Best Torches Australia: 4 Essential Flashlights

By Tom Summerfield | Updated 6 March 2023

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A good torch comes in handy. Whether you're camping or at work, a flashlight is an essential tool to have. In this guide we're taking a look at the best torches in Australia. We've made recommendations for camping, hiking, and work torches for trades. Read on for our top picks!

Best for work and tactical

The Nicron is a tactical torch perfect for work as it has a small build and foldable top to brighten up tight spaces. It's also a great torch that you can hook up on your top/bag while hiking.

OUR
PICK

Best for camping and hiking

This is the brightest torch on our list with 10,000 lumens! It's perfect for camping as it's waterproof, has multiple settings (including SOS), and rechargeable.

Two for one! Budget option

This is the value option. Two flashlights for the price of one! They're waterproof, compact, rechargeable, have 3 settings (including SOS) and are bright (500 lumens!).

Latern Torch

You can convert this lantern to use as a torch! It's a really handy design making it perfect for a group lantern at camping or a great back up torch when the power goes out.

How We Decided

We started our search for the best Australian flashlights by researching what torches are on the market by visiting popular retailers. We then cross referenced the options with trade and camping forums and reddit threads. We looked at what features users looked out for particular uses. After we gathered this information, we narrowed down our list top the top 4 picks available right now for work, camping/hiking and budget option.


Best Torches Australia: Top 4


Best for work and tactical

What we like 

Foldable top

Small size

Tactical clip

Specifications

Lumens: 600

Battery: USB Rechargeable or AA

Water-proof: Yes

Size: 11.18 x 1.98 x 1.98 cm

OUR
PICK

The Nicron is our top pick for people looking for a good torch for work or a quality tactical torch. The reason why this torch is the best choice for both of these uses is because: it's small, powerful, and has a foldable top that is perfect for work to clip onto yourself when hiking at night.

For tradies like carpenters or electricians, this torch the perfect size to fit in your tool belt. It's small size makes it light and easy to carry around, and the handy clip allows you to clip it onto your belt or self. The foldable top is also great for when you want to shine light into spaces that have awkward angles or tight clearance.

This foldable top and clip is also what makes it a great tactical flashlight. You can clip it onto your body or backpack so you can keep your hands free while hiking in low light settings. 

The battery life for this torch is also good, and it gives you the option to use normal AA batteries or rechargeable ones that you can top up with a USB charger.

This torch is the ideal flashlight for work or for someone looking for a small, light tactical torch to carry around.


Best for camping and hiking

What we like 

Very bright! 10,000 lumens!

Multiple settings (including SOS)

Great for camping

Specifications

Lumens: 10,000

Battery: AAA USB rechargeable battery 

Water-proof: Yes

Size: ‎18 x 10 x 4.5 cm

If you are going camping or will be out in the wilderness for an extended period of time, you need a powerful torch with safety settings. The Shadowhawk is the best camping torch on the market right due to its price to feature set ratio.

This torch is bright. You can turn it up to 10,000 lumens! It will literally turn night into day - however that will drain the battery quickly. Luckily it comes with 5 settings: high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS, allowing it to last 12 hours on a full charge.

This torch can take both AAA batteries and rechargeable ones that allow you to top up the juice via a USB charge (meaning you can charge it with your phone).

It is also waterproof and shock resistant, making it the perfect flashlight to take with you when camping and need a strong light to keep safe at night.


Two for one! Budget option

What we like 

Great value!

Rechargeable

Waterproof

Specifications

Lumens: 500

Battery: USB rechargable  

Water-proof: Yes

Size: 2.7 x 11.6 x 2.4 cm

If you are just looking for a good basic torch with a price that's not crazy, then the GeeRic is a value for money option. You get two for the price of one! However, the GeeRic is not your basic one and off torch you can buy at the supermarket, it still has some great features.

This torch has 4 settings! Normal, SOS mode, strobe, and table light mode which lights up the side of the torch that generates a soft light to use within a tent at night. It also has an adjustable top that allows you to focus the light to great a wide angle or spot light beam.

These torches are also water proof and are rechargeable via USB. 

They really are value for money. For most people who are looking for a torch to take camping or need several torches for the family, these torches are a great option to consider.


