From emergency situations, to late night walks, to keeping kids and pets visible in dark settings, the list of ways to use a chemical light stick is long. The best chemical light sticks provide an easy and convenient light source that is long-lasting, convenient to carry, and disposable. Because there is no need for batteries or charging and because chemical light sticks don’t produce any heat or a spark, they are safe for use anywhere.
Chemical light sticks typically come individually packaged in foil and have a shelf life for two to five years. Designed for use in emergency situations and ideal for keeping in bug-out bags, first-aid kits, boats, your dance party kit, camping gear and in the home and car, chemical light sticks have an average run time of 12 hours and can be secured to bags or lanyards for hands-free use.
These bright glow sticks are also a great option for use at evening parties or events and can be a fun way for adults, kids and pets to remain visible even in low lighting.
Easy to use and practical, chemical light sticks are great addition to any home or first-aid kit.
1. Cyalume Green Glow Sticks
For a chemical light stick that you can rely on in any situation, we recommend the long-lasting Cyalume Green Glow Sticks. With an impressive extended shelf life and 12 hours of run time, the Cyalume are a trusted name in the emergency preparedness sector. The pack of 10 individually wrapped glow sticks are made in the US under strict safety guidelines. The snap lights are waterproof, non-toxic and non-flammable, making them safe for use underwater and in confined spaces. Each individual stick also includes a hook and lanyard loop for easy attachment.
Pros: The Cyalume chemical light sticks have a five-year shelf life, the longest of any option on our list.
Cons: The Cyalume comes with a big price tag.
2. Glow Mind Ultra Bright Glow Sticks
Light up any dark situation with the long-lasting Glow Mind Ultra Bright Glow Sticks. Arriving individually packaged, each glow stick has a shelf life of four years. The Glow Mind glow sticks are waterproof, non-toxic and nonflammable. Each glow stick is six inches long and features a hook to make it easy to attach a small light source to various objects. Glow Mind offers its glow sticks in several sizes of sets to add an extra level convenience for all users, including sets of 12 (shown here), 20, 50 and 100 glow sticks.
Pros: The Glow Mind glow sticks are guaranteed to last for 12 hours and in some cases provide light for even longer.
Cons: The brightness of the light emitted from the Glow Mind sticks decreases throughout its 12-hour window.
3. Recon Medical Tactical BreakLights
Designed for use in emergency situations, the Recon Medical Tactical BreakLights won’t fail even in extreme conditions. The set of 10 individually packaged chemical light sticks feature an impressive 12 hour plus burn time even when submerged underwater. Measuring 6 inches in length, the BreakLights are compact and lightweight to carry. A hook and lanyard loop provides two options for securing the light, making it easy for users to have a light source that is hands-free.
Pros: The BreakLights are made with a Phthalate-free formula, which protects the environment. They are also non-toxic.
Cons: The BreakLights only have a two-year shelf life, which is significantly shorter than the other options on our list.