Lighting
Find tactical flashlights, headlamps and backup lighting for camp, the field and power outages, from classic G.I. designs to rechargeable LED lights rated up to 2000 lumens.
Military-pattern lights include the genuine G.I. anglehead flashlight, G.I. type D-cell and Army style C-cell flashlights, a mini Army style flashlight, and the U.S. Navy 2-cell flight deck and traffic wand. Modern LED options include 3-watt and 10-watt Cree flashlights, a mini LED flashlight, and rechargeable LED tactical task lights with zoom at 1500 and 2000 lumens.
For hands-free light, choose a 5-bulb or 9-bulb LED headlamp, a Cree LED headlamp, or rechargeable headlamps at 600 and 1000 lumens. Area lighting includes a kerosene hurricane lantern with replacement wicks and a solar lantern and torchlight. Chemical lightsticks in glow-in-the-dark and 6-inch 4-packs need no batteries at all.
To keep lights and phones charged off-grid, there are MOLLE folding solar panels, solar panels with power banks, a waterproof solar power bank, and a solar and wind-up flashlight with radio. A solar camping shower also appears in this category.
A note for service members: field training usually comes with light discipline rules. Packing lists may call for a light with a red or filtered lens, and leaders decide when white light is allowed. Check your list for the required type and color before you buy.
How to Choose Tactical Flashlights and Headlamps
Most people need two lights: a headlamp for hands-free tasks and a handheld flashlight for searching and signaling. Pick each based on brightness, power source and how you'll carry it.
Brightness and Beam
More lumens isn't always better. A 1000-lumen beam is great for searching a tree line, but it's too bright for reading a map or working in a tent and it drains the battery faster. Lights with multiple modes or a zoom head, like our rechargeable tactical task lights, let you go from flood to spot as needed.
Batteries vs. Rechargeable
Battery-powered lights are easy to keep running with spares from any store, which is why C-cell and D-cell G.I. lights stay popular. Rechargeable lights save money over time and pair well with a solar panel or power bank. For a long trip, carry at least one light that runs on batteries you can buy anywhere.
Carry: Headlamp, Belt or MOLLE
Headlamps keep both hands free for setting up camp, cooking or first aid. Anglehead flashlights clip to a belt, strap or vest so the beam points forward while you walk. Small LED flashlights fit a pocket or a MOLLE knife and flashlight sheath.
The G.I. Anglehead Flashlight
The anglehead is one of the longest-serving pieces of U.S. military equipment. The MX-991/U is a development of the World War II-era TL-122 series and runs on two D-cell batteries. The issue version stores spare lenses in the tail cap (red, blue, white and a diffuser), which let soldiers signal by color or preserve night vision, and its signal switch position allows Morse code flashing. Check the product page for which accessories come with the light you choose.
Red Light and Light Discipline
Red light helps your eyes stay adapted to the dark, so you can read a map or find gear and still see when you switch it off. That is why field units often specify red-lens or filtered lights and limit white light at night. Light discipline is set by your leadership for each exercise; follow it even when your light has a brighter mode.
Practical habits help: cover the lens with your hand before switching on, point the beam at the ground, use the lowest setting that works, and check your gear in daylight so you need less light after dark. Remove or tape over glowing indicators that can give away your position.
Chem Lights and Marking
Chemical lightsticks need no batteries, work in the rain and are used to mark positions, routes and gear. Keep a few in your pack as a backup light that cannot fail electrically.
Lighting for Camp, Home and Emergencies
A kerosene hurricane lantern or solar lantern lights a whole tent or room during outages. The solar and wind-up flashlight with radio adds a way to receive weather updates without power. Folding solar panels with MOLLE webbing strap to a pack and charge a power bank while you walk, then the bank recharges your headlamp at night. Store spare wicks, fuel and batteries with the lights so they're ready when the power goes out.