{"id":477,"date":"2019-03-31T00:25:07","date_gmt":"2019-03-31T07:25:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offgridsurvival.com\/?p=477"},"modified":"2023-10-31T22:39:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T05:39:20","slug":"lighters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offgridsurvival.com\/lighters\/","title":{"rendered":"Survival Lighters: The Top Weatherproof, Windproof, and Waterproof Lighters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fire starting is one of the most valuable survival skills you can have, and while I think everyone should know and practice multiple different ways to start a fire, one of the best pieces of fire-starting gear you can carry is a good old fashion lighter. While armchair survivalists may laugh at the idea, and go on and on about they saw Bear Grylls or Survivorman start a fire with 20 different methods, during a survival situation, do you want to make things hard on yourself or do you want to survive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, I want to survive, and I want to make things as easy as I can on myself. You are already going to be dealing with multiple different stressors; the last thing you need during a crisis is extra work and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So yes, I do carry fire steel and other fire-starting tools, but I also carry a lighter as part of my EDC, and I have one in every bag and kit I own. In a survival situation, where I\u2019m cold and need to warm up quickly, I\u2019m not screwing around with matched or bow drills; the first thing I\u2019m going for is that lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Survival Lighter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While nine times out of ten a Bic Lighter will probably work, when looking for something to keep in your survival kits and bug out bags, I recommend looking for a dedicated survival lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A survival lighter should be weatherproof, windproof and waterproof; it should also be made of high-quality materials that will ensure it lasts and works when you really need it. Keep in mind, the environments that you are going to be starting fires in is an important consideration when choosing which type of lighter to go with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuel and Ignition Types: What fuels are best?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a lighter, keep in mind that there are many different options. Let\u2019s take a look at your choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighter Fluid: <\/strong>Lighter fluid can be found just about anywhere. It\u2019s going to be one of the easiest fuels to find, which is always a plus when looking for preparedness related gear. The ability to find supplies during a disaster is always a major factor in the gear I choose, so the fact that this fuel is everywhere is something you should consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of lighter fluid: <\/strong>1. Petroleum-based which uses Naphtha, a volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture and 2. Alcohol-based fluids like Charcoal lighter fluid, an aliphatic petroleum solvent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Butane<\/strong>: Butane is an organic compound; it is <\/strong>highly flammable, colorless and used in refillable butane lighters and torches. A lot of the \u201cwindproof\u201d lighters that you will find on the market generally take Butane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric Arc and Plasma: <\/strong>Plasma and Arc Lighters are completely flameless, and don\u2019t use combustible fuel. Most are powered by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. Unlike open flame lighters, they don\u2019t heat the tip of the lighter; they focus on the exact area you are trying to light. They are also windproof. The downside to these types of lighters is once the battery does, you are out of luck \u2013 unless you have a way to recharge them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Survival Lighters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Bic Lighter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Lighting<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While technically not waterproof, throw one of these bad boys Waterproof Lighter case<\/a>, and you won\u2019t be able to find a better built disposable lighter on the market. They are cheap, easy to use and even if they get wet, blowing on the sparking element is often enough to get them working again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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