11 Best Survival Lighters

The ability to create fire is one of mankind’s greatest achievements. Cooked food provides more nutrients than uncooked food, and many scientists believe that it’s this unique ability that enabled our ancestors to grow bigger, more powerful brains than the other great apes.

Thanks to those same big brains, we no longer have to rub a pair of sticks together just to start a fire. As a matter of fact, with a modern waterproof lighter, you can start a fire under just about any conditions. But with so many options available, how do you know what the best survival lighter is?

To help you find the best camping lighter, we’ve searched far and wide. In the end, we came up with fifteen options that we think are the most reliable on the market, whether you’re looking for a windproof lighter or an emergency tinder kit. Now let’s take a look at the best stormproof lighters!

11 Best Survival Lighters

1. Q&G Dual Arc

The Q&G Dual Arc Lighter recharges via USB, a unique and quirky feature on any lighter.

Key Features

• Electric lighter
• ABS and zinc alloy construction
• Large closing clasp
• Rechargeable USB battery
• Weighs 1.8 ounces
• Available in 8 colors

The Q&G Dual Arc Lighter is a perfect choice for backpacking, hiking, or hunting. It uses an internal lithium-ion battery instead of liquid fuel, which means you don’t need to worry about refilling, or about your fuel drying out while your lighter is in storage. The battery recharges via USB, which makes it easy to recharge just about anywhere, including anywhere you can charge your cell phone.

This lighter is operated with a simple push-button, which eliminates the need for wheels or other more complex controls. It also features a blue LED light, which indicates when the power is turned on or off.

The Dual Arc Lighter is a great choice for kayaking, canoeing, or any activity that involves going out in wet conditions. The outer housing is constructed from a corrosion-resistant zinc alloy, while an O-ring seal protects the inner elements from flooding or fog. And even when exposed, the element remains hot enough to light dry tinder even in 80-degree winds, so you can use this lighter under any conditions.

Pros

• Waterproof and windproof
• USB rechargeable
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Small heat source

This rechargeable lighter is a solid choice if you don’t want to deal with fuel.

2. Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter

For the outdoorsy bunch, the Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter is designed with adverse weather in mind.

Key Features

• Emergency Whistle Cord End
• 5000F Degree Sparks
• 15,000+ strikes

This lighter contains 5000 F degree sparks, which are hot enough to ignite several types of tinder. It is a versatile lighter with more than 15,000 strikes, includes a bottle opener, hex wrench, micro ruler, map scale, and a sharp spine scraper.

You’ll always be ready for the unexpected, thanks to the striker tool that comes with it and is tied to the lanyard. It is fitted to the Ferro rod by a 48″ braided paracord lanyard for quick and simple retrieval and use.

Pros

• Compact and Portable
• Great grip
• Easy retrieval

Cons

• Some users felt it is hard to spark

Unlike matches, which can get wet or be blown out by the wind, the fire steel is weatherproof, making it a better choice for starting a fire outside. With this foolproof fire steel, you can stay warm and keep the wild animals at bay.

3. Tough Tesla Lighter 2.0

The is electric and rechargeable—ideal for the frugal eco-lovers and perfect for backyard barbecues, camping, and survival.

Key Features

• Electric
• Waterproof and windproof
• Multi-purpose

Ignited by just a touch of a button, the Tough Tesla Lighter 2.0 comes with a built-in USB charging port. It is packaged with a cable to charge your lighter anywhere, even on the go, in just 2 hours.

Having a 10-second safety time-out, it can be used 300 times on a single charge. Along with a three-setting flashlight, it also has an emergency whistle and a para-tinder lanyard for starting fires quickly. It is an easy-to-use lighter; you simply touch anything flammable to the top-facing dual arc.

Pros

• Rechargeable
• Easy to use
• Has a 6-month “Any Reason” Refund Guarantee

Cons

• Designed for U.S. electric outlets

Made using plastic and metal, it is an all-weather must-have, working wonderfully in rainy or windy conditions.

4. Plasma Electric Lighter

Outdoor enthusiasts must own this outstanding multi-purpose lighter that works as a fire starter, camping accessory, survival tool, and lighting barbeques.

