If you have a refillable lighter, keep some proper fuel in your home supplies and possibly in your go-bags. Weve personally seen Peanuts stored for a year without use light up on the first try. Resistances: Windproof, Impact-Resistant First up is the $18 Exotac fireSLEEVE Ruggedized Waterproof Lighter Case that keeps your lighter safe and dry.
This lighter runs off of butane which is good because unlike a Zippo you wont find that lighters like these run dry without use. Although its fine if you stick with disposable lighters for your emergency fire kit, they do run out of fuel, so its worth the extra $20 to have refillable or rechargeable lighters that save you money during daily use and create long-term versatility after SHTF. Fuel Type: Waxed Tinder Sticks
Since 2010, the mission of SurvivalCache.com is to provide the most in-depth discussions about survival prepping. Finally, these lighters run out of fuel quickly, so theyre just not practical in longer-term emergencies. If youre looking for the most functionality out of your survival or everyday carry gear, this one is probably the best value proposition. Charging is done via a micro-USB port and usually takes about 2 hours. Read more, A cheap but core item for your go-bag.
These lighters run off batteries instead of traditional fuels so if choosing one of these its a good idea to have a method of charging it in the bush. Although not necessary, there are a few solid lighter accessories that upgrade your BIC for survival and everyday carry. If you are looking for a reliable plasma lighter then you cant go wrong with our top pick of the Tough Tesla. Resistances: Waterproof, Windproof, Impact-Resistant Fuel Type: Lighter Fluid Read more, See exactly what you need to buy and in what order.
A streamlined & sustainable take on an everyday carry-focused crossbody pack. Although it is in liquid state the off gassing is what ends up being the source of fuel for the flame. Wide variety of colours and finishes to choose from Emergency preparedness checklist: prepping for beginners, Rational reasons why you should be prepared, Get our free newsletter for more reviews and how-to's, Emergency preparedness checklist: Prepping for beginners, Food list: How to build your survival pantry with long-lasting food from the supermarket, Best water purification tablets (and other portable purifiers), The Peanut doesnt leak fuel nearly as fast as a Zippo.
The Prepared is supported by readers, and when you buy something we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission but it never affects your price or what we pick. This video tests a Zippo with common household liquids (anything that works in a Zippo can work in a Peanut): Weve seen a few online reports of leakage with these lighters, with some users claiming they get as little as two months of storage before the fuel evaporates. I recommend having a minimum of three tinder sources with you in the bush at all times. There are aftermarket products to address this problem, such as the $30 Thyrm PyroVault Lighter Armor case that takes Zippo lighter inserts. While it lacks the features and quality of the Tough Tesla it is still a decent choice as a pocket lighter as long as you have a few backup ignition methods. . Its not a deal breaker just something to think about. Reusability: Refillable, Replaceable Wick & Flint, Lifetime Warranty. Fuel Type: Butane, Piezoelectric Ignition System If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Even the most basic survival lighter should have a bit of impact resistance. What else should I have along with my survival lighter?
Overall it seems that a majority of customers are happy with their lighters. Reliable, inexpensive, and throws a flame that can stand up to nasty weather. A survival lighter isnt going to be of much use if you can only fill the reservoir once. The polymers, however, are lighter. Plasma Arc This is an interesting option where instead of a traditional flame these lighters use an electric arc of plasma that is exceptionally hot at about 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The sandal brand's new sneaker is fit for rain or shine. Besides being absurdly cheap and common, disposable lighters are a miracle of modern manufacturing. What you need to know about plasma lighters is that they function much in the same way as electric/arc ones. Reusability: Refillable. This lighter also runs on butane and is piezoelectric ignition as well. How many $2 products can you say that about? Its all-metal construction is far more durable than the BIC, and its also sturdier than most specially designed survival lighters. If you want to pick one up anyway, check out the $16 Vertigo Cyclone Triple Torch, a relatively inexpensive portable lighter thats a popular recommendation on cigar enthusiast forums. You may not commercially benefit from our hard work without permission. Michael is a survivalist, traditional bowhunter, student of traditional and primitive skills, as well as a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. Refillable lighters make sense, provided they can use a wide range of fuels you may scavenge and can hold that fuel for a long time without leaking.
