Why Carry a Flashlight in Addition to Your Phone in Darkness
Why would you still carry a flashlight when you already have a perfectly good smartphone with you? This is a question I often get from my friends. There are several compelling reasons to consider a flashlight as a supplement to your phone, especially when navigating through dark environments. These reasons range from practical uses to tactical advantages.
Battery Life
Using your phone's flashlight can drain its battery quickly. In situations where you need your phone for communication or navigation, you might not want to waste its battery on lighting. A standalone flashlight has its own power source and can last much longer. This makes it a more reliable option for emergencies or extended use.
Brightness and Versatility
Most EDC flashlights (Everyday Carry flashlights) offer significantly higher brightness compared to phone flashlights. Additionally, many EDC flashlights have adjustable brightness settings, which are crucial in emergencies. You can choose a light level that suits your current situation, whether it requires maximum brightness or a subtle glow.
Durability
Holding a phone up as a flashlight can be risky. If dropped, your screen might crack or worse. A dedicated flashlight, built like a tank, can handle drops and different terrains without issues. This durability makes it a more reliable option for outdoor activities or emergency situations.
Ergonomics
Holding a phone vertically for an extended period can be uncomfortable. A flashlight, with its cylindrical design, is more ergonomic to grip, especially when you need precision and stability. This design ensures you can hold it steadily, even in challenging environments.
Tactical Advantage
A flashlight can serve as a potent self-defense tool in a pinch. Dazzling an attacker with a bright light can disorient them, creating a momentary advantage for you to escape or defend yourself. While this is not its primary function, it offers significant tactical benefits in dangerous situations.
Accessibility
When the power goes out or you hear a strange noise in the middle of the night, reaching for a flashlight is often quicker than fumbling for your phone, unlocking it, and swiping to the flashlight app. Flashlights are easily accessible and ready to use immediately.
Focused Beam
The beam from an EDC flashlight is more focused than a phone's flashlight. This allows you to see further and more clearly in the dark, which is especially useful in vigilance or spot-checking areas. A focused beam can help you safely navigate or spot potential hazards.
Although our phones are incredible multi-tools in their own right, specialized tools like a flashlight are better equipped for certain jobs. Just as a dedicated camera outperforms your phone's camera in terms of quality, an EDC flashlight outperforms your phone's flashlight in brightness and utility.
Carrying a Flashlight in Dimly Lit Areas
Carrying a flashlight with you in dark places serves several important purposes. First, it helps you see where you're going. In unfamiliar environments, such as camping trips or power outages, this can significantly enhance your safety and navigation. Additionally, a flashlight can be a valuable self-defense tool. By shining a bright light into an attacker's eyes, you can disorient them, providing an escape or defense opportunity.
A flashlight is also useful in emergency situations. In case of a fire or other disaster, you might need to signal for help or find your way out of a building. A flashlight can provide the light needed to navigate through darkness and chaos, ensuring you can proceed safely and efficiently. The presence of a flashlight can make a critical difference in emergency preparedness.
Types of Flashlights
There are different classifications of flashlights, such as outdoor flashlights, tactical flashlights, EDC flashlights, hunting flashlights, and headlights. You can choose a flashlight based on your specific needs. For a simple and practical outdoor flashlight, I recommend the CYANSKY P25 V2. This flashlight has a beautiful appearance, is compact in size, and is easy to carry. It is really bright, making it an excellent choice for any scenario where you might need a reliable light source.