Best Survival Emergency Lighter Review and Buying Guide

Insert WordPress Content

What is the Best Survival Lighter?

What Is The Best Survival Lighter? What is the best survival lighter? Not much of a thing, a tiny optional accessory someone often forgets to take on a trip? If you still think so, today we will try to reassure you. Do not hesitate to have a look at the essential survival gadgets that instantly put fire right in the palm of your hand, making you feel like the mighty ancient Prometheus, bringing the survival fire to your fellow aborigines.

It is hard to imagine what it was like for our distant ancestors to harness fire as it is hard now to doubt that mastering the art of making fire changed humans’ evolution once and forever… Without fire, where would we be (and would we be at all?). In other words, the fire has put us in a higher league in the natural selection process and drastically changed human history.

We can surely say that still today, the fire remains as crucial to our survival as it ever has been, but just we have got so used to it that heating our houses and powering our vehicles comes almost unnoticed.

Anyway, we can still feel the desperate need for fire when we are out in the wilderness – it is time it dawns on us that the fire still holds the keys to our survival.

A rare person would go in the woods without a mere lighter (or some stormproof matches at least), as it has always been among the top things to put in your camping back. So, let’s know more about this vital resource in our emergency survival.

Survival Lighter as a Part of Camping, Hiking Gear

Survival Lighter As A Part Of Camping, Hiking Gear Can you list at least five sensible ways to use the lighter off the top of your head?

These simple tools allow us to:

  • Keep our bodies warm (obvious)
  • Prepare food
  • Boil and disinfect water
  • Enlighten your surroundings
  • Chase off and keep away the predators
  • And so on.

When we are out of the city, especially when conditions are tough, we need to tap into this energy in a blink of an eye. That means we need not just a lighter, but the most reliable and efficient one. We are not trying to say that you should go and throw your old conventional lighter in a bin, but you’d better leave it in a back pocket just in case because what is good for cigarettes is not the best choice for survival. Firstly, because most of such lighters are not refillable, secondly, they are not very resilient, watertight, and wind-resistant. The ones we are talking about are close to real survival gadgets, and one would be wrong thinking it is hard to get them on the market. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of lighters worth seeing and field-testing.

So, let’s finally clear the smoke and delve deeper into this inflammable topic, and list the best survival lighters on the market today.

As A Way To Make You Acquainted With Essential Survival Tips And Hacks, We’re Ready To Give You the Exclusive Survival Gear Checklist for FREE. Click Here To Get Your Copy Now.

Start a Fire with a Rechargeable Emergency Survival Lighter ?

Start A Fire With A Rechargeable Emergency Survival Lighter ?

You may be a lighter expert, but no matter what type of it is your personal preference, the survival lighters are quite another matter.

Refillable and Rechargeable Lighter

Disposable lighters are, by default, easy to use and easy to ditch.

Their sale policies are set so that the more items you buy, the more profit they get. So it is no need to say that all those manufacturers compete with one another in making their products cheaper so that you buy and drop, buy and ditch, the more, the better. If they were refillable, the companies would lose their money. So what is the use in buying dozens of cheap disposable lighters to a single refillable lighter, which could also be your little survival helper? Besides, it is useful advice to those trying to plan their budget and save more money — never sacrifice quality and durability for cheap but short expiration date goods.

Your refillable survival lighter is never empty, and this is not its last advantage. If you choose the refillable lighter, you will not have to worry for months — and it’s more convenient to buy a multi-purpose can of fuel each season than fussing with countless lighters all the time.

Durable Lighter

Cheap and frail tools can not resist the great wilderness, especially in survival situations. Many survivalists have experience breaking at least one ABS plastic lighter climbing over rocks, dropping them on the trail, or simply crunching under their feet.

As we have mentioned, today, the market can boast a great variety of durable survival lighters, and it is unreasonable to ignore such a consistent survival advantage.

