A lighter is an extremely important piece of equipment when you’re going to be stuck outside for any reason. You need to always be able to start a fire, whether it’s for your own safety or simply so you can cook some food to feed yourself and the rest of the family.
The best survival lighter is going to be instrumental in the process and if you aren’t prepared before you head out you’re not going to have a chance to get something later on. So check out what you really need to know about survival lighters and how you’re going to choose your own.
Our top picks
| Product | Material | Fuel Type | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Coil USB | Metal | None - rechargeable electric arc | 4.8 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
| Blazer Butane | Waterproof plastic and metal | Butane | 2.4 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
| Coleman Refillable | Plastic and metal | Butane | 4.8 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
| Ultimate Survival Technologies Floating | Waterproof plastic and metal | Butane - electric ignition | 2.2 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
| Scorch Torch Olympus | Metal | Butane | 4.3 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
| GStar TorchZilla | Stainless steel | Butane | 4 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
| SaberLight Rechargeable | Metal | None - electric plasma beam | 5.6 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
| True Utility FireWire | Metal alloy | Butane | 4 ounces | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider When Buying Survival Lighters
There are several different things you need to think about when it comes to choosing your survival lighter. You need to make sure it’s going to take care of any of the problems you come across when out in the wilderness by yourself.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for or how you might need to use your lighter you’re going to be hurting yourself when it comes time to start shopping around. These are some of the most important factors that you should be looking at before heading out, so you have some idea of what you really want.
Durability
One of the most important things you need to think about for your survival lighter is just how durable it really is. You need that lighter to be able to stand up to anything that happens and that includes the weather, drops and a whole lot more.
The more your lighter can work through and the worse conditions it can work under the better it’s going to be for you and that’s definitely essential to your survival when it comes down to a dangerous situation where you don’t have any other choice for light or for cooking or anything else.
Water Resistance
Being at least somewhat water resistant is also important for your lighter because you don’t want to get caught in one rainstorm and suddenly it’s only good as a paperweight or drop it into a puddle and now it’s ruined.
Credit: wordpress.com
You need something that will still work even in the rain, even after being dropped into a puddle, maybe even after being dropped in something much larger than a puddle. The more it can handle the better of a tool it’s actually going to be for you because you’ll have a longer span of time to use it.
Portability
Portability is extremely important because your lighter needs to travel with you when you’re heading off to different locations. Most lighters are small but there is a difference between being small and being efficient. You want something that you can easily carry with you in a bag or in your pocket but that isn’t so small it actually defeats its own purpose.
After all, if it’s too small you’re not going to get much of a flame out of it and that could result in you getting too cold or not being able to cook your next meal.
Refill Capacity
Not all lighters can be refilled, but you want to make sure the one you have is. Small lighters that most people use for cigarettes are generally not refillable. They’re designed to use until the canister runs out then you throw them away and get a new one. This means that they’re a lot less expensive when it comes time to replace them but you’ll have to replace them a whole lot more often.
If you get a refillable container you won’t have to worry about any of that. You’ll spend a little more upfront and you’ll have to buy whatever type of solution your lighter uses to refill with, but you’ll save money in the long run because these ones also last longer on a fill.
Hands-Free Capability
If you’re in a survival situation the last thing you really want to do is have to hold onto your lighter so that the flame stays on. You want something that’s going to keep the flame going even when you set it down (but only if you want it to).
That’s because you want your lighter to be still on when you are working on other tasks so you have the ability to see more clearly even if you don’t want to light a huge fire. After all, it’s not always a good idea to have a fire and draw attention to where you are but you might need light to create a shelter or even just to be comfortable while you’re relaxing before you decide to sleep for the night.
The Top Survival Lighters Around
After looking at many products in the market, we found out that these are some of the best lighters that will help you in the wild.
Tesla Coil USB Lighter
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Dimensions: 3 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches
Specific features: Click button light, windproof, flameless, rechargeable via USB
Best use: Long trip with power, lightweight packing need
If you need a lighter that’s going to help you travel a little lighter, the Tesla Coil USB Lighter is the one for you. This lighter doesn’t need any butane or any type of filler. That means you don’t need to carry anything extra around. Instead, it recharges with a USB so you do need to have access to power.
This lighter, because it doesn’t have a flame or any type of flammable product, is much safer and isn’t susceptible to wind or rain.
This lighter gives you an arc of power that can start a fire more easily. It’s also small enough that you can easily put it in your pocket and carry it without worrying about lighting up, which it does not do when the lid is closed.
Starting up this lighter is easy as well because it has a push button on the front for power. With a sleek design in gold and black, it’s also going to look like a modern and unique unit for anything you need to do. This lighter can be used at any time and in any conditions, which means it’s perfect for a survival situation.