Key Features

• Rechargeable
• Emergency whistle
• Lightweight

It can conveniently be charged by a laptop, power bank, car or other power source with the included USB cable, which takes up to 2 hours to charge fully. It is perfect for any weather because it has a metal-ring sealed waterproof lighter cover and locking clasp.

For an unexpected survival situation, it is designed with a paracord lanyard with an emergency whistle. The lanyard can also be used as a pyrophoric to start a fire rapidly and for other things like knife hilts and field (outdoor) strapping.

Pros

• Economic
• Convenient
• Holds charge

Cons

• Not compatible with all outlets

It is lightweight and small, and easy to carry. Made with high-quality ABS and Zinc Alloy material, this lighter is durable.

5. UCO Stormproof Match Kit

Unless you’re going back to the 1950s, we’ve gradually stopped using matchsticks—the UCO Stormproof brings you closer to using the real thing but is more reliable.

Key Features

• Wind and waterproof matches
• Submersible
• Replaceable stickers
• Durable case
• No-slip grip

An O-ring on the UCO Stormproof case creates a waterproof seal that protects the matches and strikers from moisture. If the matches become wet, dry them off before lighting them, and strike on a dry striker to start the fire. The UCO Stormproof Match Kit comes with three easily replaceable strikers. In harsh weather, the case is ribbed for grip and floats.

Pros

• Floating case
• Waterproof matches
• Matches burn for up to 15 seconds

Cons

• Cannot be used for long

Even in the highest winds, UCO Stormproof Matches will ignite and burn for up to 15 seconds.

6. RONXS 

Where lighter meets style, the Ronxs Electric lighter is made by a brand conscious of its impact on the planet.

Key Features

• LED Battery Display & Larger Capacity Lighter
• Longer Flexible Neck & Lightweight
• Wind & Splash Proof

This device is fitted with an updated arc lighter to show the battery volume in real-time. It’s fully charged when all five LED lights on the barrel illuminate. On a full charge, a USB lighter has around 600 uses.

This lighter has a long, flexible neck, which is 4 inches long and can rotate 360 degrees, making it the perfect tool for lighting stoves and candles. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. And its wind and splash-proof design protect the electric pulse from being blown out by strong wind or wet weather.

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Lightweight
• Quieter compared to other lighters

Cons

• High maintenance

RONXS’s is certified safe, using leading tech and a multi-protect safety system to ensure complete protection for you and your lighter.

7. BIC Classic

This item is a collection of 10 vintage BIC lighters in different trendy hues. And with new special edition series coming out every year, you’ll find your favorite to match.

Key Features

• Child-resistant
• Fashion assorted colors

BIC lighters are child-resistant. It can’t be opened, tampered with, or damaged by a child—keeping them safe.

BIC guarantees its users quality by having over 50 automated quality checks performed on each lighter during manufacturing. On top of that, all BIC lighters comply with or exceed the lighter safety requirements set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and other governmental organizations.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Guaranteed Quality
• Value for money

Cons

• Assortment may vary

BIC Pocket Lighters provide up to twice as much light as the next full-size leading brand. They are perfect as a birthday gift or any festive season.

8. Zippo

The Zippo Matte is a true classic that requires no introduction.

Key Features

• Lighter fluid lighter
• Steel and aluminum construction
• Windproof
• Weighs 2 ounces
• Available in 14 colors

The Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter is one of the most popular lighters on the market, and it should be no surprise. Zippo is one of the most respected brands in the world of lighters, and their matte pocket lighter is the bread and butter of their lineup.

The matte texture isn’t just a way to keep the price down; it’s also a feature. The texture is light and easy to slip into a pocket, while still providing enough grip to make the lighter easy to handle in heavy rain, or when your hands are sweaty.

This lighter is available in 14 different colors and comes with a plastic storage case that will keep dust and moisture out. The frame itself is 100 percent stainless steel, and refilling is easy. Simply pull the lighter out of the case, and you’re ready to soak down the cotton insert. Wicks, flints, and inserts are all readily available, so you’ll have no issues replacing parts on this versatile lighter.

Pros

• Exceptionally durable design
• Windproof
• Easily replaceable parts
• Affordable

Cons

• Not waterproof

If you want to be able to buy replacement parts for your lighter 50 years from now, any Zippo is a good choice.

