Is a Flashlight Part of Your EDC Gear?

Sadly, I spend some time on social media. A bit of it, like this, is job related and causes me to think. That can be dangerous depending on the site. I was ready to reject this out-of-hand, but maybe there’s something to it. The comments (never – I repeat never”read the comments) showed some serious thought, not at all like the typical online nonsense.

The issue raised was akin to something I’d read back in the bad old days of print, what in those days was referred to as so-called tactical wear being the same as “lodge pins.” The idea is that those who are now known by some as “tactical bros” would recognize each other as they went about their business and would nod understandingly.

The issue this time was the clip-on pocket flashlight, a “flex item” to show you’re you’re serious about your EDC gear.

The individual post I read noted that he’d done the weapon-mounted light thing, he carried the “finest” concealed carry pistol and he found that the handheld pocket flashlight was just a dust collector. After all, if he needed a light to find something, he’d use his cell phone as a flashlight. Fair enough, you can’t carry all of that gear.

He went on to opine that he’d used OC spray before, operationally, I guess, and he still carried a gun – though he didn’t relate if he’d actually used it for its intended purpose. Furthermore, if it was a gunfight he faced, he’d prefer either fighting or running, not futzing around with a flashlight. Again, no complaints here…as long as he can see what he’s shooting at.

Let’s not conflate practical with tactical. I carry flashlights, often more than one. Why not? They’re smaller now than ever. In my present aged reality, I find I need more light to see, hence the light, as far as I’m concerned.

So let’s look at the practicality of the flashlight. I’ve already conceded that I’m not likely to need it to illuminate a threat for a visual identification, so why not use the light that’s built into my phone?

I don’t carry a phone to provide light. I’ve been in situations where I wanted to keep the mobile juiced up in case something important happened like needing to make a call. I thought that’s why we carried these damned things. That call could be to 911 in the event of an accident or something. That would be a right handy device to have then. Or perhaps to receive a call, potentially about something important. No, the light on the phone can stay unused.

I have a flashlight.

I have OC. I was one of the troops of my era who took a class in its use but never carried it or used it operationally. I have no doubt of its applicability, so I carry it. I am aware of its limitations, but it beats a firmly stated retort and it’s better than having to go to the guns.

I carry a knife. The design is similar to the cutlery Dave Spaulding prefers, as the edge is partly serrated. Cutting a seat belt is unlikely in my day-to-day life, but the blade I carry can handle it. I don’t view it is a weapon, though. That’s why I have OC and firearms.

As far as “lodge pins” go, I don’t need one. I prefer to be the grey man and not stand out.

As far as flashlights, I used them to see. If I drop something – which I do quite often – it invariably rolls into someplace dark. I like to look before reaching. We don’t have the power outages we used to, but when we do, I always sem to be in a basement with no windows. A flashlight is a handy thing to have.

In the end, carry the gear that fits your needs. When “influencers” and opinion makers tell you what they do, give it some consideration if you want. Sometimes it’ll correspond to your needs. If it doesn’t, do what works for you.