When you are in the dark, the next thing your brain tells you to do is to find a light source. On a survival trip, there is only one option accessible to you – a flashlight. As intensive as you need to pack for an adventure, you shouldn’t ever leave a flashlight out because it provides the illumination you need.
Flashlights will not only help you see through the dark, but they also make sure you are safe – for instance, there are cases where attackers have been stopped with them.
A flashlight’s ability to ensure that you don’t go blind in the dark is due to advanced LED light technology. While you are interested in learning how the device works, you should also know how many lumens in a flashlight are needed in different survival situations.
How Many Lumens Do You Need?
Flashlights are battery-powered, and their intensities depend on the number of lumens. The measurement of 1 light output is called Lumens. With that, it is safe to say that there are specific flashlights for different survival situations. Below is a list of the lumens available and how they are the bests for certain purposes.
1 Lumen
A 1-Lumen Flashlight also called a Concentration Flashlight, is the least available. As regards its brightness, it is 10 times better than the Moon. It is an effective choice for a light source when you are in extreme darkness since it is intentional about focusing, i. Likewise, it is good for reading. Different 1-Lumen Flashlights exist depending on the wideness of the beams – a wider beam means dim brightness.
10-30 Lumens
The next set of Lumens for flashlights are those between 10 to 30. It is almost as compared to candlelight, which is good enough to light up a room. It is one of the ideal survival flashlights, as it remains effective during emergencies within 100m to 120m. Unlike 1 Lumen, it does not depend on the beams to determine brightness.
100 Lumens
At a time, 100 Lumens were the ideal flashlights for survival; however, the existence of others higher and better made a difference. It is an average flashlight that could also be used as a defensive weapon against attackers. The light coming from the device has a great focus; it is perfect for creating a bright spot. Today, some people still use 100 Lumens for survival occasions.
300 Lumens
The 300-Lumens Flashlight is almost similar to a bicycle headlight. It is a great choice of lumens that provides illumination over a wide range of distances. Likewise, it is capable of lighting up a place or room. As expected, it could also be used to temporarily blind attackers.
1000 Lumens and Above
Many advanced flashlights make use of 1000 Lumens and above. In most law enforcement agencies and security companies, this type of lumens is used. Even as it is the least survival situation lumens’ Flashlight to consider, it offers a superior brightness.
At this point, you now understand that there are different flashlights, with each bearing its lumens for illumination. For backpacking, camping, hiking, or any other survival situation, a 100- to 300-Lumens Flashlight is highly recommended.
Check out some good flashlights’ guides
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What are Flashlights Used For?
Usually, most people know flashlights to be a great source of light in the dark. They are simple, portable, and effective. Interestingly, they could also serve as a self-defense tool. For example:
Recognize Threats or Danger
If you have ever been in a situation where you question your safety in the dark, especially when you feel like you are being followed, flashlights are life-savers. With the brightness of this device, regardless of the lumens, you can easily recognize threats.
Use as a Weapon
Peradventure, you are faced with an attacker; flashlights are good improvised weapons. They are practically useful in temporarily disorienting an attacker, so you get a chance to escape.
How to Use a Flashlight with a Gun?
As a survivalist, having a gun or tactical weapon is not enough; proper handling of a flashlight is also important. They go a long way to determine your safety. If you were ever faced with an attacker or predator, you might want to consider the following steps to either attack/scare them away or run to safety.
Step One: Hold Your Flashlight
The first thing you ever need to do is hold your Flashlight to keep the target locked in position. It is the first tactical weapon you have before a gun or a multi-tool knife. Now, make sure this Flashlight is in your non-dominant hand before you strike.
Step Two: Extend Your Gun in an ‘X’ Position
Hold out your gun with the second hand so that it forms an “X.” As you grip the gun tightly into your hands, ensure that one of your fingers in on the recoil control and the elbow is slightly bent.
Step Three: Turn on the Flashlight and Move Slowly
Now that your hands are in the appropriate positions, ready for defense, you can now turn on the Flashlight and move slowly towards the threat.
As the light blinds an attacker on the first contact, you get the chance to make a move by defending yourself. On the contrary, i.e., a false alarm, keep the gun in a high-chested position while still holding onto the Flashlight.
It is crucial to add a flashlight with extra batteries to your emergency kit. Check out our complete guide on flashlights HERE.
LED vs. Incandescent Bulbs?
The number of Lumens is important in selecting a flashlight; thus, you should know that it is all dependent on the type of bulb used. Usually, two types of bulbs are used in flashlights – LED and Incandescent Bulbs.
Based on performance, LEDs are power-savers, with qualities such as anti-drop, less air pollution, brighter beams, and durability than Incandescent Bulbs‘. Therefore, survival trips demand that you use flashlights with LED Bulbs for effective illumination.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Why is a flashlight essential for survival trips?
Flashlights are crucial on survival trips for several reasons. They provide necessary illumination in dark conditions, enhance safety by allowing you to recognize threats or dangers, and can even be used as a self-defense tool against attackers.
What are lumens in flashlights?
Lumens measure the light output of a flashlight. The higher the lumens, the brighter the flashlight. Different lumens levels are suitable for various situations, ranging from low-light reading to high-intensity illumination for safety.
How many lumens are recommended for backpacking, camping, or hiking?
For most backpacking, camping, or hiking scenarios, a flashlight with 100 to 300 lumens is highly recommended. This range provides adequate brightness for most outdoor activities.
Conclusion
As you understand more about how many lumens in a flashlight are needed in different situations, you are learning two or more about flashlights, generally.
This article is an eye-opener to help you understand why flashlights are necessary for survival trips and day-to-day life regarding protection and safety.
We hope that this article was helpful. If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
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