The smallest flashlight I've tested is also the best for camping, pet owners and more.

Say goodbye to the old, hefty flashlight of the past with its big batteries and awkward handling. I spent weeks testing the high-tech replacement from Olight. It fits in a pocket, survives on the trails, helps at home and is incredibly bright for its size. Now I never want to go back to old lights.

The ArkPro Ultra ($130) offers basic spotlight and floodlight modes, but it can boost them up to 1,700 lumens, then adds massive extras like a UV light for spotting stains, a laser pointer for presentations/cat toys, a moonlight mode for camping and more. Add the magnetic charging option and the superdurable aluminum frame, and this is the flashlight to beat. The only challenge is mastering the many modes this model has.

Here’s what I learned about the best flashlight I’ve ever tested and how you can use it, too.

73x as hard as standard 6061 aluminum alloy. There’s a built-in clip in the back to hook it on a pocket, belt or backpack strap as needed. I dropped the flashlight from over six feet onto sharp lava rock several times, and only found barely visible scuffs afterward. The IPX7 waterproof rating also helps it resist rain and splashes: It didn’t rain when I was testing, so I tossed the flashlight out on the lawn and ran the sprinklers for a while, which didn’t affect performance at all.

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