According to Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods. Before him, the world knew no fire. So, imagine going on a hike in the wilderness and having no lighter to light the fire; the whole tour may go to waste. Whether you have to ignite a campfire in the ghastly winds or in a pouring rain, a lighter is one of the most important tools for sustainability and ensures light in your camp. After lots of hikes, we have been able to test many lighters and came up with some suggestions.
Our suggestions are based on the durability, design, performance, and ease of use of the lighters. Here are some of the great options for outdoor experiences before you step out as a hiker.
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Best Camping And Backpacking Lighters
1. BIC Classic Lighter
The BIC Classic Lighter is a good option for those who enjoy camping and backpacking. This is a classic old-style lighter that we used in our childhood. This lighter is simple and elegant, and it comes in a pack of five or ten, depending on the size of your order.
Additionally, it is child-resistant and safe to use. The BIC is a popular manufacturer, ensuring excellent quality control with this product. So, this is reliable, easy to use, and sure to work during outdoor adventures.
Furthermore, it’s dependable and affordable lighter. It’s easy to use, child-proof, and budget-friendly. Also, these come in 5 to 10 packs with a minimum price and will stay much longer with you. We have tried other classic-style lighters that were cheap and poorly made. And our thumb used to get sore due to multiple tries. With the BIC Classic, we never have that problem.
The metal strip on the flint striker ensures it’s child-proof. The 45-degree angle is a good angle to use safely. If you’re looking for a quality lighter that won’t break the bank, the BIC Classic is a good option.
2. Zippo Chrome Lighters
Zippo Chrome Lighters are a great alternative to BIC lighters for those looking for modern design. No doubt that BIC Lighters are reliable, easy to use and cheap. However, they don’t last much longer and are disposable. And also some people don’t like the old-fashioned design.
On the other hand, Zippo Chrome Lighter is refillable, sturdy and reusable. They’re also much more durable and come with a lifetime warranty. In addition, Zippo will replace it free of charge in case of any issues. But the downside is that zippo recommends using their brand of fuel, flints, and wicks, which can be a bit of an inconvenience.
Furthermore, Zippo Chrome Lighter is compact and lightweight; its weight is just 1.5oz. It’s good for hiking and backpacking tours. Overall finish and color are good and durable. Since it’s shiny so if any scratch comes on, it becomes visible on the lighter. This is a good option for daily use.
However, we did notice that the fuel can evaporate if the lighter is not used for a few days. So if you are heading for a long backpacking trip, we suggest you keep an alternative. But overall, Zippo Chrome Lighter is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable, stylish lighter that will last for years.
3. Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter
The Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter is good for those who prefer a more subdued design. Like the Zippo Chrome Lighter, it is a reliable and durable product. However, the matte finish and simple colors of the Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter may be more appealing to some users. In addition, the lighter is easy to use and refill and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Additionally, this high-quality, compact, and durable lighter is perfect for everyday use. The lighter case is very compact and durable and opens and closes easily. The case does not come in front of a spark during use. Also, the lighter is very clean and sturdy. The first-time user might face issues while filling it and using it, but you will get used to it with time.
The Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter is a tried and tested option that is perfect for backpacking and camping. It doesn’t come filled with fluid, which is excellent for safety and transportation reasons. Much easier to use than other options, the Zippo comes in a nice matte finish that will withstand scuffs and scratches.
Made in the USA, this lighter is sure to be a reliable option for all your outdoor adventures. However, if you do lose it in the grass, it may be a bit difficult to find
4. LCfun Waterproof Electric Dual Arc Lighter
The LCfun Waterproof Electric Dual Arc Lighter is one of the most reliable and efficient options for outdoor use. Its waterproof, wind-resistant arc ignition makes it a standout among traditional flame-based lighters.
In blustery conditions—up to 30 mph winds—its plasma beams stayed lit without fail, giving it a clear edge at windy campsites. During our hikes, it proved fully waterproof with an IP67 rating, surviving full submersion without any issues afterward.
Powered by a rechargeable battery, each charge provides over 300 ignitions. While the plastic body requires a bit of care to avoid damage, it also keeps the lighter lightweight and easy to carry. The only limitation is that it may need a firestarter to handle thicker kindling. Overall, this lighter is a game-changer for tech-savvy campers seeking dependable performance in all weather conditions.
5. Urgrette 2 Pack Butane Torch Lighter
The Urgrette 2 Pack Butane Torch Lighter is another good lighter suitable for grilling or camping enthusiasts. This refillable, 6-inch pen lighter features an adjustable jet flame that can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The neck design protects your hand from burning, and the high temperature-resistant ceramic provides safety against high temperatures. It has a 2.8g gas capacity, which is good enough to use for an extended period. The 6-inch Refillable Pen Lighter is made of full metal and has three layers of safety protection.
