Despite the fact that modern life has commoditized fire and we no longer really think about how essential it is in our lives, it’s still very much part of our survival today in one way or another!
From heating our homes, to cooking, to powering our cars, fire is the key to a comfortable, convenient and safe life.
Without harnessing fire, there is no way to tell what humanity would be today.
However, how much we actually need it becomes especially apparent whenever we are in an actual survival situation!
As a result, there is no survival pack or camping bag that does not also contain a lighter or at least some matches to help up while outdoors.
With that being said, if you are planning on going camping, exploring the wilderness, or even if you are an end of the world enthusiast that wants to be prepared for anything, having a good lighter in your arsenal is essential!
Lighters may be a really simple and easy to use devices but they are essential because they allow us to stay warm, cook our food, get some light at night, sterilize and warm up water, and even keep some predators at bay!
Heat energy is key for survival and with just a lighter, you can summon that power anywhere, at any point!
However, it is important to know that not all lighters are created equal, some of them being far greater than others. So how do you know which one to choose from the many models on the market?
Obviously, disposable and conventional lighters (like the ones smokers use to light their cigarettes) are totally fine when it comes to making a quick fire but in a survival situation, they are not the best and most reliable choice by a mile!
This is because not only are they not refillable, they are also not water and wind resistant!
As mentioned before, there are many better choices out there but how do you know which one is the best for your particular case?
This guide is here to take away all that guesswork and the hours of undecided, uninformed, internet browsing and provide you with a detailed but straightforward list of some of the best survival lighters on the market so you can rest assured that you’ve made the best choice at the end.
But before that, here are a few things you need to know about these survival products!
First of all, what is a survival lighter?
At this point, you might have a basic idea of how they differ from your regular, disposable lighters but some more information is always welcome when we talk about survival items!
With that being said, here are the key aspects that pretty much all survival lighters share, regardless of their style and look:
– They are refillable.
While it’s true that you can buy a bunch of disposable lighters instead of investing in a survival type, in the long run, it’s not worth it since it’s such a waste of resources. After all, purchasing a survival lighter means knowing your lighter will never be empty!
Just make sure to refill yours before an adventure as well as after and you’ll never have to worry about it dying on you in the middle of a trip!
Using these means getting a can of fuel every few months instead of having to make trips to the store to get a new lighter every other day.
– They are durable.
Obviously, since they are not made to be thrown away after emptying them, survival lighters are also made to last you a long time!
With such a device, you’ll never have to worry about accidentally stepping on your lighter only to immediately hear the crunch of doom under your boot.
Knowing that your source of fire can survive a lot of outdoor abuse is such a source of comfort!
– They are water-resistant.
As mentioned before, a durable lighter is important but that means not only surviving all kinds of accidents but also the elements, especially water, since it’s the natural enemy of fire!
After all, trying to use a non-water resistant lighter in the rain, or after dropping it in a body of water or snow, will leave you cold, hungry and all frustrated.
They usually take a long time to dry out and start working again after such an incident with water.
– They are wind resistant.
Water is not the only thing that can leave you without a fire even while in the possession of a lighter. Wind is quite the deterrent for disposable lighters a well!
This is because a direct flame is similar to a torch while an indirect flame (what run-of-the-mill lighters use) is similar to a match which can be really frustrating if you are trying to light it during windy conditions.
Wind can puff out your flame in the blink of an eye! Of course, direct flames are much less susceptible to that and that means a much easier and quicker way to start a fire!
Now that you know all the basics, check out the list down below, containing some of the best lighters on the market, in no particular order!
You will be pleased to know that all of them are refillable, use direct flames, are super durable, water and wind resistant, bringing you some peace of mind that you’ll be able to do just fine in the wilderness or…in an apocalyptic scenario!
With that being said, all you have to do is choose one, or a couple, based on other things rather than competence since all of them are really good quality! Perhaps you’ll be drawn to the design of some of them! After all, survival lighters can also look really cool!
Icfun Waterproof Lighter
The Icfun Outdoor Windproof Waterproof Lighter is a survival lighter that will make your outdoor adventures not only super fun but also safe!
This is because you will be able to start a fire regardless of the weather or area you are in due to the fact that it is waterproof thanks to the cover being metal ring sealed and the IP56 waterproof rating.
With such a rating and great structure, you can rest assured that water will never be able to get inside your lighter.
Furthermore, this product is also designed to be versatile and appropriate for pretty much any outdoor activity, including camping, hiking and traveling!
It is also easy to use thanks to the fact that it does not work gas or butane.
Instead, it features a rechargeable lithium battery that comes with the product!
It’s also made from really durable materials, including ABS and zinc alloy.
Finally, since it comes with a thick lanyard, you’ll be able to easily carry it everywhere you go without the risk of losing, or dropping it.
Rena Cheng Dual Arc USB Rechargeable Plasma Lighter
The Rena Cheng Dual Arc USB Rechargeable Plasma Lighter is a great solution if you are looking for a lighter that will give you fire quickly whenever and wherever you may need it during your many fun outdoor adventures.
