Camping Panda
If you’ve ever camped in adverse weather, you know the struggles of starting a fire in the wind or when it rains. A regular lighter’s flame can easily be blown off by the gust. But when keeping yourself warm or eating depends on starting that fire, you have to do all it takes to preserve your safety. That’s where a survival lighter steps in.Â
So, if you want to get the fire started with minimal effort in all conditions, check out our rundown to find the best waterproof lighter for you.
Windproof
is it well protected from wind?
Waterproof
Is it well protected from rain?
Usability
Is it easy to use?
Safety
Is it safe to use?
Impact-Resistant
Is it shock-absorbent?
Features
Is it multipurpose?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
10
Hours Researched
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Products Evaluated
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More than a lighter, the Survival Frog Tough Tesla is a tactical product you need on all your outdoor adventures. The lighter uses a 3.7-volt battery to produce two plasma arcs that can easily ignite all flammable materials.
It is windproof and waterproof, ideal to use in strong wind or rain. A flashlight at the bottom of the lighter, emergency whistle, and paracord lanyard add further value. Practically indestructible and designed to last, this is the best windproof lighter around.
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The RONXS Flexible Neck Lighter may not feature all the bells and whistles seen on the Survival Frog, but it’s cheaper and still dependable. Like the Survival Frog, it outputs a powerful plasma arc capable to ignite all flammable materials it comes in contact with.
It doesn’t have a whistle or flashlight, but the long, flexible neck makes it easier to start a fire without burning your hands. It works in all environments, including when it’s splashed. Compact and lightweight, it fits seamlessly in a pocket, so you can keep it at hand at all times.
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If you don’t mind spending more for a premium quality windproof lighter, the TACAMO H2 might satisfy you. From first glance, it impresses with its bright orange color that’s easy to spot, even in the dark.
Performance is as outstanding as the design. You’ll get a plasma lighter and flashlight in one. The lighter works in all weather conditions, including strong wind, and is very easy to operate. Durable and resistant, this rechargeable lighter is a great survival instrument.
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The Jinlun Explorer is a practical plasma lighter designed with outdoor users in mind. Boasting a military design, it impresses with a durable zinc alloy and ABS plastic construction. It’s perfect for shorter outings, providing around 60 uses per charge.
Like the other lighters above, it has a charge time of around two hours. Compact size and low weight makes it very easy to carry. Similar to the TACAMO, it boasts child safety features. Affordable and dependable, it’s a great choice for casual camping.Â
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Shaped like a bullet and designed to withstand all conditions, the Zoocura Torch Lighter is an excellent choice for all your adventures. Its main advantage compared to the lighters above is the fact that it’s powered by butane.
You won’t have to worry about plugging it to a USB port anymore, so it’s perfect for your extended outdoor trips. Adjustable flame intensity and easy operation make it a winner. It might be heavier than other windproof lighters, but that’s a small price to pay if you need a gas-powered windproof lighter.
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Another multifuntional lighter that has made it to our list comes from Icfun. This USB lighter produces a powerful plasma arc to light up dry leaves, twigs, paper, and even cigarettes or cigars.
An included lithium-ion battery provides up to an hour of runtime. Opposite to the lighter, a flashlight brings further value. Available in two colors, this plasma lighter is a great choice for fishing, hunting, and survival.
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The TOMOLO Torch Lighter is similar to the Zoocura, in that it’s also a butane lighter. A few differences in the design could make you prefer one over the other, though. The TOMOLO has a more classic design, but boasts a fully transparent butane tank, and it also comes pre-filled.
Not only it’s easier to see the fuel level, but you can also check out how much gas you’ve put in during a recharge. Several flame intensity levels make it suitable to light up anything, from butane camping stoves to camp fires or cigars. No doubt, a versatile lighter you can use in the wind.
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Similar to the TACAMO but lighter and cheaper, the TG Rechargeable Plasma Lighter suits casual campers. Unlike the TACAMO, it doesn’t have a flashlight or other accessories. Nevertheless, it does what it’s supposed to do brilliantly.
The two plasma arcs make it easy to light up any flammable material. A silicone rubber casing enhances grip, and the 3.7-volt battery lasts for up to 300 uses – or around 50 minutes of continuous use.Â
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Another entry from Icfun, the Long Neck Lighter comes as an alternative to the standard design. Needless to say, it brings a wealth of advantages. We particularly like its retractable ignition head that makes it safe to carry in a backpack or pocket.
When you want to use it, simply slide out the ignition head and press the button. Like all plasma arc lighters, this one works in all weather conditions, and even under water. A battery indicator brings further convenience. It has no lanyard loop, but it’s undeniably a good choice for car camping or an RV.
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The Vertigo by Lotus impresses with an elegant design that has nothing to do with that of your usual EDC lighter. At the same time, it’s reliable to use in all conditions, thanks to its reliable butane flame.
