Chemical lights, or chem lights, are versatile and essential tools for many outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and emergency situations. These small, lightweight lights use a chemical reaction to produce a glow that can last for hours, making them an excellent alternative to traditional flashlights or lanterns.
When it comes to purchasing the best chem lights, there are a few critical factors to consider. First, you’ll want to look at the brightness and duration of the light output. Some chem lights are designed to produce a brighter glow for a shorter period, while others may have a dimmer output that lasts for several hours. The size and weight of the chem light are also important, as you’ll want to choose a product that is easy to carry and store.
Another factor to consider is the color of the chem light. While most products come in standard colors like green, red, and blue, some manufacturers offer a wider range of options. This can be particularly useful in emergency situations, where different colors can be used to signal for help or mark a trail.
We spent hours researching and testing a variety of chem lights to identify the best products on the market. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the right product for your needs.
Best Chem Lights
1. HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks
2. Cyalume Military Grade Green Glow Sticks
3. HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks
We know that having a reliable source of light can be critical in many situations, whether you’re camping, hiking, or in an emergency. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best chem lights on the market. These lights are durable, long-lasting, and provide a bright and consistent light source that you can rely on. So, whether you’re looking for a reliable source of light for your next outdoor adventure or just want to be prepared for any situation, these chem lights are sure to meet your needs.
HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks
If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting glow stick, the HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks may be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- These glow sticks are safe and eco-friendly.
- They are perfect for emergencies, blackouts, survival kits, camping, and parties.
- They are great for parties and come in an easy-to-use design.
Cons
- Some of the sticks may arrive already cracked and illuminated.
- They may not last the full 12 hours as advertised.
- There may be a few duds that don’t light up after cracking.
We recently used these glow sticks during a camping trip and were impressed with their brightness and durability. They lasted well over 12 hours and were still glowing the next morning. We also appreciated that they are non-toxic and waterproof, making them safe for outdoor activities.
However, we did notice that a few of the sticks were already cracked and illuminated when we opened the package, which was a bit disappointing. Additionally, while they lasted a long time, they did not quite reach the full 12-hour duration as advertised. Finally, we did encounter a few duds that did not light up after cracking.
Overall, we would recommend the HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks for their brightness, durability, and eco-friendliness. They are a great option for camping, parties, and emergency situations.
Cyalume Military Grade Green Glow Sticks
If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting chem light, then the Cyalume Military Grade Green Glow Sticks are worth considering.
Pros
- The patented long-lasting light stick formulation provides 360 degrees of high light output for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for illuminating small rooms, passages, trails, and camps.
- These chem lights are standard issues for all military personnel, so you know there’s no better alternative available.
- Cyalume ChemLights are waterproof, non-flammable, and non-toxic, making them safe to use in confined spaces or underwater.
Cons
- The brightness falls off quite sharply after just 15 minutes.
- They don’t last as long as advertised.
- The glow sticks bulk pack comes with ten plastic 6-inch ChemLights, which may not be enough for some users.
In our experience, the Cyalume Military Grade Green Glow Sticks are a reliable and indispensable tool for emergency situations and outdoor activities. They are bright, long-lasting, and easy to activate with a simple bend, snap, and shake. However, the brightness does fall off quite sharply after just 15 minutes, so you may need to use multiple glow sticks to maintain adequate illumination. Additionally, the glow sticks bulk pack comes with ten plastic 6-inch ChemLights, which may not be enough for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting chem light, then the Cyalume Military Grade Green Glow Sticks are definitely worth considering. They are safe, durable, and designed to meet the needs of law enforcement officers, army and military members, hunters, campers, official doomsday preppers, or anyone looking for a reliable emergency glow stick solution.
HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile light source for your outdoor activities or emergency situations, the HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks might be just what you need.
Pros
- These glow sticks are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as emergency lighting, camping, parties, and more.
- The HSGUS glow sticks are made from high quality, eco-friendly materials that are safe to use and non-toxic.
- They have a long-lasting glow that can last up to 12 hours, making them a reliable source of light in any situation.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the glow sticks are not as bright as they expected, especially after a few hours of use.
- The packaging of the glow sticks could be improved, as some users have received damaged or broken sticks.
- The lanyard that comes with the glow sticks is not very durable and can break easily.
In our experience, the HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks are a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile light source. We’ve used them for camping trips, backyard parties, and emergency situations, and they’ve always performed well. The glow sticks are easy to activate and have a bright, long-lasting glow that makes them easy to spot in the dark.
