Making a fire is one of the top priorities for any individual during a survival situation. Fire not only keeps you warm but also provides light, purifies water, enables you to defend yourself, and provides you with a means to cook. For these reasons, it is best to keep some sort of fire-starting device on hand at all times during your outdoor adventures.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Easily, one of the simplest and the most convenient fire-starting devices is a good camping lighter. Unlike regular lighters, those especially made for camping are built with a stronger flame and more durable body. Moreover, they can withstand the forces of high wind in a better manner.
The 5 Best Lighters for Camping
If you don’t have sufficient knowledge to buy the most sturdy and effective survival gear, use our following mini-guide to the best lighters for camping in order to be ready for whatever comes your way!
1. Tesla Coil Lighters Rechargeable Arc Lighter
The Tesla Coil Lighters Rechargeable Arc Lighter allows you to take charge of survival situations! It is rechargeable, and therefore, doesn’t require any butane. This innovative camping lighter creates an electric arc with a single press of a button. All you need to do is keep it charged with a USB and you’ll be ready to go. Along with being windproof, this lighter is also environmentally friendly and economical. One downside to this product is that it has a small arc size which makes it difficult to use for lighting cigarettes.
Pros
- USB rechargeable
- Easy and safe to use
- No butane
- Windproof
- Environmentally friendly
- Elegant and sleek design
Cons
- Small arc size
2. Zippo Emergency Fire Starter
The Zippo Emergency Fire Starter comes with a lightweight plastic case and a water-resistant o-ring seal that keeps the contents of the lighter dry at all time. It also includes four water-resistant waxed tinder sticks. The lighter also provides reliable spark in all types of weather conditions with its reliable flint wheel ignition. While the sticks do have a perforated spine, it might take you some practice to get used to this fire-starting device.
Pros
- Reliable spark
- Quick lighting
- Lightweight plastic case
- Reliable flint wheel ignition
- Waterproof case
- Water-resistant waxed tinder sticks
Cons
- Requires some practice
3. SCORCH TORCH Dominator Triple Jet Flame Lighter
The SCORCH TORCH Dominator Triple Jet Flame Lighter is a reliable and safe torch lighter that produces an adjustable, strong jet flame. The butane is refillable, so you need to make sure that you have filled it sufficiently for your survival situations. This camping lighter is extremely easy-to-use. All you need to do is push down the ignition button until the lighter clicks, and release your hold to put out the fire. The safety cap on this device closes automatically. The butane pressure dial located on the bottom of this camping lighter allows you to adjust the flame according to your personal needs. One downside to this refillable device is that there is no viewing port to check the level of butane while you’re refilling it.
Pros
- Safe and reliable
- Strong, adjustable jet flame
- Refillable
- Ergonomic grip design
- Sleek and compact design
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- No viewing port to check butane levels while refilling
4. TACKLIFE Electric Arc Lighter
The TACKLIFE Electric Arc Lighter doesn’t require any smelly gas or fuel. This rechargeable lighter is extremely easy and safe to use. This eco-friendly device comes with a USB charging cable that allows you to plug it into any USB port at any time and the built-in battery indicator will signal when you need to recharge it. With a flexible neck and longer handle, this lighter is very convenient to use. One major downside to this product is that it is not completely waterproof. However, if there aren’t many chances of heavy rainfall at your campsite, you don’t need to worry.
Pros
- Windproof
- All-metal construction
- Reliable
- Optimum performance
- USA-made
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Lighter fluid not included
5. Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter
The Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter is a genuine device that comes with the distinctive Zippo click. The construction of this camping lighter is all-metal. Its windproof design allows you to use it in all weather conditions. Use the Zippo lighter wicks, flints, and fluid along with this lighter in order to enjoy a premium experience. This product is made in the US and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. One downside to this camping lighter is that you’re required to purchase the lighter fluid separately, as it isn’t included in the package.
Pros
- No fuel or gas required
- Rechargeable
- Windproof
- Convenient and safe to use
- Flexible neck
- Lightweight
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Lighters for Camping
During a survival situation, the universe will most probably be working against you. Therefore, it is extremely essential that you have access to a reliable camping lighter that is capable of providing a strong flame even in the worst of conditions. For all this to be possible, it is important for your camping lighter to meet certain expectations and possess a specific set of features. Use the following buying guide to know exactly the features you should be looking for in the best lighters for camping.
Durability
It is essential for your camping lighter to be durable. If your lighter is prone to breaking every time it hits a hard surface, it shouldn’t be in your survival kit in the first place. The best lighters for camping are manufactured using materials that provide durability and sturdiness such as stainless steel. They work properly even after taking a fall of several feet.
Waterproof
Your lighter should be completely waterproof. It will be so if there’s a sealant over its body and it keep the fuel inside the device and any moisture outside. This feature is especially important when you are going on trips to locations with abundance of rainfall.
Small and Lightweight
Your camping lighter should be small and lightweight. You should be able to fit it in your pocket and access it in a hurry. One thing to remember is that camping lighters are a little heavier than the regular ones as they are constructed using stronger materials. However, you can still find lighters that are relatively inconspicuous enough and don’t take too much space.
Refillable or Rechargeable
Lastly, if you’re using an electrical lighter, it should be rechargeable. Otherwise it should be refillable to ensure a warm and wind-resistant flame at all times. Disposable lighters don’t come with an option of getting refilled and they are to be thrown every time the fuel inside them runs out. Therefore, instead opting for the cheapest options available, invest in a lighter that will be worth your while and won’t disappoint you in the time of need.
Our Final Thoughts
There you go! With the aforementioned options and detailed guide to the best lighters for camping, we hope you found something worth purchasing. In the end we’d like to recommend you to purchase the Tesla Coil Lighters USB Rechargeable Arc Lighter which is our best overall choice for camping lighters. We believe that this lighter can help you take charge of your emergency outdoor situations with ease and efficiency!