The fact that it’s easy to light makes it one of the best you’ll find, especially for the money. It’s designed to be durable and though it does need to be cleaned occasionally it is relatively low maintenance as well.
PROS:
- Rechargeable
- Requires no butane
- Windproof
- Durable
- Narrow
- Small arc
Related: Customers who are looking for a great lighter also love the Alaska Bear Cigar Cutter. Its efficient ease of use pairs perfectly with a lighter for a celebratory cigar.
Blazer Butane Lighter
Weight: 2.4 ounces
Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 2 inches
Specific features: Refillable butane, waterproof, blue flame, level sight glass
Best use: Lightweight, able to carry refills
The Blazer Butane Lighter is designed to look great and be rugged and durable at the same time. It comes in a camouflage case which is actually encased even further to make sure it doesn’t break when dropped and to ensure that it’s sealed from water.
The case locks closed to make sure you don’t open it accidentally and needs to be open in order to flip on the lighter. This helps you get a flame when you want it and no danger when you don’t. Not to mention you’ll be able to conserve the butane that you need for when you actually need it.
This lighter is filled with butane and can be opened up and refilled whenever needed. The best thing is you’ll have no problem at all refilling it many times and you get a high intensity blue flame when you strike it.
With a moderate to low price, it’s definitely a tool you’re going to want to have in your kit when you’re heading out for any type of survival situation. It’s also really light to carry around and will fit in your pocket or in a bag to make sure you aren’t taking up space from something else.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Mediocre durability
- Heavy
Related: The Anikuv Tactical Survival Pen is another great addition to any outdoorsman hoping to be prepared in the wilderness. Paired with a good lighter, this item will help you feel at ease.
Coleman Refillable Lighter
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Dimensions: 2.75 x 0.25 x 1.75 inches
Specific features: Coleman brand, windproof, water resistant, butane power
Best use: Inexpensive, lightweight, water resistant, refillable
This extremely inexpensive option is great for anyone who needs a lighter to take with them on a trip or anything else. The Coleman Refillable Lighter has a lock to make sure you don’t open it by accident and also has an easy to use flip to start it up.
The lighter uses butane and can be refilled as often as you need, which means it’s going to make sure you always have the light and the fire that you really need. This is done through a coil heating element which also makes the entire unit windproof so you don’t have to worry about bad conditions.
The flame can even be adjusted with the wheel at the base of the unit which is designed to withstand drops and is even water resistant. It gives off plenty of heat on its own and can light a fire from one inch away from an object.
For this reason it’s extremely important to keep it away from flammable objects that you don’t want to catch on fire and definitely away from the body. It even shows you how much butane is left in the canister with a clear window so you always know when you’re going to need more and if you should be looking for a refill canister.
PROS:
- Windproof
- Locking cap
- Protected from water
- Easy to use
- Weaker flame
- Hot to the touch
Related: Zippo Butane Fuel is a necessity for any lighter that requires butane.
Ultimate Survival Technologies Floating Lighter
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Dimensions: 2.5 x 0.5 x 1.5 inches
Specific features: Butane lighter, piezo electric ignition, floats in water, locked case, waterproof, 2 year warranty, windproof
Best use: Rough conditions, lightweight
The Ultimate Survival Technologies Floating Lighter is designed for those who want to get out there in the midst of it all and aren’t afraid to rough it just a little. This lighter is for those who need an all-around unit that will work even in the roughest of conditions.
It’s designed to work in winds of up to 80 miles per hour and even floats right on the water without letting anything in so if you drop it into a puddle or even a river you won’t have any problem getting it to work again when you’re done.
The design of this lighter is definitely bright, so you can always find it in your bag or on the ground if it’s dropped. Not only that but it has a locking case that lets you stay safer by ensuring the lighter won’t start while that case is closed.
You can also see right through the inner portion to check the butane levels as this is a refillable lighter. That means you will need to carry butane with you to get it working again when you run out but you shouldn’t have any problem getting it to work.
PROS:
- Waterproof
- Floating
- Brightly colored
- Burns through fuel quickly
- Not necessarily windproof
Related: If a floating lighter is what you need, then a floating flashlight will come in handy as well. The Dorcy International Waterproof Flashlight is available.
Scorch Torch Olympus Lighter
Weight: 4.3 ounces
Dimensions: 1.31 x 0.78 x 2.85 inches
Specific features: Includes punch cutter tool, triple jet flame, refillable with butane, durable design
Best use: Stronger flame or more control needed
This Scorch Torch Olympus Lighter is definitely going to be a great one for power because it has three jets for flame of varying strength because you can easily bump up the power or ramp it down a little if you need less.
You just hit the ignite button and it’s going to be more than ready to go. This lighter is built to be durable and long-lasting and has a frame that definitely proves that. It’s also designed to give you plenty of power so when you want a fire you don’t have to spend a lot of time getting it going.
