10 Best Lighters (EDC, Survival, Backpacking)

If you don't smoke do you even need to carry a lighter? I think so...

Lighters can be useful for survival, EDC (every day carry), and backpacking to name but a few uses. Heck...

Sometimes you just want to be able to light a pretty women's cigarette when she asks if you have a light.

And sure unless you are regularly out in the wild you won't need one for lighting a fire but let's be honest...

Lighters are pretty cool as well as being practical so it's handy to have one on your person.

But what's the best lighter? What lighter works best for EDC, survival, backpacking and other situations you find yourself in?

Here are the top lighter picks for whatever situation you find yourself in...

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Lets look at the first one...

1. Best Survival Lighter (Essential For Trips Into The Wild)

If you don't want to starve to death or die of hypothermia in the wild then having a lighter is obviously mandatory for overnight or longer trips.

I'd even recommend you carry one even for single day trips just in case of emergencies, you don't want to be caught out.

The Icfun Waterproof lighter listed below is a good choice because the rain doesn't seep in, it's windproof and flameless, as well as economic and eco-friendly. 

I like the fact it comes with a lanyard that you can wear around your neck so you don't lose it and it's always to hand in an instant.

Likewise the Tough Tesla 2.0 or the TG Plasma option are also solid choices. 

You can see the best survival lighter options here below...

Bestseller No. 1
2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighter Dual Arc Lighter Butane Electric Lighter USB Rechargeable Lighter Flameless Plasma Lighter Camping Hiking Adventure Survival Tactical Gear
  • 🏕️【WHAT YOU CAN GET】Package included: 1 usb ARC lighter + 1 butane...
  • 🌧【WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF】These 2 lighters are also built with...
  • 🔋【USB RECHARGABLE LIGHTER】The flameless dual-arc lighter is powered...
Bestseller No. 2
TG Plasma Lighter Windproof Waterproof USB Rechargeable Flameless Dual Arc for EDC Camping Survival Tactical
  • Silicone Rubber Casing
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer, 220mAh - 2 Hour Charge Time
  • Power: .81Wh, 3.7V USB Rechargeable (cable included)
Bestseller No. 3
Zoocura 2 Pack Waterproof Arc Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighter 360° Dual Arc Butane Lighter Electric USB Rechargeable Lighter Flameless Plasma Lighter Survival Camping Hiking Tactical Gear
  • 🏕️【2 PACK OUTDOOR LIGHTERS 】Package Included: 1 USB Arc lighter, 1...
  • ✅【360° DUAL-ARC】Unlike old built-in arc lighters, the dual-arc of...
  • 🔥【REFILLABLE GAS LIGHTER】The torch lighter can be filled with butane...

2. Best Torch Lighters (Great For Campfires & Bad Weather)

Torch lighters are designed to create a more intense and hot flame than a standard lighter does, as you'll notice by it's bright blue flame.

It's similar to a blowtorch but not quite as powerful and is typically used in kitchens for cooking and baking, however...

They can be great for lighting campfires especially in bad weather because they are less affected by wind and rain and can burn quicker and hotter. 

So if you have the space and available weight to carry one then consider a torch option, here's one of the best torch lighter choices below...

Bestseller No. 1
Pack of 4 Eagle Jet Gun Torch Lighter Windproof Refillable Lighter Assorted Color
  • Ideal for daily use and outdoor activities such as camping, fishing,...
  • Single Flame Torch Lighter, Windproof, Refillable and Flame Adjustable
  • Semi-Transparent Fuel Tank, Safety Lock, Easy Adjustment Lever
Bestseller No. 2
Samniu 4 Pack of Torch Lighter, Jet Flame, Butane Gas, Mini Refillable Windproof Lighters, for Candle, Fireplace, Grill (Gas not Included)
  • Important! Add gas in right way! (Gas not included!)
  • No problem to keep burning more than 60 seconds (better NOT for longer...
  • Large Visible Tank with 8g capacity.
Bestseller No. 3
Torch Lighters, 2 Pack, Butane Lighters, Adjustable Jet Flame Torch Lighters, Windproof Butane Refillable Gas Torch Lighter Long Lighter for Candle, Grill, BBQ, Fireworks(Butane Not Included) (Black)
  • 【WINDPROOF JET TORCH LIGHTERS】: This Turbo JET Flame Torch Lighter has...
  • 【SAFE AND DURABLE】: This Butane Lighter Nozzle with Copper Material was...
  • 【REFILLABLE&ADJUSTABLE TORCH LIGHTERS】: This Pen Torch Lighter is...

