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Top 10 Best Survival Lighters – Emergency Fire Starters
There was a time when a well-appointed gentleman’s ensemble wasn’t complete without a sleek Zippo lighter tucked away in a suit pocket. Today, however, no survival kit is up to standard without a heavy duty survival lighter. Whether you are a lover of the rugged outdoors or simply wish to prepare for the worst, a survival lighter can literally be what stands between you and an uncertain fate.
Since the earliest days of man fire was the #1 means of sustaining life, providing everything from warmth to light to cooking assistance. While most of us enjoy a relatively luxurious existence thanks to the bounty of technology, that doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself in unexpected–and decidedly more primitive–circumstances at some point.
Survival lighters come in a wide variety of styles and materials, and boast a number of components geared towards specific concerns. Water, wind, and altitude resistance, as well as superior piezoelectric ignition are just some of the qualities you can depend on with a survival lighter.
Survival lighter flame temperatures can reach up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit, with the capacity to burn at any angle desired, even from the bottom up. Weight can vary depending on the make and purpose, but generally survival lighters are extremely lightweight and easy to carry, taking up minimal space while providing a substantial means of assurance.
One can never fully prepare for what the future holds, but top 10 best survival lighters ensure a degree of safety and comfort that is well worth the investment. A man’s personal arsenal may be worth its weight in gold, but his and his loved ones’ lives are priceless. This season why not be the man who comes prepared for anything life throws his way?
Best Survival Lighters
Best Buy
1. Zippo Emergency Fire Kit
Easy fire starting capabilities with the Zippo EFK emergency fire kit. It’s buoyant ABS plastic construction and water proof O-ring canister design make it a camping and survival must have. Grip is sure thanks to a textured design of the body.
Features a Zippo flint wheel capable of up to 1,700 all-weather sparks for each of the five included paraffin waxed spark tinders. Tinders burn up to five minutes. Keep it secure by utilizing the lanyard hole molded on the side of the screw top.
2. Exotac Firesleeve Ruggedized Waterproof
Everyday lighters are notorious for getting wet or damp flints and not working. Another common problem is that they can burn the user if they need to keep a steady flame to burn something. The Exotac fireSLEEVE’s plastic cap-and-body design encapsulates a traditional Bic lighter, transforming it into a waterproof, buoyant fire source that’s still effective even after being submerged for half an hour in three feet of water.
It prevents accidentally depressing the gas and letting all the precious fuel out, but it also has a feature that allows the gas to be depressed and then locked in hands-free mode. Note that the design is specifically made for classic Bic lighters only.
3. True Utility Fire Stash Multi Tool
At just 0.6 ounces and 2.83 x 0.67 x 0.55in, the compact ultra lightweight design of the True Utility Fire Stash still manages to hold a powerful fire tool. And, it’s waterproof via a neoprene O-ring.
The top of the cylinder canister features a quick-release clip ring for easy attachment to gear or key ring. Unscrew the lid to find the lighter housing, which has a flat bottom enabling it to stand upright hands-free. Refill is with standard butane lighter fluid. It does not come pre-filled.
4. Zippo Matte
The matte lighter by Zippo comes in a variety of colors, each electrostatically powder coated atop a brass casing, laser hinged, guaranteed for life by the manufacturer, fingerprint resistant, scratch resistant, refillable with lighter fluid, and windproof.
The shape is rectangular with rounded corners and a flat surface bottom. Distinguishing marks include a 16-hole chimney and a laser stamping of the logo on the bottom of the lighter. Wicks and flints are replaceable. Made in the USA product.
5. Single Jet Flame Torch
While these lighters scream tactile, they remain easy to use and versatile for all occasions. The pack includes four single torch jumbo lighters in various colors that are fueled and ready to go. Each are four inches tall, with a refillable gas reservoir as the cylinder body and a torch head that flames on the opposite side from the ignition button.
The large gas reservoir is color-tinted, but fuel level remains easily visible for refill purposes. There’s a safety trigger to prevent accidental burns. Flame can easily be adjusted with a swipe lever on the side.
6. Uco Stormproof Torch
The Stormproof Torch Lighter by UCO comes in two design options. Option one has 3 ft of utility tape attached to the lighter that can be used for metal, fabric, and plastic repairs, seals, or labeling. Option two comes with a bottle opener attached to the base. Both feature the same triple jet, windproof, adjustable flame from a piezo-electric ignition system that’s good for around 30,000 strikes.
The fuel chamber holds around 700 ignitions and can be refilled with standard butane. It does not come pre-filled. It’s ABS and silicon waterproof construction weighs in at 3.4 ounces and measures 1.87 x 1.25 x 4.12 inches. Whether a leisurely outdoorsman or an avid survivalist, the aluminum carabiner feature makes for reliable transporting and retention of this tool.
7. Ust Brands Tekfire Fuel Free
Hold on to the flameless, windproof, waterproof, electronic TekFire by its paracord wrist lanyard, which can be unwound for three feet of cordage for a multitude of survival uses from first aid to fishing line. It’s powered by a 200 mAh lithium ion battery that’s recharged via an included USB cable.
Absolutely no fuel is needed for operation. Ignition is through a high voltage flameless electric arc, making it ideal for windy and altitude-sensitive environments. Features an inset push button starter on the body of the lighter with a 10 second timeout and flipping lid with locking system.
8. Windmill Awl All Weather
The aluminum constructed AWL All Weather lighter is rugged, dependable, and waterproof. The look is sleek and high-caliber military. It’s windmill blue-flame torch design is windproof. Features include a flippable lid top with an optional safety latch, adjustable flame, refillable butane tank, and ignition by depressing a click button.
9. Xikar 9660bk Stratosphere II
The XIKAR Stratosphere II is a high performance lighter with a discrete and easy-grip body design. It’s rubber body construction makes it very durable and helps protects against drop damage. Also features a spring-assisted flip lid with button catch, a refillable butane fuel chamber, and an attached lanyard hole. Depress the ignition button for a single blue torch jet flame that’s wind proof. Does not come pre-filled.
10. Zippo Emergency Fire Starter
The award-winning Zippo emergency fire starter kit offers a starter with a reliable Zippo flint wheel ignition. Flint may be changed out to prolong the life of the kit. Four water-resistant waxed tinder sticks with a perforated spine are included.
The rubber storage case is visually similar to a Zippo and features a snap-tight, water-resistant O-ring seal. The compact and buoyant design makes it a camping and survival favorite.