Waterproof Lighter

Water is considered the ultimate enemy of the fire element. It tames and extinguishes it. And in the wilderness, water may be your enemy, too (unless it’s pure drinking water, for sure). Let’s imagine the situation: a person goes on a winter trip and accidentally drops the lighter in deep snow; another one gets wet from head to toes in a tropic rain — both of those survivalists are out of luck.

Especially if they are aware of how long it takes the regular lighters to completely dry and restart working (if there are chances of restart at all).

Wind Resistant Lighter

A direct flame can be compared with a torch, while an indirect flame reminds only of a match. Equally, simple BIC lighters use indirect flames, and imagine how long it would take to use them when it is all windy around you. The wind is an untrustworthy friend — it can stifle the small fire or inflate the dreadful blaze.

As a direct flame is less vulnerable to blowouts, it is more handy and time-saving to start a fire when there is not much time to waste. Direct flame windproof lighters are among the top survival lighters both for the pros and newbie preppers.

The Essential Technique of Fire Starting with Survival Lighter

The Essential Technique Of Fire Starting With Survival Lighter

As we may conclude, lighters are not complicated devices and work based on the two underlying tenets: fuel and heat. Today, modern lighters still harness a spark as a flame and heat source and fuel as in days of Yore. Though, as one clearly sees from our best survival lighters list, the technology is evolving, and the design, the resistance is increasing, and the warranty is lasting longer than it used to.

We started from Survival Frog lighter as a simple but decent example; its container full of butane, and a wick sticking out of the top makes it easy as pie to strike a spark. A similar principle seems easy to achieve even without a lighter – in case you know the hacks and tricks, and you have honed your skills in the survival practice. Holding an enormous hot flame against a wet log is almost useless. So you still need to get acquainted with the primary rules of fire starting first.

We have selected a few guidelines:

  1. The fuel types can be gaseous, liquid, and solid — let’s discuss the solid fuel now. First, you have to get a dry, fibrous fuel source named tinder (begin with feather sticks, juniper bark, cotton, dried leaves, dried grass, or some small and dry branches). There is almost no point in starting a fire out of huge wooden chunks – so check out the surroundings to get at least one of the above-mentioned things and increase your chances of quick fire.
  2. Then place the tinder in a dry corner and keep it out of the wind and moisture as much as you can. If you still have not bought a survival lighter capable of catching a flame despite all wind and rain, enlightening your tinder may be a big problem in such conditions.
  3. At the same time, you have to prepare enough kindling before you light your tinder. Imagine how foolish it would be to light your tinder first and then fuss around trying to find kindling. What will happen is your tinder getting expired. Then you will have to repeat — but you surely want all the amount of tinder to instantly start working on the kindling and set fire without losing your time.
  4. Next, it’s time to light the tinder. Kee is holding the flame to the tinder until it catches fire. After that, move the flame to other sides of the tinder so that other sections catch fire as well. It is a simple rule you already know: the more places you can get the tinder lite the more chances of shifting the flame from the tinder to the kindling.
  5. When the tinder is finally in flames, you should try to blow some air into the base of the flame carefully. This small life hack will provide some extra heat and let your kindling catch fire more efficiently.
  6. And then, if you’ve done all the previous steps, you only have to watch your kindling starting to catch fire. However, it is a matter of time and adding more kindling and constantly putting some larger logs to make your fire last.

This seems pretty easy, unless the air’s relative humidity, the strong wind, and rain come and stand in your way. Still, we recommend you practice this method as much as you can if you somehow forget to take at least one survival match set or a survival lighter.

It is highly likely you already know it from your father, grandfather, or a tutor. Still, as it is not the thing we master right from our birth date, the inexperienced one may be in trouble, especially when an unexpected survival situation occurs. So, once again, we strongly advise you to practice with your survival lighter, practice with your waterproof set of matches, Magnesium Rods, or just sticks and rocks (or simply stones, if you have absolutely nothing to do).

Here is why a survival lighter is essential for preppers. The ability to make a fire is a survivor’s trump in any scenario:

  • you can warm yourself,
  • heat the shelter,
  • and cook nutritious meals.

