Everything You Need to Know About Torches

Torches are often overlooked in our everyday lives, even though they’re extremely useful accessories to have in a wide range of situations. Even if you’re in a scenario as simple as a power outage, you’ll need some sort of light source to be able to see the things around you. Not being able to see anything because everything is pitch black doesn’t sound like fun, does it? This is especially true for me because I’m terrified of the dark and I can literally feel my pulse ringing in my ears.

What makes torches quite practical is their compact design and multi-purpose use. You can easily carry them around without having them take up too much space and becoming a nuisance. Now, as you’d expect, there are quite a few factors to consider when looking at your torch lighting options. But don’t fret, you can find all the information you need in our ultimate guide to torches and their use.

What Are the Main Types of Torches?

Overall, there are a few basic types of torches, including penlights, tactical, mini compact and head torches. The choice of illumination depends greatly on your taste and preferences, so here’s a brief rundown on each one.

Penlights

The sleek and sophisticated design of penlights is made to resemble – shockingly – a pen. They’re super lightweight, easy on the hand and fashionable to carry. They’re very practical since they don’t take up a lot of space and you can literally store them anywhere, including your pockets, without adding extra bulk.

Tactical Torches

These torches are mainly made for tactical use, hunting and other extreme situations, but can function well in everyday conditions as well. Their simplistic and versatile design makes them very user-friendly. In addition to this, they’re quite sturdy and have a durable build with a decent beam light distance. Smaller models can be mounted on firearms to light up the way.

Mini Compact Torches

If you’re looking to maximise mobility and flexibility, mini compact torches are smaller in size and can conveniently be attached to anything, including belts or backpacks. They’re ideal for recreational activities, such as camping or hiking, and even household use. Despite their compact size, they have a high-quality build from military-grade materials, so they’re as durable as any other type of torch.

Head Torches

In this case, the light is fixed to a headpiece that you can effortlessly strap on, leaving your hands free for increased functionality. They can also be clipped onto a hat, an article of clothing, or your backpack with their reversible clip. Their strong aluminium frame with an anti-reflective glass lens is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

What Are the Most Popular Torch Brands?

Here’s a carefully-compiled list of torch brands you should definitely take a look at when thinking about making a purchase.

Thrunite Torches

High-quality, yet affordable Thrunite torches are widely known for their practical and simplistic design. They have the same features as their somewhat more expensive competitors, yet they can deliver the same performance. So basically, you get high-end specs for an entry-level price. What a steal, right? When taking a closer look at what they offer, you’ll find that their diverse and impressive product line includes torches of all shapes and sizes which can be used in various circumstances, both indoors and outdoors. Plus, they’re constantly building upon their hefty catalogue with new models and lighting options.

Their easy-to-use interface with a simple two-button toggle to navigate through the different brightness intensity levels is what makes Thrunite lights convenient for one-handed navigation. With one flip of a switch, you get access to intense and beaming light that can reach up to 250 meters. Sounds quite impressive if you ask me. Moreover, the torches fit nicely into your hand and have a good grip which means they won’t slip or drop to the ground that easily.

Most of them can be charged through a USB port so you don’t have to worry about changing the batteries that often. The batteries come in different cell chemistries, such as AAA, AA and Lithium type models. They run at different capacities too, depending on what you’re planning on using them for, ranging from 1000 mAh for the smaller ones to up to 5000 mAh for the more robust ones. Just plug in your charger and you’re ready to go, just like any other electronic device.

Olight Torches

Olight torches have built up a reputation amongst military and tactical specialists because of their high-end flashlights and attention to detail. They boast an interesting state-of-the-art product lineup of all kinds. The aluminium build and stainless steel frame of their products ensure longevity and impact resistance even in the most extreme weather conditions and uncharted terrains. Despite their somewhat aggressive build, they’re very light and easy to carry with you when you’re out and about.

How Are Torches Powered?

There are two main power sources that torches can have – disposable and rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries are the cheaper option and they can be found in any store or supermarket. Make sure to get the appropriate battery type for your torch and bring a few spare ones if you’re planning on travelling long distances, as they have a relatively short life span.

If you want to be a little more environmentally friendly and reduce waste, then rechargeable batteries are the way to go. They do have a heftier price tag, but it’s a worthy investment because you’ll probably use them for many years. Micro USB charging is incredibly versatile and you can plug in your torch to any power source, including your computer. It might be a good idea to invest in a power bank if you’re going to a remote area with no electricity or power source readily available.

Additional Torch Features

Two more features to pay attention to are water and impact resistance. Torches should be water-resistant so that they can withstand being submerged into water for a limited period of time or take on large amounts of rain. And the impact resistance rating indicates whether or not the torch can still be functional after being dropped to the ground from a specified distance, measured in metres.

What are the benefits of torches?

Long-lasting And Powerful Light Source

LEDs emit a strong, beaming light while maintaining their energy and cost-efficient status. Being in the great outdoors for longer periods of time can be all fun and games, but having the appropriate light source can make the experience much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Useful in Cases of Emergency

Whether it’s a power outage at home or you’re camping in a remote area, torches can shed some light on your surroundings. With just a quick press of a button, you have an immediate and bright light source that can literally save your life in extreme cases or emergencies. Some torches even come with special SOS features that can help you get out of trouble.