The Coast HX5 just might be the answer for those who have been searching for a small yet powerful light for Every Day Carry (EDC). It is compact, uses a commonly found battery, has a long battery life, and will truly light up the night.

The HX5 is just four inches long and barely an inch thick at the widest point. It weighs just a few ounces, so you’ll hardly notice it in your pocket. Yet, even at this small size, it will blast out 345 lumens when using a lithium-ion AA battery (130 lumens when using alkaline AA). I really like that it uses one standard AA battery rather than something more obscure. In a post-disaster environment, you’re far more likely to be able to find a replacement AA battery if need be than you are some other weird size battery.

One feature that is really cool is the unique two-way clip. Many of these small EDC flashlights have a pocket clip, which is awesome. But, if you wanted to attach it to the brim of your hat to turn the flashlight into a headlamp, you need to remove the clip and reverse it. Not so with the Coast HX5! The clip is designed to work in both directions without having to remove it. Very, very cool.

Unlike most other flashlights at this price point, the HX5 also has a sliding focus. This works exactly the same as its big brother, the Coast HP550. You can view a short GIF showing this feature by Coast Tech Slide Focus-HD (3).

Coast Pure Beam Focusing Optic – Beam Projection Demo – Generic-HD showing how the beam changes as you slide the focus.

The HX5 is impact resistant as well as water resistant. I’ve dropped it into a full sink and it turned right on after I dried it off, no problem. The on/off switch is on the tail and is a rubber covered button. Very easy to find in the dark. I also like that it has a knurled grip, making it easy to retain in wet conditions.

I really like the HX5 and believe it is a great option for an EDC flashlight. It is a little thicker than my Streamlight Protac 1AAA but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Currently, you can find the Coast HX5 on Amazon for a hair over twenty bucks. A great stocking stuffer!