The Best Survival Lighters On The Market Today
Disposable lighters make fire.
And cheap lighters work most of the time.
But they’re a terrible choice for survival.
You can’t refill them; they’re not durable, water or wind-resistant.
So they’re NOT good enough for survivalists – like you and me.
And, as with most survival tools on the market today, there are better options.
Thousands of new badass flame-makers to choose from.
So today, I’ll tap into my adventuring and rescuing background to cut through the smoke and get to the flame of this topic:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Survival Lighters For Sale
Types Of Lighters For Survival
Types Of Fuels For Lighters
Best Survival Lighter Features
Starting A Fire With A Lighter
Do YOU Live In A 'Danger Zone' County? Find out NOW with my Danger Zone County Special Report - It's 100% FREE... Click here now for Access!
Best Survival Lighters On The Market Today
The sheer number of lighters you can buy is overwhelming.
But we’ve whittled the masses down to just nine top-notch survival lighters.
The ones that stand above the rest.
The ones that’ll serve your needs well and become one of your best companions in the wild:
Zippo lighters are iconic and have been dependable choices since their creation.
They're small, slick, and made of metal (which speaks to their durability).
Plus, Zippos come in tens of thousands of colors and designs - some options allow you to choose a personal design.
Their unique chimney design makes them particularly resilient lighters in windy conditions. And their adjustable wick allows users to control the size of the flame.
They also come with a rare lifetime warranty.
Zippos are a classic lighter and have been a great survival option since the 1930s.
And that's why they made the top of this list - seniority and experience.
One major flaw of the Zippo is they’re not waterproof.
But this flaw can be overcome with a slight addition.
↓ Waterproof Your Zippo Lighters ↓
Why not get 2 survival lighters with one purchase?
This bundle inclues1 USB chargeable ARC lighter and a butane torch lighter.
The package also includes 1 USB cable and 2 Lanyards.
The USB chargeable lighter is a perfect outdoor adventure tool.
The refillable butane torch lighter is better when you need to burn thicker branches or wood.
Both lighters also include a metal-ring sealed cover and locking clasp making them waterproof.
You also get a 1-year warrantee for both lighters.
This compact and rugged device is a true lifesaver in emergencies.
With its weather-resistant construction and durable design, the SURVIVE Permanent Match is built to withstand the toughest conditions Mother Nature throws your way.
Say goodbye to wet matches and unreliable lighters.
Fill the fuel chamber with lighter fluid, strike the flint, and voila!
You'll have a reliable flame that can ignite fires, and light stoves and keep you warm when it matters most.
↓ The Permanent Match By SURVIVE ↓
The titanLIGHT is built to withstand the harshest conditions, featuring a weatherproof design that keeps fuel from evaporating even under extreme heat or altitude.
Its rugged construction ensures durability and reliability, making it an essential companion for any survivalist or adventurer.
The innovative design allows for one-handed operation, providing quick and effortless fire ignition when needed.
And with its refillable fuel chamber, you can count on the titanLIGHT to prepare you for countless fire-starting situations.
↓ TitanLIGHT By Exotac Review ↓
You can count on the XIKAR Stratosphere II for high performance in windy or wet conditions.
Easy-grip rubber body and wind-proof flame.
It also has an easy-grip case that won't slip out of your hands even in a torrential downpour.
The Xikar 9660BK also has a lanyard hole and some rope to attach to your pack's outside if needed.
↓ Xikar Stratosphere Single Flame Butane Lighter ↓
With the TOPKAY Adjustable Butane Lighters, you'll have the power to ignite fires easily, even in the harshest conditions.
Whether you're camping, hiking, or need a reliable source of fire, these lighters have got you covered.
Featuring an adjustable flame control, you can effortlessly adjust the intensity to suit your needs, making them perfect for starting campfires, lighting stoves, or emergencies.
These lighters are built to last, thanks to their durable construction and high-quality materials.
The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing easy and precise handling.
Compact and lightweight, they easily fit into your pocket or backpack, making them portable and convenient to carry wherever you go.
↓ TOPKAY Torch Lighter Review ↓
The Urgrette 2 Pack Torch Lighter, is the ultimate companion for any survivalist or adventurer.
Its triple 3-jet flame is perfect for starting fires, lighting stoves, or even signaling for help in emergencies.
Crafted with high-quality materials, this butane gas lighter is built to withstand the toughest conditions. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, while the refillable feature ensures you never run out of fuel when needed.
This sleek, compact device boasts a windproof plasma arc lighter that can ignite anything from tinder to stoves with a simple click.
No more struggling with flimsy matches or unreliable lighters.
But that's not all!
The built-in LED flashlight illuminates your path in the darkest corners of the wilderness.