You will need to carry extra butane in order to refill it but that means it’s going to last a lot longer and because it doubles as a punch cutter, you don’t have to worry about carrying anything else to go with your cigarettes.
You can use this with just one hand because of the ergonomic grip and easy igniter and you can close the safety cap with no problem because it’s designed to be automatic. It even comes with a velvet pouch to carry it safely and a 1 year warranty so you don’t have to worry about the quality.
PROS:
- Stylish
- Well constructed
- Strong flame
- Occasionally misfires
- Not necessarily windproof
GStar TorchZilla
Weight: 4 ounces
Dimensions: 4.5 x 0.3 x 0.3 inches
Specific features: Torch shape versus lighter shape, windproof, lock flame option, CPSC Child Safety Compliant, low price, waterproof
Best use: Rough conditions, larger flame than lighter
The GStar TorchZilla is definitely going to get you going wherever you need to be. It provides you with a much larger flame than a traditional lighter and can be used for a lot more than just lighting a fire.
It’s actually designed for everything from that to melting glass and brazing rods or even fusing plastic materials and a whole lot more. That means you can use it for survival situations but you’ll also be able to use it as a great addition to your tool kit for a variety of different uses every day.
Refilling this tank is extremely easy and you’ll have no problem getting it to work great every time because it’s extremely easy to use.
Even though it’s larger than other lighters and does more it’s still extremely lightweight at only 4 ounces and has a more unique style that makes it a whole lot easier to use for anything and keep your hands out of the way. It’s designed to be child safe and it’s inexpensive as well as being waterproof and windproof. That’s important during normal use but even more so for survival situations.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Well constructed
- Conservative fuel use
- Finicky adjuster
- Can leak during filling
SaberLight Rechargeable Lighter
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Dimensions: 4 x 3.9 x 1.5 inches
Specific features: Rechargeable, windproof, splash proof, chemical free, 300 uses per charge
Best use: Lightweight, no refill needed
The SaberLight Rechargeable Lighter is designed to be entirely unique compared to others you might have seen. Instead of throwing out a flame it actually gives off a small plasma beam that is designed to light anything you need. It’s entirely butane and chemical free, which makes it safer to use and it has an easy ignition switch to create the beam quickly and easily.
You’ll be able to charge it up quickly as well because it has a USB port built right into the bottom that will get you ready to go again right away and that’s only after 300 lights.
This lighter is useful no matter what the conditions because it doesn’t have a flame. That means it can stand up to wind as well as water though you don’t want to submerge it because of the USB connector.
It also takes a little bit of time to charge but with 1 hour of charge time you can use it for more than 3 hours continuously, which is more than enough for anything you need. Not only that but you can easily take this lighter with you on an airplane because it doesn’t use fuel and is TSA approved.
PROS:
- Butane free
- Rechargeable
- Windproof
- Narrow
- Hot to the touch
Related: The Mantello USB Rechargeable Arc Lighter is a great alternative to the above product. Rechargeable via USB, this lighter doesn’t need any flame or fluid. The sleek design is also a huge plus.
True Utility FireWire Lighter
Weight: 4 ounces
Dimensions: 2.75 x 1.4 x 1 inches
Specific features: Unique style and shape, inexpensive, one handed use, works in high altitude
Best use: Refillable needed, lightweight
The True Utility FireWire Lighter has a jet style that allows for a larger flame and a stronger one as well. It can be used easily with just one hand and has a windproof design that is great for using outdoors.
You can even adjust the flame for the purpose that you need and you can use it even in higher altitudes. The unit is extremely inexpensive lightweight, which makes it great for carrying with you on longer trips. It needs gas to run, which means you’re going to need to carry refills with you, but at the same time it’s going to give you a whole lot of firepower.
This unit has an easy switch and can even be left on so you can use it hands free. This can be extremely useful if you need a little light while you’re doing something else.
When you are not using it there’s a small cap that covers the flame so you don’t ignite it by accident. Not only that but it’s designed to start just about anything with a jet style flame as well.
So you’re definitely going to love carrying this one around between the great look and style and the lightweight design that’s easy to use and keeps you working as long as you need.
PROS:
- No chemical smell
- Lights every time
- Stylish
- Somewhat weak flame
Related: When you’re braving the outdoors, having a resource like the True Utility SolarLite Multi-Tool will keep you more prepared in the case of an emergency. Between that and the True Utility lighter, you’ll have your bases covered.
Your Next Survival Lighter
In the end, no one can really choose the right lighter but you. It’s going to depend on what you think you might need and definitely on the situations that you might come across. Choosing a lighter that’s better for all conditions is going to be the best bet because it prepares you for anything, but you never really know what you might find or come across in a survival situation.
So what’s your favorite survival lighter? Please feel free to let us know in the comments!
