Last Updated on September, 2024
Imagine going out for a walk with your dog in the night after a long day at work.
It’s therapeutic for both you and the dog. Who doesn’t like early morning walks with their dog?
But the risks and accidents have the highest chance out in the darkness. As a responsible dog parent, you shouldn’t take this risk.
I decided it myself a few months ago.
After that, I ended up with a high quality flashlight I bought explicitly for walking my dog.
So, if you’re looking for one, you’re in the right place.
But why should you trust me?
Table of Contents
Why Trust Me?
It’s simply because I bought all these and tested them myself with various tests.
That’s why what you find here isn’t available anywhere else.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
9 of the Best Dog Walking Flashlights
1. Acebeam E70 MINI (Editor’s Choice)
The titanium version of the Acebeam E70 mini is the best dog-walking flashlight.
It’s because the flashlight feels like it was made for dog walking.
The helical knurling pattern is fantastic; you can grab it securely, even with wet hands.
The flashlight has a stainless steel tail switch. A tail switch always gives you quicker access and holding the flashlights in that way for a long time reduces wrist strain.
It also helps you use the same hand to switch between lighting modes while holding the leash.
Six bright lighting levels let you switch between high and lower settings depending on the walk’s requirement. The turbo setting has a bright 1500 lumens output with a 140m (460ft) beam throw with a runtime of 44s.
A strobe mode also makes the E70 Mini a defensive tool.
The compactness is excellent; the head diameter is only 1.02″ and the length is 4.3″ while weighing 5.1oz (145g) with the battery.
The balance between compactness and the high lumen count makes the E70 Mini the perfect flashlight for dog walking.
The E70 Mini does all of that with the least effort. The key specs further confirm why it is the best flashlight for night-time dog walking.
KEY SPECS:
- Seven bright operational modes: 1500lm, 800lm, 380lm, 170lm, 60lm, 12lm and 1000lm strobe mode
- Maximum runtime is 100 hours
- Removable stainless steel pocket clip
- 4.37’’ long, 1.02’’ head dia, and 0.92’’ body dia
- USB rechargeable (with a separate USB cable)
- 5.01oz (145g) , including the batteries
- IP68 waterproof
- 1m impact resistance
- 5 years warranty
Pros
Cons
2. Olight S2R Baton II Pocket LED Flashlight (#2nd Best Choice)
Olight’s S2R Baton II will bring a smile to any dog parent’s face because all the features make the flashlight bespoke for dog walking.
The multi-square knurling pattern and the two-way pocket clip ensure a firm grip.
The Baton II emits 1150 lumens at max at 135m (443ft) of peak beam throw for 2 minutes.
That’s relatively less than the E70 Mini. But what about maneuverability?
You can easily hold it in one hand as the Baton II weighs 3.47oz (105g) with a length of 3.94 inches. The other hand must be on the leash.
So, this flashlight, too, has a good balance between the lumen output and the compactness. In fact, the Baton II is a bit smaller and lighter than the E70 Mini.
But there’s a comparative issue. The Baton II lacks a tail switch which I prefer. Because it runs with a side switch, you’re highly likely to hold it in a way that relatively increases the wrist strain. The solution to this is using a wrist strap.
Nonetheless, you can control the light’s intensity better with a long battery life and six lighting modes. That lets you not disturb the neighborhood as you walk.
Made from premium aluminum, the Baton II is designed to last. The combination of the 1.5m impact resistance and IPX8 waterproof rating only increases its durability further.
Ultimately, the Baton II becomes the second-best flashlight for dog walking.
KEY SPECS:
- Six lighting modes: 1150lm, 400lm, 120lm, 15lm, 0.5lm, and strobe mode
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- 60 days of max runtime with a full charge
- Rechargeable
- 1.5m impact resistance
- Superior beam profile by design
- 3.94’’ long, 0.9’’ head and body diameter
- 5 years warranty
Read more about Olight S2R Baton II here.
Pros
Cons
3. Fenix E02R (#3rd Best Choice)
The Fenix E02R rechargeable flashlight is my third-best recommendation.
It comes in black, blue, or brown and is made from durable A6061-T6 aluminum.
Compactness is certified as the flashlight weighs only 0.53oz (15g), and the length is 1.89 inches. You’ll be able to hold the flashlight long without strain.
There’s a unique knurling pattern to give you a better grip, even when sweating as you walk. I love how it feels.
The maximum output (in the high mode) is 200lm, and the maximum beam distance is 49m (161ft). But the output drops to 15lm in the low mode. So, the E02R lets you change the brightness as you move via different areas when you walk your dog.
But you need to switch between the modes by a rotating rotary switch. So, in comparison, the E70 Mini and the Baton II are easier to operate when you walk your dog at night.
