Top Torches for Every Activity: Best Picks for Camping, Hunting, and More

Choosing the Right Torch: From Spotlights to Headlamps

Not all torches are created equal. Whether you're heading into the bush, setting up camp, or just prepping your 4WD for a late-night mission, the right lighting setup makes all the difference.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular torch types — what they’re built for, where they shine (literally), and what we recommend.

Tactical & Hunting Torches

Built for serious use. Tactical torches are what you grab when you need long range, reliable light.

Best for:

• Hunting, camping, and rural properties

• Security and emergency services

• Anyone who wants power in a compact form

Pros:
✅ High lumen output
✅ Often waterproof or impact resistant
✅ Tail switches for fast one-handed use
✅ Multiple modes, including strobe or SOS - often with mountable features

Note:
They're often bulkier than EDC lights, and may be overkill for casual users — but for those who need reliability, they’re a top pick.

Recommendations:
It's hard to beat the Asteroid for range & light quality: Powa Beam Asteroid
Another top pick has to be the Olight Javelot Pro Olight Javelot

It's worth noting both of the above can be purchased as kits with hunting accessories and attachments.

Long-Range Spotlights

If you need to see hundreds of metres into the dark, all through the night, a proper spotlight is the only way to go. These are the torches that pierce through blackness and give you excellent situational awareness - as well as the ability to be repaired by the user, and last many years.

Best for:

• Hunting and tracking

• Marine use and search & rescue

• 4WDing in remote or open-country conditions

Pros:
✅ Extreme beam throw (varies by size & type)
✅ High battery capacity or plug-in to engine power
✅ Rugged, built for adventure

Watch for:
These don’t give off much flood (area light), and they tend to be larger. Not ideal if you’re trying to light up a tent — but perfect for spotting movement in the distance.

Recommendations:
It's gotta be a Powa Beam spotlight. As these are primarily for farmers, hunters and professionals it's best to know what you'll need it for & how to make use with your current equipment. Browse the range here:
Powa Beam Spotlights

Headlamps

Hands-free lighting might not sound flashy, but once you’ve had a headlamp on during camp setup or night fishing, you’ll never go back.

Best for:

• Hiking, fishing, working on vehicles, general use around the house

• Setting up tents, cooking, and packing in the dark

• Lightweight adventuring

Pros:
✅ Keeps both hands free
✅ Lightweight and adjustable
✅ Bright enough for most personal tasks

Good to know:
Headlamps usually don’t throw light as far as a handheld torch or spotlight, but for short-range work, they’re unbeatable. With that said, modern technology has come a long way...

Recommendations:
These days, you have the option to pick up a large headlamp that can double as a general use torch:
Perun 3
Or if you really want something small and lightweight, you can opt for the mini version:
Perun Mini

Vehicle Bar Lights & Camping lights

Your 4WD & Camping setup isn’t complete without solid lighting up front. Mounted bar lights and spotlights are essential for off-road driving at night or in poor visibility. It's also advisable to have simple lanterns or camping lights for getting out bush.

Best for:

• Off-roading and bush driving

• Night work in rural areas

• Long distance visibility on unlit roads

Pros:
✅ Huge field of vision
✅ Mount once, forget it
✅ Great visibility in fog, rain, or dust

Tip:
Wide floodlights from the car can prevent crashes or getting surprised by an animal.
Recommendations:
Depending on your vehicle, we recommend the following:

Raven X 560mm
Raven X 810mm

And it's always good to have a little camp light when you're out in the wilderness!
Supex Vibe
Supex Versa Large

Everyday Carry (EDC) Torches

These are your compact, keep-it-in-your-pocket or glove box torches. EDC lights are designed to be small, simple, and always ready when you need them.

Best for:

• Daypacks, toolboxes, glove compartments

• General use around the house or camp

• Quick check-ups on gear, vehicles, or paths at night

Pros:
✅ Lightweight and easy to carry
✅ Rechargeable or AA/AAA powered
✅ Fast access for emergencies

Keep in mind:
EDC torches are not built for long-range use or heavy-duty jobs — they’re for everyday tasks and convenience.

Recommendations:
The short answer is most torches can fit this role! With that said, these fit the bill best:
Speras PZ18
Olight Baton 3

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lighting. Most outdoorsy types end up with a small collection: a compact EDC for daily use, a headlamp for hands-free jobs, and a proper spotlight or bar light for big missions.

The key is knowing what you’ll need — and being ready for when things go dark.