A good flashlight is a must-have tool for camping, hiking, and emergencies. Basic flashlights can help in dark places, but waterproof flashlights are designed for use in wet conditions and outdoors. They can handle rain, splashes, and even some drops of water, making them a smart choice for anyone who spends time outside or near water.

Waterproof flashlights come in different sizes, brightness levels, and materials. When shopping, key things to look for include the water resistance rating (labeled as IPX), the device’s sturdiness, and battery life. Some waterproof models are small and light, while others are heavy-duty for rough use. It’s also important to check if the flashlight is easy to grip when wet and how well the battery compartment seals to keep water out.

Choosing the right waterproof flashlight is about more than just finding one that works in the rain. We spent hours researching and testing waterproof flashlights to find the ones that last and stay reliable when you need them most.

Best Waterproof Flashlights

We have researched and selected the top waterproof flashlights to help you find the best options for any wet or rainy situation. Our list includes reliable models that are built to last and easy to use wherever you need them.

CHILDBOT High Lumens Waterproof Flashlight

This waterproof flashlight stands out for its brightness, long battery life, and user-friendly design, making it a strong choice for anyone who needs reliable lighting, whether outdoors or in an emergency.

Pros

Cons

After an overnight camping trip in wet weather, we found the CHILDBOT flashlight stayed dry and reliable the whole time. The body feels rugged and resists bumps and drops, which gives us peace of mind during rough hikes. Water splashing from rain never seemed to stop it from working.

Switching between brightness levels is simple, and the strobe and SOS modes are good for emergencies. The digital battery display comes in handy for trips, so we always knew exactly when it needed to recharge. While the flashlight is not the lightest to carry, the extra weight is balanced by the solid feel and extended battery hours.

One thing we noticed is that the zoom feature can be hard to adjust, especially with gloves on. Also, for weeks of use, one of our test models dimmed more quickly than the other, although this did not happen with both. Overall, the CHILDBOT High Lumens Waterproof Flashlight works well for camping, power outages, and storms. When we need light we can count on, it’s a reliable option.

Lepro Mini Waterproof Pen Flashlights

For anyone looking for a simple, waterproof flashlight that fits in a pocket and withstands regular use, this one is a solid choice.

Pros

Cons

We like how easy it is to grab and go with the Lepro Mini Waterproof Pen Flashlight. Tossing it into a bag or clipping it to a pocket doesn’t add any weight, so we hardly notice it’s there until we need it. After using it outside during heavy rain, we noticed that the aluminum body held up well and continued to work without issues.

The flashlight’s three light settings mean we can quickly swap between a soft beam for reading and a higher mode for searching in dark corners. At the same time, we wish the button system were a bit more straightforward, as the strobe mode appears in rotation and is often not needed. While other models let us adjust the focus, this pen light stays fixed, fine for most tasks, but not as versatile for longer distances.

We appreciate that the brightness matches more expensive options, despite the affordable price. As a backup light for emergencies or a handy tool for work kits, this flashlight is a great fit. With the reasonable build quality and weather resistance, we think it’s a reliable choice for anyone needing a basic but tough waterproof penlight.

NICRON N7 Waterproof Flashlight

This flashlight is a solid choice for anyone needing a dependable waterproof light for daily and outdoor use.

Pros

Cons

We recently tested the NICRON N7 and saw right away that its light is powerful for its size. In a dark room or outside at night, the beam cuts through the darkness and makes it easy to see where we’re going. Its body feels sturdy, and the waterproof rating gave us peace of mind during rain.

Using it hands-free is simple, thanks to the magnetic tail cap. That feature lets us set the flashlight on metal surfaces, which comes in handy during repairs or camping. We also liked its rotating head, which helps direct the beam without requiring an awkward hold.

Installing a battery for the first time took some effort, especially with certain types of rechargeable batteries. We noticed the flashlight warms up if used on the highest brightness for a long time. Still, the compact size and reliable build quality make the NICRON N7 Waterproof Flashlight a useful addition to our gear for home and outdoor activities.

Buying Guide

When looking for a waterproof flashlight, we want to check its waterproof rating. The rating, often called IPX, tells us how much water the flashlight can handle.

Common Waterproof Ratings

RatingProtection Level
IPX4Splash resistant (light rain, no submersion)
IPX7Can handle 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes
IPX8Can go deeper than 1 meter, time varies

Let’s think about brightness. We measure brightness in lumens. For home or backpack use, 100-300 lumens is often enough. For hiking or outdoor work in the dark, 300 lumens or more is useful.

The battery type is important. We can choose between rechargeable and regular batteries. Rechargeable flashlights save money and are often easier to use. Regular batteries are good for backup or long trips.

Other Features to Consider:

By focusing on these features, we can find a flashlight that meets our needs and works well in wet conditions.