Streamlight Microstream: The Perfect Rechargeable EDC Flashlight
If you know anything about me, you’d know that I have a slight obsession with EDC flashlights. So much so, that you may assume that I’m afraid of the dark. But truthfully, it’s hard to be afraid of the dark when you own over two dozen different flashlights. While I wish that were merely a joke, I do, in fact, always carry a light on me. Which lead me to the Streamlight Microstream.
For the sake of this article, I’m specifically looking at the Streamlight Microstream for an EDC application.
No, this isn’t a self-defense light, there’s no crenulated bezel on it for striking — it’s a small and compact EDC flashlight. And it does a lot of things really well, in my opinion. That said, this isn’t a new light, and it’s been out on the market for quite some time. It’s just never been in my hand before.
Disclaimer: I purchased the Streamlight Microstream with my own money. This product was not supplied to me by Streamlight, they did not pay me or compensate me to speak about their product, and the opinions on this product are solely mine and my personal experience with their EDC flashlight.
Table of contents
What is an EDC Flashlight?
An EDC flashlight stands for “Everyday Carry flashlight.” It is a small, portable, and lightweight flashlight designed to be carried with you every day as part of your essential gear. EDC flashlights are typically compact and easy to carry in a pocket, on a keychain, or clipped to a belt or bag. They are intended for everyday tasks and emergencies, providing you with a convenient source of illumination when needed.
Below are some common features and characteristics of EDC flashlights:
- Size: EDC flashlights are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your pocket or on a keychain without adding significant bulk or weight to your everyday essentials.
- Brightness: While they may not be as powerful as larger tactical or outdoor flashlights, EDC flashlights usually offer a sufficient level of brightness for common tasks, such as finding items in your bag, navigating in the dark, or checking your surroundings.
- Power Source: Many EDC flashlights are designed to be energy-efficient and use common battery types like AAA, AA, or rechargeable batteries. Some models may also incorporate built-in rechargeable batteries.
- Durability: EDC flashlights are often built to withstand everyday wear and tear. They may be made from durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel and feature impact-resistant and water-resistant designs.
- Simple Operation: They typically have straightforward on/off controls and may offer multiple lighting modes, such as low, medium, and high brightness levels or strobe functions.
- Pocket Clip or Keychain Attachment: Many EDC flashlights come with a pocket clip or a keychain attachment, allowing you to easily carry them and have quick access when needed.
- Longevity: EDC flashlights are designed to have a long service life and can last for a considerable period, making them reliable tools for everyday use.
EDC flashlights, like the Streamlight Microstream, are versatile tools that can come in handy in various situations, from reading a map in the dark to finding your way in a power outage or searching for items in a dimly lit area. They are popular among individuals who value preparedness and want a reliable source of light readily available at all times. The specific features and specifications of EDC flashlights may vary, so you can choose one that best suits your needs and preferences.
What is the Streamlight MicroStream?
The Streamlight MicroStream is a compact and portable flashlight produced by Streamlight, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality lighting products. The MicroStream is designed for everyday carry and is often used by professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone in need of a reliable and compact flashlight.
Below are some key features and characteristics of the Streamlight MicroStream:
- Size: The Streamlight MicroStream is known for its small and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in a pocket, on a keychain, or attached to a belt or bag.
- Brightness: It typically offers a moderate level of brightness, often powered by an LED bulb, which can provide enough illumination for various tasks and situations.
- Power Source: Many versions of the Streamlight MicroStream are powered by one or two AAA batteries, which are widely available and easy to replace.
- Durability: Streamlight is known for producing rugged and durable flashlights, and the Streamlight MicroStream is no exception. It often features a durable construction and may be water-resistant or even waterproof to a certain extent.
- Switch Mechanism: These flashlights usually have a simple on/off switch, and some models may offer different lighting modes (e.g., high and low intensity) or strobe functions.
- Pocket Clip: Many Streamlight MicroStream flashlights come with a pocket clip for easy attachment to clothing or gear.
- Runtime: The runtime (how long the flashlight can operate continuously) may vary depending on the specific model and battery type used.