But we dont like the design when compared to the Peanuts capsule. There are also even more durable metal ones. Well dig deeper into the pros and cons in the beginners guide to batteries, but Li-Ions dont do well when stored unused for long periods of time and have a limited number of charge/discharge cycles. The Maxi lighters are good for 3,000 lights defined as a strike of the flint that produces a flame of one second in duration about twice what a normal BIC is good for. There are plenty of super durable lighters made from lightweight polymers. Reusability: Uses Disposable Lighters. Even the most basic survival lighter should have a bit of impact resistance.Arguably more important than the material out of which a lighter is made are its resistances though you could argue that one determines the other, to a point. This is important for any situations that you may encounter where you may find yourself soaking wet in the midst of a storm looking to get a fire going. The $17 Zippo butane torch insert goes inside a Zippo case, turning it into a butane torch of the kind we do not recommend for prepping. The benefit? It is a good thing they are pretty inexpensive though since Ive lost quite a few of them over the years. 2022 HICONSUMPTION LLC. Check out the team below and read more about us here.
When you need a survival lighter to work, your motor skills are probably going to have gone to hell in a hand basket. . The compact, lightweight Peanut has all of the survival advantages of the classic Zippo without the downsides: The Peanut is available in a variety of size and metal combinations. Resistances: Waterproof, Windproof, Impact-Resistant They can create multiple flames across a greater period of time and, if you get the right one, can survive alongside you through thick and thin, giving you access to fire whenever you desire. The sleeve floats and has an attachment point for a carabiner or paracord loop. A simple BIC lighter ignites the butane into an orange flame with the trade off being that it is far from windproof. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When youre desperate to survive, every ounce counts. And, on top of the water- and wind-resistant ignition system, its also rechargeable and quite tough. One of the best refillable lighters is the $35 Maratac Peanut (not the Zippo or butane cigar lighters). Plus, it looks pretty cool. Resistances: Windproof, Waterproof, Impact-Resistant Its not waterproof or wind-resistant, sure but the low price and easy of use make this a far better option than even the famous BIC disposables. Another reason it makes the overall pick for EDC lighter is that it is slim enough to go virtually noticed in the pocket. This style of lighter is white labeled by many different brands. Being able to quickly and easily locate my lighter when hypothermia is setting in and time is of the essence is a huge win. Rather than relying on matchsticks, however, you can invest in a lighter.
But, it does take the benefits and availability of disposable lighters (which can be found in just about any gas station around the world) and turns them into waterproof floating versions. See below the fold for more details and picks. Reusability: Refillable. Many lighters that use this fuel, however, do not have windproof flames or need to be refueled often.
An Ans-Voxnaes-designed EDC folder offered with a variety of handle & blade materials. This goes double if you live or travel near large bodies of water. The best refillable lighter is the $35 Anodized Aluminum Maratac Peanut. This lighter runs off regular lighter fluid and is very tiny.
SurvivalCache.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking reviews to Amazon. As such, youll want to look for a fire-starter that can be used multiple times. But many users have found that these torches dont resist the wind as well as advertised, so the pros dont outweigh the cons. Either way, its a nice little extra to your survival tool. And when youre desperate to survive, every ounce counts. Our best guess is that the market for these refillable survival lighters is very small, and Maratac is the only company committed to it for the long haul. Cheap plastic cracks easy and since thats what most disposable lighters are made of, you might want to look elsewhere. Resistances: Impact-Resistant, Windproof Dimensions 2.6 x 1.6 x 0.6 Weighs less than 1 oz with fuel Its made of sturdy stainless, and adds a bit of functionality and durability to your BIC without adding much bulk.
The main options are plasma arc, lighter fluid, and butane each with their own advantages and disadvantages. I like that this lighter is a cylinder and will slide nicely in the elastic holders in many of the pouches available on the market. And you may have noticed the lack of ads and other junk. This fuel flexibility makes them great backup preps for long-term emergencies, where you may be scavenging fuel from odd places like perfume bottles or paint supplies. Which is Better in a Survival, Best Plasma Lighter: Tough Tesla Lighter 2.0 Review, Best Survival Lighter for EDC Zippo Matte Pocket Lighters, True Utility FireStash Lighter Multi-Tool, Best Waterproof Survival Lighter: UST Refillable Floating Lighter, Honorable Mention UST Trekker Stormproof Lighter, Dimensions 2.25 x 1.5 x 0.5 weight 2.0 oz, Wide variety of colours and finishes to choose from, Can use multiple types of fuels in true survival or SHTF situations, Dimensions 2.6 x 1.6 x 0.6 Weighs less than 1 oz with fuel, Above 8000ft the lighter will not preform as well, Dimensions 4.12 x 1.8 x 1.25 weighs 3.4 oz, Dimensions 3.7 x 1.4 x 1.1 weighs 2.4 oz. Rather than a traditional combustion flame, this lighter creates an arc of electricity across its contact points that can ignite tinder, tobacco in a pipe, or whatever else you need to light. Well, the short answer is: yes and no. The Prepared helps you get ready for emergencies without wasting time, money, or sanity. The original Peanut design has only a single