Let's think about the times that we've suddenly and unexpectedly needed a flashlight. For many of us, the last blackout we experienced probably comes to mind. Blackouts, like emergencies, are almost always a surprise. Whether we find ourselves in the dark due to an overloaded circuit breaker or a much greater disaster, being able to locate a flashlight to assess what's going on becomes an urgent concern.

If you don't happen to have a flashlight in your pocket when darkness descends — how many people keep flashlights in their PJs — how would you quickly find a torch with no electricity?

Yes, our tactically black flashlights may look sexy, but their stealthy color can make them harder to find than a ninja on a nighttime mission. This is where we reach for a brighter alternative, and by brightness we're not talking about lumens. Torches with high-visibility bodies aren't just for construction sites. With their brightly colored housings, they're inherently easy to spot in dim environments or smoke- and dust-filled areas. That's why firefighters use them. Some models even have glow-in-the-dark bodies.

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If you need to pack an easy-to-find light source in a go-bag or in your nightstand, consider going with a high-vis flashlight. It could prevent you from scrambling when there's a real crisis or, at the least, save you from stubbing a toe in the middle of the night.

Let's browse six of the latest high-visibility flashlights and see which deserves glowing praise.

Written by John Teator