9 best torches, expert-tested for camping, hiking and DIY jobs

This torch got an extremely thorough testing while I was preparing to move house. I needed a lightweight, slimline torch for a rummage around the loft, and this one proved invaluable in tight spaces, casting a consistent, bright, circular area of light (rather than casting a pallid glow over the entire loft), which made it easy to dig out specific items. Its smooth, tactile finish (aircraft-grade aluminium, no less) made it a joy to hold, and its charging point was easy to access.

Five lighting modes meant customising both the beam and the battery life, depending on the job in hand, was a breeze, and the IPX6 waterproof rating (which guarantees protection from high-pressure streams of water from any direction) certainly provides additional peace of mind. I was pleased to see that the torch’s LEDs are CREE – aka the gold standard – too.

Many of us turn to a compact, lightweight, cheap and cheerful torch (or two) that can be stashed in a kitchen drawer, ready to deploy in the event of power cuts, for forays into fuse boxes. While this tactile, durable torch might not be the tool you’d want to pack for night-time hikes through a jungle, it’s precisely the torch I’d chose to keep close at hand around the house.

It’s worth noting I wasn’t able to confirm this torch’s IPX rating – I suspect that’s because there isn’t one, as not all torches have these. However, this wallet-friendly option is still more than suitable for lending a little light when needed in most situations.

In a 28 Daya Later-type scenario, I’d feel significantly more prepared with this bad boy by my side. With a textured main body that is easy to grip but still feels surprisingly tactile, this torch has clearly been designed with ergonomics in mind.

The large on/off button (which is also used to scroll through light settings) on the base was easily accessible, as was the rubberised cover for the USB port – my pet hate is ones that are fiddly, tiny and overly recessed, but this one even had a tiny rubber tab to lever it outwards.

Extra points are awarded for the heavily recessed lens – all too many torches have lenses that are almost flush with the casing, making them more vulnerable to dirt, damp and scratches. I appreciate the inclusion of a strap, too – no, it’s not an essential, but it’s a good accessory to have to hand, zombie apocalypse or not.

This ultra-bright USB-charging torch (there are three settings, ranging from bright to retina-burningly bright) is, quite simply, genius. I’ve come across several similarly heavy-duty torches, none of which have the versatility of the comet. It’s basically a rechargeable telescopic light on a sturdy tripod base, but the beauty of it is that it really does work equally well as a torch – the three (sturdy) arms, which turn it into a tripod-style light, fold away effortlessly, and are released with a light push on the base.

I absolutely loved the ease with which this light, on its selfie stick-like pole, could be extended, as well as the head, which could be angled for fabulously bespoke illumination. I used it with the pole extended in my loft, lantern-style, but with the legs folded away it also proved invaluable as a torch for late night trips to the campsite loo. It’s worth flagging that although the IPX4 waterproof rating isn’t the highest (it can cope with splashes from multiple angles), it’s more than adequate for this type of torch.

This torch, which comes in a matchbox-sized case, is seriously tiny – it’s similar in length and thickness to a Crayola (remember those?) and fitted easily into the palm of my hand. However, when it comes to smaller torches, this is one of the best out there. There’s just one setting, and it’s turned on by rotating the head rather than pressing a button. The end can also be removed so that a single AAA battery can be inserted to power the torch.

A sturdy rubber seal ensured that the battery compartment remained watertight. But don’t take my word for it – it’s got an impressive IPX7 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in 1m of water for up to 30 minutes.

We’re a huge fan of Petzl head torches, but not everyone wants or needs to splurge on the brand’s high-performance models. Instead, try this Energizer head torch, which has six light modes, an IPX7 waterproof rating and a head that pivots extremely smoothly.

The ultra-soft headband was easily adjustable, and didn’t leave me with imprints of the strap buckle on my forehead, while the tactile buttons atop the lens console were easily accessible, making scrolling through light settings a breeze. In summary? I’m now a firm believer that everyone’s household torch collection should involve an affordable head torch like this one alongside traditional handheld models.

Vango’s headtorch (one of the few I’ve come across that charges via USB) offers seriously good value for money – its beam extends to around 50m, it’s got an eye-watering number of light modes and there wasn’t a hint of chafing from the ultra-soft headband (although I’ll admit I’d have preferred it to be a little wider) after a seriously intense loft-clearing session.

The controls were easily accessible, too. Oh, and it’s got a “red light” mode for night vision. What more could you want?

As a frequent camper with a strong dislike of accidental dazzle-ings by torch-wielding toddlers, I loved the way this torch’s flashlight head can be switched to ‘candlelight’ mode, which basically means a softer, wider beam. This makes it ideal for propping on surfaces such as camping tables or similar surfaces – basically any situation for which you want less intense illumination over a wider area.

An IPX4 waterproof rating is sufficient for this type of torch, and props to Maglite for enhancing its slimline silhouette by ditching buttons – to turn this torch on and off, you simply twist the head.

Maybe my eyesight is finally failing me, but I hate torches – or any gadget, for that matter – that has a fiddly process when it comes to replacing the batteries. This is precisely why I love the design of this torch – more specifically the removable chamber that can be extracted to insert this torch’s batteries.

The single bulb provided a bright, consistent beam and, although the lens material appeared to be made of slightly flimsy plastic (I’ve seen similar torches at this price range with lenses made of toughened glass), its bright, wide beam did a great job of flooding my loft with light, while also proving invaluable reassurance during a solitary walk down a darkened country lane. One final point – the on/off button on the end is surprisingly smooth, and one thing my tests have proved is that textured buttons can be a godsend when hands are muddy or wet. In other words? More bumps on buttons, please.