However, it can get hard to build a fire in the wilderness, with the strong wind and heavy rains. In such situations, survival lighters come in handy. As convenient as Zippo, waterproof, gas or butane-driven, with or without a flint, good in any weather, rechargeable, with button or not and made from robust steel metal: read the article and find out all the details.

Best Top-Class Survival Emergency Lighters

Best Top-Class Survival Emergency Lighters Actually, the number of survival lighters available on the market may puzzle anyone. But we’ve sorted out and chosen only nine survival flame lighters that undoubtedly stand out from their competitors.

All of them are long-lasting, water-resistant, and stable, and most of them are based on direct flame technology and are easy to refill. Apart from your comrades, they have all chances to become one of your best companions in the wilderness.

So, the first on our list is…

1 – Tough Tesla Lighter 2.0 – Outdoor Waterproof Dual Arc Plasma Lighter by Frog.

Survival Frog Survival Emergency Lighter

Light a fire in wind or rain with the push of a button using your new favorite lighter. The new and improved design kept all the features you loved while making it even easier to light with the top-facing plasma dual arcs. Outdoor Tesla 2.0 waterproof, windproof, electric lighter needs no butane or adjustments for altitude. It’s perfect for camping, survival, or a backyard cookout. Just touch the dual arcs to anything flammable and you’ll have instant fire.

Specs & Material:

  • Battery: 220 mAh
  • Voltage: 3.7V
  • Weight: 2.1 oz.
  • Dimensions: 2.875” H x 1.9” W x 0.75” D
  • Material: Zinc Alloy with waterproof ABS plastic case
  • Features & Benefits:
    • Dual Arc Plasma Technology: Provides a windproof and waterproof lighting solution, ideal for harsh outdoor conditions.
    • USB Rechargeable: Eco-friendly and convenient, eliminating the need for disposable lighters or fuel refills.
    • Durable Construction: Built to withstand rugged use, enhancing its reliability as a survival tool.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Limited Use in Extreme Conditions: While waterproof, its effectiveness might be reduced in very cold or wet conditions.
    • Charging Dependency: Requires power source for charging, which might not be readily available in all survival scenarios.

2 – The Zippo Lighter

Zippo lighters Zippo Survival Emergency Lighter  are well-known and have a solid reputation in many countries.Take Zippo emergency fire kit with you, and have no worries.

Among their advantages, to name just a few, are small size, the material (they are made of metal – a factor that guarantees their durability), and overall quality. In plus, Zippos are designed in hundreds of different colors, allowing you to choose the one that suits your personality most.

The famous chimney design makes Zippo very sustainable when it’s windy outside. And their wick is hand-controlled, so you may easily change the size of the flame. Besides, they come with a lifetime warranty, which is not a frequent option. Their only potential drawback is the lack of water-resistance, but it is easy to work out with a tiny addition.


Watch this video and learn how to water-proof your Zippo lighter.

Zippo is a classic lighter that has a long backstory that started in the 1930s. We could not miss those venerable seniors and included them in our list.

Nevertheless, for ones who claim that Zippo does not even use the direct flame, not mentioning they are a bit heavier than other models, we have plenty of other options to offer. Just keep reading.

  • Features & Benefits:
    • Iconic Design: Renowned for its reliability and classic flip-top windproof design.
    • Versatile Fueling Options: Can be refilled with lighter fluid, making it usable in various situations.
    • Durable and Collectible: Known for its longevity and wide range of collectible designs.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Fuel Evaporation: Lighter fluid can evaporate over time, requiring regular refills.
    • Not Completely Windproof: Performance can be affected in very high winds.

Check Price Now

3 – UCO Stormproof Torch Windproof Emergency Lighter

The UCO Stormproof Torch Lighter is a little emergency helper boasting big features

  • you can refill it
  • it has a triple jet windproof flame
  • it is waterproof
  • inbuilt duct tape
  • adjustable shape.