Lantern

What we like 

Use as a latern or torch

Perfect for camping or home

Rechargeable

Specifications

Lumens: 350

Battery: AA abd USB rechargable  

Water-proof: No, water resistant 

Size: 35 x 35 x 55 cm

This is a really cool torch. It is a lantern that you can also use a standard torch. To use it in lantern mode, you pull it out of its container. To use it as a torch, to keep it enclosed, so when you turn the power on, the light shines out from the bottom of the lantern to act as a torch.

This torch is really a great idea for your next camping trip. It is ideal to use as a group torch or within a tent. it is also a great little torch to keep at home in case of power outages. It is also a very good price, and come in a pack of two.


Torch and Flashlight Buying Guide 

Hopefully you have found a torch that will suit your needs and budget. However if you're still undecided or need some more information to help you pick a good flashlight, below is our buying guide that will outline the key features to look out for when buying a good Australian torch.


Lumens and brightness

When looking for a torch , there are several important factors to consider. The first and perhaps most obvious feature to consider is brightness. The brighter the torch, the easier it will be for you to see in dark conditions.

A torch with a high lumen rating, for example, will be much brighter than one with a low rating. This is especially important if you are working in environments with low lighting, such as a construction site or camping outdoors.

Lumens are a unit of measurement used to describe the brightness of a torch or flashlight. Specifically, lumens measure the total amount of light emitted by a torch in all directions. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the torch will be.

Torch for camping

The higher the lumens, the more powerful, and easier to see in the dark. 

Battery life

Battery life is another important consideration when choosing a torch or flashlight. A torch with a longer battery life will last longer and require less frequent charging or battery replacement. This can be especially important if you are working in an environment where you cannot easily access a power source or spare batteries. It is also important to consider the type of battery the torch uses, as some types of batteries last longer than others. Many torches also now have rechargeable USB features.

Settings

A lot of flashlights these days have multiple settings. Such as high beam, low beam, strobe, and even SOS. A SOS light setting is very handy to have when camping in case the worst happens and you need to be able to signal for help.

Durability

Durability is also an important feature to consider when choosing a flashlight. You want it to be well built and to be able ot withstand wear and tear.  For example, a torch with a sturdy metal casing or reinforced plastic body is likely to be more durable than one with a flimsy plastic casing. It is also important to consider how the torch is designed to handle impacts or drops, as some torches are better able to withstand rough handling than others.

Size and weight

Size and weight are also important features to consider when choosing a torch or flashlight, especially for work. A smaller, lighter torch may be easier to carry around with you throughout the day, while a larger, heavier torch may provide better performance and durability. However, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements when choosing the right size and weight for your torch.

Waterproofing and dust resistance

Finally, when choosing a torch, it is important to consider its waterproofing and dust resistance. A torch that is designed to withstand water and dust can be a valuable tool in many wet environments or rainy nights. Most flashlights are at a minimal water resistant, meaning you can have them out in the rain, while others are water proof, when means then can be submerged under water and still work.


Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions people ask when looking to buy a torch. If you have a specific question you need answered please contact us and we'll add it to the list.  

What is a lumen in a torch?

A lumen is a unit of measurement that describes the brightness of a torch or flashlight. It measures the total amount of light emitted by a torch, with higher numbers indicating brighter light. The number of lumens needed depends on the specific application of the torch, but it is important to also consider other factors such as beam distance, battery life, and durability.

What is a tactical flashlight?

A tactical flashlight is a high-performance flashlight designed for use in demanding situations, such as law enforcement or military operations. They are typically brighter, more durable, and more versatile than standard flashlights, with features such as multiple brightness settings, strobe functions, and weapon mounts.


Conclusion

And there you have it! Our guide on the best flashlights in Australia. We hope you have found a torch that will suite your needs. As a reminder, below is our top pick.

Best for work and tactical

The Nicron is a tactical torch is perfect for work as it has a small build and foldable top to be brighten tight spaces. It's also a great tactical torch that you can hook up on your top/bag while hiking.

OUR
PICK

Sources

1. https://reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/isi1o5/any_australians_on_here_that_can_recommend_a_good/

2. https://integral-led.com/en/content/what-are-lumens

3. https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/distress-signals