- Price: Streamlight MicroStream flashlights are typically affordable and provide good value for their features and quality.
What Made Me Purchased the Streamlight Microstream?
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, I have more than my fair share of flashlights. Everything costing from as low as the sub $30 Streamlight Microstream, all the way up to the around $300 Olight X7R Marauder (now discontinued), which due to it resembling a can of soda, will never work as an EDC flashlight.
I have many Olights, Streamlights, and Surefires in my arsenal of EDC flashlights, but I wanted something that could easily slip into and be attached to the pocket without people looking at you weird and wondering what the bulge is at your pocket (and no, it wasn’t because I was happy to see them).
Related Article: 2 EDC Items Everyone Should Own and Carry Daily
The extremely slim profile of the Streamlight Microstream allows it to effortlessly slide right onto a pocket and disappear without a trace (other than the clip being visible).
Here are some of the specs of the Streamlight Microstream to help set the stage as to why I like this little EDC flashlight so much.
Product Specifications
- High Lumens: 250 lumens (68m beam)
- Low Lumens: 50 lumens (31m beam)
- Run Time on High: 1.50 hours
- Run Time on Low: 3.50 hours
- Beam Distance: 68 meters
- Max Candela: 1,150
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion Cell Pack
- Battery Quantity: 1
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Charge Time: 4 hours
- Can Attach to a Hat: Yes
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Impact Resistance: 1m (tested)
- Length: 3.87 inches (9.83 centimeters)
- Weight: 1.20 ounces (34.02 grams)
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Available Colors: Coyote, Blue, Red, Black
Ok, enough with all the specs… why do I like the Streamlight Microstream? It’s quite simple, size and lumens. While I love my Streamlight ProTac HL-X with a Thyrm Switchback attached, I don’t necessarily need 1,000 lumens unless I’m going somewhere that requires me to carry such. Not to mention, the ProTac HL-X is a fairly thick EDC flashlight (if you even consider it an EDC flashlight).
For everyday tasks, the 250 lumens from the Streamlight Microstream are more than enough to light up a room and has some decent throw to it. Bump the lumens down to 50, and you have a nice admin light if you dropped your keys in a parking lot or needed to look under the hood of your car late at night (making it even easier with the ability to clip the EDC flashlight onto a hat — keeping your hands free).
Related Article: Streamlight Super Siege – Rechargeable 1,100 Lumen Lantern
More importantly for me these days is the fact that the Streamlight Microstream is USB rechargeable. This has been a requirement for ALL my flashlights lately. If I need to toss a CR123 (or multiple) in a flashlight when the batteries die, it’s a no-go for me. It’s rechargeable or nothing for me now.
Note: You cannot purchase Streamlight products from their website, they redirect you to one of their retailers/dealers. Personally, I have found that Amazon has the best pricing on Streamlight products.
Would I Recommend This as an EDC Flashlight?
There’s no question that this is one of my favorite EDC flashlights. You forget you’re even wearing it until you need a light for something. Is this my preferred EDC flashlight and always in my pocket? No. I do swap it out for the Streamlight ProTac HL-X like I mentioned earlier (also USB rechargeable), as well as a few different Surefire flashlights (non-rechargeable, which bugs me). The Olights I pretty much have scattered throughout the house in case one of the kids needs a light or my wife is searching for something.
But overall, I really don’t think you can go wrong with the Streamlight Microstream. Under $30 for a USB rechargeable EDC flashlight will get two thumbs up from me every day of the week. And while 250 lumens for some may not “be enough light,” unless you’re planning on using it as a defensive light, it will do the job and do it well.
Related Article: Streamlight ProTac HL-X — A Beefy EDC Rechargeable Flashlight
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And as always, go out and get the proper training needed to be proficient with the product you carry as part of your EDC. I am not an instructor, and I don’t pretend to be one on the weekends. I’m simply someone who seeks knowledge, improvement, and proficiency when it comes to self-defense and the ability to protect my family and those around me. You are your own first line of defense, seek the training of a certified and experienced instructor. If you want to support Streamlight, go ahead and pick up a Streamlight Microstream flashlight.
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