Best Lighters for Camping & Backpacking

If you love camping and backpacking, you know that this experience can be advantageous and a little harrowing. Thankfully, packing the best lighters for camping can ensure that you have a steady campfire to stay warm and cook your foot at night. However, finding the best camping lighters or backpacking lighter requires understanding a few different models and options that may suit you.

What Lighter is Best for Survival?

The best survival lighter has a weather-resistant exterior and an intense flame that doesn't go out quickly. When seeking one, consider the following factors:

• Fluid Type: You can typically choose traditional butane lighters or electric lights. Each has advantages, such as butane providing a direct flame, while electric requires less power.
• Reusability: How often can you use your lighter before getting rid of it? The best lighters are reusable (such as recharging electrical lighter or refillable gas lighter).
• Weather Protection: Try to find a lighter with a strong exterior that resits weather changes, particularly wind and rain.

In our research, we find that an excellent Zippo butane lighter is probably one of the best lighters for camping. It does the job with minimum fuss with a low price and a mighty flame.

Are Zippo Lighters Good for Camping?

Zippo lighters are a remarkable survival lighter and one of the best backpacking lighter options. Lightweight, powerful, compact, and easy to fill, they can also provide many flames before filling them up. They're also the best lighters for camping if you're on a budget due to their price.

Which Lighter Brand is the Best?

The best lighter brand will vary based on what you want from it. For example, Zippo is often considered the best lighter for camping situations. However, Bic also makes fantastic inexpensive options that may be the best lighters for camping in a camper. Other great options include RONXS, x-lighter, ST Dupont, Extremus, and Clipper.

What is the Most Reliable Lighter?

Zippo typically produces one of the most reliable lighters on the market, though Extremus is also very reliable. It all depends on the model you buy. Zippo's windproof lighter is very reliable and resists wind gusts very well. The Extremus Blaze 360 is also very reliable and typically provides a reliable and robust flame.

Type of Lighters Ranked on Camping Scenarios

Here's a table to guide you what would be the best and/or most convenient lighter type depending on different weather scenarios:

Scenario	Best Lighter Type
Bad Weather	Windproof lighters
Dry Weather	Butane lighters
Cold Weather	Torch lighters
Day Hike	Disposable lighters

Zippo vs. Bic Lighters

When picking the best lighters for camping, you're probably pulled between the two most popular lighter manufacturers: Bic and Zippo. Bic makes the best camping lighters for those on a budget. Their compact, multi-use lighters should last surprisingly long and provide reliable flames.

Zippos are the best backpacking lighter for a long-term camper because they hold more fuel, produce a stronger flame, and won't experience as many problems with lighting in cold temperatures. Bic lighters don't light well when cold and cannot be refilled.

That said, a Zippo survival lighter may be the best windproof lighter but is more expensive and may experience fuel leakage or evaporation. Bics never evaporate or leak without serious exterior damage. Therefore, it's probably best to bring along both Bics and Zippos when going camping for diversity.

Best Camping Lighters

Best Overall: Zippo Outdoor Lighter

Zippo is one of the most trusted and reliable lighter manufacturers on the market, and their outdoor model is no different. It provides a windproof experience with an all-metal design that will stay strong in just about any weather condition. It's also compact enough to carry anywhere you go easily.

Best Mid Range: Candle Lighters Electric USB Rechargeable

If you want a rechargeable lighter that you don't have to fill with fluid, this option is a great pick. It uses a windproof and flameless lighting method that is perfect for camping, hiking, and backpacking. The included USB cable gives you up to 60-70 lights per charge, which should be more than enough for any camping experience.

Best Value: Bic Multipurpose Lighters

You get a considerable value for the money you pay for this four-pack collection. Bic is the leading budget lighter manufacturer, and this product shows why. It includes a long metal wand that makes long-distance lighting easier. In addition, the simple and streamlined style makes it easier to pack, and the retractable hook gives it an easy-to-store style.

x-lighter Waterproof Arc Lighter

Like many electrical lighters, this model uses a no-fuel design that minimizes spills and makes your lighter safer for the environment. It also includes overheating protection, reducing the risk of short circuits and explosions. In addition, the durable design and robust outer shell will keep this lighter strong for many charges.

RONXS Lighter Electric Lighter

This lightweight camping lighter includes an arc design with an easy-to-read logo. The LED battery display gives you an accurate estimate of your charge to ensure you don't get surprised by power loss. Expect at least 600 uses on a full charge with this lighter, making it one of the longest-lasting models on our list.

Outdoor Windproof Lighter

This metal-ring sealed lighter includes a strong cover with a weather-resistant surface that minimizes the risk of your flame going out. The arc design produces concentrated heat that works well for just about any camping experience. Choose this lighter if you plan on a rough outdoor camping experience or a winter hiking extravaganza.

MEIRUBY Lighter Electric Lighter

Electric camping lighters often provide a steadier heat source and more weather protection than fuel-based options. This high-quality lighter provides the steady electrical heat you want with a rotating neck that offers maximum flexibility. You may even adopt this lighter for general use, such as lighting candles in your home.

Extremus Blaze 360 Waterproof Lighter

Extremus produces many great models, and this option is an excellent choice for many people. It comes in one of many colors, including green camo and brown, that help it fit into your camping experience. You can get it with a carabiner for easier hauling or save a little money. The solid waterproof design is also safe from the wind.

USB Rechargeable Lighter

This metal-ring sealed plasma lighter is strong enough to withstand rain and wind and takes just two hours to charge fully. Expect over 100 or more per charge, making this a great lighter for occasional use or when in a serious survival situation. Each model comes with a paracord lanyard that you can adapt to multiple survival situations.

Urgrette Butane Torch Lighter

While electric lighters are a great option for survival situations, butane models are also a good choice. This option is a powerful pen torch perfect for just about any camping or backpacking situation. With a six-inch neck and updated temperature and weather resistance, it should work well for most camping situations.

Final Tip: Pack a Few of the Best Camping Lighters

While you can always bring one lighter when backpacking or camping, getting a few different models is probably a good idea. Trying to bring the best lighters for camping in electric and fuel models for your needs. Having backup survival lighters is a great option, as it will ensure you get a great fire every time. Remember: the best camping lighters are whatever options work best for you.

The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.