When I go camping, having a light is important so I don’t trip over rocks, scrubs, and other items at night. I use one for my tent and one while walking.
A spotlight is very bright, lasts for a long time, and is rugged. While camping, a spotlight helps you see far into the distance and provides an all-night light if needed. Use it for camp skits, floodlighting, safety, and area and tent lighting.
Most backpackers use headlamps but if you’re traveling by car or RV, a spotlight can be an effective tool to help you have an enjoyable light night camping experience.
Humans first realized how useful it is to use light when they learned how to create and control fire. And once we discovered how to make light, we never stopped inventing new ways of using it.
The light not only allows us to do many things in darkness by lengthening the day, but it also makes us feel more secure.
One of these clever inventions is the handheld spotlight that lights up the night. These small and portable devices help us see deeper and further into the darkness.
Nowadays, there’s a wide range of handheld spotlights to choose from, so picking the right one for your needs may be a bit difficult if you don’t know what to look for.
Most spotlights are rechargeable. So your job is just to charge it and take it with you wherever you need it. Many can also charge your personal devices like your phone.
What is a Handheld Spotlight?
It is a device that projects a powerful and narrow beam of light no wider than 45 degrees. The most common uses include lightening up dark areas, so it’s great for camping, fishing, hiking, as well as emergencies.
You can also use it for DIY projects around the house as it can lengthen the day and for investigating the movement around commercial buildings.
Spotlights have an easy-to-control and point beam and are pretty convenient devices.
You may already have a regular flashlight that’s easy to carry or a flashlight included in your mobile phone, but handheld spotlights allow you to see further and deeper into the darkness.
They are considerably more powerful than your small flashlight.
Why Use a Spotlight?
Large Groups
Spotlights are a great idea when you have larger groups of people because you can illuminate large areas for good viewing.
If you are doing a camp skit, a spotlight can help the audience clearly see the actors. If you can raise the light high enough, it will be like a stage light helping everyone and the actors see the area clearly.
This is especially helpful when no other bright light sources are available.
Suppose you are hiking as a group at night. a spotlight is helpful for the person in front to hold, so all those behind it can see the path ahead clearly.
So the next time you need to take a group through the forest at night, a spotlight can give everyone a sense of confidence about what is ahead of them for better navigating over terrain and awareness of surroundings.
Floodlight
The nice thing about many spotlights is they come with floodlights as well. A spotlight usually covers an area of about 45 degrees or less, while a floodlight can cover a wide area of up to 120 degrees. (lightup.com)
When camping, a floodlight can light up your tent, the picnic table, or your sitting area. So, it might work well enough to light up an area for camp skits and other activities you might want to do at night.
Some people like to use a butane or gas lamp. These are good for lighting areas but can be heavy and pose a safety risk if left unattended. Using a floodlight/spotlight combo will ensure you worry less and won’t have such a heavy load if hiking in.
If you’re interested in buying a spotlight or spotlight/floodlight combo, here are some that I thought were good options.
— Spotlight & Floodlight Combos —
1. Lighting Ever Rechargeable Camping Spotlight
We all enjoy camping with our friends and family as often as we can. But you can’t set out without a reliable spotlight such as the Lighting Ever Rechargeable Camping Spotlight.
It is cordless which makes it extremely convenient for camping, and a significantly better option than the low-powered flashlights you may have used before.
The CREE T6 LED bulbs deliver a 1,000 lumens high beam at a distance of up to 500 meters. The low beam provides 400 lumens at a 50 meter-distance.
Another fantastic feature of this spotlight is the three light settings – a front spotlight, a side lantern, and a red emergency light.
As you can see, you have a different option for whatever purpose you need it. It has a 3600mAh rechargeable battery and a USB port that allows you to use it as a power bank for your mobile phone.
This could be really helpful in case of an emergency situation. The handheld spotlight includes 4 blue LEDs that show the battery level.
In that way, you will always know if the spotlight is running out of battery so you can charge it immediately.
You get a shoulder strap as well, which will allow you to carry it with ease. It may be large, but it has a very comfortable handle. Plus, it’s water-resistant.
Details
- A shoulder strap you can easily adjust
- Comfortable handle
- CREE T6 bulbs of the highest quality
- Rechargeable 3600mAh battery
2. BUYSIGHT Rechargeable spotlight
For maximum spotlight lighting, this one is a great option. It comes with 6,000 lumens in a lightweight package. That means you can shine your light long distances into the dark.
It is cordless, which makes it extremely convenient for camping, and comes with the option to be used as a floodlight for light wide areas around camp.
The CREE 2 LED bulbs deliver 6,000 lumens on a high beam and last for 8-10 hours at a distance of up to 800 meters. The low beam provides 20-24 hours of light.
Another fantastic feature of this spotlight is the three light settings – a front spotlight, a side lantern, and red and blue light warning function.
You have a different option for whatever purpose you need it. It has a 9000mAh rechargeable battery and a USB port that allows you to use it as a power bank for your mobile phone or other electronic devices.
