Fenix uc35 - super usb flashlight - Fenix UC35 High Power Rechargeable Flashlight, 960 Lumens

I have a survival gear plan around AA and AAA batteries with solar chargers to recharge them for all my battery needs. Most of the time you do not need a super bright flashlight , but now and then you do. However, there really are not any AA flashlights with more than 300 lumens worth talking about. This is where the Fenix UC35 flashlight comes into play. My solar panels will connect right up to the usb charging port on the UC35 with plenty of power to charge it.

The usb port on the UC35 is water tight to IPX8 and the rubber cap is simply a dust cover. It has been thoroughly tested by people on youtube so check them out if you doubt me. The port is super tight when you connect the cable, almost annoyingly so at the time, but the rest of the time you feel glad that the cable isn't going to slip out.

The body is a heavy aluminum and a good size to grip. Durable like all Fenix lights. The UC35 a decent selection of brightness choices, and there are some accessory options.
I purchased the ARE-X1 charger, which is also usb, and a couple more 18650 batteries so I have more options on when, where and how to charge. (Note: the ARE-X1 charger can double as a power bank.)

Speaking of the batteries, I am glad the UC35 still uses removable 18650 batteries as I do not like the proprietary non-removable batteries Fenix has decided to use in the UC40 and UC45. While Fenix brand 18650s are expensive you can find Panasonic branded for a relatively inexpensive price. The 18650 batteries have a 500 charge life and if you do the math that would be a charge once a week for almost 10 years.

960 lumens is enough to tell every zombie in a ten mile radius where you are so I edc dimmer lights. Point is, for me the UC35 wont see daily use so should last my lifetime. I purchased it for those special needs times, but if you need it every day you wont be disappointed.. It comes with a backup rubber switch cap, extra o-rings, a pocket clip, lanyard, and belt pouch... which was probably the only thing I didn't really care for.

All-in-all, I would say the Fenix UC35 is a good buy at the standard price, but the CampSaver sale price made it a "must buy". I am very happy with my purchase.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.