This flashlight has an excellent balance between illumination and compactness. That makes the Fenix E02R one of the best flashlights with a relatively bright light.
KEY SPECS:
- Two brightness settings: 200lm, 15lm
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 6h 30min of max runtime
- 1m impact resistance
- Rotary switch
- 1.89’’ long, 0.59’’ head and 0.55’’ body diameter
- Micro USB charging
- Built-in 120 mAH Li-polymer battery
- Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
Cons
4. Thrunite T1
The Thrunite T1 lets you choose the cool white and neutral light temperature.
The T1 is 2.7 inches in length and weighs 1.58oz (44.8g). It’s very lightweight and compact, making it a fantastic flashlight for walking dogs in the dark.
You can use one hand to hold the flashlight and the other to hold the leash.
The parallel lines of the knurling pattern ensure a good grip.
The T1 lacks a tactical tail switch as it operates with a side switch.
There are five brightness settings, and the highest Turbo mode emits a bright 1500lm lightat a peak beam throw of 102m (334.7ft). Having that high brightness illuminates a large area, and it moves with you, which increases your safety.
The battery lasts 12 days, which lets you consecutively use the flashlight for multiple night walks. It also has a strong 550lm strobe mode for increased safety for night walks with your dog.
The flashlight is rechargeable, and you can replace the battery quickly.
When considered along with the key specs mentioned below, the T1 is one of the best flashlights for night walks.
KEY SPECS:
- Five bright lighting modes: 1500lm, 685lm, 15lm, 0.5lm and strobe mode 550lm
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- T6061-T6 aluminum body
- Two-way clip
- 1.5m drop resistance
- Side switch
- Magnetic tail cap
Pros
Cons
5. Olight Gober Kit Safety Collar Lights
Olight’s Gober kit safety light is not a flashlight. The product can hold AirTags and it definitely works as a key tag.
All you need to do is attach the light to your dog’s collar and turn it on with one button.
After that, your dog’s collar resembles a flashlight holster.
The light is very compact, with 1.5 inches of length while weighing about 0.5oz (14.2g). Even for a small dog, the Gober light fits pretty nicely.
If you don’t think of it, your hands stay completely free. But the only problem is that the light emits 4 lumens for a 100m (328m) distance; the maximum runtime is 28 hours. Needless to say, there’s no light beam that you can direct at specific areas.
That’s why I recommended using Gober as an extra light in addition to a flashlight.
The Gober will make your dog visible to cars and other vehicles in the dark. But when you have a flashlight, you can continue to ensure the road ahead is safe. Tips like these make sense when you come across complications.
This light is excellent for hiking and camping, as you can spot your dog from afar.
But when considering the key specs, the Gober is definitely beneficial. But it cannot replicate a flashlight, in my experience.
KEY SPECS:
- 4lm output
- 4 color settings: green, blue, blue, and red light
- IPX4 waterproof rating
- 1m drop resistance
- RGBW LEDs light source
- 28 hours max runtime
- USB rechargeable
Pros
Cons
6. COB Keychain Flashlight
COB keychain flashlight is another great light due to many reasons.
The keychain light is 2.2 x 2.8 inches weighing just 1.51oz (42.8g), similar to the Gober.
The dog’s movement might drop a keychain flashlight if you didn’t correctly hook it to the collar.
Since it’s that lightweight, you can attach the LED light to your dog’s collar with its hook and lock design as a solution.
With a maximum output of 500 lumens, you can illuminate a large area. The only problem is that the light’s stability keeps fluctuating as the dog moves.
This does not happen if you are holding the light though.
With one switch, you’re able to switch between three modes: high, medium, and strobe.
Suppose your dog is running away from the dog leash to the road. Then, this light would immediately make drivers aware of your dog’s presence. That’s increased safety.
Suppose your dog’s collar has anything metallic. In that case, the strong magnet in the light will be helpful to ensure a better attachment.
Using this light for multiple purposes, such as camping, hiking, running, fishing, and even as a bottle opener, increases its overall value. This convenience is even higher useful since the hook and lock design lets you attach it to the collar.
All the factors considered, the COB keychain flashlight is my sixth best light for dog walking.
KEY SPECS:
- 500lm maximum output
- Four lighting modes: 150lm (30% mode), 300lm (60% mode), strobe mode, 500lm brightest mode
- 4h of maximum runtime
- Multiple lighting modes, including a strobe mode
- USB-C rechargeable
Pros
Cons
7. MATEMINCO CSF06
The MATEMINCO CSF06 is another rechargeable keychain LED flashlight.
The flashlight comes in four colors such as red, blue, black, and yellow; I got the blue one.
It’s only 2.29″ in length and 0.7″ in diameter weighing 0.98oz (27.8g).