UCO Stormproof has a sufficient amount of butane enough for 700 ignitions, and its striker is rated for 30,000 uses. But that’s not all: including 3 feet of inbuilt survival tape, UCO Stormproof actually aims at advanced survival.

UCO Stormproof Torch is much more than just a stable survival lighter; it’s a multi-purpose survival tool.

Take UCO Stormproof Lighter With Duct Tape On Your Trip

  • Features & Benefits:
    • Triple Jet Flame: Ensures a strong, consistent flame even in windy conditions.
    • Integrated Bottle Opener: Adds a layer of practicality, useful in various outdoor scenarios.
    • Waterproof Case: Enhances its usability in wet conditions.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Fuel Consumption: The triple jet flame can consume fuel quickly, necessitating frequent refills.
    • Bulkier Design: Might not be as compact as other emergency lighters.

Click Here To Check Out The Actual Price For Today

4 – Everstryk Matchpro Survival Lighter

Everstryk Survival Emergency Lighter

This minimalistic butane lighter has a replaceable striker and a replaceable wick. So it is definitely going to last long!

Take a look at this tiny metal-coated sidekick.

It has a minimalistic design that is just what one needs when camping in the wilderness – fill the reservoir with fluid, remove the starter, and go. It comes with a lighter case that is also waterproof and has a small O-ring, too.

This lighter is extremely small, a tiny silver tube that fits in the palm of your hand and comes with a keychain clip.

  • Features & Benefits:
    • Long-Lasting Flint: Capable of thousands of strikes, ensuring reliability over time.
    • Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry, making it a practical addition to any survival kit.
    • Fuel Efficiency: Uses less fuel per light compared to traditional lighters.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Learning Curve: Requires a bit of skill and practice to use effectively.
    • Fuel Type Dependency: Specific fuel types required for optimal performance.

Check Price Now

5 – Windmill Classic Stormproof Survival Lighter

Windmill Classic Stormproof All Weather Survival Emergency Lighter The Windmill Classic Lighter is designed for a tough survival. In terms of durability, it is second, if not first among all.

It is supplied with an elastomer armor outer coating that provides extra protection.

As there is a small gap built in its center, you can easily track fuel rates. Moreover, as it is designed with a steel wire closure system fitted with an o-ring, it’s waterproof and may even float if you want it to. And it’s not its top part yet. When it comes to the two-year warranty that is provided with one of these lighters, so even if you manage somehow to break this little survival soldier in the first year of its use, they will replace it with a new one.

  • Features & Benefits:
    • Windproof Flame: Reliable in stormy or windy conditions, ensuring a consistent flame.
    • Piezo-Electric Ignition: Easy to ignite, enhancing its convenience in emergency situations.
    • Durable Construction: Built to last, suitable for rugged outdoor use.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Fuel Gauge Visibility: It can be challenging to determine the fuel level, potentially leading to unexpected run-outs.
    • Size: Slightly larger than some other models, affecting portability.

Click Here To Check Out The Actual Price For Today

6 – Xikar 9660BK Stratosphere II Emergency Lighter

Xikar 9660Bk Stratosphere Ii Survival Emergency Lighter It has a name as impressive as its qualities – you may rely on the XIKAR Stratosphere II lighter for long-lasting performance in windy or wet environments. Add its easy-grip rubber body, wind-proof flame, and cool design. You will never drop it even in the middle of a heavy shower due to its advanced case shape.

The Xikar 9660BK has a lanyard hole and a bit of rope as well so that every prepper could attach it to the outside of his backpack and keep going.

  • Features & Benefits:
    • High Altitude Performance: Designed to work well even at high elevations, making it ideal for mountainous terrains.
    • Protective Rubber Body: Provides a good grip and durability.
    • Single Jet Flame: Offers a precise and controlled flame.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Single Flame Limitation: May not be as effective in extremely windy conditions compared to multiple-flame lighters.
    • Fuel Capacity: Smaller fuel tank requires more frequent refilling.

