If you spend time outdoors hunting, fishing, or camping—odds are you are out in the dark some of the time. A solid flashlight is one of those pieces of gear that you never think about until you need it.
Headlamps are great for cleaning fish or dressing out a deer in the dark, but I still highly recommend having a flashlight in your kit as well. A flashlight offers superior brightness and run time. Also, it’s easier to maneuver towards objects you want to illuminate. Basically, if your hands aren’t free, you’ll want a headlamp. Otherwise, reach for your flashlight.
The Fenix PD35 is a flashlight I have been carrying for the past couple of years. Retailing for about $70, it is a great value for the money. The flashlight runs on two CR123A batteries or one rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery (available separately). I am running the 18650 rechargeable option. It did require me to pick up a separate battery charger, but it saves money after the first few times you recharge it.
The light is waterproof to 2 meters underwater and dustproof, so you won’t need to baby it. Featuring a rugged aluminum construction it will also survive most normal drops. The flashlight is 5.5 inches long and only weighs 3.1 ounces so it won’t add significant weight to your pack. Fenix supports the light with a lifetime warranty so you won’t have to worry about purchasing another one anytime soon.
Now, for the light itself, the PD35 features 5 different output modes. On the highest setting the light output is 1000 lumens and can throw the beam 820 feet! Battery life decreases with the output, but on the 1000 lumen setting you can expect about 3 hours.
Whether you are predator hunting at night, camping, or just trying to find your way back to your car at the end of a deer hunt, the Fenix PD35 will allow you to safely see where you are going.