You can attach the light to your dog’s collar and carry it in your hand very quickly. It’s up to you to decide which method makes your dog safe during night walks.
The maximum beam distance is 60m (197ft), and the maximum output is 350lm for about 1h 30min. But you can lower the brightness setting so it would last throughout the walk.
The strong magnet in the tail can ensure the flashlight is well attached to the dog’s collar.
The ideal balance between performance and compactness makes the MATEMINCO CSF06 an amazing flashlight for dog walking.
KEY SPECS:
- 350lm maximum output
- 1h 30min runtime
- 60m (197ft) max beam distance
- Multiple lighting modes
- IPX6 waterproof rated
- 3m impact resistance
Pros
Cons
8. Acebeam H40
What if you could use a hands-free flashlight?
That’s what you get with the Acebeam H40 headlamp. The last keychain flashlights take away the control of the light’s direction. But a headlamp lets you control that.
The light is only 1.2oz, and the H40 headband adjusts well according to the situation.
The H40 has 1050lm of maximum output for a peak beam distance of 117m (384ft). That’s enough to illuminate a path at night.
The operating button is on the top of the light that goes in the headband. You get four operational modes, whereas the longest runtime is 29h.
The bottom line is that you can turn your head around to illuminate a large area. But it’s not as convenient and quick as using a handheld flashlight.
Interestingly, there’s an SOS mode that can run for 12h.
But what would make you feel most comfortable? A headlamp or a typical flashlight?
All things considered, the Acebeam H40 might work for you. But you need to ensure you’re comfortable with the operational conditions.
KEY SPECS:
- 1050lm maximum output
- Multiple operations: 1050lm, 350lm, 1lm
- 117m (384ft) peak beam distance
- 29h longest runtime
- SOS mode
- 1.2oz (34g) weight
- 2.5 inches long, 0.9 inches tall
- Fully adjustable headband
Pros
Cons
9. EZRED NK10
EZRED NK10 is the ninth-best flashlight for dog walking, and it’s also a hands-free flashlight. But this is worn around your neck.
When I walked my dog with it at night, I clearly understood how it takes some practice to use the light.
But it’s 8oz (226.8g) with dimensions 12″ D x 7″ W x 1.2 “H. I wore it for about 2 hours at a stretch, and it wasn’t uncomfortable.
What was uncomfortable was wearing it in the neighborhood alongside other dog walkers.
It features 4 lighting modes that vary from 50lm to 200lm. The maximum runtime is 3 hours.
There are four lighting modes, and the 100lm is enough to illuminate the ground ahead. The dual articulating beam heads let you turn the light 70 degrees, which allows you to control the light’s direction better.
The NK10 still is a good flashlight for dog-walking purposes. But remember to be patient until you get a hold of it.
KEY SPECS:
- Made of a durable ABS nylon blend
- 8oz weight (226.8g)
- 12’’ x 7’’ x 1.2’’ dimensions
- Four lighting modes: 200lm, 150lm, 100lm, 50lm
- IPX4 waterproof rating
- Batteries included
Pros
Cons
Factors to Consider When Buying Flashlights for Dog Walking
Dimensions and Weight
The most crucial factor in flashlights for walking your dog is how small and lightweight they are. If you’re unsure, measure the length of your palm and compare. So the trick is to go for a lightweight flashlight that is not too small or too long.
Beam Throw and Lumen Count
You’re taking the flashlight primarily for safety. So, it’s safe to have a lumen output of at least 1000 with a beam distance of about 50m.
Also, check the light’s temperature; it shouldn’t be too blue or too yellow. It’s also better to have multiple operating modes.
Waterproof and Impact Resistance Capacity
You can’t use a flashlight for dog walking unless it’s made to last. So, ensure the flashlight has an IP rating and a decent impact resistance height.
Durability as a Product
The design quality is crucial in flashlights. It’s always better to check for the build quality while prioritizing trustable flashlight brands.
Runtime
You don’t want your flashlight to turn off thirty minutes into the walk. So, make sure you’re satisfied with the average runtime.
Benefits of Taking a Flashlight During Dog Walks
- Safeguard yourself and your dog from oncoming obstacles
- Make your presence known to the surrounding
- Demotivate any aggressors who might want to attack you in the dark
- Ability to signal easier in an emergency
- Save your phone’s battery by using the flashlight in it
- Minimize your hand’s strain from holding heavier light sources
In Conclusion
Walking your dog shouldn’t make you feel unsafe. Having the best flashlight for dog walking is one of the best solutions.
With a flashlight like the Acebeam E70 Mini, you can have that peace of mind while walking with your dog at night. While the E70 Mini is the best recommendable flashlight, there are nine others to choose from.
So, I’m sure I could answer your question; what is the best flashlight for dog walking?
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