It has an IPX7 waterproof rating which means that it will be able to withstand even the harshest weather.
Furthermore, it has a compact size, is lightweight and it is easy to use as well!
Thanks to it being so light and portable, you can take it with you on pretty much all outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting and camping.
Due to the fact that it is made from hard ABS plastic at the exterior and zinc alloy on the inside, it is also a super durable lighter, making it resistant to impact so you don’t have to worry about dropping it.
It is windproof and has a dual-plasma arc design, which makes it a reliable product at high altitudes as well.
Finally, this survival lighter does not use gas or other fuel of this kind. Instead, it features a Li-Ion battery that full charges in only one and a half to 2 hours!
UST Floating Lighter: Best Waterproof and Windproof Survival Lighter
The Ultimate Survival Technologies (UST) lighter is often categorized as the best survival lighter by many outdoor enthusiasts.
It features a strong plastic housing made in such a way to be completely waterproof!
However, that is not all! It also floats and will protect your lighter from drops as well!
But even though it is so sturdy and drop-resistant, it’s really unlikely for you to actually drop it in the first place since it features a lanyard hook so you can attach it to some other gear.
The internal lighter is clear, allowing you to always see how much fuel is left inside, which obviously makes the refilling process easier.
Being able to monitor the fuel level is actually particularly important since this is such a small lighter that does not hold a lot of fuel at one time. You wouldn’t want to find out you’re all out of fuel when you need it most during a survival situation.
Furthermore, this is a butane torch lighter producing a blue flame which means that it’s expected to burn through the fuel quickly so make sure to always have a refill at the ready.
Furthermore, push button lighters are typically less reliable than spark wheel ones but the UST lighter is really well-built and even claims that the ignition system will last you for no less than 30,000 lights.
EverStryke Match Pro
The EverStryke Match Pro is easy to use, waterproof, refillable and is useful even when empty!
It uses fuel and contains naphthalene, a type of fuel that tends to evaporate relatively quickly.
However, this product does not really have this problem since it features a leak-proof gasket that stops the fuel from escaping.
All you need to do to use it is spin the spark wheel, which will then ignite the wick.
The flame keeps burning until you actually blow it out yourself.
The manufacturer assures users that this lighter will last for at least 15,000 lights and if you ever need to replace the flint or even the wick, the brand provides you with options, so you won’t have to buy a new one.
As mentioned before, you could even use the lighter to create a fire when it’s empty thanks to the fact that it uses a spark wheel lighter.
Furthermore, when in a crisis, you could even fill it up with alternative fuels such as gasoline, 100 proof alcohol, petrol, paint thinner and white gas.
But while they may work in a pinch, they will not burn as well as the Zippo fuel so make sure you have some spare fuel wherever you go.
Dewel Vintage Copper Lighter: Best Kerosene Lighter
While most lighters out there do not work with kerosene, being unable to ignite it or just producing a small flame that goes out immediately, this lighter is an exception!
It is designed differently so it actually works really well with kerosene.
Furthermore, other fuels are great for it as well, such as Zippo/naphthalene, and are in fact preferable over kerosene anyway!
If you are in a pinch, denatured alcohol and other similar fuels will do as well!
After all, having more fuel options in a survival situation is a huge advantage!
Around the fuel, there is a rubber gasket seal that does a great job preventing any leaking.
Regardless of this, the fuel will still evaporate in time so make sure not to leave this survival lighter lying around for a while as you might be surprised to find out it’s empty by the time you actually really need it.
The lighter is still really well designed with a built-in windscreen you can adjust depending on your particular need.
Finally, the wick and flint are durable and you can replace them with Zippo ones as well if you need to.
Saberlight Sparq Plasma Lighter
The Saberlight Sparq Plasma Lighter looks like something right out of a Science-Fiction movie like Star Wars!
It is a plasma lighter that is powered by a Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Fuel Cell battery and does not need nor is it able to use fuel since there is no reservoir for it.
All you have to do to recharge it is plug it in!
Furthermore, you can definitely use it in rainy and windy conditions since it does not produce an actual flame.
Have we mentioned it looks really cool?
UCO Stormproof Torch
The UCO Stormproof Torch is waterproof when closed, refillable and super durable in addition to the fact that you can easily attach it to your backpack or keychain.
But that is not even all! There are some other handy additions as well, such as having emergency duct tape around it, which makes it a multifunctional choice.
Another option comes with a bottle opener, built right into the base, providing you with yet another useful tool while in a survival situation.
It works with butane fuel and is refillable like all the other lighters on this list.
Vertigo Cyclone Triple Torch Cigar Lighter Charcoal 2 Pack
While this guide is specifically dedicated to survival lighters and we have already discussed the fact that the lighters used to light cigarettes are not usually as good, this one is an exception.
This is because it is a very reliable device that will produce a strong flame lasting even during the worst weather conditions.
