From sunset hikes to late-night campsite storytelling, summer is made for the outdoors—and nothing kills the vibe faster than fumbling around in the dark. Whether you’re cracking open a cold one by the fire, fixing a flat on the side of the road, or digging through your tent for snacks, a good LED flashlight makes all the difference.

But not just any flashlight will do. You need something bright, compact, rechargeable, and tough enough to handle whatever your summer throws at it. That’s where Fenix comes in.

Below, we’ve rounded up four of the best LED flashlights to level up your summer adventures—each hand-picked for a specific use case. And yes, they’ve all got rave reviews.

Fenix PD25R

Best Everyday Sidekick: Fenix PD25R

Let’s kick things off with the tiny tank that punches well above its weight—the Fenix PD25R, a leader among our line up of LED flashlights

This little guy is just 3.6 inches long—smaller than most pocket knives. With a max output of 800 lumens and a beam that reaches 820ft (250m), the PD25R can light up the trail, the trunk of your car, or the back of your closet in seconds. It’s got a dual switch setup—tail switch for on/off and momentary use, plus a side switch to toggle through brightness levels.

It runs on a rechargeable 16340 Li-ion battery (included), but you can swap in a CR123A if you’re in a pinch. The two-position body clip keeps it secure whether you’re clipping it in your pocket, belt, or backpack strap.

Why the PD25R is perfect for summer:

  • Small enough to carry in your pocket everywhere
  • IP68 waterproof, dustproof, and drop-resistant—bring on the rain, dust, or rocky trails
  • Bright enough for trails, chores, and backyard adventures

“Great flashlight. I originally bought it just for an emergency bag, but have found myself using this regularly.” - Jelisa P. ★★★★★

Fenix PD36R PRO

Best Trail Boss: Fenix PD36R PRO

Planning longer hikes? Backcountry nights? You’ll want the Fenix PD36R PRO. When you want serious brightness and long-lasting power, Fenix LED flashlights deliver every time.
With a turbo mode that hits 2800 lumens and a beam distance of 1247ft (380m), this is your go-to LED flashlight for navigating dense forests or spotting your tent from the next ridge over. It runs on a beefy 5000mAh battery that keeps the light going for up to 42 hours per charge and recharges via USB-C.

The glove-friendly dual tail switch makes it easy to use even when you’re bundled up, and it’s built tough enough to survive drops, dust, and dunks in the lake.

Why the PD36R PRO is perfect for summer:

  • Long runtimes = great for multi-day trips
  • Tail switches are large and easy to use
  • Reliable backup for nighttime emergencies or bad weather
  • Whether you’re using the 1000-lumen High or 2800-lumen Turbo mode, visibility won’t be an issue

“A fantastic flashlight, one of the best on the market right now. Feels solid in the hand, well-built. The 21700 battery has a deep reserve of power and the flashlight really lights up the night. I couldn't be more pleased.”  - William P. ★★★★★

Fenix SW05R-RED

Best Hands-Free Option: Fenix SW05R-RED Clip-On Flashlight

Not every summer task calls for big LED flashlights. Sometimes, you just want something easy, compact, and hands-free—cue the Fenix SW05R-RED.

This little handheld flashlight can also act as a clip-on flashlight. Attach it to your shirt pocket or hat for hands-free light while you prep dinner, pitch your tent, or read a trail map. It’s got a 200° adjustable head, so you can point the light exactly where you need it.

It also features white light (up to 150 lumens), a red light mode to preserve night vision, and a red flash setting for emergencies. Recharge it with USB-C and forget about wasting money on batteries.

Why the SW05R is perfect for summer:

  • Ultra-light and compact for easy carry
  • Magnetic tail sticks to your car or grill
  • Red light mode is ideal for stargazing or wildlife watching
  • Doubles as a clip-on or handheld light for flexible use

“The rotating head is useful for multiple mounting positions.  The small size is nice but plenty of light and run time.  The red light is bright enough to see and safely walk outdoors at night.”  - Jim W. ★★★★★

Fenix LD45R

LED Flashlights Have Range—And the LD45R Proves It

The Fenix LD45R is like the Swiss Army Knife of LED flashlights. With a max 2800 lumens, a massive 1575ft (480m) beam distance, and the ability to switch between floodlight and spotlight, it adapts to whatever your adventure demands.

Thanks to the smooth 270° rotary switch, adjusting the beam type and brightness feels natural—even in the dark. And the built-in OLED display gives you real-time updates on brightness and battery levels, so you’re never caught off guard.

It’s powered by a rechargeable 21700 battery, features a USB-C charging port, and is IP68-rated—meaning it’s completely dustproof and waterproof up to 2 meters. This is the kind of flashlight you bring when you don’t know what the day (or night) will throw at you.

Why the LD45R is perfect for summer:

  • Adjustable spotlight/floodlight beam for looking far ahead and illuminating your campsite
  • OLED screen keeps you informed on runtime
  • Built like a tank, but easy to operate
  • Seven lighting modes, including five brightness levels, strobe, and SOS

“The perfect size for being outside with our dog as we live in the country and have to watch for critters.  Like very much the twist operation for on and off and the brightness is excellent.  Your products are exemplary.”  -William C. ★★★★★

Camping Lights

Wrap-Up: What’s Your Summer Lighting Style?

No matter what your summer looks like—sunset hikes, weekend camping trips, beach bonfires, or impromptu night fishing missions—there’s a Fenix LED flashlight ready to make your adventure brighter, safer, and way more convenient.

Here’s a quick recap to help you pick your perfect match:

PD25R – Compact and powerful. Your everyday go-to that fits in your pocket.

PD36R PRO – Long-lasting powerhouse for extended hikes or overnight trips.

SW05R-RED – Clip-on versatility for hands-free campsite or work use.

LD45R – Maximum control with adjustable flood and spot beams.

Each of our LED flashlights is built with Fenix’s legendary durability and performance, so you can spend less time worrying about your gear and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

Before you head out, don’t forget to check out our full Camping Lights collection for even more summer-ready lighting options—or visit the Brightest Flashlights page if you’re all about max lumens.

Bottom line? A great flashlight isn’t just for emergencies, it’s a key piece of your summer setup. So gear up, grab your favorite Fenix light, and go make some memories under the stars.