In the world of Camping Lights, headlamps and lanterns often get all the glory. But sometimes, you need a handheld torch that’s compact, weather-resistant, and ready for anything. Whether you’re navigating camp in the rain, reading in a tent, or doing an emergency roadside fix, a solid torch earns its place.
The good
- Surprisingly powerful for its size
- Multi modes (spotlight, floodlight & sensor) The Not-So-Good Plastic build No battery indicator
- USB-C rechargeable
- Weather-resistant (handled mist & drizzle)
- Compact with built-in hook
The not-so-good
- Plastic build
- No battery indicator
- No colour modes (only white light)
The Smiling Shark G1 Torch markets itself as lightweight, waterproof, USB-C rechargeable, and feature-packed. I threw it into my rig for a weekender out to Glen Davis and gave it a solid workout in the field — here’s how it went.
What You’re Getting
Compact 10W rechargeable torch with USB charging, waterproof IPX6 body, multiple light modes, and power bank function. Ideal for camping, emergencies, and 4WD recovery use.
Key Specifications
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Smiling Shark |
| Modes | 3 light modes – spotlight, sensor light, side flood light |
| Beam Adjustability | Toggle between focused beam and wide area coverage |
| Battery Life | 6–8 hours per charge |
| Rechargeable | Yes – USB-C cable included |
| Weight & Size | Compact – pocket-size and lightweight |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant design (tested in light rain & wet use) |
| Mounting | Built-in hook for backpacks, belts, inside tents |
| Best Use | Camping, BBQs, emergencies, car repairs, general use |
First Look: A Powerful Pocket-Sized Package
Straight out of the box, the Smiling Shark G1 feels solid. Not heavy, but definitely not cheap. The matte finish gives it a rugged, slip-resistant feel, and the pocket-size build means it disappears easily into a glovebox, pack, or jacket pocket. It includes a USB-C charging cable, and a handy built-in hook lets you hang or clip it anywhere — from the inside of your Swag to the roof of your 4WD awning.
Once powered on, it immediately impressed — the beam is strong, focused, and easily adjustable. This is no throwaway torch. For its size and price, it holds up impressively well.
Lighting Modes & Use Cases
The G1’s three lighting modes make it far more versatile than your average torch. Spotlight mode is perfect for directional tasks like walking around camp, checking gear, or doing emergency repairs. When you need broader illumination — say while cooking dinner or lighting up the inside of your swag — side floodlight mode comes in clutch with wide, even coverage.
Then there’s sensor light mode, which lets you activate the torch with a simple wave — a real win when your hands are dirty or full. I found it especially useful clipped inside the back of my Prado during late-night gear setups; that hands-free activation saved me more than once.
Rechargeable & Efficient
The USB-C charging is a massive win. No digging for AA batteries or weird proprietary ports — just use your existing camp power setup. I charged mine off a Kings 24Ah Power Pack, and it topped up in a couple of hours. If you’re someone who values efficiency and hates carrying extra batteries, this torch ticks all the boxes. Battery life held up well across multiple days of light use:
- 6 hours on spotlight mode
- 7–8 hours on floodlight mode
- Left in the tent for a night on sensor mode — still had charge in the morning
Field Test: performance at camp
I put the G1 torch through its paces across a range of camping scenarios — and it passed with flying colours. During evening camp cooking, I clipped this compact outdoor torch to the awning pole using the built-in hook, and the side floodlight mode lit up the prep area better than a few headlamps I’ve owned. When it was time to wind down, I switched to the focused beam inside the swag — bright enough to read by, but soft enough not to disturb my partner.
One of the real tests came during a 6am drizzle pack-up in the Blue Mountains. Despite the wet, the torch showed no signs of glitching — its IP-rated waterproof housing held firm. Even in a roadside fix after sunset, I looped the hook around a nearby cable and used it one-handed to check tyre pressure — it stayed secure and lit the area beautifully. The adjustable beam is a standout feature, letting you quickly shift from a tight spotlight to a broad flood with just a thumb — perfect for switching between general camp lighting and task-specific use.
Conclusion: Smiling Shark Compact Outdoor Camp Torch
This rechargeable camping torch doesn’t pretend to be a military-grade light — and it doesn’t have to. It’s compact, bright, rechargeable, and incredibly handy around camp. I’ve used it more often than I expected, especially for things like cooking under the awning, lighting up inside the car boot, or getting ready for bed in the swag.
It’s one of those pieces of gear that disappears into your kit until you need it — and then proves its value instantly. For campers, van-lifers, or even just to keep in the glovebox, it’s a smart, affordable buy that covers all the lighting basics — and a bit more.
Gear That Complements Your Camp Setup
Looking for a complete lighting setup? Pair this torch with LED Strip Lighting for your base camp setup, or check out our Pocket Shower to round out your night-time comfort. Want to keep your devices charged? Don’t miss our Solar Blanket reviews for powering your lights, packs, and 12V Gadgets off-grid.
