How to choose a lighter for camping? The Best Camping Lighters of 2025

Key Features to Look For in a Camping Lighter

Choosing a good lighter for camping is about reliability, durability, and performance in various outdoor conditions. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right one:

1. Windproof / Weatherproof

• Why: Wind or rain can make lighting a fire tough.

• What to choose: Jet/torch lighters or plasma arc lighters, which are wind-resistant and often waterproof.

2. Fuel Type

• Butane: Easy to find and refill; works well unless it’s very cold.

• Zippo-style liquid fuel: Works in the cold, long-lasting, but can evaporate over time.

• Electric/Plasma (USB-rechargeable): No flame, windproof, eco-friendly—but you need to keep them charged.

• Ferro rod with striker: No fuel needed; very reliable backup.

3. Durability & Build Quality

• Look for:

  • Rugged casing (metal or thick plastic)

  • Waterproof or water-resistant

  • Shock-resistant

4. Ease of Use lighter for camping

• Can you operate it with gloves on?

• Does it light consistently on the first try?

• Does it work in one hand?

5. Size & Weight

• Backpackers will want ultralight options.

• Car campers can afford to carry something bulkier but more durable.

 

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🧭 Popular Types lighter for camping

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Pro Tips lighter for camping

• Bring a backup: Always carry more than one way to make fire (lighter + waterproof matches or ferro rod).

• Test it before the trip: Especially for plasma lighters or refillables.

• Consider altitude: Some butane lighters struggle at high elevation.

• Waterproof container: Carry your lighter in a waterproof case or Ziploc bag.

Here’s a curated list of recommended camping lighters across different categories to help you choose based on your budget, conditions, and camping style:

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Best Camping Lighters by Category

💰 Budget-Friendly (Under $10–15)

1. BIC Classic Lighter

   • 🔥 Type: Butane

   • 💡 Pros: Cheap, reliable, long-lasting

   • ❗ Cons: Not windproof or waterproof

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$2 per lighter

2. Ronxs Refillable Butane Torch

   • 🔥 Type: Butane Torch

   • 💡 Pros: Adjustable flame, windproof, refillable

   • ❗ Cons: No fuel included

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$10–12

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🏋️ Ultralight / Backpacking

1. Mini BIC Lighter

   • 🔥 Type: Butane

   • 💡 Pros: Ultra-light (11g), reliable for dry conditions

   • ❗ Cons: Not for wet or windy weather

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$1–2

2. Exotac nanoSPARK

   • 🔥 Type: Ferro-style flint spark tool

   • 💡 Pros: Tiny, water-resistant, uses TinderQuik

   • ❗ Cons: Requires practice and tinder prep

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$25

3. Soto Pocket Torch (with BIC insert)

   • 🔥 Type: Butane jet (uses disposable lighter)

   • 💡 Pros: Lightweight, wind-resistant, converts BIC to torch

   • ❗ Cons: Needs refillable BIC inside

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$20

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🌪️ Stormproof / Windproof

1. UCO Stormproof Torch

   • 🔥 Type: Butane Torch

   • 💡 Pros: Windproof, waterproof cap, rugged build

   • ❗ Cons: Bulkier than others

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$25–30

2. Extremus Blaze 360 Plasma Arc Lighter

   • ⚡ Type: Electric USB rechargeable

   • 💡 Pros: Plasma arc, windproof, includes flashlight, water-resistant

   • ❗ Cons: Needs charging

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$25

3. Zippo Typhoon Match Kit (as backup)

   • 🧨 Type: Stormproof matches (not lighter but worth noting)

   • 💡 Pros: Lights in wind, rain, even underwater

   • ❗ Cons: Single-use

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$10–15

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🔥 Best Survival / All-Weather Option

1. Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0

   • 🔥 Type: Ferro Rod

   • 💡 Pros: 3,000+ strikes, works in wet and cold, no fuel needed

   • ❗ Cons: Requires dry tinder

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$15–20

2. Zippo Windproof Lighter (with fuel canister)

   • 🔥 Type: Liquid Fuel

   • 💡 Pros: Refillable, works in the cold

   • ❗ Cons: Fuel can evaporate

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$20 + ~$5 for fluid

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⚡ USB Rechargeable / Eco-Friendly

1. Lcfun Waterproof Arc Lighter

   • ⚡ Type: Dual plasma arc

   • 💡 Pros: Rechargeable, windproof, waterproof shell

   • ❗ Cons: Not great for bulky tinder

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$15–20

2. Kollea Torch Lighter

   • 🔥 Type: Jet butane

   • 💡 Pros: Ergonomic, powerful torch flame

   • ❗ Cons: Needs butane refill

   • 🏷️ Price: ~$20

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✅ Quick Recommendations by Use