Pretty overwhelming to try and pick one from the hundreds and hundreds of options out there. What I’m looking for:

  • Reliablility
  • Not an EDC light per se, but I’d like it to fit in a pocket when needed
  • USB-C charging and removable battery
  • Good battery life
  • 1000 - 1500 lumens is plenty for my use.
  • A tool, not a toy
  • The simpler the UI, the better - all I basically need is moonlight mode and around three brightness settings
  • Adjustable beam would be nice
  • Bonus: one-click turbo mode (for self-defense)

So basically, something that’s not too bulky to carry around, but something I’d be glad to have with me if I were stranded in a dark forest and kept hearing scary noises around me. ChatGPT recommended the Fenix PD35 V3.0, though it doesn’t have an adjustable beam.