A large butane tank minimizes the number of times you have to recharge. Furthermore, a large button makes it very easy to ignite. The lighter is easy to refill thanks to the fuel level window, and is up to anything, from lighting cigars to hardcore camping.
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Regular lighters may work well when you’re indoors, but often fail when you try to use them outside. Even more so when you’re trying to light a campfire. In the best weather scenario, they might overheat and burn your fingers. In the worst, they might downright refuse to ignite if there’s a wind blowing. The solution is – obviously – a windproof lighter.
As the name suggests, these lighters have been designed specifically for outdoor use. They are highly dependable and often ignite in all weather conditions, comprising heavy wind and sometimes even rain. Check out our guide below to find the best windproof lighter for you.
Design-wise, a windproof lighter looks like a regular lighter. However, the windproof kind has been designed for efficiency and reliability. A high pressure flame ignition makes it very easy to light on even in stronger gusts. The flame will also stay on when wind is blowing, so you won’t have to struggle to start a fire. Furthermore, the flame is often so stable that you won’t burn your fingers. Needless to say, regular lighters don’t have all these features, that’s why a windproof lighter is your best bet when you’re camping or hiking.
The first thing to do before buying your windproof lighter is deciding which type is best for you. There are two choices: electric lighters and gas lighters.
Both electric and gas lighters can be disposable or rechargeable. The disposable ones provide no-frills use, but they could cost you quite a lot, especially if you’re an avid camper.
Rechargeable gas lighters are a more affordable solution compared to both disposable and rechargeable electric lighters. However, recharging them could turn out to be messy, at least until you learn how to properly use the gas canister to recharge a lighter.
An alternative to both disposable and rechargeable gas lighters, the rechargeable electric lighters boast the convenience of using the lighter time and time again without messing with lighter fuel when you need to refill.
While these lighters are more expensive than their disposable or gas counterparts, they are often charged via USB and you can use any device for the purpose, including a laptop or smartphone.
Windproof lighters are often larger than regular ones, that’s why you should consider the size and weight of the device before buying. After all, there is little point in buying a windproof lighter that doesn’t fit into your pocket.
Besides the actual size, also consider the weight. While most windproof lighters can fit into a pocket, some are quite heavy. We can’t stress it enough; check all the features before buying to prevent disappointment.
Windproof lighters are named this way because they stay on when the wind blows, not because they are easy to ignite. Typically, it all comes down to the type of lighter you want.
Electric lighters are the most reliable and easiest to ignite with a simple click of a button. Just make sure the battery is charged.
Butane lighters often use a flint for ignition. The process is similar to that of regular lighters, but the flint will eventually wear off. If you don’t want to throw away the lighter when this happens, get one that comes with a replaceable flint.
Safety is another thing to consider before buying your windproof lighter, especially if you decide to get a butane model. To prevent them from igniting accidentally inside your pocket or backpack, we recommend models with folding caps. A safety lock on the cap, as well as childproof ignition systems, are other important safety features to check before buying.
When buying a windproof lighter, some people might think that it will also resist water and splashes. The truth is, no lighter will produce a flame underwater, but some are better to use in rain than others.
First, you should make sure the lighter you want is splash-proof. This won’t guarantee that it will work in rain, but the drops won’t be able to damage the electric components. Then, you should also consider its resistance to mud and dirt.
Some of the best windproof lighters come with heavy-duty rubber covers that resist water, mud, as well as extreme temperatures.
Speaking of temperatures, make sure the lighter is rated as suitable to use in the temperature you’re expecting where you’re camping, especially if you like extreme weather camping.
Windproof lighters are known to last a long time, usually years. Besides heavy-duty construction, you should also ensure that the lighter is shockproof, so it won’t get damaged if you drop it.
Construction aside, also consider if you’d like the lighter to have additional features, such as a built-in flashlight, paracord lanyard, compass, or whistle. While you won’t get the highest quality flashlight or compass, these add-ons could save your life.
Plasma arc lighters are the most reliable for camping. They work with rechargeable batteries and produce a high-heat arc even when it rains or in heavy wind, allowing you to start a fire in all situations. Models such as the Survival Frog Tough Tesla are a good example of reliable lighters.
Lighters tend to be a better choice than matches in many survival situations. They are easy to operate with one hand, don’t have to be stored in waterproof containers, and you can get more uses from a single lighter than from a box of matches.
While Zippo lighters are classified as windproof, they actually aren’t. Stronger gusts can easily blow off the flame. If you need a waterproof lighter, a butane or plasma arc lighter are your best bets.
No. Matches are a better choice than disposable lighters made from plastic, but a rechargeable lighter is more eco-friendly than a box of matches.Â
If you’re looking for a premium quality model, the best windproof lighter is the TACAMO H2. Designed by US veterans, this lighter works in all weather conditions, boasts an incorporated flashlight, and comes with a paracord, too. Orange color makes it easy to spot, even during the night, and overall, it boasts a high-quality, durable construction.