O-ring to wear out or fail. Refillable lighters tend to leak, so they arent as convenient for long-term storage as disposables, but the right refillable lighter can run on many different fuel types. The $16 LighterBro is a very popular little multi-tool-like lighter attachment that features a knife, scissors, tiny screwdriver, bottle opener, and keyring. Tesla Survival Lighter Review: Hands-On Review, Lighters vs Matches? Waterproof. And since it doesnt rely on a flame, you dont have to worry so much about wind or falling rain. The problem with using lighter fluid is that the lighter fluid will often evaporate when the lighter is not in use, unless it is in a sealed case. The main issue with plasma/electric lighters is the Lithium-Ion battery. O-rings give out over the long run, especially when exposed to the kinds of chemicals used to fill lighters, so each one is a point of failure for leakage. The only downside I see is the reliance on a battery but since most of us only go into the bush with multiple methods of fire lighting, that shouldnt be an issue. This requires an optimal mix of oxygen and fuel to light and the reduced oxygen at altitude can give problems lighting where a regular BIC lighter or a Zippo will have no issues. I like these piezoelectric ignitions as well since they are very easy and fool proof to operate. Reusability: Refillable. When you are cold and numb operating a lighter can be a challenge or downright impossible. A drop, toss, accidental crush, or otherwise can render cheap lighters unusable. Not only can fire provide warmth, but it can cook food, sanitize wounds, scare off wild animals, and more. Many are knockoffs, a few have unique differences, and most have design flaws, quality problems, or availability issues. You should have a handful of cheap BIC lighters across your home, car, and go-bags we like the $9 BIC Maxi 5-pack and $8 BIC Mini 5-pack. Think of this lighter kind of like the Tesla coil of lighters. Finally, more tied-into the material construction is overall durability. However, it is probably the best option for when SHTF as you can burn a wider variety of fuels in it and in a pinch improvise the wicks and flints. This would be a good buy for those who want an EDC lighter but rarely ever have occasion to need one.
Not only is this lighter refillable, waterproof (when closed), pack- and keychain-friendly, and durable as hell but it also has some other handy additions. Hands down, the BIC Maxi ($1.80 each, $9 for the five pack) is the best survival lighter for most people. Even better, its USA-made. Alternatively, the UST TekFire Pro is a popular competitor. Zippo has been the gold standard for lighters for nearly a century at this point. If this lighter is to be intended for a survival situation then it must stand up to abuse so it is there ready to go when your life depends on fire. Fuel Type: Lighter Fluid Why does butane not work well at altitude? Reviews are pretty positive with some negativity around quality control and the difficulty in disassembling the unit to refuel it.
Its a little bit on the wasteful size, as far as fuel types go, but the overall convenience trumps that in most situations. Rather, you can recharge it by plugging it in. But you might still find one for sale on eBay or flea markets. Not only does this device feature a refillable lighter, but it has a built-in LED flashlight and a storage container. Overall it is a good choice especially when out on the water. Learn more. Nothing will exacerbate your situation like accidentally dropping a non-waterproof lighter into a puddle and ruining it. This is not a horrible choice for a plasma lighter, but it would be important to have a backup ignition source or three if using it as your pocket lighter. Any of the commercially available tinder or some home made varieties will be sufficient just make sure to also have at least 2 more methods of lighting the tinder as well. Micro-USB rechargeable. Its small size of course means that it will not have much of a run time. A great EDC lighter which also serves as the best windproof lighter and best electric lighter is the $35 Survival Frog Micro-USB Rechargeable Tesla. I really like that this lighter floats and is orange which is what I want in a dire emergency. This is a very similar lighter to the other UST lighter on this list but is not designed to float but maintains the ability to operate optimally up to 8000ft. Many LighterBro users consider the clip a must-have add-on. Though it might seem like splitting hairs, different materials have different weights, as well. This little pill is small enough to fit on your keychain and even comes with an attachment if youd refer to strap it to a bag. Some take disposable batteries, but most can be plugged in for recharging. Another example of a super-tough survival lighter with a viewing window, this lighter creates a spark which can be used to ignite fuel even if the reservoir is empty. Fuel Type: Butane For those situations where space is at a premium this lighter is a good all around choice being a cylinder this lighter will fit in a lot of spaces that the others on this list will not. Read more, Our 40 favorites after reviewing hundreds of packs.
Its not so much the butane that gives the trouble but the style of lighter. Read his full interview here. Even though the Zippo is just as effective in the bush or in a SHTF situation its tendency to run itself dry in the pocket make me place it in the EDC column. DIY methods include cutting a piece of bike inner tube or rubber glove to slide over the Zippo as a sort of exterior gas cap: A plasma lighter which is powered by electricity and thus rechargeable is a nice upgrade for daily use, camping, and backpacking. Fuel Type: Butane
Lets discuss my top pics, experiences, and how to choose. Capitalism and the strenuous demands of chain smokers have created an easy to use, compact, lightweight, durable, reliable, and effective product that lasts decades on the shelf.
