One of the most crucial tools in a bug out bag could very well be a source of light. Out on your own, in an unfamiliar area, or even around the home, being able to see your surroundings is a matter of survival. Emergencies or disasters can take place anywhere and anytime. It is wise to be prepared and not be left in the dark.
Unfortunately, choosing a light or flashlight at random for your bug out bag may not do you much good. Further, being familiar with the light and how to use it, is not something you want to have to learn on the fly. What kind of batteries does it take? For what use is it best suited? Do you trust it enough to hand it to a loved one in a time of need?
While flashlights may not be as cool or as fun as knives and guns or other additions to your preps, they may be just as important. If the purpose of your bug out bag is to be able to get out of harm’s way fast, you’ll want lights that are lightweight and reliable. Not to mention, affordable.
The Answer
I recommend two lights. A primary and a back-up. Two is one, and one is none, right? Your lights should also have LED bulbs; they are more efficient and last longer than incandescent. I’d like to suggest a few flashlights that I have had experience with. If you have other suggestions, leave them in the comments!
Primary Bug Out Bag Flashlight Options
SureFire G2X Pro Series
SureFire produces some of the most highly regarded tactical lights available. The G2X Pro series produces some impressive output with its high brightness setting of 320 lumens, and 15 lumens on low. The low setting may seem like a small level of lumen output but it is very useful for low-light use to preserve your night vision, or for tasks like map reading, or searching through a backpack. The high setting however, will turn some heads. Flip the switch on this one and send some blinding bright, white light down range. To operate, click the tail switch for on/off or press and hold for momentary on. However, with higher lumen output typically comes shorter run time. The high mode only has a run time of about 2 hours. The Surefire G2X Pro is powered by two CR123 lithium batteries. While CR123 batteries are not as cheap as conventional battery-types, they are more powerful and have a shelf-life of 10 years.
5.11 Tactical A2 Flashlight
This light from 5.11 Tactical is powered by two AA batteries. Having flashlights and back up lights that take conventional batteries can be a huge advantage. In a bug out situation, finding AA or AAA batteries will likely be much easier than finding specialty batteries. So, keeping your lights working should be more simple. The 5.11 Tactical A2 has a high setting with 220 lumens of output, with the same on strobe, and a low setting with output of 12 lumens. The tail cap switch can be used for on/off operation or momentary on use. It has a durable aluminum body and a edged self defense bezel. They also offer a larger 5.11 Tactical A4 version that takes four AA batteries.
Rayovac Sportsman
The Rayovac Sportsman may not be a 'tactical flashlight' in any sense, but it is incredibly useful. It has two modes with up to 180 lumens of output on high and 75 lumens on the low setting. This flashlight has fairly impressive throw even compared to other lights at double the price. The light's hot spot remains fairly focused even at 50 feet. The Sportsman has an anodized aluminum body which is water resistant and has a rubberized grip surface. One downside is that it takes 3 C batteries. I can't name one thing I own that also takes C batteries. Also, the batteries are Not included. That being said, the battery-life is impressive and it definitely makes this light one you can leave in a bug out bag and expect it to work when you need it. Another thing to be aware of is that the switch is harder to actuate than other lights but that just means it will not turn on accidentally in your pack. The Rayovac Sportsman makes a great light to leave in a vehicle or to take on camping trips. For its price it puts out a lot of light and has a solid feel.
Secondary or Back-Up Bug Out Bag Flashlights
5.11 Tactical Penlight
If you've owned a penlight, you know how useful they can be. These can offer low-light capability which is useful if your primarily light has only one brightness setting. More importantly, they are light and easy to carry. The 5.11 Penlight has a pocket clip and slips perfectly into pen pocket slots in a backpack. The pocket clip is metal but is light enough that it could break off under stress. It is the total length of no more than your palm and it takes two, easily obtainable, AAA batteries. The package is durable, water resistant, and has output of 90 lumens. The tail switch can be operated by pressing hard until it clicks or pressing gently and holding for momentary on. There is no strobe feature, but a small light like this does not need one. This 5.11 flashlight would also make a good EDC light. They also offer an appealing, and shorter, blue colored version.
Nebo Edge Flashlight
The Nebo Edge 90 is a very compact and affordable pocket light. It could serve as a backup light or as an everyday carry light, and it takes a single AA battery. The Edge has fairly bright output for a pocket light (90 lumens) and you will not believe the price (less than $12). I first found these on sale in a local outdoor store and bought a small handful. The face of the light has a detachable bezel that is built for defense. I chose to remove it; it simply screws off. Not having the bezel attached makes the Edge more comfortable to carry. The Nebo Edge fits in a hand or pocket easily at less than 4 inches and weights just under 3 ounces. Toss one in a bug out bag for each member of your family.
Streamlight Siege AA Lantern
The Streamlight Siege AA may not be a flashlight, but it can be just as useful as a secondary light source. It is not rechargeable but is battery operated and takes 3 easily replaceable AA batteries. This little LED camp lantern is small enough and bright enough for a ton of bugging out scenarios. It even floats and can be submerged in up to one meter of water. The highest setting puts out 200 lumens and can run for 7 hours. The middle and low settings put out 100 lumens and 50 lumens, respectively. The low setting can run for up to 37 hours. The low setting provides good throw for a small tent or the top of a picnic table. The Streamlight Siege AA can add usable light to a campsite, hotel room, or even your home in the event of a blackout.
Light Is The Last Thing You Want To Have To Worry About
When bugging out, or bugging in for that matter, having a reliable light source will ensure that you can stick to your emergency plans. If you can't see your preps, how can you use them? Having adequate and reliable light sources will give you a tactical advantage and allow you to identify potential threats in a bug out scenario. Take this time while the power is on to train and equip.