The Best Pen Lights
Whether you're camping and hiking in the dark or need to see around when the lights go out, flashlights are one of the most overlooked yet useful tools we all use. But regular flashlights can be an extra weight while backpacking and too bulky to fit in small spaces. That's where the numerous benefits of a penlight begin. These small but powerful flashlights can be a lifesaver and shine a light on even the darkest of places. There are tons of different penlights on the market, so we took it upon ourselves to find the best of the best.
What to Look For
The best penlight should have three essential qualities: a bright and steady beam, a compact size for carrying, and versatility in its use. The Streamlight penlight was our favorite, because not only does it provide a strong and bright beam, but its compact size allows you to take and store it anywhere. It also has a useful magnetic stand for you to hold your flashlight up without your hands. If you’re looking for a truly multi-purpose versatile penlight, however, then go with the Atomic Bear tactical pen. It comes loaded with different tools like a writing pen, bottle opener, and glass breaker, so you’ll feel prepared in any situation. Read on below to look through our list of our top picks, and why they stand out amongst the rest.
Streamlight 66218 Stylus Pro 360 Penlight
This penlight offers a better way to illuminate almost your space hands-free. The light has a bell-shaped boot on the bottom that allows it to stand upright, allowing you to set it on the ground or any tabletop. With C4 LED lights, it delivers 90 lumens of light for 6.5 hours, giving you the brightness you need and the longevity you’ve been looking for. Best of all, this pick comes with a mesh belt pouch, batteries, and a removable pocket clip.
Pros:
- The magnetic stand holds the flashlight up, freeing up your hands to work.
- Because of its compact size, you can take it with you almost anywhere in your pocket, bag, or purse.
- We were surprised at how powerful it was despite its small size. At 90 lumens, it can easily light up an entire room.
Cons:
- The light dims over time as the batteries die.
Streamlight 66323 MicroStream Ultra-Compact Aluminum Flashlight
Designed to fit into your pocket, this small light delivers impressive amounts of light. The bright white C4 LED lights deliver 45 lumens for a clear and bright beam of light. Finished with a snag-free clip that allows you to easily attach it to your pants, a hat, or even your car visor, you can stash this little flashlight anywhere for easy access.
Pros:
- The required AAA batteries are included with the penlight, so you can use it right out of the box.
- You can press and hold it lightly for an instant-on, or click it in all the way in case you need to use a constant beam of light.
- The exterior is made from anodized aluminum for extreme durability in case of any accidental drops.
Cons:
- The light is a white shade instead of a neutral or warm tone, which might make certain colors more difficult to see.
The Atomic Bear MTP-6 Tactical Pen Multitool
Master the night
This penlight may look simple, but don’t let appearances fool you. This design includes a pen, multi-mode LED flashlight, glass breaker, and multitool. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum for added strength, the multitool is a great choice for everything from day-to-day use to self-defense situations. Instead of carrying around multiple tools to get things done, get this all-in-one product to help you do more with less.
Pros:
- At a whopping 130-lumens, this flashlight easily lights up rooms, garages, dark paths, and streets.
- This flashlight is truly all-in-one. The included bonus tools are everything you need for work, emergencies, and self-defense.
Cons:
- The glass breaker is sharp, so you need to be careful that it doesn’t damage your clothes.
Nebo Inspector Rechargeable Pen Light
Power it up
Lightweight and easy to operate, this penlight can run on either AAA batteries or a rechargeable Lithium battery for added versatility. When using the rechargeable battery, simply plug it in using a USB charger and it will be full of juice in no time. The waterproof design also has an adjustable zoom and three different light modes so you can get the exact type of light you need. Just cycle through the different light modes with the soft-touch buttons to achieve the focus and intensity you’re looking for.
Pros:
- The steel clip attaches to your clothing or belt for hands-free usage.
- Lithium rechargeable battery with Flex Power technology is a great way to save money on extra batteries.
- By adjusting the focus, the light can be made into a spotlight or a diffused floodlight, so you can control the beam depending on what you need.
Cons:
- The penlight heats up quickly when the light is left on for extended periods of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are penlights and what are they used for?
A penlight is a flashlight that’s small enough to fit into your pocket. Some options even include a functioning pen tip, though not all penlights can serve as writing utensils. These handy lights are used in a vast range of situations. For example, many medical professionals use penlights to assess patients’ pupil response. Penlights are also used by many other professionals, like contractors or electricians, who often need to illuminate dark spaces.
What batteries do penlights use?
Many penlights use AAA batteries. Some, however, use rechargeable batteries or AA batteries. Be sure to check the specifications for your penlight before buying batteries.
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