. So this lighter and other flameless lighters like it are immune to forces like extreme wind and rain that keep more traditional lighters from working.
The information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Weve noticed the Everstryke is commonly given away for free as an incentive to get people to give away personal information online or fill out scammy forms. Victorinox's 13th Damast Edition gets upgraded scales & a Baldur-pattern Damascus blade. I love my Zippo and carry it around often as a EDC where it seems to be best suited but also anytime Im out in the woods camping. Everstryke Pro: Not widely available, and we think it looks cheaply made. The piezoelectric ignition is good for when your hands are cold and numb and the 2000 degree adjustable flame will get your fire going with ease. We like Survival Frog for their great customer service, but you can sometimes find the same-with-a-different-name Tactical Gear Plasma Lighter for a few dollars cheaper. This is probably the most critical of your choices. Dimensions 3.7 x 1.4 x 1.1 weighs 2.4 oz Make sure to check out the more detailed review here. Fuel Type: Butane
We own and use the $60 Maratac Peanut XL in titanium, and it is awesome. You can submit private feedback to editor@theprepared.com, See our testing of 40+ of the best backup fire starters Read more, We've purchased and tested over 50 of the best matches and waterproof containers.
One of the best things to look for in a survival lighter is whether or not it can survive a dip in a pool, pond, puddle, or ocean. Read more, Quick tips for finding in-stock and cheap ammo.
Reusability: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Fuel Cell. I would not trust this as a primary fire starting tool but as a backup to a back up I think it would do just fine. And thats exactly what you get out of the MecArmy X7S. Reusability: Refillable Waxed Tinder Sticks. A survival lighter isnt going to be of much use if you can only fill the reservoir once.It would be amazing if only one bad situation ever arose in our lives. Generally that means theres going to be some real tough terrain to mow through. Even the most basic survival lighter should have a bit of impact resistance. After all, once a match is struck and burned, it has no more ability to create or hold a flame. Yes, that means it needs to be refillable in some manner. The butane fuel is widely available and easy to fill lighters like this up. Despite all these drawbacks, some preppers like that these lighters can hang onto their fuel for a long time in storage. Numyth Tohil: If it were still on the market, wed consider the Numyth a decent alternative to the Maratac. There is not a lot of info on this particular lighter and this one seems to be the same as others sold under different branding. Butane lighters are loved by cigar smokers for their even, odorless flame. I like to think of the Zippo as a true end of the world lighter. The ability to use a wide range of fuels in Zippo-style lighters, however, still beats these electric versions for long-term preps. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Otherwise, check out the lighter below: This is one of those inexpensive Chinese plasma lighters that does the job of forming plasma arcs just fine. Aside from that it is an all around decent refillable butane lighter that operates just as you would expect. Water is the kryptonite of most lighters and matches so having one that can be fully submerged and still light is a definite bonus. There are specialty products (eg. Plasma lighters are great because they do not rely on fuel to generate the heat that the fire triangle requires. So, if you want to bump up the value of your bug-out bag or just make life easier in the case of a disaster, youll want to pick up one of the following 12 best survival lighters. Read more. Running off a 220 mAh 3.7 volt battery this lighter boasts being able to be used 300 times per charge. Same quality as a normal/Maxi BIC in a ~30% smaller package, just with fewer strikes. For anyone who is not as old school as myself or likes to run several backup ignition sources a plasma lighter like this is a good choice for your fire lighting needs. Resistances: IPX8 Waterproof, Impact-Resistant Namely, they are water, food, shelter, and access to fire. Resistances: Impact-Resistant, Waterproof Compact, durable, leak-proof, cheap, and lightweight. The piezoelectric ignition is rated for 30,000 uses even when wet so there is little risk of this lighter running out of spark. This lighter is not only water and windproof but also floats and is orange for high visibility. Resistances: Windproof, Splashproof, Impact-Resistant
My only gripe with lighters like this is that I fundamentally do not trust anything that runs on batteries.
This model comes encased in ABS plastic and has several other survival features in addition to the dual plasma arcs. You might be thinking to yourself, cant any lighter be considered a survival lighter? Being able to get a fire going quickly is essential, and to do that you need a dependable survival lighter that will light your tinder no matter what the conditions.
Granted, this isnt a lighter itself it has to be loaded with a disposable.
Not only does it allow you to get warm, dry, purify water, and cook food but it provides a source of comfort and an ancient method of keeping the boogeyman away. But, when youve put a disposable lighter inside of it, youll end up with a torch that turns that disposable lighter into a fire-starter that gets up to 2,300-degrees Fahrenheit, lasts for 60% longer, creates a windproof flame, and will burn for up to 20 minutes straight.