Check Price Now

Checking Out The Xikar Stratosphere Single Flame Butane Lighter

7 – AWL All Weather Waterproof Survival Lighter

Awl All Weather Survival Emergency Lighter

As it comes from its name, the AWL All Weather Lighter will bring you fire even in heavy winds and at high altitudes.

Close it, and your lighter is now watertight as the “O” ring gasket keeps away moisture or water, not letting it seep into the burner.

This is an excellent genuine Windmill lighter worth not only mentioning but buying.

  • Features & Benefits:
    • All-Weather Usability: Functions effectively in both wet and windy conditions.
    • Robust Construction: Ensures longevity and reliability in harsh environments.
    • Ease of Use: Simple operation, suitable for all skill levels.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Limited Flame Adjustment: Less flexibility in controlling flame size.
    • Weight: Heavier than some other models, which might impact portability.

Check Price Now

8 – Tesla Electric Emergency Syrvival Lighter

In Tesla Electric Survival Emergency Lighter a long list of things named after Nicola Tesla, the genius inventor, this survival lighter is far from being at the last place. Look at its shape and mechanism — it is the representative of a brand new future, where electric plasma bolts finally have replaced flames. This technology is called the piezoelectric ignition system, and it’s absolutely challenging the previous ones.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Tesla survival lighter is ahead of its time, using plasma instead of a flame — and that is true:  to start a fire, this Tesla Electric Lighter only needs a battery and the power of electricity. The crucial point of Tesla Lighter is to get yourself a reliable Anytime Charge Power Bank.

For advanced survival, one must get a strong device to generate some power or even make your own fuel everywhere and anywhere you go and impress the others with such skills.

If you want to connect your survival lighter to your Anytime Charge Power Bank, take a USB cord— and feel the power!

Plus, you will never have to bother that you have run out of fuel with this durable PowerBank.

  • Features & Benefits:
    • Electric Operation: No fuel required, making it a cleaner and more sustainable option.
    • Windproof and Waterproof: Reliable in various weather conditions.
    • USB Rechargeable: Convenient charging with common USB ports.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Battery Life: Dependent on battery capacity and can run out in prolonged use scenarios.
    • Charging Requirement: Needs a power source for recharging, which may not always be available.

Check Price Now

9 – Vertigo Cyclone Torch Waterproof Emergency Lighter

Vertigo Cyclone Torch Survival Emergency Lighter

This is a resilient triple-flamed windproof torch lighter with a transparent fuel tank, so you can check how much lighter fluid is left anytime you want. Though it may look like a little rocket, it is, in fact, a lightweight thing, so that it’s easy to put in your bug out bag or even your pocket.

A top-rated torch lighter at more than just a reasonable price — come and test it now.
  • Features & Benefits:
    • Triple Torch Flame: Powerful and effective even in windy conditions.
    • Affordable: Offers good value for its features and reliability.
    • Ergonomic Design: Comfortable and easy to use, even with gloves.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Fuel Usage: The triple torch design can lead to quicker fuel depletion.
    • Durability: While sturdy, it may not be as long-lasting as some higher-end models.

Click Here To Check Out Todays’ Price


How To Use Vertigo Cyclone Triple Flame Butane Torch Lighter

Number Nine Bonus – The EverStryke Match

Pocket Fire Starter

After you have looked through the nine top-notch survival lighte

rs, we have prepared a huge bonus – strictly speaking. It is not a lighter but a survival match. Let’s list the differences: whereas a lighter has a firm striker fixed to it and fuel release to retain a flame, with The EverStryke Match, you need to light a match with the help of any rod or stick and then strike it against some rugged or rough surface.

The EverStryke Match is far from being a short-time use thing, unlike most of the matches. It is designed as a compact fuel canister with a reusable matchstick; its technology has placed it somewhere between the match and the lighter, a crossbreed to trust.

