When it comes to choosing an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight, several factors must be considered: portability, performance, durability, and ease of use. The OLIGHT i5T EOS 300 Lumens Slim EDC Flashlight aims to strike a balance between all these elements, making it a solid choice for camping, hiking, or general outdoor use. Compact yet powerful, the i5T EOS is designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and those who need a reliable light source for their daily tasks. This detailed review will explore its features, performance, and overall value.
Overview and Features
The OLIGHT i5T EOS is a slim, tail-switch flashlight powered by a single AA battery, designed with both functionality and portability in mind. Its most striking feature is its simplicity—offering dual-output settings, a lightweight design, and a comfortable grip. Here’s an in-depth look at the features that make the i5T EOS a compelling choice:
Brightness and Output: The i5T EOS offers two brightness levels: 300 lumens on the high setting and 5 lumens on the low setting. The high beam can illuminate objects up to 196 feet (60 meters) away, making it suitable for tasks that require a moderate amount of light, such as navigating dark trails or finding your way around a campsite. The low mode provides a softer, more energy-efficient beam that is ideal for close-up tasks like reading a map or inspecting your gear in low-light conditions.
Beam Distance: The flashlight's beam reaches up to 196 feet (60 meters) on the high setting, offering a practical range for general outdoor use, from searching your campsite to lighting up a path during a night hike. On the low setting, the range is reduced but still provides adequate light for close-range tasks.
Battery and Power Source: The i5T EOS is powered by a single AA battery, a feature that enhances its convenience and availability. AA batteries are easy to find and replace, and they are widely available at most stores, which is a significant advantage in outdoor settings where specialized batteries can sometimes be harder to come by.
Construction and Design: The i5T EOS has a slim, compact body that measures just 4.1 inches (104 mm) in length and weighs only 2.16 ounces (61.3 grams) without the battery. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which ensures durability while keeping the weight low. The flashlight is finished with a hard-anodized coating, which adds to its scratch resistance and overall ruggedness.
Tail Switch: One of the standout features of the i5T EOS is its tail switch, which provides easy one-handed operation. The switch is located at the rear of the flashlight, allowing users to turn the light on or off and toggle between the two brightness levels with a simple press. This design is intuitive and convenient, especially in low-light conditions when fumbling for buttons can be frustrating.
Compact and Lightweight: The slim profile of the i5T EOS makes it easy to carry in a pocket, bag, or clip to a backpack. It’s small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, yet powerful enough to provide useful illumination when needed. Its weight of just 2.16 ounces makes it a non-intrusive addition to any EDC setup.
Water and Impact Resistance: The i5T EOS is rated with an IPX8 water resistance, meaning it can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes without any issues. This makes it an excellent choice for use in rainy conditions, near water, or in wet environments. Additionally, it is impact-resistant to drops of up to 1.5 meters, ensuring that it can withstand the rough and tumble of outdoor use.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
Outdoor Use (Camping and Hiking)
For camping and hiking, the OLIGHT i5T EOS provides the perfect balance of portability and performance. On the high setting, it offers a solid 300-lumen beam that easily lights up a trail or campsite. Whether you're searching for something in your backpack or navigating a poorly lit area, the i5T EOS shines bright enough to make your tasks easier without overwhelming you with light. Its beam pattern is fairly even, with a slight hotspot in the center and enough flood to light up surrounding areas.
The low mode is ideal for more energy-efficient lighting, which is especially useful when you don’t need a high-output beam or when you want to preserve battery life. The 5-lumen output is perfect for activities like reading a map, looking for gear in the dark, or using the light as a navigation tool when you don’t want to disturb others around you.
The long 196-foot beam distance is more than enough for most hiking and camping activities. Whether you're using it to scout ahead or just illuminating a small area, the i5T EOS performs well across different outdoor scenarios. Its ease of use and low weight also make it comfortable to carry for long periods.
EDC Use (Everyday Carry)
As an EDC flashlight, the i5T EOS excels. Its small size and low weight make it easy to add to your daily carry routine without feeling weighed down. Whether clipped to a pocket, backpack, or bag, it doesn’t take up much space but is always available when you need it.
The dual-output settings offer versatility for everyday tasks—whether you need bright light to find something in your car or a dim light to navigate a dark room without disturbing others, the i5T EOS delivers.
Build Quality and Durability
The OLIGHT i5T EOS is built to last. Its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction ensures it can handle the rough treatment that outdoor enthusiasts often subject their gear to. The anodized finish not only improves the flashlight’s resistance to scratches and corrosion but also enhances its overall grip, making it more comfortable to hold in wet conditions.
The flashlight is designed to withstand drops of up to 1.5 meters and is rated IPX8 for water resistance, making it well-suited for all kinds of outdoor conditions. Whether you’re caught in a rainstorm, using it near a lake, or dropping it on the ground while on a hike, the i5T EOS can take the beating and keep on shining.
Ease of Use
One of the most appreciated aspects of the i5T EOS is its intuitive and simple design. The tail switch is easy to find and operate with one hand, even while wearing gloves or in the dark. Press once for the low setting, and press again for the high setting. A quick tap on the switch turns the light off. This simple functionality ensures that you don’t need to fumble through complex modes or settings when you need the light in a hurry.
Battery Life
With its single AA battery, the i5T EOS offers impressive runtime. On high mode (300 lumens), you can expect around 20 minutes of continuous use before the battery starts to drain. In low mode (5 lumens), the runtime extends significantly, offering around 16 hours of use on a single battery.
The convenience of AA batteries cannot be overstated—since they are widely available and inexpensive, you don’t have to worry about proprietary batteries that may be difficult to replace while out on a hike or camping trip.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight: Ideal for everyday carry and outdoor adventures.
- Dual-output settings: Provides flexibility for various lighting needs.
- Tail switch: Easy one-handed operation.
- Durable construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with IPX8 water resistance and impact resistance.
- AA battery power: Easy to replace and widely available.
- Affordable: Offers great performance at a reasonable price point.
Cons:
- Limited high-output runtime: The 300-lumen output is great for short bursts of light but may not be sufficient for long-term illumination in extreme conditions.
- No rechargeable battery option: While AA batteries are convenient, it would have been nice to have a rechargeable option for more sustainability.
Conclusion
The OLIGHT i5T EOS 300 Lumens Slim EDC Flashlight is a solid and reliable flashlight that checks all the boxes for an outdoor or everyday carry light. It is compact, durable, easy to use, and provides ample brightness for most typical tasks in camping, hiking, and general use. With a reasonable price tag, it offers excellent value for anyone in need of a dependable flashlight that won’t weigh them down or take up too much space.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable flashlight for your hiking adventures, a compact tool for your EDC setup, or just a straightforward, no-fuss light for general use, the i5T EOS is an excellent choice. The combination of practical performance, durability, and affordability makes it one of the best options in the market for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