One of the things we like about these glow sticks is that they’re made from high-quality, eco-friendly materials. They’re non-toxic, waterproof, and non-flammable, which makes them a safe choice for any situation. We also appreciate that they come with a lanyard, which makes them easy to carry or hang up wherever you need them.
However, we have noticed that the glow sticks are not as bright as they initially seem, especially after a few hours of use. Additionally, the packaging could be improved, as some users have received damaged or broken sticks. Finally, the lanyard that comes with the glow sticks is not very durable and can break easily.
Overall, we would recommend the HSGUS Ultra Bright Green Glow Sticks to anyone who needs a reliable and versatile light source. They’re easy to use, long-lasting, and made from high-quality materials that are safe for you and the environment.
HSGUS Ultra Bright Glow Sticks
We highly recommend the HSGUS Ultra Bright Glow Sticks for your next party or emergency kit. These glow sticks are made with industrial-grade construction and premium materials, ensuring they are non-toxic, waterproof, and CPSIA compliant. They are also thicker, brighter, and longer lasting than standard-grade sticks, providing efficient lighting for up to 12 hours.
Pros
- These glow sticks are versatile and can be used for emergencies, blackouts, survival kits, camping, parties, weddings, music festivals, bars, and more.
- The HSGUS glow sticks are safe and eco-friendly, using innovative industrial-grade construction techniques that make them waterproof, non-flammable, and non-toxic.
- They are great for parties, coming in an easy-to-use design and standard size that will light up your guests’ faces and provide a unique level of fun.
Cons
- The brightness of the glow sticks may dim after a while, but this is normal for all glow sticks.
- Some users have reported that the glow sticks are not as bright as other brands.
- The packaging may be difficult to open for some users.
These glow sticks are perfect for any party or emergency situation. They are easy to use, simply bend, snap, and shake to activate. They also come with a lanyard for easy carrying and use. We love that they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for any event. The HSGUS Ultra Bright Glow Sticks are a must-have item that will provide you with a lasting use of up to 12 hours, more fun, and 100% safety.
HSGUS 32 PCS Ultra Bright 6 Inch Glow Sticks
If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting chem light, the HSGUS 32 PCS Ultra Bright 6 Inch Glow Sticks are a great option for you.
Pros
- These glow sticks are waterproof, non-flammable, and non-toxic, making them environmentally friendly and safe to use.
- With a lasting use of up to 12 hours, these sticks are perfect for emergencies, blackouts, survival kits, camping, and parties.
- These sticks come in an easy-to-use design and a standard size, making them great for Halloween decorations, trick-or-treat bags, and costume parties.
Cons
- Some users have reported that one or two sticks may become activated during delivery.
- The hooks on the sticks may accidentally hook onto clothing or hair, so it’s recommended to cut them off before use.
- The colors may not be as vivid as other brands.
We’ve used these glow sticks for years and have found them to be very reliable and long-lasting. They’re great for camping trips, Halloween parties, and emergency situations. The fact that they’re environmentally friendly and non-toxic is a huge plus. However, we have noticed that some sticks may become activated during delivery, so it’s important to check them before use. Overall, we highly recommend the HSGUS 32 PCS Ultra Bright 6-inch Glow Sticks.
Glow Mind Emergency Glow Sticks
If you’re looking for a reliable source of light during an emergency or outdoor adventure, Glow Mind’s Emergency Glow Sticks are a clear choice.
Pros
- Glows like no other – ultra-bright and can be seen from a mile away
- Long-lasting light – provides bright, 360° illumination for up to 12 hours
- Ideal for emergency preparedness and survivalists – easy to store and have a long shelf life
Cons
- Not reusable
- Can’t control the brightness level
- Not suitable for use as a primary light source
We recently had the chance to test these glow sticks on a camping trip and were impressed with their brightness and longevity. They were easy to activate by bending, snapping, and shaking the tube and provided reliable light throughout the night.
One of the standout features of these glow sticks is their brightness. They truly do glow like no other, providing instant 360-degree illumination that can be seen from up to a mile away. This makes them ideal for emergency situations where visibility is key.
In addition to their brightness, these glow sticks are also long-lasting. They provide bright, 360° illumination for up to 12 hours, which is more than enough time for most emergency situations. We also appreciate that they’re individually foil-wrapped for protection against light and moisture, ensuring they’re always ready when you need them.