This could be really helpful in case of an emergency situation.
You can recharge the battery with the included wall plug adapter.
Details
- Made of High-Quality Aviation Material Aluminum Alloy
- Upgraded Cree 2 Led Beans Brightness up to 6000 lumens
- Used as Large Extensive Flood light Camping Work Light
- Main light: Super Bright Spotlight Flashlight; Side light: Flood Flashlight and alarm light flash Function（Red & Blue）.
- Equipped with the Bracket: Set your hands free to barbecue Outside at night
- Convenient Ergonomic Handle so you’ll feel it easy to hold.
- Larger Capacity & Emergency Power Bank: 3 x 18650 Battery & USB Output Port
3. BUYSIGHT Rechargeable spotlight
For a great combo of a spotlight and a floodlight in a small package, this one is a great option. It comes with 1,200 lumens in a compact body. That means you can shine your light long distances or use the 45 LED flood light to illuminate your camping area.
It has 7 different light modes, which can be good for different camping situations.
The L2 LED bulbs deliver 1,200 lumens on a high beam and last for 10-20 hours at a distance of up to 800 yards. The spotlight comes in high and low beams.
The floodlight has 3 settings – high, medium, and low.
It has a 10000mAh rechargeable battery and a USB port that allows you to use it as a power bank for your mobile phone or other electronic devices. This could be really helpful for your car or house in an emergency situation.
Details
- It can light up both sides at the same time.
- Battery indicator light.
- The spotlight on the left has 3 brightness levels: High, Low, and Strobe.
- The floodlight on the right side has 4 brightness levels: High, Medium, Low, and Red/Blue Strobe.
- Made from high-quality ABS and Rubber waterproof plug to protect the flashlight from scratch, bumps, and water splash.
- Comes with a micro USB cable, so you can easily charge for the flashlight at home or on your car. It can be used as an emergency power bank to charge your phone.
— Spotlight Only Options —
1. Streamlight 44900 Waypoint Spotlight
This handheld spotlight has IPX4 water resistance, which means it’s resistant to splashing water no matter the direction.
This, along with being able to float in water, makes it ideal for boating, fishing, and similar activities near or on water.
When it comes to power, the Streamlight 44900 Waypoint spotlight uses Csized alkaline batteries. You can use it for up to 8.5 hours without turning it off, with four batteries.
You can also use a 12V DC power cord if needed. The package, however, doesn’t include batteries. When it comes to the LED in use, this black and yellow handheld spotlight emits 20 lumens at a low beam and 210 lumens at a high beam.
What’s more, it includes a long-range parabolic reflector which makes it even more effective in a nautical setting.
The lens of the spotlight can withstand strong shocks and impacts, while the body is made of tough polycarbonate.
Details
- Sturdy construction
- Water-resistant so it’s perfect for boating and fishing
- High beam throwing up to 2,000 feet
- Tough polycarbonate body
2. Cyclops 700 Waterproof Rechargeable Marine Style Spotlight
Just like other spotlights, this one also has different settings for high beams and low beams. When it comes to the high beam.
The batteries this spotlight uses are rechargeable, and the package includes a home charger and a car charger. That makes the Cyclops 700 Lumen Handheld Spotlight ideal for long trips with your car.
The rubberized grip of the spotlight is designed so that the user can hold it easily. It comes with an always-on option featured on the trigger pulse.
Details
- An always-on lock which can be really handy
- High beam with a good distance
- Rugged construction with a blue trim
- Car charger that allows you to use it on long trips
3. DEWALT DCL043 LED Spotlight
If you didn’t guess already, judging by the name of this famous brand of hand and power tools, this is a commercial-grade spotlight that’s extremely durable.
It has a modified pistol grip handle, belt hook, and pivoting head, so it’s easy to use. The Dewalt DCL043 LED Spotlight is one sturdy device with a black and yellow design.
It’s great for DIY projects or working activities around the house thanks to its three bright LEDs, which can lighten up the whole area.
What’s more, it includes a red LED which allows you to do any work around the house at night. It has two brightness settings, one powerful white, which lightens up to 1500 feet distance, and the other low brightness red setting, which can serve for at least 12 hours when fully charged.
All this makes this handheld spotlight a good work light.
Details
- Convenient features that make it an ideal work light
- Made of durable materials
- 1000 lumens Provides illumination to job sites and work areas
- Red LED suitable for night projects
How to Choose A Handheld Spotlight
Ideally, you’d want a combination of luminosity and portability. The best handheld spotlight should have a powerful beam and, at the same time, be easy to carry around by hand.
If it comes with a compact design and a shoulder strap, it is even better. You can get to use it hands-free.
When it comes to the lightness it provides, it should be considerably more powerful than your regular flashlight.
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a handheld spotlight according to your needs:
Usability
No one wants a heavy handheld spotlight to carry around with them on their outdoor adventures.
Therefore, choose one that’s lightweight and easy to use. Don’t neglect the switches, and make sure they are easily accessible as well.