This lighter runs off of butane which is good because unlike a Zippo you wont find that lighters like these run dry without use. Although its fine if you stick with disposable lighters for your emergency fire kit, they do run out of fuel, so its worth the extra $20 to have refillable or rechargeable lighters that save you money during daily use and create long-term versatility after SHTF. Fuel Type: Waxed Tinder Sticks
Since 2010, the mission of SurvivalCache.com is to provide the most in-depth discussions about survival prepping. Finally, these lighters run out of fuel quickly, so theyre just not practical in longer-term emergencies. If youre looking for the most functionality out of your survival or everyday carry gear, this one is probably the best value proposition. Charging is done via a micro-USB port and usually takes about 2 hours. Read more, A cheap but core item for your go-bag.
These lighters run off batteries instead of traditional fuels so if choosing one of these its a good idea to have a method of charging it in the bush. Although not necessary, there are a few solid lighter accessories that upgrade your BIC for survival and everyday carry. If you are looking for a reliable plasma lighter then you cant go wrong with our top pick of the Tough Tesla. Resistances: Waterproof, Windproof, Impact-Resistant Fuel Type: Lighter Fluid Read more, See exactly what you need to buy and in what order.
A streamlined & sustainable take on an everyday carry-focused crossbody pack. Although it is in liquid state the off gassing is what ends up being the source of fuel for the flame. Wide variety of colours and finishes to choose from Emergency preparedness checklist: prepping for beginners, Rational reasons why you should be prepared, Get our free newsletter for more reviews and how-to's, Emergency preparedness checklist: Prepping for beginners, Food list: How to build your survival pantry with long-lasting food from the supermarket, Best water purification tablets (and other portable purifiers), The Peanut doesnt leak fuel nearly as fast as a Zippo.
The Prepared is supported by readers, and when you buy something we recommend, we may get an affiliate commission but it never affects your price or what we pick. This video tests a Zippo with common household liquids (anything that works in a Zippo can work in a Peanut): Weve seen a few online reports of leakage with these lighters, with some users claiming they get as little as two months of storage before the fuel evaporates. I recommend having a minimum of three tinder sources with you in the bush at all times. There are aftermarket products to address this problem, such as the $30 Thyrm PyroVault Lighter Armor case that takes Zippo lighter inserts. While it lacks the features and quality of the Tough Tesla it is still a decent choice as a pocket lighter as long as you have a few backup ignition methods. . Its not a deal breaker just something to think about. Reusability: Refillable, Replaceable Wick & Flint, Lifetime Warranty. Fuel Type: Butane, Piezoelectric Ignition System If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Even the most basic survival lighter should have a bit of impact resistance. What else should I have along with my survival lighter?
Overall it seems that a majority of customers are happy with their lighters. Reliable, inexpensive, and throws a flame that can stand up to nasty weather. A survival lighter isnt going to be of much use if you can only fill the reservoir once. The polymers, however, are lighter. Plasma Arc This is an interesting option where instead of a traditional flame these lighters use an electric arc of plasma that is exceptionally hot at about 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The sandal brand's new sneaker is fit for rain or shine. Besides being absurdly cheap and common, disposable lighters are a miracle of modern manufacturing. What you need to know about plasma lighters is that they function much in the same way as electric/arc ones. Reusability: Refillable. This lighter also runs on butane and is piezoelectric ignition as well. How many $2 products can you say that about? Its all-metal construction is far more durable than the BIC, and its also sturdier than most specially designed survival lighters. If you want to pick one up anyway, check out the $16 Vertigo Cyclone Triple Torch, a relatively inexpensive portable lighter thats a popular recommendation on cigar enthusiast forums. You may not commercially benefit from our hard work without permission. Michael is a survivalist, traditional bowhunter, student of traditional and primitive skills, as well as a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. Refillable lighters make sense, provided they can use a wide range of fuels you may scavenge and can hold that fuel for a long time without leaking. But we dont like the design when compared to the Peanuts capsule. There are also even more durable metal ones. Well dig deeper into the pros and cons in the beginners guide to batteries, but Li-Ions dont do well when stored unused for long periods of time and have a limited number of charge/discharge cycles. The Maxi lighters are good for 3,000 lights defined as a strike of the flint that produces a flame of one second in duration about twice what a normal BIC is good for. There are plenty of super durable lighters made from lightweight polymers. Reusability: Uses Disposable Lighters. Even the most basic survival lighter should have a bit of impact resistance.Arguably more important than the material out of which a lighter is made are its resistances though you could argue that one determines the other, to a point. This is important for any situations that you may encounter where you may find yourself soaking wet in the midst of a storm looking to get a fire going. The $17 Zippo butane torch insert goes inside a Zippo case, turning it into a butane torch of the kind we do not recommend for prepping. The benefit? It is a good thing they are pretty inexpensive though since Ive lost quite a few of them over the years. 2022 HICONSUMPTION LLC. Check out the team below and read more about us here.
