Have you ever heard of the terms “EDC,” “everyday carry,” or “EDC flashlight”? If you are a regular in the online gear and preparedness spaces, maybe. But if the answer is no, don't worry, you are not alone!
Here at Fenix, we are EDC enthusiasts and want to spread the good word far and wide. In this guide, we are going to break down exactly what EDC means and even walk through what to look for when you are considering a new everyday flashlight purchase.
WHAT DOES "EDC" MEAN?
To put it simply, the term EDC stands for “everyday carry.” Someone’s EDC refers to the items they carry with them each day to always have on hand. EDC gear is not limited by activity or destination but rather defined by lifestyle. For different people, their EDC can look pretty different from person to person, but everyone has some version of the items they have with them on a daily basis. For many, items like their wallet, watch, and cell phone are their EDC, but for others, their EDC might also include a pocket knife, camera, headphones, multi-tool, or a small flashlight. An EDC can be anything you find helpful to have with you every day.
WHAT IS AN EDC FLASHLIGHT?
When it comes to lighting, an EDC flashlight is a compact, portable flashlight designed for everyday carry.
Features such as brightness, number of lighting modes, and beam distance can vary, but all EDC flashlights are designed with maximum portability in mind. The innumerable occasions you can use them in, (think roadside emergency, a dark hallway, power outage, even nightly strolls) combined with their convenience have made flashlights extremely popular to “everyday carry.”
TYPES OF EDC FLASHLIGHTS
EDC flashlights are designed to fit every carry style. Whether you want a compact flashlight to attach to your keychain or a flashlight that securely clips to a pocket, there is an EDC flashlight to fit your needs. Attach the compact Fenix E05R to a keyring using the tail ring for secure on-demand lighting. For hands free lighting, secure the Fenix E-Lite Mini to a pocket or the bill of a cap. However you prefer to carry your flashlight, there is an EDC flashlight for you that provides convenient lighting when you need it.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF AN EDC FLASHLIGHT?
EDC flashlights come in a wide range of prices, depending on the features, materials, and battery type. A basic model with a single replaceable battery will cost less than a rechargeable one, but if you use your flashlight often, going rechargeable will save you time and money in the long run. The same goes for build quality—a cheaper flashlight made from lower-end materials might work fine if you don’t use it much. But since an EDC flashlight is meant for daily carry, it’s worth investing in one that’s built to last. A flimsy light that breaks easily could end up costing you more in replacements than just getting a durable one from the start.
Fenix’s high-quality, high-performance EDC flashlights range in price from below $20 to over $100, with the most popular models sitting in the $60-$70 range. Not only are they made from high-quality, durable materials, they are also tested extensively using ANSI Rating standards that guarantee reliable performance and customer satisfaction.
WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF AN EDC?
If you choose a high-quality EDC flashlight, it should last you quite a while– maybe even forever. EDC flashlights are meant to withstand the wear and tear of everyday carry, even for people who use their flashlights in tough conditions. While Fenix EDC flashlights typically work seamlessly for a decade plus, Fenix also offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers any issues outside of normal wear and tear.
WHAT ARE EDC FLASHLIGHTS MADE OF?
There are plenty of EDC flashlights on the market made from easily breakable plastic and low-quality lens material. These flashlights are designed to be inexpensive but also easily succumb to wear and tear. High-quality EDC flashlights are made from materials that help increase impact resistance, provide water and dust proofing, and are durable in the face of adverse conditions. Understanding the EDC flashlight meaning—where "EDC" stands for "everyday carry"—is key to selecting the right flashlight for daily use.
Fenix flashlights, for example, are made from materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and are proven to withstand the roughest treatment and the worst conditions. A high-quality EDC flashlight may be more of an investment upfront, but they’ll last much longer, saving you money you might otherwise have spent replacing it and keeping you confident that your flashlight will work when you need it to.
HOW DURABLE ARE EDC FLASHLIGHTS?
As with most things, it’s all about the quality of the craftsmanship and the materials used. There is no industry-wide testing standard covering impact resistance, waterproofing, and dirt resistance that flashlight manufacturers are mandated to follow. However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established standards of testing that some of the best flashlight manufacturers, including Fenix, voluntarily follow. This allows consumers to have a clear picture of the durability of their flashlights.
Here is a brief breakdown of what an ANSI rating means to the durability of your flashlight.
IP RATING
IP Rating, or “Ingress Protection” Rating, is a pair of numbers that indicates the level of protection an object has against the intrusion of solid objects or liquid. The first number describes how well the item keeps out small solids, such as dust or dirt. The highest possible rating here is 6, which is completely dustproof. The second number indicates the object’s water or liquid resistance, with the highest number being 8. An 8 means it is suitable for continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter in depth. When you put it all together, this means that the best IP rating possible is IP68.
Since EDC flashlights are frequently in contact with small particles in purses or pockets and may often be subjected to natural elements, it’s important to choose an EDC flashlight with a good IP rating. So whether you have to take your dog for a walk on a rainy day, or go out hunting through a swampy forest, you can be confident that your EDC flashlight won’t let you down.
