Whether you’re using it for camping, hiking, or keeping it in an emergency kit just in case the worst happens, you need to know that your survival lighter is going to work.
The wrong survival lighter could leave you stranded without a flame, which, depending on your circumstances, could mean you’re in for a very cold, hungry night in the wilderness.
So, how do you pick the right survival fire starter? This article will show you how to choose a high-quality survival lighter.
Key Takeaways
- Essential Tool for Survival: A survival lighter is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and emergency preparedness kits.
- Portability Matters: The ideal survival lighter should be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Durability is Key: Look for a survival lighter that can withstand harsh conditions, including being dropped or submerged in water.
- Fuel Efficiency: Refillable lighters, like the EverStryke Match Pro, offer long-term utility. They are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly.
- Waterproof Qualities: A good survival lighter should be waterproof or at least water-resistant to ensure it works in all conditions.
- Wind Resistance: Opt for lighters with a direct flame similar to a blowtorch for better wind resistance.
- Ease of Use: In emergency situations, you don’t want to fumble around. A straightforward, easy-to-use lighter can make all the difference.
- Additional Features: While not necessary, features like floating capability and easily replaceable wicks add extra value.
- Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to invest in a high-quality lighter that meets all these criteria rather than settling for a cheaper, less reliable option.
Table of Contents
- What Is A Survival Lighter?
- What Makes a Good Survival Lighter?
- The Best Survival Lighter
- Conclusion
- FAQs for Survival Lighters
- Why is a survival lighter important for outdoor adventures?
- How does a survival lighter differ from a regular lighter?
- What are the different types of survival lighters?
- How do you choose the best survival lighter?
- How do you maintain a survival lighter?
- Can survival lighters be taken on airplanes?
- Are survival lighters expensive?
What Is A Survival Lighter?
A survival lighter is a tool designed for outdoor use, particularly in survival situations. It’s typically waterproof, windproof, and built to withstand harsh conditions. Survival lighters are essential for starting fires for warmth, cooking, and signaling for help.
Types of Survival Lighters
When choosing a survival lighter, it’s important to understand the different types available and their pros and cons. Here are the main categories:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable Butane Lighters | – Inexpensive and widely available – Lightweight and compact – Easy to use with adjustable flame | – Prone to being blown out by wind – Limited to lighter fluid and will eventually run out |
| Refillable Fuel Lighters | – Can be refilled with lighter fluid or naphtha – Durable metal construction – Iconic design with a windproof flame | – Fuel evaporates over time, requiring more frequent refills – Heavier than disposable lighters |
| Torch Lighters | – Resistant to wind and rain – Adjustable flame for precision – Refillable with butane | – More expensive than standard lighters – Bulkier and heavier than disposables |
| Electric Arc Lighters | – No fuel required, just recharge via USB – Windproof and splashproof – No risk of running out of fuel | – Requires access to electricity to recharge – More expensive up front |
| Plasma Beam Lighters | – Rechargeable battery power – Highly windproof and waterproof – Unique hi-tech design | – Higher price point – Slightly bulkier than other electric lighters |
| Permanent Match Lighters | – Compact, lightweight metal construction – Waterproof and windproof – Refillable with lighter fluid | – Slower to light than standard lighters – Fuel evaporates like with Zippos |
As you can see, each type of survival lighter has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of weather resistance, ease of use, durability, weight, and cost. The right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Many preppers opt to include multiple types in their kits for redundancy and flexibility.
What Makes a Good Survival Lighter?
There are five very important qualities that set the best survival lighter apart from a regular lighter that you could get at any store.
- A survival lighter must be waterproof or, at a very minimum, water-resistant. You could drop it in a lake, and when you retrieve it, it must still work as well as always,
- A survival lighter needs to be durable. You’ll be bringing your lighter into situations where anything could happen. It must survive being dropped, stepped on, or smashed. And it needs to be made of a material that will not rust, like stainless steel or impact-resistant plastic.