3. The Best EDC Lighters (Useful On A Day To Day Basis)

Even if you don't smoke then carrying a lighter for EDC can be useful from everything from burning receipts to lighting a cigarette for a pretty lady.

And one day it might just save your life if you ever need it. 

This PPFish Mini Brass Lighter below is a perfect example of one of the best lighters for EDC...

Bestseller No. 1
PPFISH Mini Brass Lighter - EDC Peanut Lighter Keychain - Waterproof Fire Starter Especially for Survival and Emergency Use
  • Superior Material - Made of H62 solid brass, sturdy and durable. CNC...
  • Satisfactory Sealing Performance - Super precision CNC cutting craft,...
  • Cool Design - Top Keychain design and mini size. This EDC lighter can be...
Bestseller No. 2
TG Plasma Lighter Windproof Waterproof USB Rechargeable Flameless Dual Arc for EDC Camping Survival Tactical
  • Silicone Rubber Casing
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer, 220mAh - 2 Hour Charge Time
  • Power: .81Wh, 3.7V USB Rechargeable (cable included)
Bestseller No. 3
Torch Lighters, 2 Pack, Butane Lighters, Adjustable Jet Flame Torch Lighters, Windproof Butane Refillable Gas Torch Lighter Long Lighter for Candle, Grill, BBQ, Fireworks(Butane Not Included) (Black)
  • 【WINDPROOF JET TORCH LIGHTERS】: This Turbo JET Flame Torch Lighter has...
  • 【SAFE AND DURABLE】: This Butane Lighter Nozzle with Copper Material was...
  • 【REFILLABLE&ADJUSTABLE TORCH LIGHTERS】: This Pen Torch Lighter is...

4. Best Rope Lighter (Aka Sheppard's Lighter or Sailors Lighter)

Rope lighters are known as several different names from Sheppard's to Sailors lighters and are designed to be windproof. 

You strike the sparkwheel which is attached to create the sparks which are caught on the attached rope and that lights the ember.

These are pretty interesting looking devices and you can see one for yourself below with this G2 Retro Rope Lighter...

Bestseller No. 1
Vintage Lighter Retro Trench Rattlesnake Rope Velvet Metal Lighter Fire Starter Camping Outdoors,No Need for Kerosene/Gas,#3
  • This mini lighter is convenient to carry anywhere(37.3g only),no need to...
  • It features high quality metal body and well-built interior structure and...
  • Usuage:just strike the attached flint wheel to create sparks, which are...
Bestseller No. 2
3PCS Windproof Rope Lighter Sailors Trench Vintage Lighter WWII Lighters Portable Survival Shepherds Lighter Outdoor Camping, No Need for Kerosene/Gas, Gifts Army Navy (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
  • Lightweight & Convenient: This mini rope lighter is convenient to carry...
  • How to use: just strike the attached flint wheel to create sparks, which...
  • This was typically used for lighting cigarettes which does not require a...
Bestseller No. 3
Rope Lighter Velvet Lighter Windproof Portable Survival Shepherds Lighter Outdoor Camping Source Vintage Tinder Lighters
  • 🔥With a new rope lighter, burn the end of the rope before using it with...
  • 🔥Just strike the attached flint wheel to create sparks, which are caught...
  • 🔥This mini lighter is convenient to carry anywhere, no need to refill...

