If you’re looking to illuminate a wide area, a lantern is what you need. They’re purpose-built to do the job, and they’ll do it better than a standard flashlight. Now you might think a lantern would too big to EDC, but a modern LED light like the new Fenix CL09 is so compact it fits in the palm of your hand. With all its features, it makes for a great outdoor companion, emergency lamp, or task light for general EDC.
Despite its small 3″ size, the CL09 puts out a max of 200 lumens spread out an even 33 feet around you with its diffuser. You can pick between four different output levels and three colors with its simple twisty tail cap. The standard light is a nice neutral white, but there are also red and green light output modes to preserve nightvision or as a signal for camping companions. On its lowest one-lumen setting, the light will last up to 90 hours of continuous use with the included battery.
The thoughtful design of the light makes it easy for you to bring around and use everyday. It has a loop that lets you hang it above you as you work, or to keep around you with a lanyard. The rear cap is magnetic, which is especially useful if you want to attach it underneath the hood of your car in a pinch. Even maintaining the light is easy. It comes with a Fenix USB-rechargeable battery which accepts a standard microUSB cable. The light also accepts 16340 and CR123A batteries. Using a CR123A battery, by the way, increases the runtime of the one-lumen setting out to an astounding 150 hours.
Don’t let the size fool you, this is a durable outdoor light. The Fenix CL09 benefits from hardy aircraft-grade aluminum construction. It’s impact resistant rated to survive a hard one meter drop. And because it’s an outdoor light, it’s also designed to be IP68 waterproof. That means it’s rated to survive immersion in two meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
With the Fenix CL09, you get an excellent compact EDC light made for wide area illumination. It’s the right tool for the job and it’s available in two different colors: black and gray. Purchase the one you want and see it in action for yourself at the link below.