It's the ultimate combo, ensuring you're always ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
↓ Waterproof | Windproof Dual Arc Lighter And Flashlight Combo ↓
The GUEVARA Butane Torch Lighter features an integrated punch cutter, allowing you to prepare cigars or create emergency holes in various materials conveniently.
Its sturdy construction and ergonomic design guarantee a comfortable grip, even in challenging environments.
With its refillable butane tank, this lighter offers long-lasting functionality, while the transparent fuel window lets you monitor the fuel level effortlessly.
Whether camping, hiking, or tackling survival situations, the GUEVARA Butane Torch Lighter is an essential companion for any prepared individual.
↓ Guevara Double Torch Cigar Lighter Review ↓
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of windproof lighters and found them all to be more “wind-resistant” than anything.
The Tesla Lighter is a different breed - a flame-free, smoke-free, fuel-less lighter.
Try as hard as you want; you can’t blow out the twin plasma arcs.
Instead, they produce easy fire starts for all types of natural kindling.
The compact Tesla Lighter is an excellent addition to your everyday carry tools.
And a single charge (via USB) is enough to start hundreds of campfires!
↓ Tesla Lighter Review: Hands-On ↓
The key with this Tesla Lighter is to pair it with a Solar Power Bank.
Skilled Survival highly recommends the Anytime Charge Solar Power Bank.
Why? Because it’s one of the most durable, compact, and cost-effective portable solar chargers on the market today.
But don’t let its compact size fool you; it’s also got a massive battery capacity!
The massive battery storage is enough to charge any device multiple times.
Plus, with dual charging outputs, you can power multiple devices simultaneously!
Simply plug in your devices via the supplied USB cable (you can use any USB cable) and press the power button.
Your device will begin to take power from the Anytime Charge right away.
Recharging the Anytime Solar Bank couldn’t be easier – leave it in the sun, and it will automatically fill the large battery bank back up.
Plus, it’s splash resistant and comes with an emergency flashlight with a strobe function.
NOTE: When this article was published, you could snag some bonus Survival Tactical Flashlights For FREE when you buy multiple Anytime Solar Chargers.
Click here now to see if this deal is still available!
Best Survival Lighter Features To Look For
I can’t imagine what it was like for the first human to harness fire.
There’s no way they fully understood the implications.
Because harnessing the power of fire changed us forever…
Without fire, there’s no telling where humans might be today.
But it’s undeniable that fire has set us ahead of the pack.
It’s put us in a different league.
Today, fire remains as essential to our survival as it ever has.
We harness fire throughout our modern lives, from heating homes to powering vehicles.
And fire still holds the keys to our survival.
It’s a staple of outdoor living and emergency survival.
It’s become such a valuable resource; we’ve figured out how to put this mighty power in the palm of our hand.
No matter the exact style of lighter you prefer, there are a few common aspects all survival lighters share.
Refillable
Disposable lighters, by definition, are of the use and toss variety.
The goal for disposable lighter manufacturers is to make a tiny profit on each sale.
And they compete by making their product so cheap you buy and toss, buy and toss, over and over again.
But you can’t refill them.
Otherwise, you’d keep the lighter and refill it, and the companies would lose money.
So while you can buy 5 or 10 cheap disposable lighters to a single survival lighter, it’s not worth it in the long run.
Not only are you sacrificing quality and durability, but you’re wasting money over time.
With a survival lighter, you can ensure your lighter is never empty.
You can top it off before and after every adventure you go on and always keep a near-full lighter on you.
Never worry about your lighter dying in the middle of a trip again!
Plus, you’ll save money over the long haul with refillable lighters.
Using a refillable lighter means you’ll buy a can of fuel every few months instead of new lighters all the time.
The cheap nature of the disposable lighter means low-quality complements.
Durable
The great outdoors is not kind to cheaply made tools – especially in survival situations.
In my younger years, I broke several cheapo lighters scrambling over rocks or dropping them on the trail, only to get crunched underfoot.
Knowing your lighter can handle outdoor abuse is a major comfort.
And since there are lots of durable lighters out there, there’s no reason to risk it.
You get what you pay for when it comes to lighters, and durability is a significant survival advantage.
Water-Resistant
Water is fire’s ultimate enemy.
And the enemy of fire is the enemy of your lighter.
You’re out of luck if you drop a non-waterproof lighter in the snow or a puddle or try to use it in the rain.
And regular lighters take a long time to dry out and start working once they’re soaking wet.
Wind Resistant
A direct flame is like a torch, whereas an indirect flame is like a match.
BIC lighters use indirect flames, which can be a real pain in the wind.
The wind will puff your flame out like it’s nothing.
But a direct flame is less susceptible to blowouts.
Making it more efficient to start a fire fast.
Direct flame windproof lighters make far superior lighters.
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.Types Of Lighters For Survival
When you’re out there, battling Mother Nature’s wily ways, it pays to have a dependable flame-maker by your side.
But with so many types of lighters out there, how do you know which one to choose?