- Survival lighters need to be easy to carry around. The smaller and lighter, the better.
- A survival lighter should provide a direct flame. Think “blow torch” rather than a regular lighter’s flame. This is because a torch lighter is more wind resistant and will still be able to use the lighter in bad weather, like high wind or rain. That’s why a torch lighter is commonly known as a windproof lighter.
- A survival lighter needs to be easy to use. The last thing you want in an emergency situation is to fumble around trying to figure out how to use your survival lighter to start a potentially life-saving fire.
In addition, some features are nice to have in an emergency lighter without being absolutely necessary. A survival lighter that floats, in addition to being waterproof, will help ensure you don’t lose it on a boating trip.
Investing in a refillable survival lighter will save you money in the long run, as you will only need to purchase fuel. See our post How To Refill Butane Lighters.
The Best Survival Lighter
There is a survival lighter that provides all of these qualities and more.
The EverStryke Match Pro (also known as the Life Strike Lighter) passes every one of these tests with flying colors.
It is a highly durable survival lighter made from stainless steel. In addition to being able to survive being dropped, even from high distances, it is tough enough to continue working after being run over by a truck.
It can take anything that you or Mother Nature throws at it.
Of course, it is waterproof too (thanks to the o-ring seal). It works immediately, even after it has been completely soaked in water.
That means that you’ll always be able to start a fire no matter the weather. And this lighter is perfect for boating trips because you never have to worry about dropping it in the lake.
It is small and light. You can fit it in your pocket or clip it to your bag. The flame it provides is direct and powerful.
It is also refillable and has an easily replaceable wick, so it will be useful year after year.
Conclusion
The EverStryke Match Pro lighter clearly fulfills all the requirements for an effective and dependable survival lighter.
Durable, lightweight, waterproof, and refillable, it has everything you need whether you’re camping or building an emergency kit.
Tip: Learning how to use a survival fire-starting tool like a ferro rod is always a good idea, just in case you don’t have a survival lighter available. And be sure to check out our day hike checklist for a list of must-have emergency supplies for your bug-out bag.
FAQs for Survival Lighters
Why is a survival lighter important for outdoor adventures?
Survival lighters are crucial for outdoor adventures because they provide a reliable source of fire. Fire is essential for warmth, cooking food, purifying water, warding off wild animals, and signaling for help. A survival lighter is designed to work in various weather conditions, making it a reliable tool in the wilderness.
How does a survival lighter differ from a regular lighter?
Survival lighters are designed to be more durable and reliable than regular lighters. They are often waterproof, and windproof, and can operate in a wider range of temperatures. Some survival lighters also come with additional features like a built-in flashlight or emergency whistle.
What are the different types of survival lighters?
There are several types of survival lighters, including butane lighters and electric arc lighters. Butane lighters use a liquid fuel that ignites when it comes into contact with a spark. Electric arc lighters use electricity to create a spark.
How do you choose the best survival lighter?
Choosing the best survival lighter depends on your specific needs and the conditions you expect to encounter. Consider factors like durability, weather resistance, ease of use, and fuel type. Reading reviews and product specifications can also help you make an informed decision.
How do you maintain a survival lighter?
Maintaining a survival lighter involves keeping it clean, dry, and properly fueled. Regularly check the lighter for any damage and repair or replace parts as necessary. For butane lighters, ensure you use high-quality butane to prevent clogging. For electric arc lighters, keep the electrodes clean and the battery charged.
Can survival lighters be taken on airplanes?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows certain types of lighters in both carry-on bags and checked bags, but this can vary depending on the airline and the type of lighter. It’s always best to check with your airline and the TSA guidelines on flammables before traveling with a survival lighter.
Are survival lighters expensive?
The cost of survival lighters can vary widely based on the type, brand, and features. However, there are options available for every budget. Remember, investing in a high-quality survival lighter can be a lifesaving decision in an emergency situation.
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