When you need a survival lighter to work, your motor skills are probably going to have gone to hell in a hand basket. . The compact, lightweight Peanut has all of the survival advantages of the classic Zippo without the downsides: The Peanut is available in a variety of size and metal combinations. Resistances: Waterproof, Windproof, Impact-Resistant They can create multiple flames across a greater period of time and, if you get the right one, can survive alongside you through thick and thin, giving you access to fire whenever you desire. The sleeve floats and has an attachment point for a carabiner or paracord loop. A simple BIC lighter ignites the butane into an orange flame with the trade off being that it is far from windproof. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When youre desperate to survive, every ounce counts. And, on top of the water- and wind-resistant ignition system, its also rechargeable and quite tough. One of the best refillable lighters is the $35 Maratac Peanut (not the Zippo or butane cigar lighters). Plus, it looks pretty cool. Resistances: Windproof, Waterproof, Impact-Resistant Its not waterproof or wind-resistant, sure but the low price and easy of use make this a far better option than even the famous BIC disposables. Another reason it makes the overall pick for EDC lighter is that it is slim enough to go virtually noticed in the pocket. This style of lighter is white labeled by many different brands. Being able to quickly and easily locate my lighter when hypothermia is setting in and time is of the essence is a huge win. Rather than relying on matchsticks, however, you can invest in a lighter.
But, it does take the benefits and availability of disposable lighters (which can be found in just about any gas station around the world) and turns them into waterproof floating versions. See below the fold for more details and picks. Reusability: Refillable. Many lighters that use this fuel, however, do not have windproof flames or need to be refueled often.
An Ans-Voxnaes-designed EDC folder offered with a variety of handle & blade materials. This goes double if you live or travel near large bodies of water. The best refillable lighter is the $35 Anodized Aluminum Maratac Peanut. This lighter runs off regular lighter fluid and is very tiny.
SurvivalCache.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking reviews to Amazon. As such, youll want to look for a fire-starter that can be used multiple times. But many users have found that these torches dont resist the wind as well as advertised, so the pros dont outweigh the cons. Either way, its a nice little extra to your survival tool. And when youre desperate to survive, every ounce counts. Our best guess is that the market for these refillable survival lighters is very small, and Maratac is the only company committed to it for the long haul. Cheap plastic cracks easy and since thats what most disposable lighters are made of, you might want to look elsewhere. Resistances: Impact-Resistant, Windproof Dimensions 2.6 x 1.6 x 0.6 Weighs less than 1 oz with fuel Its made of sturdy stainless, and adds a bit of functionality and durability to your BIC without adding much bulk.
The main options are plasma arc, lighter fluid, and butane each with their own advantages and disadvantages. I like that this lighter is a cylinder and will slide nicely in the elastic holders in many of the pouches available on the market. And you may have noticed the lack of ads and other junk. This fuel flexibility makes them great backup preps for long-term emergencies, where you may be scavenging fuel from odd places like perfume bottles or paint supplies. Which is Better in a Survival, Best Plasma Lighter: Tough Tesla Lighter 2.0 Review, Best Survival Lighter for EDC Zippo Matte Pocket Lighters, True Utility FireStash Lighter Multi-Tool, Best Waterproof Survival Lighter: UST Refillable Floating Lighter, Honorable Mention UST Trekker Stormproof Lighter, Dimensions 2.25 x 1.5 x 0.5 weight 2.0 oz, Wide variety of colours and finishes to choose from, Can use multiple types of fuels in true survival or SHTF situations, Dimensions 2.6 x 1.6 x 0.6 Weighs less than 1 oz with fuel, Above 8000ft the lighter will not preform as well, Dimensions 4.12 x 1.8 x 1.25 weighs 3.4 oz, Dimensions 3.7 x 1.4 x 1.1 weighs 2.4 oz. Rather than a traditional combustion flame, this lighter creates an arc of electricity across its contact points that can ignite tinder, tobacco in a pipe, or whatever else you need to light. Well, the short answer is: yes and no. The Prepared helps you get ready for emergencies without wasting time, money, or sanity. The original Peanut design has only a single O-ring to wear out or fail. Refillable lighters tend to leak, so they arent as convenient for long-term storage as disposables, but the right refillable lighter can run on many different fuel types. The $16 LighterBro is a very popular little multi-tool-like lighter attachment that features a knife, scissors, tiny screwdriver, bottle opener, and keyring. Tesla Survival Lighter Review: Hands-On Review, Lighters vs Matches? Waterproof. And since it doesnt rely on a flame, you dont have to worry so much about wind or falling rain. The problem with using lighter fluid is that the lighter fluid will often evaporate when the lighter is not in use, unless