Fear not, I’m here to shed some light on the matter!
Butane Lighters: The Reliable Classic
Let’s start with the good ol’ butane lighter.
This trusty companion has been lighting campfires, and cigarettes for years.
It’s compact, portable, and usually comes in a variety of eye-catching colors (because when you’re stranded in the wild, you might as well be stylish!).
Just press the button, and presto!
You’ve got yourself a flame hotter than a summer romance.
Windproof Lighters: When Nature Gets Blustery
Nature has a way of throwing curveballs.
And one of its favorite tricks is a gust of wind that blows out your precious flame.
But fear not, for windproof lighters are here to save the day!
Equipped with fancy wind-resistant features like a sealed combustion chamber or a strong, focused flame, these lighters laugh in the face of gales.
And make lighting a fire a breeze.
Refillable Lighters: Environmentally Friendly Flames
If you’re an eco-conscious survivalist, refillable lighters are your jam.
These environmentally friendly marvels allow you to replenish your lighter’s fuel supply.
Thus, reducing waste AND keeping the flames alive.
Plus, they often come with nifty features like fuel level indicators or built-in tools.
So you can multitask like a boss in the great outdoors.
Arc Lighters: The Electric Revolution
Enter the arc lighter – the flashy cousin of traditional lighters.
These futuristic beauties create an electric arc between two electrodes, producing a flame hotter than the sun (well, almost).
No butane required here, my friends.
Just a rechargeable lithium battery that keeps on giving.
Just press a button, and voilà!
Your inner caveman will be toasty warm in no time.
USB Rechargeable Lighters: Power Up Anywhere
Gone are the days of running out of lighter fluid and being left in the dark.
With USB rechargeable lighters, all you need is a power source and a cable to keep the sparks flying.
Whether it’s a solar panel, your trusty power bank, or the dashboard of your survival vehicle.
You can keep these lighters juiced up and ready for action.
Dual Arc Lighters: Double the Fun
If one arc is good, two are even better!
Dual arc lighters feature two electric arcs that come together to form one intense flame.
It’s like having a mini welding torch in your pocket.
Perfect for those moments when you need to slice through some paracord, light a stubborn fire, or perform an impromptu magic trick.
Plasma Lighters: The Hot New Kid on the Block
Now, prepare to be amazed by the latest innovation in fire-starting technology – the plasma lighter!
These babies use plasma (yes, the same stuff in neon signs) to ignite your fire with an otherworldly blue flame.
No fuel, no butane, just pure electricity.
It’s like wielding the power of Thor’s lightning bolt in the palm of your hand.
Waterproof Lighters: A Flame for All Seasons
Nature is unpredictable, and sometimes survival situations call for waterproof gear.
Enter the waterproof plasma lighter, designed to keep your fire-starting game strong.
No matter how wet or wild things get.
Rain, snow, or a spontaneous dip in the river – these lighters laugh in the face of water and keep on sparking.
Tactical Lighters: Built to Survive
When you’re in the thick of it, you need a lighter that can handle the heat.
Tactical plasma lighters are built tough, with rugged exteriors, extra features like built-in tools or compasses, and durability that would make a tank blush.
These bad boys are ready to survive the harshest environments.
Types Of Fuels For Your Lighter
Have you ever wondered what fuels these fiery little heroes run on?
Well, gather ’round and let me illuminate you on the various types of fuels.
The stuff that keeps your lighters flickering and your wilderness adventures ablaze.
Butane: The Classic Companion
Ah, butane, the undisputed king of lighter fuels.
This hydrocarbon gas is the go-to choice for most lighters.
It’s highly flammable, odorless, and burns cleanly.
Butane provides a steady flame that can withstand a stiff breeze.
Thus making it a reliable partner when you’re battling the elements.
Propane: The Heavyweight Contender
If butane is the king, then propane is the heavyweight contender vying for the throne.
With a slightly higher heat output, propane is a force to be reckoned with.
It’s commonly used in torch lighters and is a favorite among those who demand a fierce and powerful flame.
Just be prepared for a shorter burn time compared to butane.
Propane has a voracious appetite.
Naphtha: The Old-Timer
Now, let’s step into the time machine and journey back to the days of yore when lighters were more of a luxury than a necessity.
Naphtha is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture.
It was the fuel of choice for those antique lighters your grandfather might have stashed away.
It’s highly volatile, and its distinctive odor can take you on a trip down memory lane.
However, naphtha’s popularity has waned in recent times.
There are safer and more convenient options stealing the spotlight.
Zippo Fluid: The Zippy Zest
Ahh, the Zippo lighter—is a timeless classic.
And what fuels this iconic piece of survival gear?
Why, Zippo Fluid, of course!
This special blend is formulated to optimize the performance of Zippo lighters.
It’s a refined naphtha-based fuel that boasts an improved odor profile.
