Everyday Carry (EDC) Flashlights: The Complete Guide
If you’re looking for a quality flashlight but are unsure where to start, it’s likely that an EDC flashlight is exactly what you need.
Long-lasting, powerful and compact in size, EDC flashlights are perfect for shedding light on everyday scenarios, including life-saving emergency situations.
Reliable light is of high value in unforeseen circumstances and an EDC flashlight is the best way to stay prepared.
Quick Takeaways
- EDC, or everyday carry, flashlights are ideal for feeling prepared for the various types of situations you may encounter, including personal safety and emergency standby
- Compact, EDC units typically offer between 20-2000 lumens of light, sufficient for both casual daily activities and law enforcement needs
- The best high quality EDC flashlights are equipped with a long battery life, impact resistant materials and an Ingress Protection rating of IP66 or higher
EDC flashlights are the perfect source of convenient, accessible light when encountering unexpected situations and are easily obtainable with a well-known name brand like Fenix.
What Is An EDC Flashlight?
EDC is an acronym for “everyday carry”, meaning that EDC flashlights refer to units that can be easily carried for everyday use, typically small enough to store in your pocket.
Although there is some overlap, EDC flashlights are defined by one’s lifestyle, as opposed to other units designed specifically for activities and destinations, such as camping or biking lights.
Everyday carry units are intended to help with anything you find useful. Whether it’s personal safety, emergency situations or shining extra light in a dimly lit closet, EDC units are ideal for feeling prepared for the various types of situations you may encounter.
What To Expect
There are many benefits to EDC flashlights since they are specifically designed to be convenient without sacrificing power. Here’s 5 qualities to look for when you’re on the hunt for a quality EDC flashlight.
Compact
One of the important characteristics of an EDC flashlight is its compact size, allowing for easy portability and accessibility. When shopping for a new unit, look for something that’s small enough to fit into your pocket or purse and the palm of your hand for quick use.
The weight of your flashlight is also important to consider. A heavy unit will feel like a burden to carry and defeat the purpose of having an EDC flashlight. At Fenix, finding a small, lightweight unit without sacrificing functionality and efficiency is easy.
Brightness
The best EDC flashlights use LED bulbs because they are brighter and more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Their light output, or brightness, is measured in lumens and can have anywhere from 20 to 2000 lumens, or more.
When determining the right amount of lumens for your EDC flashlight, consider how you plan to use your unit. If you only need accessible light for reading in the dark, 300-500 lumens is more than enough.
Long Battery Life
Although compact in size, quality EDC flashlights have impressively long run times due to their compatibility with rechargeable batteries.
EDC units that run on lithium or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries will not only appear brighter than those running on alkaline batteries, but also last longer due to a higher capacity for stored power.
In addition, different brightness settings and external battery level indicators found on EDC flashlights make it easy to preserve power for when you need it most.
High IP Rating
An IP rating, or Ingress Protection Rating, is a pair of numbers that represents the level of protection an object has against foreign bodies and moisture, such as dust and water.
To fully understand the different levels of protection an EDC flashlight can have, assess the chart below:
Image Source: www.budind.com
An EDC flashlight with the highest level of protection will have an Ingress Protection rating of IP68, demonstrating quality and likelihood to survive a rainy day or dust storm. A rating of IP66 or higher is ideal for units intended for everyday use.
Impact Resistance
Units intended for frequent use need to be tough in the face of the unknown. High-quality EDC flashlights are made from impact resistant materials, such as:
- High strength aluminum
- Toughened glass
- Stainless steel
Daily use of your EDC flashlight can take a toll on inexpensive, poorly made devices, ultimately making them unreliable. When you’re shopping for an EDC unit, avoid gear made from easily breakable plastic and low-quality lens material.
Best EDC Flashlights
EDC flashlights are specifically designed to fit every carrying need. Whether you’re looking for a super bright unit or one that clips onto your pocket, Fenix offers one of the best options.
Lightweight
Fenix E03R Keychain Flashlight
Weighing in at only 0.78 oz (22 grams), the Fenix E03R keychain flashlight shines when it comes to ultra-lightweight units. This compact flashlight is less than 2 inches in size and equipped with 260 lumens of bright light.
Latch this undetectable EDC flashlight onto your keychain to benefit from 5 different light settings and a high Ingress Protection rating of IP66.
Clip On
Fenix E28R Rechargeable 18650 EDC Flashlight
Although almost every Fenix flashlight features a convenient body clip, the E28R’s high output, durability and size make this unit one of the best.
This powerful EDC flashlight offers 1500 lumens of light and 5 different brightness settings in a size small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. With a protection rating of IP68, the E28R has everything you need in an EDC flashlight.
Brightness
Fenix E35 V3.0 EDC Flashlight
Fenix’s E35 V3.0 EDC flashlight gives portable and powerful a whole new definition. This unit offers up to 3000 lumens of light with a beam distance of 787 feet with less than 5 inches of length. That’s enough light to conduct Search & Rescue!
When all you need is to illuminate the pages of your latest read, dim this EDC unit down to the lowest of 5 light settings, offering just 50 lumens of light. With its durable aluminum body and 100% resistance to water and dust, no other EDC unit compares to the offerings of Fenix’s E35 V3.0.
Compact
Fenix E30R Rechargeable EDC Flashlight
Rechargeable, long-lasting and fully waterproof, Fenix’s E30R provides big power in a small package. Less than 4 inches in size and weighing under 2oz, this EDC unit goes undetected in your pocket or purse.
Use one of 5 brightness settings to benefit from anywhere between 30-1600 lumens of light and know exactly when it is time to recharge with the 4-level battery indicator.
Self Defense
Fenix UC35 V2.0 LED Rechargeable Flashlight
One of the most comforting features of carrying a quality EDC flashlight is accessibility to a reliable means of self-defense. Fenix’s UC35 V2.0 is not only pocket-sized and far-reaching, but also features a self-defense strobe light setting and an extreme impact resistant body.
This anti-roll and anti-slip design makes reaching for and handling this unit effortless and comfortable. Rechargeable and long-lasting, the UC35 is the perfect unit for military, policing and emergency standby.
Fenix Flashlights For Every Need
EDC flashlights quickly prove their usefulness once you start to carry one. With so many durable and dedicated options, finding the best EDC flashlight is easy with Fenix.
Find the best EDC flashlight for your needs and benefit from long-lasting, compact power by visiting Fenix Store today!
