Unless you can see in the dark, you'll probably need a flashlight for one thing or another. And if you do anything outdoors at night, you may need several. There are all sorts of ways to light up darkness, so let's take a look at your options.
Types of Flashlights
Factors to Consider
* '''Size''': How big of a flashlight do you want to lug around? Is this a pocket tool or a major appliance?
** Most flashlights will give their dimensions and weight. Keep them in mind.
* '''Brightness''': Because finding something under the sink is not the same as finding your cat in a blackout or your way on a midnight hike.
** 80 Lumens or 12,000 candle power is a good baseline for measuring the brightness of a flashlight. Anything brighter is pretty bright and anything dimmer might be too dark for regular jobs.
* '''Durability''': Are you going to put this flashlight through some seriously hard terrain? Go for flashlights that are:
** Made of aluminum or other metal cases.
** Corrosion resistant.
** Shock resistant.
**arts and crafts section for some ideas.
* '''Warranty''': Is always a plus.
** If you spend a good amount of money on a flashlight, it behooves you to get some quality assurance.
* '''Extras'''
** Colored lights?
** Strobe action?
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