I always select gear based on its ability to serve dual purposes. I prefer to travel light and minimize my everyday carry to the extent possible. I tailor that carry to my circumstances, but there are some items that are non-negotiable. A good flashlight is one of them. The Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA meets all my needs and has some additional features that make it outstanding in the field of EDC flashlights.
First, the ProTac is compact. It’s a great option for women in particular because of its small size. It easily fits in the palm of my hand. In addition, the small size makes it easy to carry in a handbag or pocket without creating obvious bulk or taking up too much room. I prefer to carry my flashlight on my person or in an easily accessible pocket of my handbag or backpack. So compact is key.
Second, it can be used for more than one purpose. Self-defense and security are always at the forefront of my mind, especially as a woman, and I like to carry items that can double for self-defense. This flashlight can. The sturdy aluminum casing and beveled head lend itself well to using it as a blunt force striking object. I can keep my thumb on the rubberized end and strike with the beveled head. The clip and anti-roll features also allow me to keep a tight grip on this compact light. And despite its sturdiness, the ProTac is still lightweight.
The ProTac 1L-1AA also has some additional features that make it stand out from the rest. My favorite is that it can accommodate multiple battery types or fuel sources. It takes a single CR123A lithium battery for 350 lumens high, but it can also accommodate a single alkaline battery or a regular old AA for 150 lumens high. Since AA batteries are much more prolific and easy to find, I like that I can replace a dead battery with relative ease. As an emergency manager and former CIA officer, I know there are crises where this feature could mean the difference between life and death.
The light itself also has numerous programmable options. It can be used for a high beam, low beam, or strobe, or multiple combinations of those. The higher the beam, the higher the lumens, and the shorter the battery life. So, I like that there are options. The strobe feature is also quite intense and an excellent blinding or disorienting feature for self-defense as well.
If you’re looking for an everyday carry flashlight, there are many different options on the market. I’ve used quite a few of them. I highly recommend this one, especially for women.
Some select stats
- TEN-TAP® Programming allows for the selection of three different operating programs: 1) high/strobe/low 2) high only 3) low/high
- Accepts a single lithium or alkaline battery
- IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes; 2-meter impact resistance tested
- Solid State power regulation provides maximum light output throughout battery life
- Durable, anodized aluminum construction with impact-resistant tempered glass lens
- Anti-roll head
- 4.25” (10.8 cm); 2.5 oz (71g) with CR123 battery; 2.8 oz (79g) with AA alkaline battery; 2.4 oz (68g) with AA lithium battery
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I’ve had this light for a couple years now, and I completely agree…the form factor, versatility and price are hard to beat. That said, I’ve found the battery life to be pretty disappointing with both CR123 and AA batteries. I end up changing batteries about 2-3X more often than similar handheld lights. Not a big deal if you’re using AA.