9. Exotac FireSLEEVE

The Exotac FireSLEEVE is 100 percent waterproof, even if it’s submerged for 30 minutes.

Key Features

• Non-refillable butane lighter
• Black or orange and black PVC construction
• Waterproof
• Floats in water
• Weighs 0.3 ounces

The Exotac FireSLEEVE was designed for kayaking and canoeing, but it’s ended up becoming a popular option for backpackers, hikers, hunters, and everyone else who needs a reliable source of flame. This lighter is waterproof enough to withstand 30 minutes of submersion in water and will float on the surface if you drop it.

This lighter is made in the USA and has a locking feature that enables you to keep the flame running without the need to keep the button held down. This is useful if you’re trying to light a large fire, and want to light multiple points on the tinder.

The Exotac is a great choice for carrying a lightweight heat source that’s impervious to water. It’s hot enough to light a large campfire, as well as to light a thick cigar. If you want a powerful, versatile lighter, the FireSLEEVE will do everything you need to do.

Pros

• Excellent protection from the elements
• The secure, rubbery grip
• Affordable

Cons

• Not refillable

This floating, waterproof lighter is an ideal choice for canoeing or kayaking.

10. UST TekFire

The UST TekFire is a lightweight electric lighter that recharges from any standard USB port.

Key Features

• Electric lighter
• Orange ABS plastic construction
• USB rechargeable
• Latching lid
• Paracord wrist lanyard
• Weighs 1.9 ounces

The UST TekFire is a lightweight, easy-to-use lighter that’s a solid choice for camping, hunting, or backpacking. It uses an electric arc to produce a powerful heat source that’s resistant to wind and moisture. The only weakness this lighter has is the USB charging port, which doesn’t have a seal, and can collect dirt and grit which can require cleaning.

This lighter is otherwise fully rubberized and comes with a  lanyard attachment for safe, secure transport. It also features a compact, lightweight battery, which is easy to recharge, and which doesn’t require any fuel for operation. A green LED light indicates when it’s turned on, so you know when you’re actually draining the battery.

Pros

• Waterproof and windproof
• Secure lid
• Affordable

Cons

• USB port can collect dirt

This is one of the most weatherproof electric lighters on the market.

11. Xikar Stratosphere II

The Xicar Stratosphere II is thick, chunky, and built like a brick house.

Key Features

• Butane lighter
• Black or clear fiberglass-reinforced nylon construction
• Includes a lanyard
• Spring-loaded flip-up lid with button catch
• Weighs 4 ounces

The Xicar Stratosphere II is a tough, durable lighter that’s designed to take a lot of abuse. The thick, fiberglass-reinforced nylon body weighs a full quarter-pound but is nearly impervious to drops, so you’ll have a lighter that can handle anything you can dish out.

The rubberized grip is easy to carry, and you’ll also have hands-free carrying options thanks to the built-in lanyard. Tie this lighter to your backpack, loop it around your belt, or throw it in your pack. No matter what, it will be ready and raring to go.

A refillable butane fuel chamber provides plenty of storage for dozens of lights, and the flame itself is windproof and waterproof. No matter what kind of weather you’re camping in, the Stratosphere II will be more than capable of getting the job done.

Pros

• Rugged design
• Easy to refill
• Easy to carry

Cons

• Heavy

If you want the most durable survival lighter you can get your hands on, this is a good choice.

Bottom Line

So, which one of these lighters is the best? It depends on what you need.

Many people prefer the reliability of an old-school lighter fluid lighter like a Zippo and other similar brands. These lighters will never fail you, and replacement wicks, flints, and fuel are all widely available. That said, they don’t stand up well to water, and the fluid evaporates after just a couple of months in storage.

On the other end of the spectrum, electric lighters are very popular for their performance under all weather conditions. They’re also stable for up to a few years in storage, although that’s going to vary depending on conditions. In addition, replacement parts are hard to find, so when something breaks you’ll usually have to replace the whole lighter.

Whether you need one of these options or a middle-of-the-road butane lighter depends entirely on how you’re using your lighter. For everyday use, a fueled lighter is more reliable, but electric lighters are oftentimes a better choice if you only use your lighter intermittently.

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