Durability
You certainly don’t want a fragile spotlight that will fail or break in the first few days of usage, so make sure you choose a durable one that’s sturdy enough to handle impacts and different weather conditions.
A durable case, ABS plastic, and a waterproof feature are what you seek in a good spotlight. A great option would be to choose a product made of aircraft-grade aluminum material.
Last but not least, look for a durable bulb.
Bulb
Spotlights use different types of bulbs, and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, incandescent bulbs are bright, powerful, and come at a low price.
However, this type of bulb uses plenty of power. That’s why you may want to go with the other option, which is more efficient – an LED bulb.
An LED spotlight is more expensive than a spotlight with the previous type of bulb, but it’s incredibly efficient.
What’s more, it can last for a long time, so it’s a good option to consider.
Power Source
The powering option is another important feature to consider when buying a handheld spotlight.
Basically, you can power it either from a 12-volt source or rechargeable batteries. You can connect a wired unit with a 12-volt power source using a cigarette adapter.
In that way, it can function without worrying about running out of battery. However, this option is more suitable for vehicles, ATVs, and boats, as you’ll have to connect the spotlight to the power source all the time.
On the other hand, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries make the device mobile. You’d want to go with this option if you are a hunter.
But, keep in mind that rechargeable spotlights illuminate for an average of 2-3 hours. Therefore, be prepared to charge the battery when needed.
Weight
This is an important feature to consider because, after all, you are buying a handheld product, so you don’t want to end up carrying a heavy spotlight for hours.
Therefore, choose a lightweight device, especially if you plan to use it for longer-distance trips. In that way, you’ll prevent your muscles from getting tired or even fatigued.
Waterproof
A great handheld spotlight should be able to withstand any weather condition, especially rain, as you’ll probably use it most of the time for outdoor activities.
You should be able to use it even around the house without worrying about the weather outside.
That’s why it’s always better to choose a waterproof spotlight with a durable rainproof, and rustproof design.
Although it may be a bit more expensive than other models, it’s worth it because you should be able to use it regardless of the weather conditions.
Choosing a reliable, waterproof spotlight is a good investment that will serve you for a long time.
Modes
Flashlights with only one mode are good for everyday purposes. But, if you need a spotlight for a more specific purpose, choose one that comes with more settings.
Some spotlights have high, boost, medium, and low mode settings. Even though you may use only one of them, it’s always good to have more options.
However, keep in mind that the runtime reduces as the brightness increases.
Lumens
Most of the handheld spotlights on our list come with a decent lumen output.
The general rule is the bigger the output, the better, as that shows how powerful the spotlight’s lightning capabilities are. However, don’t base your decision only on this feature.
It’s more important to decide the purpose for which you are getting yourself this model, and based on that, choose the one that offers the right output of lumens for your needs.
Beam
The type of beam is affected by the lens reflector located around the bulb. Generally, there are three types of beams: fixed or flood, focused or spot, and adjustable.
If you need a handheld spotlight for ordinary tasks, choose one with a flood beam. If you need a spotlight for fast-paced activities and route findings, choose spot beams, and if you need a beam with different ranges of beam width from focused to wide, choose an adjustable beam.
Top Spotlight Brands
Having a handheld spotlight can help you on many occasions when you need extra-deep light.
But, if you’re still wondering what the best model is for your needs, you may want to get familiar with some of the best brands of spotlights on the market.
In that way, you’ll know the product you choose has high-quality and convenient features that will last for a long time. So, here are some of the best brands that offer reliable, handheld spotlights:
DeWalt
This popular company has a hundred years of experience in manufacturing durable, dependable, innovative, and reliable products, from hand tools and power tools to all kinds of useful equipment.
If the users weren’t satisfied with their products, the company wouldn’t make it this far, right? That should be the best proof of their high quality and work ethic throughout the years. The wide range of products, including handheld spotlights, has attracted many customers who are looking for the right tool for their purpose. That’s why we’ve put DeWalt on the list of brands worth spending your money on.
Mr.Beams
The company started in 2006 and has never stopped growing, attracting more customers ever since. Its biggest assets are the high quality offered at an affordable price. In 2008, they started manufacturing energy-efficient LED light fixtures for outdoor and indoor use, and ever since then, people have chosen them over and over again, making them one of the biggest brands on the market.
Final Thoughts
Although each and every spotlight on our list is of high quality, we’ve decided on our top pick based on their features. We believe the best handheld spotlight is the DEWALT DCL043 LED spotlight for a few reasons.
First, it comes from a highly trusted brand that produces professional-grade spotlights. Second, it delivers up to 1000 lumens from a distance of up to 1,500 feet, which means powerful lightness that can illuminate any dark outdoor or indoor area.
This makes it suitable for activities like camping, hiking, or dark work areas. Other reasons why we’ve picked it as our winner is because of its three bright LEDs and one red LED, the durable design, 90-degree pivoting head, two brightness settings, a belt hook included that allows hands-free use, etc
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