergonomically-designed waterproof flashlight will love this option from YIERBLUE.

This flashlight is rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about constantly carrying batteries around with you. All you need is access to a power source and you are free to use this flashlight for up to 20 hours.

The flashlight is built like a “gun” or hair dryer, so it fits nicely in your hand, and you can easily control the light thanks to its intuitively designed trigger button.

Though this flashlight is durable thanks to its waterproof nature, you don’t have to worry if something happens to it. Should the worst happen, this flashlight comes with a lifetime warranty and customer service.

What We Like:

• Impact-resistant

What We Don’t Like:

• Quite heavy

3. A Waterproof Flashlight Option for 2

ThuZW 2 Pack Tactical Flashlight Torch

If you like going on camping trips with your significant other or friend, look into this flashlight option from ThuZW. The main selling point of this particular option is the fact it comes with not 1 but 2 high-quality flashlights for a budget-friendly cost.

The pack also comes with 2 lanyards and wrist straps, so you can keep your flashlight close at hand without worrying about dropping or losing it.

These are tactical flashlights, so they’re also very durable. They’re not just waterproof — they’ll withstand the typical impact they might undergo while on hikes. You can also zoom the light if you need to focus on something in particular.

What We Like:

• 5 light modes

What We Don’t Like:

• Needs batteries

4. A Small but Mighty Flashlight Option

Small Rechargeable Flashlight

If you want a compact flashlight that’s easy to carry and even easier to pack, but you don’t want to give up power, this is an option you should consider.

This set comes with 2 small flashlights, each with 3,500 lumens worth of power. That means that even in the middle of the night, you’ll be able to light your way and easily see where you’re going.

The flashlights are very small. They’re just under 6 inches long, and the grip is an inch wide, making them perfectly sized to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Not only that, but they’re also lightweight, coming in at 6.2 ounces.

What We Like:

• Adjustable light

What We Don’t Like:

• Battery dies quickly

5. A Flashlight You Can Use for Any Occasion

Rechargeable UV Flashlight

While waterproof flashlights are great for camping or fishing, they can also be a go-to option for any occasion where you might need extra light. That’s why this flashlight is worth looking at.

This model was designed to be essential in multiple types of scenarios thanks to its 7 light modes. It’s bright enough to clearly light the surrounding area. However, it’s also been created to be an emergency beacon if you need one. It even has a flashing strobe setting which can help bring attention to your location.

The flashlight has 3 different light settings — UV, white light, and red light —which also make it a useful tool in a variety of settings.

What We Like:

• The different light modes

What We Don’t Like:

• Has a learning curve

6. A Waterproof Flashlight Option for the Whole Family

Kootek Mini LED Flashlights

If you’re in need of waterproof flashlights for an upcoming family camping trip, look no further than this set from Kootek.

You get 5 waterproof flashlights for the price of 1, which makes this a great budget-friendly option. You don’t have to worry about sharing a single flashlight or 2 among many … everyone can have their own.

The flashlights are also compact and lightweight, making them easy for kids to carry and comfortable, and practically pocket-sized for adults. You can also easily adjust the light beam if you need to change the brightness or focus on something in particular. Even kids can figure out how everything works.

What We Like:

• Easy to use

What We Don’t Like:

• The “on” switch is fiddly

7. An All-weather Flashlight for Maximum Safety

Streamlight 68751 Dualie

If you don’t just want your flashlight to help you see in the dark but also keep you safe, this Streamlight option is great for you. All you need is 3 AA batteries, and you can have the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll be able to see where you’re going.

You can switch between spot and flood beams, so whether you need to focus on a particular point or you want broader light, this light has you covered. It can also be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without any damage from the water or the pressure. It can also withstand impact from drops up to 2 meters.

What We Like:

• Accepts both alkaline and lithium batteries

What We Don’t Like:

• Waterproof time limit

8. Flashlight Option for Under the Sea

Garberiel 2 Pack Scuba Diving Flashlight

Divers and scuba enthusiasts looking for a flashlight to get the most out of their underwater exploration should look into the Garberiel set. You can dive up to 80 feet with this flashlight without any worries, making it perfect for nighttime swimming or exploring underwater caves.

You can also adjust the light to 3 different settings, including an SOS setting so your diving partners can find you in case of an emergency.

Since the flashlight is small and lightweight as well, it won’t be any trouble at all to carry with you. The best part is this set comes with 2 flashlights, so you have a spare you can give away or loan.

What We Like:

• Battery-powered and rechargeable

What We Don’t Like:

• Can flood if not tightly screwed

9. Little Flashlight That Lets You Zoom

iToncs Rechargeable Flashlight

If you want some of the most useful features of a high-tech waterproof flashlight, but you don’t want something huge to carry, consider this model by iToncs. This pack of 2 flashlights are each handheld and lightweight compared to many other powerful options on the market.

Since they’re marketed as tactical flashlights, they can’t be cumbersome to carry, but they also have to be powerful enough to see in very low or no lighting.

They’re made of aluminum and sturdy enough to resist damage. The outer shell won’t dent or break, so the inner workings will continue to function even when dropped or banged.

What We Like:

• Rechargeable

What We Don’t Like:

• Have to unplug it as soon as its charged

10. Stress-free and Easy Flashlight

Flashlights LED High Lumens Rechargeable

If you’re in the market for a flashlight that will take away your stress, not add to it, this is the option for you. With its easy-to-see power display, you won’t be left with any questions about how much battery you have left.

It also comes with a wrist strap to help keep it nearby without fumbling around in your bag in the dark. The strap also keeps you from dropping it.

However, you don’t have to fret even if you drop your flashlight. In addition to being waterproof, the flashlight is also impact-resistant to the bumps and drops you can expect from hiking. The light itself is also bright with 10,000 lumens, yet is adjustable, so it will always fit your needs.

What We Like:

• High lumen count

What We Don’t Like:

• Short battery life

Final Thoughts

Ideally, a waterproof flashlight will allow you to see in the rain. Or, at the very least, you’ll have a safe tool you can use even if you were to drop your flashlight in a puddle or stream. However, there are so many options out there that picking the right one can be overwhelming.

We hope that this list has helped you narrow down your choices in deciding which waterproof flashlight to purchase.