This Torch Lighter is a great product for its price. It comes with two lighters, and each lighter has great light. Unfortunately, each lighter also comes unfilled. This is not a problem, as the lighters are easy to fill. The lighters have great quality, but they burn very hot sometimes.
This lighter is lightweight and compact; you can take it in your pocket or backpack. So, overall this lighter is a good option for light-duty applications. But, for heavy-duty applications, the lighters may not be suitable.
Our Test Results and Analysis: Buying Guide
Wind Resistance
Ignition requires air—but when that air is in motion, it becomes the biggest obstacle. We tested a range of lighters in natural gusts and simulated harsh weather. The LCfun arc lighter performed flawlessly, never faltering in strong winds or even under high-speed fans.
In contrast, the BIC Classic failed completely in these conditions. The Zippo Chrome and the Matter lighters stayed lit thanks to their protective chimneys, though their flames gradually weakened over time.
We also tested the Urgrette torch, which produced a wind-resistant flame, but burned fuel quickly.
Water Resistance
We tested each lighter’s water resistance by either submerging them or spraying them with water. Both the LCfun and Urgrette lighters ignited even after being soaked, while the Zippos needed a bit of drying to counter a damp wick. The least effective was the BIC, which sputtered and refused to work until it was completely dry. Personally, I prefer the LCfun for its high performance after soaking. As a hiker who often travels through humid environments, this feature is a lifesaver. Urgrette is also a solid option, but LCfun’s quick ignition is unmatched.
Cold-Weather Performance
Hours of hiking through the Alps left our lighters freezing cold. Some failed; others held up. After two hours in temperatures ranging from 4 to 7°C, the LCfun and Zippos still performed well. The BIC, on the other hand, had gas flow issues due to freezing. Urgrette also struggled and needed to be preheated before it could function properly.
Fuel Efficiency
Hikes can last for weeks, and in the backcountry, fuel efficiency becomes critical. Our continuous-burn tests revealed stark differences between the lighters. The Urgrette was the least efficient, lasting only 30 minutes. Zippos lost a significant amount of fuel to evaporation, and the BIC managed 50 minutes of runtime. The standout performer was the LCfun, which lasted over 5 hours thanks to its rechargeable battery.
Other solid options include the Exotac TitanLIGHT and Soto Pocket Torch, which delivered 60 and 45 minutes of burn time, respectively. Both are reliable picks for long hikes where fuel conservation matters.
Durability After Drops
Durability is just as important as performance. We drop-tested each lighter on gravel to assess toughness. The BIC held up well, while the Zippos sustained some minor dents. The Urgrette’s safety lock broke after being accidentally shut in a car door. Meanwhile, the LCfun stood out again—remaining fully functional with no visible damage, making it the most durable option in our tests.
Ease of Use
Ease of use can make or break a lighter in the wild. Lighters like the LCfun, Khan, and BIC are intuitive and simple to operate. LCfun particularly impressed us—it withstood drops from about 1 meter and continued working perfectly.
Its slim, smart design fits easily into a pocket, and the one-button ignition works reliably—even with gloves on.
Some lighters come empty, and you have to refill them on arrival. Also, you have to buy the fuel separately. This is a bit of an inconvenience, but they are much more durable and last longer when you start using them.
We highly recommend BIC lighters as it’s performance is excellent overall. They are very affordable and easily available, and most importantly, they are extremely easy to use. Thanks to their disposable nature, you don’t have to worry about refilling them or buying fuel separately. Just light them up, and you’re good to go.
Top Fuels Options For The Lighter
- Zippo Butane Fuel comes in a nice little bottle, making filling your camping lighter easy. Zippo recommends this high-quality butane fuel for filling their lighters. However, it can also be used to fill other brands of lighters. The fuel quality of this zippo is excellent and ensures that your light will stay lit longer. Also, the price is reasonable considering the quantity and quality of this fuel.
- Zippo 12FC Lighter Fluid Zippo’s 12FC Lighter Fluid is a clean, burning, low odor formula that is perfect for refillable hand warmers and lighters. Made in the USA, this lighter fluid ignites quickly and easily. Additionally, this burns very clean. The fast ignition and easy refill capabilities make this lighter fluid a must-have for campers and backpackers.
Conclusion
After countless miles on the trail and hands-on testing, we’ve found a few standout performers. The LCfun waterproof electric lighter is our top pick—it excels in wind, resists water, and delivers outstanding fuel efficiency. If you’re on a budget, the BIC Classic is a solid, reliable choice. For survivalists, windproof options like the Zippo Chrome bring rugged charm and flame reliability. Lastly, the Urgrette torch lighter offers a powerful flame that’s great for tough conditions, though it burns fuel quickly.
No matter what your adventure demands, there’s a lighter out there to keep your fire going and your camp stove lit.