2. Best Tactical Lighters (Don't Go Into The Wild Without One)

This is the sort of lighter you use if you're venturing out into the wilderness and want to be guaranteed you have a heat source and something to cook with or even to draw attention to yourself in an emergency. 

You can see an example below with this TG Plasma Lighter...

Bestseller No. 1
PyroVault 2.0 Lighter Armor Compatible with Zippo Inserts, for Protection, Less Evaporation, and Retention, Made in The USA (Urban (Dark Urban Grey + Black))
  • DUAL-WALL, DUAL-COLOR EXOSKELETON FITS LOTS OF LIGHTER INSERTS: Tough,...
  • EASY TO USE WITH ONE HAND: The PyroVault features a stainless torsion...
  • FULL GASKET SEAL: Keep fuel in while keeping water, dust and dirt out....
Bestseller No. 2
TG Plasma Lighter Windproof Waterproof USB Rechargeable Flameless Dual Arc for EDC Camping Survival Tactical
  • Silicone Rubber Casing
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer, 220mAh - 2 Hour Charge Time
  • Power: .81Wh, 3.7V USB Rechargeable (cable included)
Bestseller No. 3
2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighter Dual Arc Lighter Butane Electric Lighter USB Rechargeable Lighter Flameless Plasma Lighter Camping Hiking Adventure Survival Tactical Gear
  • 🏕️【WHAT YOU CAN GET】Package included: 1 usb ARC lighter + 1 butane...
  • 🌧【WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF】These 2 lighters are also built with...
  • 🔋【USB RECHARGABLE LIGHTER】The flameless dual-arc lighter is powered...

3. Best Grenade Lighter (They Just Look Cool!)

These are nothing more than novelty cigarette lights shaped to look like a grenade and whilst they could be used in survival and emergency situations they are more suited for every day use.

The Boaller Mini Model is a popular choice below to give you an example...

4. Best Windproof Butane Lighter (Aka Stormproof Lighters)

Exactly as it sounds on the tin, a Butane filled lighter that aims to be windproof so no matter the weather (even a storm potentially) you can start a fire, stay warm, and cook.

They aren't the most aesthetic looking lighters but they are practical, check out this Worthington 336737 WT2301 Trigger Start model below... 

SaleBestseller No. 1
USB Rechargeable Lighter,Windproof Arc Lighter Waterproof,Flameless Electric Lighter,Dual Arc Plasma Lighter with Emergency Whistle for Outdoor Adventure,Survival Tactical,Camping Gadgets (Orange)
  • ❤️Waterproof Lighter️ ▶ with metal-ring sealed plasma lighter cover...
  • ❤️Rechargeable Lighter️ ▶ it can be charged by laptop,power...
  • ❤️Survival Lanyard️ ▶ A paracord lanyard with an emergency whistle...
SaleBestseller No. 2
LcFun Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Lighter Dual Arc Lighter Electric Lighters USB Rechargeable-Flameless-Plasma Cool Lighters for Camping,Hiking,Adventure,Survival Tactical Gear
  • ❤️Waterproof Design ▶ waterproof lighter,metal-ring sealed lighter...
  • ❤️Multipurpose ▶ windproof and flameless,usb chargeable lighter,it is...
  • ❤️Economic & Eco-Friendly ▶ build-in rechargeable lithium battery,usb...
Bestseller No. 3
Extremus Blaze 360 Waterproof Lighter,Outdoor Windproof Lighter Dual Arc Lighter USB Rechargeable Flameless Lighter,Plasma Lighters for Camping,Hiking,and Outdoor Adventures, Black
  • 🌧【IPX7 Waterproof System】-Extremus waterproof lighter can start a...
  • 🍃【USB Rechargable Lighter】 – The windproof lighter is powered by a...
  • 🏕【Survival Lighter】 – We have included a paracord lanyard with a...

5. Best Multi-tool Lighter (Double Your Lighter Up As A Bottle Opener or Knife)

A lighter that doubles up as a "multi-tool" with a sharp knife, a micro screwdriver and a bottle opener so at the very least you'll be able to stay warm AND open a beer...perfect!

