Of course, the author of these words didn’t factor in the harshest, wettest conditions that the great outdoors can sometimes send your way.
Well, fear not, we’ve compiled a list of the best waterproof survival lighters the market has to offer.
Whether it’s to keep your campsite warm, ward off any wildlife threats or cook a tasty outdoor survival meal, fire is essential to comfort and survival in the outdoors.
Our list contains our choice of the Best Waterproof Lighters guaranteed to get the fire going, in the harshest conditions, when you need it most – this, however, does not include the fire in your ex’s heart. Sorry.
After many hours of research we found the Everstryke Match Pro Lighter to be worthy to be our Editors’ Pick. It is a most reliable lighter, the replaceable wick lasts 10 times longer, and each match is capable of up to 15,000 long burning strikes. But let’s look at the others too.
Also read: 6 Ways How to Build and Start a Campfire
Best Waterproof Lighter 2020 – Camping Lighters, Survival Lighters and Floating Lighters
Everstryke Match Pro Lighter
The Everstryke Pro is everything you need in a waterproof lighter. It features a replaceable flint and wick – the original wick lasts 10x longer.
This waterproof lighter is reliable, thanks to a 600 degree (F) flame, and is capable of 15,000 long burning strikes per match. A built-in O-ring prevents fuel from evaporating, extending the lifespan of your lighter.
It’s durable and rugged, compact design is perfect for any outdoor adventure. Constructed of stainless steel, this survival lighter guarantees a steady flame from family BBQs to the harshest conditions. Lighter fuel is not included, so make sure you order some together with your Everstryke Pro.
Tesla Coil Lighters™ USB Rechargeable Windproof Arc Lighter
This waterproof, windproof, cigarette lighter, as the name suggests, is like an invention from the late Nikola Tesla’s creative mind.
Made by Tesla Coil Lighters, this pocket-sized fire starter features an arc lighter design, and is USB rechargeable. It’s safe and easy to use and a won’t spark when the lid is closed. A full charge on this completely windproof lighter can last up to 1 week or 100-300 uses.
UCO Stormproof Survival Torch Lighter
The UCO Stormproof torch lighter features a triple jet adjustable flame making it one of the top survival torch lighters.
Available in two styles – one with 3 feet of emergency utility duct tape or one with a built-in bottle opener. This waterproof lighter carries a refillable butane canister that can hold enough butane for roughly 700 ignitions. Its piezo-electric ignition system lasts over 30,000 uses, and this survival torch is built to last.
Exotac fireSLEEVE Waterproof Floating Lighter Sleeve
This floating waterproof lighter sleeve by Exotac is one of the best survival lighter sleeves we’ve reviewed. It’s waterproof up to 3 feet submersion for 30 minutes and even floats.
The lighter sleeve is made for standard BIC lighters and features a gas lock that allows the lighter to stay lit without having to hold the gas button. The gas button is also guarded to prevent accidental pressing. This is definitely an asset to any survival kit.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit w/ Waterproof Case
Although it’s technically not a lighter, this waterproof fire starter will get a fire going when you absolutely need it the most.
This stormproof match kit, by UCO, includes 25 windproof and waterproof matches, 3 strikers, and a waterproof case that can hold up to 40 matches.
The case floats and keeps contents dry and protected, and features an external, replaceable striker. Extended match length allows for added safety and prevents annoying fingertip burns common to matches.
How Do I Choose The Best Waterproof Survival Lighter? – Buyer’s Guide
So, you’ve seen the evidence from our extensive research, you’ve heard what the critics have had to say, and you’ve got a general idea of the best waterproof lighters on the market. Now it’s time to get one of those nifty little fire starters for yourself, but you still can’t decide. Well, here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping around for the best waterproof survival and cigarette lighters.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing, as always, should be the #1 priority in choosing a good survival lighter. Whether it is the lighter itself or a waterproof lighter case, pay close attention to the waterproof details in the product descriptions. For example, the Exotac fireSLEEVE is waterproof up to 3 feet submersion for 30 minutes.
Windproofing
Windproofing is equally as important as waterproofing. Although you may be safeguarded against wet, rainy conditions, nothing extinguishes a flame like high winds. In the world of survival fire starters waterproof and windproof should go hand in hand.
Refillable
Refillable lighters are a must if you intend to increase your chance of comfort and survival in the great outdoors. There’s no use having a perfectly working waterproof lighter that can’t be refilled when it’s run dry.
Rechargeable
Rechargeable lighters are equally as good as refillable ones. They are definitely safer since they usually don’t carry a flame, they are more reliable, but the downside is you need a source of electricity to recharge them. So choose wisely based on where, and what, you’ll be using the lighter for.
Buoyancy
Buoyancy in a lighter or lighter sleeve is definitely an asset. Whether you’re hanging around the pool or riding the white waters of a river, should your lighter accidentally fall into the water it’ll be easy to retrieve.
Good Addition: Match kits
Match kits, such as the UCO Stormproof Match Kit, are also good alternatives or additions to waterproof lighters in your outdoor kit. Match kits usually come with extended match lengths and replaceable strikers. The advantage is that when you’re out of the matches included, you can easily replenish the kit with regular matches.
Additional Features
Additional features such as built-in bottle openers, included utility tape, and other survival materials are features you should look out for in buying the best survival torch lighters. Cool additional features can come in quite handy when necessary.
Transparent lighters are excellent for keeping track of the actual lighter fluid in your waterproof lighter. One disadvantage to non-transparent lighters is you only know you’re out of lighter fluid when you actually attempt to light it – which can prove to be a sure grievance in the wilderness. So, consider a transparent lighter where the fluid level is easily visible.
Some lighter sleeves feature a guarded gas lock button that prevents accidental pressing of the gas button and subsequent emptying of the lighter’s gas. If you’re going to go the route of lighter sleeves then consider the Exotac fireSLEEVE that features the gas lock button.
Conclusion
We’ve given you the best we’ve found in waterproof lighters. Depending on your outdoor activity or trip, consider your options of an actual waterproof lighter, waterproof lighter sleeve, or even waterproof match kits.
You don’t want to skimp or take shortcuts when choosing waterproof lighters, so keep in mind the points we’ve outlined in our Buyer’s Guide and you can’t go wrong. Fire is essential to comfort, safety, and most importantly, survival when traversing and exploring the great outdoors. After all, “a mighty flame followeth a tiny spark.”