While these glow sticks are great for emergency situations, they’re also versatile enough to be used for a range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, boating, and scuba diving. They’re waterproof, non-toxic, and non-flammable, making them safe to use in any environment.
Overall, we highly recommend Glow Mind’s Emergency Glow Sticks for anyone looking for a reliable source of light during an emergency or outdoor adventure. They’re bright, long-lasting, and easy to use, making them a must-have item for any survival kit or camping gear.
Cyalume ChemLight Light Stick
If you are looking for a reliable and durable source of light in emergency situations, the Cyalume ChemLight Light Stick is the perfect solution.
Pros
- The ChemLight Light Stick provides intense light output for up to 8 hours, making it ideal for tactical applications, emergency kits, hiking, camping, and children’s outdoor activities.
- The bright blue color of the light stick can be seen from up to a mile away, ensuring maximum visibility in low-light environments.
- The ChemLight Light Stick is waterproof, non-flammable, and non-toxic, making it safe to use in confined spaces or underwater.
Cons
- The light stick is only available in blue, which may not be suitable for all situations.
- The ChemLight Light Stick is slightly more expensive than other chemical light sticks on the market.
- The hook and gate top of the light stick may be difficult for some people to use.
We highly recommend the Cyalume ChemLight Light Stick to anyone looking for a reliable and durable source of light in emergency situations. The light stick is easy to activate – simply bend, snap, and shake to immediately flood your surrounding area with functional light. It is also the official chemical light of the U.S. military, which is a testament to its quality and durability.
The ChemLight Light Stick is made in the USA under strict quality guidelines to ensure each light stick works without issue when you need it the most. The pack includes 10 plastic 6-inch chem lights, each with a hook and gate top, which keeps the light source secure whether you’re hanging, attaching, or stringing them together. The ChemLights meet Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) specifications, and National/NATO Stock Numbers (NSN) are printed on each product for reference.
In conclusion, the Cyalume ChemLight Light Stick is a reliable and durable source of light that is perfect for emergency situations. Its high-intensity glow and long-lasting formula make it an essential survival supply to keep inside your home, car, disaster preparedness kit, or bomb shelter. The ChemLight Light Stick is a must-have for law enforcement officers, hunters, campers, official doomsday preppers, or anyone looking for a reliable emergency glow stick solution.
Cyalume Glow Sticks Military Grade Lightstick
We highly recommend the Cyalume Glow Sticks Military Grade Lightstick for anyone who needs a reliable source of light in emergency situations.
Pros
- The green light is incredibly bright and can be seen up to a mile away, making it perfect for signaling for help.
- The light stick lasts for up to 12 hours, providing long-lasting illumination.
- The light stick is waterproof, non-toxic, and non-flammable, making it safe to use in a variety of situations.
Cons
- The light stick is less effective in colder temperatures, so it may not be the best option for use in extremely cold environments.
- The plastic tube may start to soften and leak if stored at elevated temperatures above 120 degrees F.
- Once the light sticks have been frozen, their performance may not be as reliable.
The Cyalume Glow Sticks Military Grade Lightstick is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable source of light in emergency situations. The green light is incredibly bright and can be seen up to a mile away, making it perfect for signaling for help. The light stick lasts for up to 12 hours, providing long-lasting illumination. Additionally, the light stick is waterproof, non-toxic, and non-flammable, making it safe to use in a variety of situations.
One thing to note is that the light stick is less effective in colder temperatures, so it may not be the best option for use in extremely cold environments. Additionally, the plastic tube may start to soften and leak if stored at elevated temperatures above 120 degrees F. Finally, once the light sticks have been frozen, their performance may not be as reliable.
Overall, we highly recommend the Cyalume Glow Sticks Military Grade Lightstick for anyone who needs a reliable source of light in emergency situations. Its long-lasting illumination, bright green light, and safety features make it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to be prepared for unexpected situations.
DREAM GLOW Chem Light Stick
If you’re in need of a reliable, long-lasting chem light stick, the DREAM GLOW Chem Light Stick is a great option.
Pros
- These chem light sticks are ultra-bright and can be seen from more than a mile away.
- They last up to 50% longer than other glow sticks, making them perfect for emergencies, power outages, camping, diving, fishing, hunting, and night parties.
- The DREAM GLOW Chem Light Stick is manufactured under strict quality guidelines, ensuring a longer shelf life and a more dependable glow.