IMPACT RESISTANCE
Accidents happen, and it’s likely you’ll drop your flashlight from time to time. To be ANSI-certified impact resistant for a certain height, a flashlight must be dropped from that height six times and continue to function normally. This height is measured in meters, so an impact resistance of 2 meters is about 6 feet. While dropping things is completely normal, keep in mind the design of your flashlight as you shop. Some of the best flashlights feature body designs that prevent rolling when placed on a surface, as well as ergonomic grips for more secure carry.
HOW LONG DO THE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES OF AN EDC FLASHLIGHT LAST?
Despite their small size, EDC flashlights are equipped with batteries that can power some impressively long run times. Even the smallest EDC flashlights have batteries that will run for days. The Fenix E03R V2.0, for example, is smaller than a key fob yet delivers an impressive maximum runtime. This rechargeable keychain flashlight features a built-in battery that can be conveniently recharged via USB Type-C, ensuring it’s always ready to go. Many of Fenix’s rechargeable flashlights come equipped with 18650 lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged up to 500 times before performance begins to decline. Fenix batteries are rated for 500 cycles, though improper charging practices—such as charging in extreme hot or cold temperatures—can shorten their lifespan.
The increased lifespan of rechargeable batteries has made it easier for manufacturers to include features that would previously not have been feasible to include on a flashlight using AA or AAA replaceable batteries. Understanding the EDC flashlight meaning—as these flashlights are designed for everyday use—helps explain why battery longevity and rechargeability are important features in making them reliable for daily carry. Different brightness settings and external battery level indicators can now be found on even some of the most compact EDC flashlights.
HOW BRIGHT ARE EDC FLASHLIGHTS?
With the advancements made in LED and battery technology, EDC flashlights can blast some incredibly impressive lumens despite their small size. Cost-conscious flashlight manufacturers prioritized battery life over brightness, so many EDC flashlights of the past were dim with long run times.
Rechargeable batteries now provide the power and flexibility of blasting thousands of lumens over a short period of time without forcing users to stock up on replacement batteries. These days, EDC flashlights sport a number of different brightness levels ranging from only a handful of lumens to thousands. Blast up to 3100 lumens with the Fenix E35R EDC flashlight, or go for more features with the compact 2” Fenix MINI-LITE that offers multiple lighting modes including a maximum of 150 lumens of white light, red light, blue light, and a signal flash for each.
HOW FAR DO EDC FLASHLIGHT BEAMS TRAVEL?
EDC flashlights are capable of some impressive runtimes and lumen output numbers, and the same is true for beam distance. Whether you need to light up your immediate surroundings or want to throw light hundreds of feet down a path, there is an EDC flashlight that will meet your beam needs. If you choose a flashlight with the ability to switch lighting modes, you’ll have a flashlight that can adjust beam distance as well. Light up the night with the Fenix E06Rs beam that shines a maximum of 361 feet (110 meters) on its highest lighting mode and 30 feet (9 meters) on its lowest.
ISN’T ANY FLASHLIGHT YOU CARRY EVERY DAY AUTOMATICALLY AN EDC FLASHLIGHT?
If you carry a flashlight every day, it’s certainly a part of your everyday carry gear, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily an EDC flashlight. EDC flashlights are compact, convenient sources of light you can take with you just about anywhere. Many people choose to carry tactical flashlights as part of their EDC gear. Tactical flashlights are built with certain features that differentiate them from EDC flashlights. The strike bezel surrounding the lens that tactical flashlights are built with is great for self-defense, but this raised edge means it’s considered a weapon and cannot be checked onto a flight. This feature also makes the tactical flashlight slightly heavier to carry in comparison with an EDC flashlight. EDC flashlights can be taken just about anywhere and are often a great backup tool to have even for those who carry full-size tactical flashlights.
WHY SHOULD I CARRY AN EDC FLASHLIGHT?
With most cell phones equipped with built-in flashlights, many people wonder if they really need to carry an EDC flashlight with them. Phone flashlights are great in a pinch, but a dedicated flashlight provides lighting benefits that simple, low-lumen cell phone flashlights can’t compete with.
Knowing the EDC flashlight meaning can guide you in selecting a model that balances power, portability, and durability, making it perfect for your everyday needs. What if you need to make an emergency call while also illuminating an area or trying to signal for help? An EDC flashlight is a powerful tool. Unlike a phone, it has one job and it does it very well. Many people who begin carrying EDC flashlights are amazed at how often they actually use them. Cell phones, while great for many things, are often unwieldy when it comes to lighting. As a result, users will often make do without a light in the dark to avoid the inconvenience of using the cell phone flashlight. With an EDC flashlight, you’ll have a convenient tool to solve your lighting needs.
Don’t wait until you are in need of a light. Be prepared for any lighting situation with a Fenix EDC flashlight you can rely on. Explore our the Best EDC Flashlights from Fenix for a comprehensive list.
Sources
“ANSI FL1 Standard – Led-Resource.” LED, https://www.led-resource.com/ansi-fl1-standard/.
Pocket-lint. “Water and Dust Ip Ratings: What Does IP68 Actually Mean?” Pocket, 14 Sept. 2021, https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/138727-ip-ratings-what-do-they-actually-mean.
“What’s the Difference between a Tactical Flashlight and an EDC Flashlight?” 1lumen.Com, 9 Dec. 2021, https://1lumen.com/difference-between-edc-flashlight-and-tactical-flashlight/.