it is in a sealed case. The main issue with plasma/electric lighters is the Lithium-Ion battery. O-rings give out over the long run, especially when exposed to the kinds of chemicals used to fill lighters, so each one is a point of failure for leakage. The only downside I see is the reliance on a battery but since most of us only go into the bush with multiple methods of fire lighting, that shouldnt be an issue. This requires an optimal mix of oxygen and fuel to light and the reduced oxygen at altitude can give problems lighting where a regular BIC lighter or a Zippo will have no issues. I like these piezoelectric ignitions as well since they are very easy and fool proof to operate. Reusability: Refillable. When you are cold and numb operating a lighter can be a challenge or downright impossible. A drop, toss, accidental crush, or otherwise can render cheap lighters unusable. Not only can fire provide warmth, but it can cook food, sanitize wounds, scare off wild animals, and more. Many are knockoffs, a few have unique differences, and most have design flaws, quality problems, or availability issues. You should have a handful of cheap BIC lighters across your home, car, and go-bags we like the $9 BIC Maxi 5-pack and $8 BIC Mini 5-pack. Think of this lighter kind of like the Tesla coil of lighters. Finally, more tied-into the material construction is overall durability. However, it is probably the best option for when SHTF as you can burn a wider variety of fuels in it and in a pinch improvise the wicks and flints. This would be a good buy for those who want an EDC lighter but rarely ever have occasion to need one.
Not only is this lighter refillable, waterproof (when closed), pack- and keychain-friendly, and durable as hell but it also has some other handy additions. Hands down, the BIC Maxi ($1.80 each, $9 for the five pack) is the best survival lighter for most people. Even better, its USA-made. Alternatively, the UST TekFire Pro is a popular competitor. Zippo has been the gold standard for lighters for nearly a century at this point. If this lighter is to be intended for a survival situation then it must stand up to abuse so it is there ready to go when your life depends on fire. Fuel Type: Lighter Fluid Why does butane not work well at altitude? Reviews are pretty positive with some negativity around quality control and the difficulty in disassembling the unit to refuel it.
Its a little bit on the wasteful size, as far as fuel types go, but the overall convenience trumps that in most situations. Rather, you can recharge it by plugging it in. But you might still find one for sale on eBay or flea markets. Not only does this device feature a refillable lighter, but it has a built-in LED flashlight and a storage container. Overall it is a good choice especially when out on the water. Learn more. Nothing will exacerbate your situation like accidentally dropping a non-waterproof lighter into a puddle and ruining it. This is not a horrible choice for a plasma lighter, but it would be important to have a backup ignition source or three if using it as your pocket lighter. Any of the commercially available tinder or some home made varieties will be sufficient just make sure to also have at least 2 more methods of lighting the tinder as well. Micro-USB rechargeable. Its small size of course means that it will not have much of a run time. A great EDC lighter which also serves as the best windproof lighter and best electric lighter is the $35 Survival Frog Micro-USB Rechargeable Tesla. I really like that this lighter floats and is orange which is what I want in a dire emergency. This is a very similar lighter to the other UST lighter on this list but is not designed to float but maintains the ability to operate optimally up to 8000ft. Many LighterBro users consider the clip a must-have add-on. Though it might seem like splitting hairs, different materials have different weights, as well. This little pill is small enough to fit on your keychain and even comes with an attachment if youd refer to strap it to a bag. Some take disposable batteries, but most can be plugged in for recharging. Another example of a super-tough survival lighter with a viewing window, this lighter creates a spark which can be used to ignite fuel even if the reservoir is empty. Fuel Type: Butane For those situations where space is at a premium this lighter is a good all around choice being a cylinder this lighter will fit in a lot of spaces that the others on this list will not. Read more, Our 40 favorites after reviewing hundreds of packs.
Its not so much the butane that gives the trouble but the style of lighter. Read his full interview here. Even though the Zippo is just as effective in the bush or in a SHTF situation its tendency to run itself dry in the pocket make me place it in the EDC column. DIY methods include cutting a piece of bike inner tube or rubber glove to slide over the Zippo as a sort of exterior gas cap: A plasma lighter which is powered by electricity and thus rechargeable is a nice upgrade for daily use, camping, and backpacking. Fuel Type: Butane
Lets discuss my top pics, experiences, and how to choose. Capitalism and the strenuous demands of chain smokers have created an easy to use, compact, lightweight, durable, reliable, and effective product that lasts decades on the shelf.