This LighterBro Multi-tool model is a perfect example...

Bestseller No. 1
LighterBro Slim Lighter Sleeve Multi-Tool - 420 Stainless Steel - Easily Fits Your Favorite Lighters - Includes Super Sharp Knife, Mini Screwdriver/Poker, Bottle Opener, & Key Ring (Silver)
  • LIGHTER SLEEVE & MULTI-TOOL: The LighterBro Slim multi-tool is the slimmer,...
  • HIGH-QUALITY: Made of precision-crafted 420 stainless steel and built for...
  • HANDY TOOL: Easily fits inside a pocket or purse ready to help you in a...
Bestseller No. 2
Lighter Case Stainless Steel Multi-Tool Bottle Opener/Scraper/Grinder/Packer/Picker/File for BIC Lighters
  • You always have your lighter on you - why not carry all of your tools?...
  • Bottle opener, scraper, grinder, packer, picker and file. Great for tobacco...
  • Standard size lighter fits snugly in this stainless steel lighter case....
Bestseller No. 3
LighterBro Pro Lighter Sleeve - Multi-tool - 420 Stainless Steel - Easily Fits Your Favorite Lighters - Includes Mini Pocket Knife, Ruler, Scissors, Screwdriver, Poker, Key Ring & More (Silver)
  • LIGHTER SLEEVE & MULTI-TOOL: The LighterBro Pro Lighter Sleeve is no...
  • A PRODUCT YOU CAN COUNT ON: We at LighterBro recognize that life today is...
  • CLEVER DESIGN: All of our products are engineered to the highest quality...

6. Best Vintage Trench Lighter (Carry a Classy Piece of History in your Pocket)

A trench lighter was created for soldiers in WW1 from spent bullet casings and scrap metal and were designed to be carried at all times so carrying one of these is not only a conversation starter but you'll be carrying a bit of history in your pocket. 

Check out this Yusud Vintage Trench Lighter for an idea of what these look like...

7. Best USB Electric Lighter (No Flame So Totally Weather Proof!)

A USB Electric lighter (also known as a "plasma lighter") is safer than a traditional lighter as it has no flame and instead uses electricity to light from the Tesla coil.

So if you're worried about burning the house down or your kids getting a hold of your lighter then this may be a good alternative.

Check out the REM Facio Lighter below to get a good idea of a better USB lighter model...

8. Best Gun Lighter (The Classic Novelty Lighter)

These are the classic novelty lighters, the gun lighter. 

As you know it's simply a lighter shaped like a gun which means they aren't all that practical for carrying outside of the home as you don't want to be waving one around in public really.

This Morisk Torch lighter is a good example...

Bestseller No. 1
Torch Lighter, Mini Gun Shape Design Jet Red Flame Lighter, Creative Windproof Gas Lighter with Keychain, Cool Adjustable Jet Torch Lighter, Refillable Butane Lighter for Outdoor Indoor(Red Copper)
  • 🔥【Exquisite Gun Shape Torch Lighter】This butane lighter guns design...
  • 🔥【Adjustment Butane Flame Size】This torch lighter has an adjustment...
  • 🔥【Butane Refillable】This butane lighter with universal refill...
Bestseller No. 2
Torch Lighter Butane Lighter Windproof Lighter Refillable Adjustable Jet Flame Gun Lighter for Candle Kitchen Grill BBQ Camping Jewelry Welding, Men Gift with Gift Box (No Gas) (Silver)
  • [Reliable & Safe]: 12cm x 9.8cm, This butane torch is made of zinc alloy +...
  • [Refillable & Adjustable Flame]: This butane lighter is refillable and very...
  • [Switchable Flame]: After installing the metal flame converter, the blue...
SaleBestseller No. 3
LIUGEYI Torch Lighter Butane, Windproof Gun Shape Butane Lighter, Red Flame Torch Lighters Butane, Adjustable Refillable Lighters (Butane Not Included) (Silver,Medium)
  • Made with high quality materials for leak free and long lasting use.For...
  • Universal refill valve,after you fill the lighter,please adjust the flame...
  • Adjustable flame height . Refillable butane fuel . More comfortable grab...

