Best EDC Flashlights: Small, Compact But Still Super Bright

By "Just In Case" Jack | Updated: 10/25/2023

Today I’ve got something really exciting to share…

A Look At One Of The BEST EDC Flashlights On The Market Today

Because I wish I had a powerful, lightweight flashlight when I was a kid.

But things were different back then…

I vividly recall hauling around a super heavy Maglite.

Why? Because, at the time, they were the best flashlight available.

But not anymore…

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Flashlights In the 80s…

There I was, a strapping young lad raised on a small farm in the early ’80s.

I carried that heavy flashlight around (the one with three D-cell batteries).

Just so I could see what I was doing at the crack of dawn.

Morning chores ya know.

I also recall many late nights holding that Maglite.

Holding it steady so my Dad could swap out a broken bearing on our combine (or some such farm repair).

Trust me:

Your shoulder goes numb after holding a Maglite for 3 hours straight.

Yet it was far better for my arm to go numb than to “get lazy with the flashlight.”

My Dad doesn’t accept “lazy” or “can’t.”

Boy, I wish I had a Firehawk tactical flashlight in my pocket back then…

A New Breed Of Compact Flashlights

So along comes modern technology, the shrinking of components, and the increases in efficiency…and all that.

Let’s say the LED changed the world of the tactical flashlight for the better.

Here are 3 reasons this is THE flashlight I carry daily:

1. Extremely Well Built

First off, these FireHawks are rock solid.

They have a “solid feel” to them.

It’s hard to describe, but when you feel it…you know.

FireHawk Precision Cut Screw Grooves

Precision Cut Screw Grooves

And it’s the little things that give you a well-built impression.

When you unscrew the tail cap to add your single AA battery, you’ll notice that the threads are clean and precise.

Also, a rubber gasket keeps the battery chamber water-resistant in case it rains.

This EDC flashlight has two strategic diamond print patterns machined into the aircraft-grade aluminum body.

These patterns are perfectly located right where you need a good grip most.

Removable Tail End Cap

Removable Tail End Cap

It also has deep grooves where your fingers make contact.

This helps ensure it’s not the flashlight’s fault if you drop it.

Firehawk Deep Grooves and Diamond Pattern

Firehawk Deep Grooves and Diamond Pattern

And if you do drop it…it can handle that, too.

Unless, of course, you’re setting out to break it on purpose. Like dropping it off a twenty-story building.

But this tough little flashlight will survive a lot of 5-foot tumbles.

The belt clip is also quite strong, securing your FireHawk in your pocket (or on your belt) so it’s there when needed.

I’m impressed with how much heft these FireHawks have for such a small package.

It’s still ridiculously lighter (and smaller) than a full-size Maglite.

But it’s surprisingly heavy and dense for its small size.

FireHawk In Hand

FireHawk In Hand

Which is a testament to its high-quality construction and use of dense metal.

2. Brightest Pocket Flashlight I Own

The real bright spot (pun intended) with this flashlight is the number of lumens this little guy produces.

It’s specified for up to 300 lumens.

Whether camping, looking for your electrical panel in the dark, working on your lawnmower, or bugging out, this powerful EDC flashlight can light up your world.

Plus, you can control its brightness with the sliding tip.

It has both spill lighting and spotlighting settings.

FireHawk Slider All The Way Out

FireHawk Slider Out

Slide it back for full spill lighting and slide it all the way forward for tight spotlighting.

The sliding tip has just the right amount of resistance.

Too much resistance would make it difficult to slide, and too little would allow it to move independently.

But this well-designed flashlight has found the sweet spot.

I’m blown away by the spill lighting and how bright this flashlight is.

When I was walking around the outside of my house at night, I could see everything.

Then I tested the spotlight setting and was surprised at how far it traveled.

I saw the spotlight hitting a stop sign two blocks from my house.

It’s so bright you need to be careful.

Do NOT shine this flashlight directly into someone’s eyes.

It will temporarily blind them…which is a nice bonus for survival defense purposes.

If you have this particular flashlight in your hands and feel threatened.

You could quickly gain an advantage by disorienting them with this flashlight.

Buying you the time to react.

I can honestly say it’s the brightest LED tactical flashlight I own.

3. Your Flashlight Needs A Smart Design

FireHawk In My Pocket

FireHawk In My Pocket

It’s the little things that make a flashlight worth carrying daily.

I prefer all my EDC gear to fit inconspicuously.

I’m not trying to “look cool”; ideally, I want to carry all my EDC gear and no one notices.

That’s exactly what this small-pocket flashlight does.

It barely sticks out when it’s in my pocket—hiding most of the flashlight from plain view.

Finally, the lens of the FireHawk has a convex shape (curved out), so to protect it and allow you to set the flashlight down tail up (tip down), 3 beveled prongs were added.

Firehawk Lens

Firehawk Lens

A side benefit of these prongs is that they can be used as a weapon if push comes to shove.

Hitting someone in a strategic location with these metal prongs could do some serious damage.

Conclusion: The Best EDC Flashlight I Own

So the FireHawk LED has become my new everyday carry flashlight.

I even added one to my bug out vehicle and bug out bag.

I carry a FireHawk Flashlight with me every day.

↓ Get A FREE FireHawk Tactical Flashlight (+S&H)

5 Reasons Why EVERYONE Get An EDC Flashlight

1. Unpredictable Situations Demand Preparedness

Life throws curveballs, and they often come after sunset.

Picture this: a sudden power outage, a flat tire on a deserted road, or a dimly lit alleyway.

Having an EDC flashlight on hand means you’re ready to tackle these scenarios head-on.

With a reliable beam at your fingertips, you’ll stay in control even when darkness tries to take over.

2. Multi-Functional Marvel

It’s not just about illuminating your path.

Today’s EDC flashlights come loaded with features that make them mini powerhouses.

From strobe functions that can disorient potential threats to adjustable brightness settings for conserving battery life, these flashlights are a Swiss Army knife of lighting solutions.

Some even double up as power banks for your gadgets – talk about resourcefulness!

3. Be the Beacon of Help

Imagine witnessing a car accident or stumbling upon someone who needs assistance.

Your EDC flashlight can transform into a beacon of help.

Not only can it attract attention, but it can also guide emergency responders to your location swiftly.

Being a hero is all about being ready when the moment strikes, and your flashlight could be your signal of readiness.

4. Everyday Convenience

It’s not all about dire situations.

How many times have you fumbled for your keys in the dark or struggled to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant?

With an EDC flashlight, these small annoyances become a thing of the past.

Slip one into your pocket or clip it to your bag, and you’ve got instant access to a reliable light source whenever you need it.

5. Quality Trumps Quantity

Here at skilledsurvival.com, we’re all about investing in gear that stands the test of time.

A high-quality EDC flashlight might cost a bit more upfront, but the reliability and longevity they offer are unparalleled.

Cheap alternatives might leave you in the dark when you need them most.

When it comes to tools that can truly impact your everyday survival, it’s wise to opt for the best.

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