Cons
- The included plastic cord is not very sturdy and may break easily.
- The blue light is not as bright as the red or green light.
- The glow is not particularly bright, but it will serve the purpose.
We recently used the DREAM GLOW Chem Light Stick during a camping trip and were impressed by how bright and long-lasting they were. We were able to easily spot each other in the dark, and the glow lasted for over 12 hours. The individually wrapped sticks were easy to pack and carry, and we appreciated the added safety feature of being able to use them in water.
Overall, we highly recommend the DREAM GLOW Chem Light Stick for anyone in need of a reliable and long-lasting glow stick.
MediTac Green Glow Sticks – Premium Bright 6” Snap & Light Sticks – 12 Hour (12 Pack)
If you’re looking for a reliable source of light for an extended period of time, MediTac Green Glow Sticks are a great option.
Pros
- Instant illumination with a simple snap
- 12 hours of light
- Individually wrapped for protection
Cons
- Not as bright as advertised
- The string included is not very durable.
- Some sticks may not last the full 12 hours
We found that the MediTac Green Glow Sticks were easy to activate with a simple snap, providing instant illumination in any situation. The 12-hour lifespan of each stick is perfect for long hikes, camping trips, or any other situation where you might need light for an extended period of time.
The sticks are individually wrapped, which is a great feature that prevents accidental activation or puncture. However, we did find that the sticks were not as bright as advertised, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the string included with each stick is not very durable and may break easily.
Overall, we would recommend the MediTac Green Glow Sticks for anyone in need of a reliable source of light for an extended period of time. Just be aware that they may not be as bright as advertised, and the included string may not be very durable.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best chem lights, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the most suitable product for your needs. Here are some of the key features to look for:
Brightness
One of the most important features to consider when choosing a chem light is brightness. The brightness of a chem light is measured in millicandela (mcd), and the higher the number, the brighter the light. Look for a chem light with a brightness of at least 10 mcd for optimal visibility.
Duration
The duration of a chem light is another important factor to consider. Chem lights are available in different durations ranging from a few minutes to several hours. Choose a chem light with a duration that meets your needs. If you need a light for a longer period, opt for a chem light with a longer duration.
Color
Chem lights are available in a variety of colors, including red, green, blue, yellow, and orange. Consider the color of the chem light you choose, as it can affect visibility and how easily you can identify it in the dark. For example, red is often used for emergency situations, while green is popular for camping and outdoor activities.
Size and Shape
Chem lights come in different sizes and shapes. Some are small and compact, while others are larger and more durable. Consider the size and shape of the chem light you choose, as it can affect portability and ease of use.
Activation Method
Chem lights can be activated in different ways, including snapping, shaking, or twisting. Consider the activation method of the chem light you choose, as it can affect how easy it is to use in a stressful situation.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best chem light for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some top-rated chem lights for survival situations?
Chemical lights, also known as light sticks or glow sticks, are a popular choice for emergency and survival situations. Some of the top-rated chem lights for survival situations include Cyalume SnapLight, OmniGlow SnapLight, and Life Gear Glow Stick. These lights are durable, long-lasting, and provide bright illumination for up to 12 hours.
What are IR chem lights, and how are they used?
Infrared (IR) chem lights are designed to emit light in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the naked eye but can be detected by night vision devices. These chem lights are commonly used by military and law enforcement personnel for covert operations, signaling, and marking.
How do tactical chem lights differ from party glow sticks?
Tactical chem lights are designed for military and law enforcement use and are typically more durable and long-lasting than party glow sticks. They also often feature IR capabilities and are available in a wider range of colors. Party glow sticks, on the other hand, are designed for entertainment and are typically smaller, shorter-lasting, and less durable.
What is the significance of different colors of chem lights?
Different colors of chem lights are used for different purposes. For example, red chem lights are often used for signaling and emergency situations, green chem lights are used for map reading and navigation, and blue chem lights are used for medical purposes. White chem lights are commonly used for general illumination.
Who are the top manufacturers of military-grade chem lights?
Some of the top manufacturers of military-grade chem lights include Cyalume Technologies, OmniGlow Corporation, and Safariland Group. These companies produce a wide range of chem lights for military, law enforcement, and emergency response applications.
What are some common uses for chem lights in the military?
Chem lights are commonly used in the military for signaling, marking, and illumination. They can be used to mark landing zones, signal distress, and provide illumination in low-light or no-light conditions. They are also used for training exercises and tactical operations.