9. Best Backpacking Lighter (Light & Weatherproof)

Any backpacking lighter should be light, easy to carry, and wind-proof because for use in the wild it has to work when required or you risk your life.

The Waterproof USB Duak Arc Lighter below ticks most of the boxes for best backpacking lighters and there are other options too...

Bestseller No. 1
TG Plasma Lighter Windproof Waterproof USB Rechargeable Flameless Dual Arc for EDC Camping Survival Tactical
  • Silicone Rubber Casing
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer, 220mAh - 2 Hour Charge Time
  • Power: .81Wh, 3.7V USB Rechargeable (cable included)
Bestseller No. 2
Lafagiet Waterproof Arc Lighter, Outdoor Dual Plasma Arc Lighter, USB Rechargeable Flameless Electric Lighters for Camping, Hiking, Survival Tactical (Black)
  • 【Double arc lighter】USB Rechargeable lighter is eco-friendly and...
  • 【IP56 Waterproof Lighter】The Seal Cap make it have a good performance...
  • 【Easy to carry and charge】Easy to carry as a survival kits and small...

10. Best Refillable Lighter (Never Get Caught Without Gas)

It's no use going to use your lighter and realising the gas has ran out and it can't be refilled, especially when you're out in the wild!

So choosing a refillable lighter, and being sure to carry the extra gas for it, is a smart move. 

SaleBestseller No. 1
Zippo Flex Neck Utility Lighter, Unfilled Black
  • Durable metal construction
  • Wind resistant dual flame technology
  • Adjustable flame dial, flexible neck
Bestseller No. 1
Zippo 24651 All-In-One Kit Silver, One Size
  • Includes one street chrome lighter, one flint dispenser, one 4 ounce can of...
  • Lighter: Distinctive Zippo "click", windproof design, refillable for a...
  • Flints: 6 genuine flint dispenser; Fits all Zippo windproof lighters

The Best Lighters For Every Day Carry (EDC), Survival, Backpacking and More

This is a selection of the best EDC, survival and backpacking lighters ranging from practical to unusual to downright weird that beat lugging around a box of matches that are prone to going soggy and blow out too easily in the wind.

Some are useful just for smokers, others for use in the wild, and others are more for novelty but if you're going to carry a lighter around, especially if you don't actually smoke and it's just for show, then at least pick an interesting conversation piece that'll catch peoples eye.

Though if you think you'll ever need it to light a fire or cook food then pick a sensible option that will work when required. 

Bestseller No. 1
BIC Classic Lighter, Fashion Assorted Colors, 10-Pack
  • Child-resistant, Safe and reliable, 100% Quality Inspected
  • Up to 2 times the lights vs. the next full size leading brand
  • Every BIC lighter undergoes more than 50 separate, automatic quality checks...
SaleBestseller No. 3
BIC Multi-purpose Classic Edition Candle Lighters, Long Durable Metal Wand, Great For Candles, Grills and Fireplaces, Assorted Colors, 4-Count
  • Reliable & Safe, child-resistant, 100% quality inspected and long-lasting
  • Long durable metal wand keeps hands away from fire and retractable hooks...
  • Assortment of candle lighter handle colors may vary
SaleBestseller No. 5
honglu Lighter Electric Lighter, Candle lighters, USB Plasma Long Arc Lighters Rechargeable Lighter Safety Lock for Candle Cooking BBQs Fireworks No Butane Fuel - Black
  • INTELLIGENT CREATION CORE UPGRADE: we change the traditional ignition...
  • SAFETY PROTECTION DESIGN: The candle lighters built-in automatic power-off...
  • USB RECHARGEABLE & ECONOMICAL: USB cable included for your convenience to...

Last update on 2023-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API