UST Tekfire Lighter
The UST Tekfire Lighter is nothing like a traditional lighter! Instead of a combustion flame, it produces an arc of electricity between contact points which is then able to easily light whatever you need to including a pipe, tinder and more!
The ignition system is wind and water resistant and the lighter itself is also rechargeable since it uses a 300 mAh Battery, and is really durable and tough.
Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter
The Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter has a really durable case that is also water resistant and comes with a viewing window so you can always know exactly how much fuel is left in the reservoir as to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The product itself is really lightweight and the brand promises that it will last for about 30,000 uses.
Furthermore, they also claim the flame will remain lit even in 80 mph winds!
The fuel type is butane and just like all the other lighters on this list, this one is also refillable.
WakeyPQ Sailors Windproof Rope Lighter
If you are someone who would rather not have to deal with having to occasionally and repeatedly refill your survival lighter, you might like the WakeyPQ Sailors Windproof Rope Lighter.
This is because it is a modern lighter that is designed to be as convenient for any user as possible, especially when it comes to carrying it around with you.
Furthermore, it’s super versatile, allowing you use it in a variety of survival and outdoor adventure situations as well as environments and weather conditions.
First of all, this means that it is windproof and suitable for high altitudes since you won’t have to worry about the lack of oxygen, making it a great accessory if you are planning on camping on a mountain.
While it’s so complex and useful, in reality, it’s really easy to use. All you need to do to start a fire is strike the flint wheel, which will then create sparks.
The cotton rope will then catch the sparks and light up. What this means is that you will never have to worry about refilling it since it does not require fuel to work.
DAYSLIVES Dual Arc USB Rechargeable Lighter
The DAYSLIVES Dual Arc USB Rechargeable Lighter is yet another product that those who love adventures and any type of outdoor fun should check out.
It uses a rechargeable internal Li-Ion battery to work, which means that you would never have to worry about refilling it with liquid fuel as it does not need it.
Furthermore, the battery is also super easy to recharge.
All you need to do is plug the cord in a USB port.
Another great advantage of this lighter is that you would no longer have to adjust the oxygen intake at high altitudes either!
It features a case made out of ABS zinc alloy, which makes it impact resistant and durable.
The upper clips of the lighter are able to close really well, securing everything in and protecting the lighter from all harsh weather and keeping any water from getting inside.
Regardless of the weather, starting a fire is super easy by just pushing a button!
It also comes with a blue indicator that is super user-friendly and the whole device is compact, making it super easy to take everywhere with you.
Another great feature that differentiates this lighter from others like it is the time out safety function which is set to operate for up to ten seconds.
It does not require any fuel to work and measures 2.7 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches.
Zippo Outdoor Lighter
Another model from the well known brand Zippo, this particular survival lighter is designed to be safe and convenient no matter what kind of outdoor adventure you choose to go on.
It is made in such a way that it uses 2 different imprint techniques from the trusted brand – engraving and color image!
Furthermore, it features no less than 5 different options for the case: brushed chrome, white matte, black ice, orange matte and high polish chrome!
This way, you can pick the one that best suits you and your taste!
It is an all-metal structure and is guaranteed to be really durable.
The design is also windproof which means you can use it pretty much anywhere, anytime, regardless of weather.
It comes with an elastic lanyard and a metal loop so you won’t have to worry about losing or dropping it no matter what activity you choose to do.
This is because you can attach the lighter to your backpack, belt, keyring and many other secure places.
The shape is a standard case type and has rounded corners to avoid any injuries.
It works with lighter fluid and can be refilled.
AWL All Weather Lighter
The AWL All Weather Lighter will remain lit even at high altitudes and in really windy conditions!
Closed, the lighter becomes completely waterproof since the “O” ring gasket prevents moisture and water from entering the burner.
Xikar Stratosphere II Lighter
The XIKAR Stratosphere II lighter will work great even in windy, wet and high altitude conditions.
Furthermore, the body of the lighter is rubber which makes it really easy to grip without the danger of easily dropping it.
You don’t have to worry about dropping and losing it when not in your hand either since it features a lanyard hole and some rope so you can attach it to your backpack, belt, keyrings and any other safe place.
Phone Skope PYRO Putty Dual ARC Lighter Kit
The Phone Skope PYRO Putty Dual ARC Lighter Kit is the ultimate source of fire for any adventure fan!
With that being said, it should definitely be part of your gear since it’s such a sturdy and modern option, able to easily replace all those flimsy, plastic lighters.
Using it is super easy as it does not even require any fuel to work!
This is because it is a plasma based dual arch lighter model!
Furthermore, it features a waterproof case able to withstand wind, extreme cold, rain, snow and any other type of harsh weather for a really long time.
Another big advantage is that this lighter kit is rechargeable, a full charge being more than enough for it to provide you with up to 300 lights.
It’s a perfect kit for many different outdoor activities including hunting, trekking, camping, barbecuing, traveling and more!
