7 Best Camping Windproof Lighters in 2023
Windproof lighters for camping are an essential item.
With resources limited on a backpacking trip, having a windproof lighter can make all the difference. No matter the weather, you don’t want to worry about if you can get a fire started. Your ability to have a fire is critical.
Not only for the comfort of a warm drink, but it can also sometimes be a lifesaving necessity for survival. Struggling against the wind is something you never want to do.
Most windproof lighters are small and compact, have a long lifespan, and make it easy to travel light when camping or hiking.
Most of us don’t even realize how much we rely on them; we just assume they are there for us when we need them. But they aren’t just there for us: they are there because they work well and perform a useful function.
Here are some of the best camping lighters of 2023.
Why do I need a windproof lighter over a traditional BIC lighter?
If you’ve been camping, chances are you’ve brought a few disposable lighters with you. But when it comes down to it, BIC Lighters are unreliable, especially when there is a strong wind.
Having a well lighter that doesn’t fail is a survival requirement.
What is a windproof lighter?
A windproof lighter is a lighter that is waterproof, windproof, and flame-free. It can be used anywhere – on a hiking trip, camping site, or even right into the backcountry.
It’s important to have a windproof lighter when you’re out in the wilderness or backcountry, especially in the winter when cold winds can bring your lighter out of commission.
If you have a windproof lighter, you can use it to light a fire, keep warm, melt snow or ice and even cook over an open fire while you’re camping.
With so many different lighters on the market, how do you know which ones are windproof? And what are the best models are the market? I’m breaking down the best Windproof lighters for camping.
The 7 Best Windproof lighters for camping
Best All Around
Arc Lighter By Tesla Coil
Refillable Lighter
SOTO Pocket Torch With Refillable Lighter
Arc Lighter By Tesla Coil
Plasma Arc – Rechargeable – Waterproof – 1.75 x .05 x 3 inches – 3 oz
What I love about the Arc Lighter is that it comes with an integrated magnet so you can attach it to any magnetic surface (e.g. your backpack or car windshield) for easy access when you need it in a pinch.
Pros:
SOTO Pocket Torch Refillable Lighter
Liquid Fuel – Rechargeable – Not Waterproof – 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches – 1.7 oz
The SOTO Pocket Torch is a refillable lighter that uses disposable lighter fuel to create a powerful, wind-resistant flame that reaches temperatures of up to 1300℃.
By using the Pocket Torch, you can increase the lifespan of a disposable lighter by 60%.
This easy-to-refill lighter runs on fuel that can be purchased at most grocery and outdoor stores, and it can burn for approximately 20 minutes per disposable lighter.
Pros:
Zippo Windproof Lighter
Liquid Fuel – Rechargeable – Not Waterproof – 1.5 x 05 x 2.25 inches – 1.5 oz
Zippo Lighters are one of the best-selling butane lighter and many have a love affair with their classic style. Small enough to fit into a pocket, this lightweight water-resistant light takes just one pull to ignite a flame and has plenty of pressure to keep you going through the night with no need to refill the cartridge.
Pros:
GUEVARA Butane Torch Lighter with Punch Windproof Double Jet
Liquid Fuel – Rechargeable – Not Waterproof – 5 x 3 x 1.2 inches – 3.84 oz
Guevara Butane Windproof Lighter is the best windproof lighter for camping and hiking or any other outdoor activities.
It is best for backpacking, climbing, sailing, fishing and any outdoor activities. The best windproof lighter for camping and hiking or any other outdoor activities.
Pros:
SOL Fire Light Fuel-Free Windproof Lighter
Plasma Arc – Rechargeable – Waterproof – 4 x 1.4 inches – 1.8 oz
The Sol Fire Lite lets you start your lighter with a touch of a button. It uses a unique combination of plasma arc technology, which makes it the first windproof lighter ever made.
Unlike other windproof lighters, which use a heat source to generate light, this lighter uses plasma arc technology to create light.
Pros:
Green Vivid Windproof Electric Lighter
Plasma Arc – Rechargeable – Waterproof – 1.9 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches – 1.76 oz
The Green Vivid Windproof Electric Lighter is powered by USB and recharges in 30 minutes. It is a high-quality lighter with a metal ring that possesses a windproof function. So you can use the lighter on any type of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and even in the office or home.
Lightweight, streamlined, and adjustable for adults and kids, make it your go-to backpack for daily adventures.
