We all need a torch at some point or another – whether we’re at a campsite struggling to get a clear view of what’s ahead in the darkness, fixing household appliances at home or hiking through secluded areas with minimal access to lighting.

These small yet often underappreciated items can light up the road ahead and make it easier for us to navigate dimly-lit areas. Despite their seemingly straightforward purpose, choosing a well-designed torch is more than just a matter of ‘if it works, it works.

How Do You Choose an LED torch?

When you’re browsing through a well-stocked and reliable LED torch shop, there are several key aspects you should consider. It all depends on your reasons for buying it in the first place, how user-friendly you’d like it to be and any additional requirements you have in mind.

Light Output

This metric is measured in lumens and indicates how bright the torch is. The higher the lumen count, the greater the beam of light you’ll be getting.

Most LED torches have a light output ranging from 20 to 3500 lumens, with the average numbers falling around the 100-lumen category.

Some models even come with adjustable brightness levels, so you can crank up the illumination based on your needs. However, keep in mind that brighter options may have a shorter battery life due to the juice required to power them up.

If you really need something bright but can’t compromise on battery life, make sure to pack an energy source or carry replaceable batteries to quickly get it back to speed.

Beam Type

The reflector around the bulb itself is what determines the beam type. While it may not directly influence the visibility for hiking and camping, you may want to pay close attention to it if you’re doing high-demanding or niche tasks.

The first option is a flood beam, which emits broad, flood-like illumination that clearly shows nearby objects. Since this light quickly dissipates as you move further away, it may not be the most suitable option if you want to see things clearly from farther back.

Next up, the spot beam offers a more focused light source that brightens up further objects. As such, they’re a fantastic companion for outdoor enthusiasts and travellers who want a clear view of their surroundings and would like to spot things from further away.

Finally, adjustable options are exactly what they sound like – you can control the type of beam these devices emit and the distance the light travels in front of you. This gives you greater flexibility in terms of controlling your visibility and improving navigation in the dark.

Light Color

Most options in an LED torch shop use white light but others may use a so-called filtered light to offer greater variety. For instance, red or blue filters can be useful for avoiding detection since some animals struggle to perceive those colours.

Some torches use UV lights that can illuminate and highlight certain materials, making them useful for tasks like checking for counterfeit money or identifying scorpions in the dark. However, these are not recommended for general outdoor use as they may disturb wildlife.

Battery Type

When it comes to battery type, most LED torches use either disposable or rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries are convenient for shorter trips as you can easily replace them if they run out of power. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, may be more cost-effective in the long run but require access to a power source.

It’s important to also consider the battery life when choosing an LED torch. This will depend on factors such as the brightness level used and the quality of the batteries. Some models may offer longer battery life while others may have different settings that allow you to conserve battery power.

Think about where and how you will be using your LED torch to determine which battery type is the best fit for your needs. If you plan on taking longer trips or need a reliable source of light for extended periods of time, rechargeable batteries may be a better option. However, if you need a quick and easy solution for shorter trips, disposable batteries may be more convenient.

Durability

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are used to measure the level of protection an LED torch has against dust and water. These ratings are typically displayed as two numbers, such as IP67, with the first number representing the level of protection against solids and the second number representing the level of protection against liquids.

For outdoor use, it’s important to choose an LED torch with a high IP rating to ensure it can withstand harsh weather conditions or accidental submersion in water. A higher rating means better protection against dust, sand, and rain.

Additionally, some options come with shock-resistant features to protect them from drops or impacts. This can be especially useful for activities like camping or hiking where your torch may be exposed to rough terrain.

Control Options

Aside from the classic on-and-off switch, some models may come with advanced control features that allow you to customize the amount of light emitted. If it comes with adjustable brightness options, you may have a rotary ring to switch between each level.

Moreover, tactical models tend to have a silent switch so you can easily operate them in high-risk scenarios. This can help minimize detection and keep you safe in dangerous situations.