★ Top Pick
ThruNite Archer 2A C Flashlight
Why it's hereWide brightness range, survives drops and submersion, runs on rechargeable or AA batteries.
Recommended by Wirecutter (NYT)~$39.99Price checked Oct 20, 2026at thrunite.com
View productEmergency Preparedness
Best Lantern, Flashlight & Headlamp for Power Outages
Candles start house fires, so battery light is the safe choice when the grid goes down. You want three kinds. A lantern lights a whole room; the UST 60-Day DURO was the brightest Wirecutter tested and can run for weeks on its low setting. A flashlight like the ThruNite Archer 2A runs on AA or rechargeable batteries and survives drops and water. A headlamp such as the Black Diamond Spot 400 keeps both hands free for cooking, repairs or first aid, and its red mode protects night vision. Standardize on one battery size if you can, store spares, and check them twice a year when you change smoke-alarm batteries. Keep a light by every bed and in each car.
Compare all 3 picks
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | ThruNite Archer 2A C FlashlightRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wide brightness range, survives drops and submersion, runs on rechargeable or AA batteries. | ~$39.99Price checked Oct 20, 2026at thrunite.com View product | |
| Runner-up | UST 30-Day DURO 1000 LED LanternRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's lighter, cheaper alternative to its top lantern (the 60-Day DURO, now sold out): 1,000 lumens, tough shell, about 30 days on low with… | ~$66.99Price checked Oct 20, 2026at ustgear.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Black Diamond Spot 400 HeadlampRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Hands-free light with long battery life, red mode and brightness memory. | ~$59.95Price checked Oct 20, 2026at blackdiamondequipment.com View product | |
