Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /var/www/html/bog/wp-content/plugins/wp-word-count/public/class-wpwc-public.php on line 123
Introduction
One item that seasoned backpackers, mountaineers, and hikers will never forget to pack is the lighter. The survival lighter is perhaps the most important item that you can pack for a challenging trek to the rugged mountains or dense forest. Without it, you won’t be able to light up a fire, boil water or cook a hasty meal while you’re on the go. Go for a direct-flame lighter that is durable, refillable, water-resistant, and can be used easily.
1. Zippo Brushed Chrome Lighter
Hikers, campers, and backpackers will find the Zippo Brushed Chrome Lighter supremely handy as it is refillable and works with any flammable fuel type. The lighter with a full metal finish packs in cotton ball which helps in igniting a fire when the logs become wet.
FEATURES
- Durable metallic construction
- Windproof design
- Refillable
- Runs on any type of combustible fuel
- Adjustable wick
- Thumbs free operation
PROS
- Flame holds even when thumb is not pressing on the clip
- Flame remains stable even in strong gusts of wind
- Can be used smoothly for years on end: refillable
- Adjustable wick allows monitoring of flame height
CONS
- Fuel has to be bought separately (even during first time use)
- The polish chrome finishing is not scratch free
2. Floating Lighter from Ultimate Survival Technologies
The Floating Lighter from Ultimate Survival Technologies uses piezoelectric ignition technology which means it’ll emit a flame even if it is wet. Flame remains constant in wind speeds of up to 80mph and O-ringed sealing coupled with lock-in clasp makes it thoroughly waterproof.
FEATURES
- Piezoelectric ignition technology
- Ignites up to 30,000 times
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Lightweight: 2.2oz
- Locking clasp with O-ring
- Wire bail
- Refillable
PROS
- Lighter ignites even when underwater
- Wire bail checks fuel evaporation
- Intensity and height of flame is adjustable
- Being refillable, it can be used for many years
CONS
- Will run only on butane
- May not in extremely cold climes
- Fuel not supplied with lighter
3. Tesla Coil Lighters™ USB Rechargeable Windproof Arc Lighter (1. Gun Metal)
Hikers and trekkers will find the Tesla Coil Lighter extremely useful as it doesn’t need any inflammable fuel for operation. Simply pressing the button gets the electric lighter going which is rechargeable and gets ignited up to 300 times on a single charge.
FEATURES
- Hassle free ignition
- Rechargeable
- Electric arc flame
- Rechargeable
- Safety lock
- Lightweight
- Constructed from gun metal
PROS
- Fuel-free operation
- Quick charging via micro-USB
- Flame does not flicker even in windy conditions
- A single charge is good enough for 300 ignitions
- Will not ignite in locked state
CONS
- The lighter is not waterproof or even water resistant
- Cannot be charged if you’re in a remote location as you may not have access to a power plug
4. Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter from Ultimate Survival Technologies
Mountaineers, campers, and trekkers will find the Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter by UST indispensable as it emits a flame that does not waver even when the weather is stormy. The lighter is also waterproof and resistant to corrosion or impacts.
FEATURES
- Piezoelectric ignition
- Flame lights up 30,000 times
- Outer covering is armored with Elastomer
- O-ring sealing
- Stainless steel wired closure
- Weight: 2oz
- Fuel storage capacity: 1g
PROS
- Piezoelectric ignition means it’ll ignite even when wet
- The lighter is durable as it has been constructed from elastic polymer
- Stainless steel wire closure prevents fuel evaporation
- O-ring sealing makes it waterproof
CONS
- The flame doesn’t hold for long
- Many customers have found the lighter to be defective
Conclusion
The market is chock-a-bloc with different brands of survival lighters and picking up 4 high-quality products was a difficult task. The lighter from Zippo was found to be the most versatile while the Floating Lighter from UST and Tesla Coil Lighter were handy enough. However, the Windmill Delta from UST was found to be just above par.