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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10 Best Lighters For EDC, Survival, Backpacking (And Just About Every Other Situation)
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...
- 🏕️【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...
- ❤️Waterproof Design: waterproof lighter, metal-ring sealed cover and...
- ❤️Multipurpose: windproof and flameless, usb chargeable lighter, it is...
- ❤️Economic & Eco-Friendly: build-in rechargeable lithium battery, usb...
- A Great Equipment: Samniu lighter can be refilled by butane gas but also...
- Wind proof & Strong jet flame: It can easily generate high-pressure jet...
- Refillable & Adjustable flame: The inner tank can be took out to refill...
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...
- 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.
- 4 X Eagle Jet Torch Adjustable Flame Lighter.
- Approximately 4.5'' tall.
- Refillable. Single torch.
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...
- 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...
- CREATIVE UNIQUE LIGHTER - Pull out the “match” quickly, and...
- EASY TO CARRY - Keep it on your keychain, or put it in your pocket,...
- REFILLABLE - Simply rotate the tank cover refill it with lighter...
- 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....
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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 🔥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...
- Silicone Rubber Casing
- Battery: Lithium Polymer, 220mAh - 2 Hour Charge Time
- Power: .81Wh, 3.7V USB Rechargeable (cable included)
- 🔥【Refillable & Adjustable Flame】-- The butane torch lighter can...
- 🔥【Powerful Flame & Windproof】-- The jet lighter adopted heat...
- 🔥【Exquisite Gift】-- Lighter full metal casing is made of high...
- 🏕️【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...
- HHB Eclipse Single Jet Flame Torch
- Features Grenade Style Design & Assorted Colors
- Each Order Includes (2) Lighters (Colors Selected By Seller.)
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...
- ✨【Safe Rechargeable Lighter】 – Extremus fameless lighter can start...
- 🎉【Multi-Purpose Electric Lighters】 – The Extremus Electric...
- 🌧【IPX7 Waterproof Lighter】-Extremus waterproof electric lighter can...
- ❤️Waterproof Design: waterproof lighter, metal-ring sealed cover and...
- ❤️Multipurpose: windproof and flameless, usb chargeable lighter, it is...
- ❤️Economic & Eco-Friendly: build-in rechargeable lithium battery, usb...
- ❤️Waterproof Lighter: IP56 waterproof, with metal-ring sealed cover and...
- ❤️USB C Rechargeable Lighter: A convenient Type-C charging port, fully...
- ❤️Survival Lanyard: A paracord lanyard with an emergency whistle is...
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...
- TRANSFORM YOUR LIGHTER INTO A MULTITOOL MASTERPIECE: Our durable and...
- FITS BOTH BIC AND CLIPPER LIGHTERS SEAMLESSLY: Save the time, space,...
- IDEAL FOR A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES: Our multi-tool lighter case is great for...
- ➤ EDC Belt Organizer: The leather multitool sheath offers a better way to...
- ➤ High Quality Leather: This EDC pocket organizer is handcrafted from...
- ➤ Dimensions: The multitool sheath size of 6.2 x 5.8 x 1 inches, equiped...
- All-In-One Gadget: This All-In-One Multitool contains of 5 different small...
- Makes a great Gift: This extremely versatile gear is the perfect gift for...
- Multiple Applications: Definitely a useful small gadget to your daily life...
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...
- Creative Ignition Design: This vintage trench Lighter is built with a...
- Transparent Fuel Tank: This trench lighter’s clear fuel tank provides a...
- Premium Quality: Made of durable metal with a vintage finish, this kerosene...
- Unique Antique Lighter : Transparent bottle design makes the lighter...
- Fluid Refillable Design : Visible transparent tank design, always grasp the...
- Rocker Arm Kerosene Lighter : Press the lever, automatically open the...
- 🔥🔥🔥【Portable&Windproof】The antique lighter can be put in your...
- 🔥🔥🔥【Multipurpose】It is suitable for hiking, fishing, dog...
- 🔥🔥🔥【High-quality】 The classic brass lighter is spring-loaded,...
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...
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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...
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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...
- ELECTRONIC IGNITION – Strong wind-resistant burner
- SMALL AND POWERFULL – This burner is compact, refillable and comes with...
- REFILLABLE – Refill the Pocket Torch XT with SOTO’s Fill adapter or a...
- Fuel-free fire starter easily lights any fire pit, camping grill, and more...
- Dual arc plasma lighter has built-in 100 lumen LED light with high, low,...
- Use 3 ft tinder cord as a lanyard, rope or fire tinder by exposing the...
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.
- 🔥 Iconic Shape Lighters: Thanks to its particular shape, this pocket...
- 🔥 Windproof Lighters For Backpackers: Need a soft flame butane lighter...
- 🔥 Help Relieve Pressure On Landfills: Unlike similar lighters, the...
- Genuine Zippo windproof lighter with distinctive Zippo "click"
- All metal construction; Windproof design works virtually anywhere
- Refillable for a lifetime of use; For optimum performance, we recommend...
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.
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I am an independent safety and survival expert and consultant. I have over 15+ years of experience working with corporations and individuals to help identify, remediate and prepare for threats and and disasters. I help clients understand risks and blog about my thoughts and techniques at DisasterShelters.net
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API