01 January 24 | EDC Light Builder
Four Methods of EDC Flashlight Carry
Personal Safety Means Always Having It With You
- Perhaps the most important aspect of making effective use of an EDC flashlight is having the flashlight with you and easily accessible. As with any EDC tool, if the light is left behind at home or in the car, or buried in the bottom of a purse or day pack, it will be of little value in a time of immediate need.
- In this article we will discuss four methods of comfortably carrying an EDC flashlight on your person in a way that leaves it easily accessible. Of note is that these methods pertain to small yet capable flashlights (like the EDCLB 18350 Fat Boy, Bodyguard, Dagger and Shogun) that are intended for everyday carry.
- While some may stick with one method exclusively, it's worth keeping in mind that the attire you wear or the setting you’re in could greatly influence which method works best. For those who carry more than one light, multiple carry methods will likely be used. For these reasons, becoming comfortable with a variety of carry methods will likely provide the best solution.
DIP Method
The DIP or “drop-in-pocket” method is the simplest form of carry, and is one that I use regularly. With this method, the EDC flashlight rides in a pocket, with or without other items. Best results are attained when a pocket is dedicated to just the EDC light, or other items in the same pocket are kept to a minimum. Additionally, any pocket clips (if equipped) can be removed for a "clean" flashlight body to attain a comfortable and consistent grip.
If wearing a coat, jacket or any outerwear with generous pockets, the DIP method is a top choice! These pockets typically offer easy access and retrieval of the light, even when wearing gloves. Outerwear pockets also opens the option to easily carry a second (perhaps larger) light for planned outdoor activities such as camping, walking the dog or taking a night time stroll.
The DIP method also applies to pants pockets, especially loose fitting styles like work or cargo pants. As with the outerwear pockets, the light is easily accessible by simply reaching into the pocket to retrieve the light. Tight fitting jeans or pants with small pockets can be problematic with this method, but equipping the light with a lanyard like the EDC Custom Wrist Lanyard makes retrieval from a pocket all the easier. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best!
If wearing a coat, jacket or any outerwear with generous pockets, the DIP method is a top choice! These pockets typically offer easy access and retrieval of the light, even when wearing gloves. Outerwear pockets also opens the option to easily carry a second (perhaps larger) light for planned outdoor activities such as camping, walking the dog or taking a night time stroll.
The DIP method also applies to pants pockets, especially loose fitting styles like work or cargo pants. As with the outerwear pockets, the light is easily accessible by simply reaching into the pocket to retrieve the light. Tight fitting jeans or pants with small pockets can be problematic with this method, but equipping the light with a lanyard like the EDC Custom Wrist Lanyard makes retrieval from a pocket all the easier. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best!
Pocket Carry With Clip
Probably the most popular method of carry due to the fact that so many flashlight models are equipped with them, this method depends on a clip installed on the light to hook on the top of the pocket. The clip allows the light to ride high inside the pocket above any other items, providing consistent positioning and fast access. This method will work with both loose fitting and regular fit pants with tight pockets.
As popular as this method is, it’s not without some drawbacks which I discuss in the EDC Flashlight Carry - Why I Swore Off Pocket Clips article.
As popular as this method is, it’s not without some drawbacks which I discuss in the EDC Flashlight Carry - Why I Swore Off Pocket Clips article.
Belt Carry
LEOs carry flashlights in dedicated light holsters on their duty belts for good reason: it’s secure and places the light in a consistent position for fast and fumble-free access.
Flashlight belt carry is also a viable method for the civilian. Though the typical civvy is not going to don a duty belt, carrying a small EDC flashlight attached to the pants belt is an option worth considering.
This method works especially well with an untucked shirt covering the belt (and anything attached to it), as is common with concealed firearm carry. If the user is trained in the use of a hand held flashlight in combination with a handgun, carrying the light on the “weak side” in a belt holster is extremely efficient. This method allows for a consistent “draw” of the light from the holster. With a well designed light holster, the light rides completely unnoticed by both the user and everyone around them.
Flashlight holsters are available in many designs, for many popular hand held lights and for both vertical and horizontal carry. Though somewhat limited in availability, horizontal carry holsters such as the EDCLB HBC are generally the optimum for comfort while providing excellent concealability and speed of access to the light. Whether you're a concealed firearm carrier or not, this method of flashlight carry warrants serious consideration!
Flashlight belt carry is also a viable method for the civilian. Though the typical civvy is not going to don a duty belt, carrying a small EDC flashlight attached to the pants belt is an option worth considering.
This method works especially well with an untucked shirt covering the belt (and anything attached to it), as is common with concealed firearm carry. If the user is trained in the use of a hand held flashlight in combination with a handgun, carrying the light on the “weak side” in a belt holster is extremely efficient. This method allows for a consistent “draw” of the light from the holster. With a well designed light holster, the light rides completely unnoticed by both the user and everyone around them.
Flashlight holsters are available in many designs, for many popular hand held lights and for both vertical and horizontal carry. Though somewhat limited in availability, horizontal carry holsters such as the EDCLB HBC are generally the optimum for comfort while providing excellent concealability and speed of access to the light. Whether you're a concealed firearm carrier or not, this method of flashlight carry warrants serious consideration!
Neck Carry
As odd as it may seem, an EDC light can be carried very conveniently using a properly designed neck lanyard that ensures user safety. Ideally the light should be small and lightweight, preferably under three ounces in weight and under four inches long. With a small light this method offers some noteworthy advantages;
Using a neck lanyard, the light can be carried under a shirt, jacket or vest, or outside of the outer garment exposed. Being able to adjust the lanyard to set the ride height of the light is a major advantage as the difference of an inch or two in ride height can make a big difference.
A major safety concern of neck lanyard carry is the risk of strangulation and injury should the lanyard or light become entangled in machinery, or grabbed by an assailant. The neck lanyard MUST be equipped with break-away hardware to avoid these risks. The EDCLB Universal Custom Lanyard has multiple break-away points to ensure user safety, as well as multiple adjustment points to ensure user comfort and ease-of-use.
- Fully ambidextrous
- Light is retained in an easy-to-access position
- Excellent for any seated position including driving
- Instant use of both hands by simply letting go of the light
Using a neck lanyard, the light can be carried under a shirt, jacket or vest, or outside of the outer garment exposed. Being able to adjust the lanyard to set the ride height of the light is a major advantage as the difference of an inch or two in ride height can make a big difference.
A major safety concern of neck lanyard carry is the risk of strangulation and injury should the lanyard or light become entangled in machinery, or grabbed by an assailant. The neck lanyard MUST be equipped with break-away hardware to avoid these risks. The EDCLB Universal Custom Lanyard has multiple break-away points to ensure user safety, as well as multiple adjustment points to ensure user comfort and ease-of-use.
Conclusion
An EDC flashlight is of little value if it’s not instantly accessible the moment you need it.
The methods described above provide a means of carrying an EDC flashlight comfortably on your person, keeping it within easy reach and quick to deploy when needed.
Using these methods in combination is an effective way of carrying multiple lights, or for carrying a single light in different ways depending on attire or setting.
Questions or comments? Please feel free to contact EDC Light Builder!