. So this lighter and other flameless lighters like it are immune to forces like extreme wind and rain that keep more traditional lighters from working.
The information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Weve noticed the Everstryke is commonly given away for free as an incentive to get people to give away personal information online or fill out scammy forms. Victorinox's 13th Damast Edition gets upgraded scales & a Baldur-pattern Damascus blade. I love my Zippo and carry it around often as a EDC where it seems to be best suited but also anytime Im out in the woods camping. Everstryke Pro: Not widely available, and we think it looks cheaply made. The piezoelectric ignition is good for when your hands are cold and numb and the 2000 degree adjustable flame will get your fire going with ease. We like Survival Frog for their great customer service, but you can sometimes find the same-with-a-different-name Tactical Gear Plasma Lighter for a few dollars cheaper. This is probably the most critical of your choices. Dimensions 3.7 x 1.4 x 1.1 weighs 2.4 oz Make sure to check out the more detailed review here. Fuel Type: Butane
We own and use the $60 Maratac Peanut XL in titanium, and it is awesome. You can submit private feedback to editor@theprepared.com, See our testing of 40+ of the best backup fire starters Read more, We've purchased and tested over 50 of the best matches and waterproof containers.
One of the best things to look for in a survival lighter is whether or not it can survive a dip in a pool, pond, puddle, or ocean. Read more, Quick tips for finding in-stock and cheap ammo.
Reusability: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Fuel Cell. I would not trust this as a primary fire starting tool but as a backup to a back up I think it would do just fine. And thats exactly what you get out of the MecArmy X7S. Reusability: Refillable Waxed Tinder Sticks. A survival lighter isnt going to be of much use if you can only fill the reservoir once.It would be amazing if only one bad situation ever arose in our lives. Generally that means theres going to be some real tough terrain to mow through. Even the most basic survival lighter should have a bit of impact resistance. After all, once a match is struck and burned, it has no more ability to create or hold a flame. Yes, that means it needs to be refillable in some manner. The butane fuel is widely available and easy to fill lighters like this up. Despite all these drawbacks, some preppers like that these lighters can hang onto their fuel for a long time in storage. Numyth Tohil: If it were still on the market, wed consider the Numyth a decent alternative to the Maratac. There is not a lot of info on this particular lighter and this one seems to be the same as others sold under different branding. Butane lighters are loved by cigar smokers for their even, odorless flame. I like to think of the Zippo as a true end of the world lighter. The ability to use a wide range of fuels in Zippo-style lighters, however, still beats these electric versions for long-term preps. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Otherwise, check out the lighter below: This is one of those inexpensive Chinese plasma lighters that does the job of forming plasma arcs just fine. Aside from that it is an all around decent refillable butane lighter that operates just as you would expect. Water is the kryptonite of most lighters and matches so having one that can be fully submerged and still light is a definite bonus. There are specialty products (eg. Plasma lighters are great because they do not rely on fuel to generate the heat that the fire triangle requires. So, if you want to bump up the value of your bug-out bag or just make life easier in the case of a disaster, youll want to pick up one of the following 12 best survival lighters. Read more. Running off a 220 mAh 3.7 volt battery this lighter boasts being able to be used 300 times per charge. Same quality as a normal/Maxi BIC in a ~30% smaller package, just with fewer strikes. For anyone who is not as old school as myself or likes to run several backup ignition sources a plasma lighter like this is a good choice for your fire lighting needs. Resistances: IPX8 Waterproof, Impact-Resistant Namely, they are water, food, shelter, and access to fire. Resistances: Impact-Resistant, Waterproof Compact, durable, leak-proof, cheap, and lightweight. The piezoelectric ignition is rated for 30,000 uses even when wet so there is little risk of this lighter running out of spark. This lighter is not only water and windproof but also floats and is orange for high visibility. Resistances: Windproof, Splashproof, Impact-Resistant
My only gripe with lighters like this is that I fundamentally do not trust anything that runs on batteries.
This model comes encased in ABS plastic and has several other survival features in addition to the dual plasma arcs. You might be thinking to yourself, cant any lighter be considered a survival lighter? Being able to get a fire going quickly is essential, and to do that you need a dependable survival lighter that will light your tinder no matter what the conditions.
Granted, this isnt a lighter itself it has to be loaded with a disposable.
Not only does it allow you to get warm, dry, purify water, and cook food but it provides a source of comfort and an ancient method of keeping the boogeyman away. But, when youve put a disposable lighter inside of it, youll end up with a torch that turns that disposable lighter into a fire-starter that gets up to 2,300-degrees Fahrenheit, lasts for 60% longer, creates a windproof flame, and will burn for up to 20 minutes straight.