And increased resistance to evaporation.
So, if you’re a proud owner of a Zippo, keep that trusty bottle of Zippo Fluid close at hand.
Electric Ignition: The Clever Contraption
Now, I can hear some of you grumbling in the corner, claiming that electric ignition isn’t fuel.
And while you may be technically correct, my clever compatriots, electric ignition lighters deserve an honorable mention.
These modern marvels use a built-in battery to generate a spark, eliminating the need for fuel altogether.
They’re rechargeable, reliable, and perfect for those who prefer a flameless ignition method.
Just don’t expect to start a bonfire with one of these bad boys.
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.
How To Start A Fire With A Lighter
Yes, lighters are simple tools.
They all use the same fundamental principles: heat and fuel.
The idea of creating a spark as a flame heat source and fuel to sustain it is an ancient one still harnessed today in modern lighters.
Take the Zippo lighter as an example; it has a canister full of butane and a wick that sticks out of the top.
When the striker sparks, the wick ignites.
Voila! Fire.
The same idea is achievable even without a lighter.
Of course, having a lighter on you makes it much easier to produce a flame, but only if you know what you’re doing.
Holding a large hot flame against a water-soaked log is futile.
So you still need to understand the basic principles of fire starting.
Here’s a rough and dirty guide:
- You need to start with a dry, fibrous fuel source called tinder (start with dried leaves, grass, cotton, juniper bark, feather sticks, or just tiny branches). You never want to try and light large chunks of wood to start – you must work up to that.
- Now put this tinder in a dry location out of the wind. While these survival lighters can produce a flame in wind and rain, catching flame to tinder is another problem.
- Now before you light your tinder, you need some kindling ready. If you light your tinder and try to find kindling, you’ll likely return to expired tinder. Then you’ll have to start over. You want tinder to start working on the kindling immediately as soon as it’s lit.
- Now it’s time to light the tinder. Hold the flame to the tinder until it’s lit. Then move the flame to other parts of the tinder to get another section of it lit. The more places you can get the tinder lite, the better chance of moving the flame from the tinder to the kindling.
- Finally, once the tinder is flaming, you may want to gently blow some fresh air into the base of the flame. This will provide some extra heat and help your kindling catch fire.
- If you’ve done this all right, you’ll now have your kindling starting to catch. Now it’s just adding more kindling and working in larger logs over time.
Easy enough, right? If you experience this, it’s a no-brainer.
However, you’ve likely learned this from your father, grandfather, or mentor.
This isn’t something we know how to do when we’re born.
o if you’re a novice fire starter, it can be challenging, especially in a stressful survival situation.
So practice with your lighters, stormproof matches, Ferro Rods, sticks, and rocks.
The Final Word
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas
Do not go unprepared into the night – ensure you’ve got a trusty lighter at your side!
Going into an emergency or the wilderness without one is dangerous.
Even if you can make sparks without one, your chances of survival go up when you pack a survival lighter in your bag.
I would recommend getting more than one. Keep one in your Bug Out Bag, another in your car, and a third on your person.
That way, you have a lighter no matter where you get stuck in a survival situation.
Fire is one of our most important survival resources, making survival lighters one of the most important survival tools you can ever own.
Do not take fire starting lightly.
Will Brendza
P.s. Do You Live In A 'Danger Zone' County?
Find out now using my Danger Zone County List & Special Report it’s absolutely FREE. In minutes you’ll know EXACTLY where you stand and if you should be worried or not..
So click here to get my FREE Danger Zone County List & Report….
Click on the image to get the List & Report for FREE and find out if YOU live in a 'Danger Zone' County...”
Recommended Reading
LifeStraw Review: An Expert Puts It To The Ultimate Test
Is The Popular Portable Water Filter "The Lifestraw"All It's Cracked Up To Be? Real World Lifestraw Water Straw Review.
Best Survival Bow: 16 Surprising Reasons YOU Should Get One
The Mighty But Unappreciated Survival Bow. It's Such A Great Survival Tool That I Was Able To Come Up With 16 Reasons To Own One And Learn Survival Archery.
Best Survival Hatchets Light Enough For Bugging Out
Not all hatchets are created equal. A quality survival hatchet can do tasks even a survival knife cannot. Here's the one I carry in my pack.
Best Survival Radios: Why You Must Secure One (before SHTF)
Be the ONE who knows what the hell is going on after SHTF. Here's how to set yourself up with a reliable survival radio in a future disaster.
Best EDC Flashlights: Small, Compact But Still Super Bright
Discover why the FireHawk is the best compact EDC flashlight on the market today. It's got everything you could want for everyday carry.
11 Proven DIY Survival Gear Projects ANY Fool Can Follow
DIY Survival Gear Doesn't Need To Be Hard Or Complex. The 11 Best DIY Survival Gear Projects Are Both Simple And Effective.