One may ask why we added this survival match to our survival lighters list — our solid arguments are: 1. it’s indispensable for survival in the wilderness and 2. you may still have the ability to test one for FREE – despite a low shipping fee, this gadget is at your disposal for free.

Click Here To Check If The EverStryke Super Match Is Still On Sale

Best Survival Lighter Summary

Best Survival Lighter Summary So, as Jim Morrison sang, come on and light the fire — though it may sound like a daring challenge, it is worth it. Especially if you get yourself a solid fire starter as any lighter mentioned above.

It is up to you to decide which from the nine top survival lighters is the best survival lighter personally for you — the one that is both windproof and waterproof, the plasma lighter, flint wheel lighter, electric arc lighter, the Zippo model for bright colors lover, zinc alloy lighter, or even the Blazer CG cigarette lighter, that is effective in the wilderness, too.

Even if you can make sparks just with your flaming eyes, your chances of survival will increase once a survival lighter is in your bag out bag. Buy a lighter and make your life lighter and brighter!

Our team would still recommend getting more than one lighter. Put one in your Bug Out Bag and keep it there for an emergency, take another in your car, and the third one in your pocket just in case, and go walking hands-free. Whenever and wherever you get stuck, and no matter how grave the survival situation is, you have got a lighter, a tiny but mighty helper right at your fingertips.

Fire is not only the primary elements of nature. It’s the force and the source of light and heat for such humble human beings as us – we have now listed enough factors making any lighter quite an important thing to carry with. Talking about survival lighters, we outline once again it is one of the most crucial devices one can own, so it is no doubt you should not only use master fire-starting skills but acquire a top-quality resilient lighter for your survival kit as well.

Buying a lighter, you make your life brighter, safer, and lighter.

Did we forget to mention your favorite emergency lighter? Leave a reply below in the comments section.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What is the best survival lighter?

Among the top nine lighters listed above, we would personally recommend

  • Tesla – for innovators and plasma lighters fans (who already bought a power bank, though),
  • AWL All Weather Lighter,
  • Everstryk Matchpro Lighter,
  • or UCO Stormproof Torch Windproof Lighter – for experienced survivalists;

in general, any of the nine lighters mentioned above is an excellent thing. However, we advise choosing a waterproof lighter suitable for all survival scenarios. O ring seal and wind resistance are an asset, too. Keep in mind that when in the wilderness, USB rechargeable lighters may be a problem sometimes. Search for a proper and stable lighter on Amazon com – our service is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

Is a Zippo a good survival lighter?

Yes, it surely is – otherwise, we would not include it in our list. Its disadvantages are its weight a bit heavier than others, the lack of water resistance (improvable, though), and the fact it does not support a straight flame.

How long can a lighter last?

Obviously, it depends on a model, but keeping the same lighter for two or more years is a good sign (not mentioning that you need to refuel it on average each half a year or more often).

What is the best butane lighter?

Among the increasing diversity of butane lighters, the Zippo lighter is probably the oldest lighter on the market. Windmill Classic Stormproof Lighter and Vertigo Cyclone Torch are probably the best, though it is you who decides.

How to turn a BIC lighter into a jet lighter?

To put it shorter, infix the wire under the fork to keep it open. Refill the lighter with butane by inserting the butane can nozzle on the open fork and push until the lighter is refueled. After it is recharged, drag the wire out to close the fork. Want to learn more? – watch the related: useful lifehacks on how to turn a BIC lighter into a jet lighter are there.

Author

A former USA Army sergeant and a highly educated survivalist and prepper with a degree and interest in Engineering and Electronics, Mike Millerson applies his extensive expertise in survivalism, homesteading, backpacking, hiking and hunting, spreading his deep knowledge about handling emergencies and prepping for them reasonably and effectively.

EMERGENCY PREPARATION GUIDE

DOWNLOAD FREE

EMERGENCY PREPARATION GUIDE

! BE AWARE OF RISK ! HAVE A PLAN  !
COLLECT YOUR EMERGENY KIT
You may also be interested in
en_USEnglish