Best Survival Lighter for Practical Preppers
This is an updated review of the best survival lighter. We update our roundups as new products are released and as we test even more lighters.
Hi, this is FJ Bruiser from TruePrepper with a post about my favorite prepper lighter. I’ll look at several kinds of lighters and explain why one specific type and model is my favorite. I’ve owned many lighters and learned what is good and bad about them all. I need a good lighter to perform in an emergency to start a campfire and also in daily use to melt the ends of paracord.
First of all, this involves FIRE, and anything involving FIRE is inherently dangerous. That’s why the packaging of all the items I discuss says things like “Warning” “Danger” and “Caution”. Pretty much every word I can think of to describe something that can hurt you. So be careful! I mention a modification to my favorite lighter that is possible (and works for me), but I do not endorse or recommend it since it could possibly be dangerous. So you are duly warned and if you do hurt yourself, property, or others, you can’t blame me.
Before describing my favorite, I also show others I considered and why they won’t work for me below. This is not a review, but a simple comparison and recommendation. Note that I am excluding any lighter that uses lighter fluid and/or flint because those lighters don’t store well and can easily dry up or leak. All the lighters I considered use butane.
Contents (Jump to a Section)
The Best Survival Lighter
Ronson JetLite
Refillable, Adjustable, and Dependable
This towel does it big with durable quality that shows and absorbency to match.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
This amazing and simple lighter is my favorite! Why? It lights literally every time I try, is easily refillable and adjustable, supports simple one-hand operation, and costs less than $15. That describes my four criteria, so that’s why it is awesome. Not only is this an amazing value for a lighter that I believe will last indefinitely, but you can also modify the lighter to make it even better.
I don’t recommend or endorse these modifications because changing any tool involving fire may be dangerous. But I’ve made the mods several times and they work for me. These mods will make the lighter button easier to press and allow a higher flame adjustment.
Thanks to Inkwellish for a great video. BTW, the o-ring he says to discard, I put back in just to help seal water out if I get the lighter wet. Here is a very well-done video on how to modify it (which I don’t recommend doing):
Budget Survival Lighter
BIC Classic
Refillable, Adjustable, and Dependable
This towel does it big with durable quality that shows and absorbency to match.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
I call these “Bic” or cigarette lighters. They cost less than $1 a piece, are not refillable, and are frankly hard to operate. They often don’t light on the first try and you can hurt your thumb trying to make them work. If you hold it down for just a short time, the whole metal assembly gets hot and can burn your thumb. This lighter fails for me on 3 of 4 criteria. Out of here!
Upgrade Survival Lighter
TG Plasma
Rechargeable, Windproof, and Waterproof
This towel does it big with durable quality that shows and absorbency to match.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
TG Plasma
Everything We Recommend
Nothing quite beats steel, as this all-steel beast of an axe proves time and time again.
Where to Buy
*at time of reviewing
A lightweight tool out of Finland that saves you valuable ounces while putting versatility in your pack.
Where to Buy
*at time of reviewing
This Swedish woodsman’s axe is the pinnacle of axe-making perfection and the go-to for those that thrive in the forest.
Where to Buy
*at time of reviewing
The Lighters We Compared
So moving, on…
What to Look For
What makes the best prepper lighter?
I have four criteria:
1. Reliable: It has to light every attempt
2. Refillable: So it will last indefinitely
3. Easy to Use: Quick and efficient operation
4. Inexpensive: Making it high in value
How to Use a Survival Lighter
Using a lighter is easy, just be careful since it’s fire and all.
Who Needs a Survival Lighter?
Everyone can use a lighter- you need it to light birthday candles at the very least! Plus, a lighter’s uses for survival make for a long list.
You’ll find a lighter as an essential item in almost every survival kit:
Lighters can be worth their weight in gold if you need a fire for survival.
How We Review Products: We research thoroughly before selecting the best products to review. We consult experts in the field for a better understanding of what makes the gear great. Hours on end are spent field testing gear in stressful conditions. We assign performance criteria and impartially rate each tested item. You can support us through our independently chosen links, which can earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. After our review process, some of the items reviewed end up in our giveaways.
The Final Word
The Ronson JetLite: the best prepper lighter! I’ve carried it every day in my pocket for years, it has NEVER not started on the first try, works perfectly to melt paracord, and would be perfect to use in an emergency. Now just get one yourself!
Here are some other reviews and guides our subscribers have found helpful:
- Best Survival Tinder for Fire Starting
- The Best Ferro Rod for Survival Fire Starting
- Bug Out Bag (BOB) Guide, Gear, and Checklist
Be safe by being smart.
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