Pros:
Arc Lighter By LcFun
Plasma Arc – Rechargeable – Waterproof – 1.9 x 2.8 x 0.77 inches – 2.7 oz
The LcFun Outdoor Windproof Lighter is a multifunctional windproof lighter. Its design and manufacturing are based on the premise of being able to protect, carry and use it in many harsh outdoor environments.
The lighter is made of stainless steel with an arc-shaped heating element that burns up to nearly 1,000 degrees Celsius, making it possible not only to warm up the contents of your bag but also to use it for lighting campfires.
Pros:
Windproof Lighter Buying Guide
When it comes to any product there are tons of different buzz words. Until you fully understand the technical aspects of what you are buying, it’s hard to make a good decision. Don’t worry, I have your back.
Let’s break down some of the major points when it comes to windproof lighters for camping.
What types of windproof lighters are there?
First off, let’s get a bit technical: there are many different types of windproof lighters. While most people think of these as being small cylindrical objects with a flame at one end – which is technically correct – there are several other types as well.
Most windproof lighters fall into two categories: Electric arch lighters, or LF/LF-style liquid fuel.
Liquid Fuel Lighters – Most are refillable with butane. The lighter fluid needs to be purchased separately. Depending on your trip, one fill will last a long time. They are lighter than most arc lighters. Liquide files lighters with the ability to adjust the flame allow you to stay further away from the burner when lighting.
Plasma Arc Lighters – Using an electric current charged by a battery, these create a quick light. Must be charged in order to produce. Depending on the lighter they can hold a charge for extended periods of time. They are considered lighter flameless electric lighters.
- Plasma arcs are not dangerous to metal, so you don’t have to worry about metal melting if your lighter breaks or gets hot;
- Plasma surges create an intense light beam that is more focused than any other light source;
- They don’t need an oxygen source – they can be run on either air or fuel, so you can use the lighter even when there is no oxygen in the air;
- Plasma lighters utalize a USB Charge port, that you can refill in the wilderness with a solar charge bank.
- They work great on campstoves.
Disposable vs Rechargeable
I am a firm believer in reducing waste and spending money on a product that works the first time. That is why I’ve only included windproof lighters on the list that are rechargeable.
That’s not to say you won’t find windproof lighters that are disposable. In this case, the electric lighters are all rechargeable with electricity or a power bank.
The only disposable elements are the fuel you’ll need to purchase for the liquid fuel windproof lighters. They are all great for car camping.
Portability
When it comes to a standard gas station disposable lighter, they are going to be smaller and lighter. The windproof lighter has additional components making it more dependable.
These increased components add to the bulk of it. But don’t worry, they still fit easily in your pocket. For comparison most people are familiar with, a regular lighter like BIC weights 0.89 ounces. Its dimensions are .875 x 3.375 x .5 inches.
Safety Features of a Windproof Lighter
Windproof lighters have a lot of safety features that help them with their function. One is a child-proof ignition which is also called an “anti-torch” or “child-safe” ignition.
This is because it only needs a gentle push from the thumb to light up and with most designs, it will be impossible for a child to accidentally light the flame with their hands or any objects around them.
Another one is the popular folding cap which is usually found on most traditional lighters and can be used as a cover.
Waterproof Lighters
When it comes to weather, there are a few things to consider. Most people already know that fire and water do not mix. Neither do fire and electricity.
That’s why you need to take into consideration if your windproof lighters for camping is considered waterproof before you decide on a version. In some cases, this is a minor concern, in wetter season, you may want the extra reliability.
While you may not be trying to light a fire in the rain, you’ll need to know how concerned to be about leaving your lighter in a part of the pack that might get exposed to the elements.
Here are some tips for using a windproof lighter:
- Charge the lighter before a trip: If you have an electric arc lighter, make sure to charge it before heading out on a trip. This will ensure that you have a reliable source of light when you need it.
- Refill the fuel: If you have a liquid fuel lighter, make sure to refill it with butane before a trip. You may also want to bring extra butane with you in case you need to refill the lighter during your trip.
- Take care not to get the lighter wet: Water can damage a lighter and make it unusable, so be careful not to get your lighter wet. If you do get it wet, try to dry it off as soon as possible.
- Use the lighter safely: Be mindful of your surroundings when using a windproof lighter. Keep it away from flammable materials and properly dispose of used lighters.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific windproof lighter. This will ensure that you use it correctly and safely.
What type of windproof lighters for camping do you need?
When it comes to finding the best camping gear, it’s always a personal choice. I personally have a Green Vivid lighter in my backpack. I also keep one in my travel trailer for all my camping trips.
My husband is also thinking about having a backup Soto Pocket Torch for our bug out bag. What I love about all of these is they are all multi-purpose lighters.
