When darkness falls around you, flashlights are definitely your go-to piece of gear. However, lugging around a heavy, awkward version is sometimes not convenient or needed. When precise, direct light is required, it’s time to turn to a powerful clip-on illuminator.
8 Clip-On Lights Keep Your Hands Free
These compact, yet high-performing lights allow hands-free operation by offering a clip for attachment to clothing, headgear, bags, or packs. With maximum versatility and a compact footprint, you can carry them virtually anywhere and turn darkness into light with just a flick of a switch.
Streamlight Sidewinder X Clip-On light

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Ideal for both military and civilian use, the Sidewinder X offers high lumen output, multi-directional use, and dual power options. The unit is highly durable and can withstand most harsh outdoor environments. Its many amenities include a 185-degree tilting head, steel clip for attachment nearly anywhere, and multiple-colored LEDs for extreme versatility in the field.
Its coyote color is discreet and non-reflective, while its operation is as simple as toggling two adjacent switches for non-visible operation. Operates on either two AA batteries or one 3-volt CR123A lithium battery.
Specifications
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- Lumen output: 275
- Beam distance: 113 meters
- Overall length: 2.40 inches
- Powered by (2) AA or CR123A lithium batteries
- 185-degree tilting head, precise lighting needs
MSRP: $78.29
Streamlight ClipMate Clip-On Light

Big things definitely do come out of this small package. At just over three inches in length, the ClipMate offers seventy lumens of white light on high mode for three plus hours. At low mode, enjoy a full twenty-four hours of light projecting ten lumens. Additionally, the unit offers red LEDs for preserving night vision, impact and water resistance, and easy controls with just a tap of a toggle switch.
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Its unbreakable clip is compatible with pockets, belts, MOLLE systems, and even on the brim of your cap. If you need light projected just about anywhere, the ClipMate is here for you.
Specifications
- Engineered polymer casing
- Utilizes both red and white LED lights
- IPX4 Water resistance
- USB rechargeable lithium polymer battery
- Weight: 1.90 ounces
MSRP: $62.95
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5.11 Deploy TL-USB Clip-On Flashlight

With a lumen output of one thousand lumens, you’ll have no shortage of light with this powerful illuminator. The Deploy TL-USB light features a removable clip that allows for two distinct height settings. Place this light on your gear bag, belt, or headgear, for a no-hands light overhead or focused in one precise beam.
The unit has three light modes, is IPX4 water resistant, impact resistant, and is fully rechargeable thanks to its included 1650mAh lithium polymer battery. Deploy the Deploy TL-USB for all your small task lighting needs!
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Specifications
- Constructed of aerospace-grade machined aluminum
- Three light modes: low, medium, and high
- Impact and water resistant
- Powered by one 1650mAh lithium battery via USB-C cord
- Durable, removable, and adjustable clip
MSRP: $80.00
Fenix SW05R-UV Clip-On Flashlight

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This compact clip-on illuminator is jam-packed with useful features. It offers three brightness levels, 1500 mW of UV light, an adjustable 200-degree tilt head, and an extra-long 49-hour battery life. Furthermore, the SW05R-UV Clip-On is ultra-versatile when it comes to mounting.
The steel clip can attach to your shirt, cap, vest, or bag, while its magnetic tail allows hands-free use. Best of all, this small wonder is ideal for security guards, bouncers, private security, or the “average Joe” who needs reliable light without lugging around a heavy brick-like flashlight.
Specifications
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- Lumen output: 150
- Maximum run time: 49 hours
- Three brightness levels and UV light
- Built-in 700mAh rechargeable battery
- Available in black or green
MSRP: $44.95
Streamlight Wedge SL Light

Clip the Wedge SL anywhere you would carry your pen and have light when and where you need it. The Streamlight Wedge SL offers a staggering five hundred lumens in its compact and ultra-flat aluminum alloy casing. Additionally, it offers a convenient tail switch for easy on/off operation, two lighting modes, and a highly durable stainless steel pocket clip.
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The Wedge SL recharges quickly using a USB-C cable, powering the included lithium polymer battery. A charging light, battery level indicator light, and three color options round out this amazing illuminator.
Specifications
- Lumen output: 500
- Run time: 1.75 hours
- Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
- Overall length: 5.65 inches
- Available in black, coyote, and silver colors
MSRP: $58.99
Nebo Slim Mini UV Pocket Light

You get the best of both worlds with this Nebo Slim Mini Light. Equipped with powerful white and UV light modes, there’s no need to carry two flashlights when on the job. Use the white light to illuminate your area, then activate the UV for detailed inspection.
It is ideal for detecting UV dyes, urine, scorpion pests on your property, and even for authenticating currency. Furthermore, the unit is slim in design, durable in most environments, and fits easily in your pocket, on your hat brim, or magnetically attached to metal overhead for hands-free light.
Overview
Specifications
- Lumen output: 150 at high power
- Durable aluminum construction
- Magnetic base for hands-free use
- Two UV & Two COD modes
- Rechargeable 3.7V Li-ion battery
MSRP: $22.99
EverBrite 2 Pcs Rechargeable Hat Light

Having a bright, dependable light doesn’t have to break your bank. The EverBright Hat Light offers dependable illumination while clipped securely to your baseball cap or visor. This compact light features five lighting modes, including low, medium, high, red light, and red strobe light.
Also, the Hat Light is designed with a fully pivoting head, so directing light to your task at hand is a cinch. Finally, this cap-attached light is ideal for joggers, outdoorsmen, hobbyists, or anyone needing to increase their visibility.
Specifications
- Lumen output: 150
- ABS outer casing
- Brilliant LED bulb
- Five different lighting modes
- Fits securely to a visor or cap
MSRP: $29.99 (2-pack)
Nebo Einstein Cap 100 Light

Everything you need and nothing you don’t, that’s the Einstein Cap 100 Light. This uniquely designed cap light provides four light modes, a swivel head, and a full 100 lumen output. Use it for around-the-house tasks, outdoor trail walking, or precision hobby activities.
The light is powered by an integrated 3.7V lithium battery and is easily rechargeable with the included Micro USB to USB cable. The Einstein Cap Light easily attaches to the brim of your hat with its adjustable clip or anywhere convenient for hands-free use.
Specifications
- Four light modes: low, medium, high, and green
- Ninety-degree adjustable tilt
- Top-positioned on/off button
- Hand motion control for easy activation
- Includes rechargeable 3.7 V lithium battery
MSRP: $19.99