10 Best Lighters (EDC, Survival, Backpacking)

If you don't smoke do you even need to carry a lighter? I think so...

Lighters can be useful for survival, EDC (every day carry), and backpacking to name but a few uses. Heck...

Sometimes you just want to be able to light a pretty women's cigarette when she asks if you have a light.

And sure unless you are regularly out in the wild you won't need one for lighting a fire but let's be honest...

Lighters are pretty cool as well as being practical so it's handy to have one on your person.

But what's the best lighter? What lighter works best for EDC, survival, backpacking and other situations you find yourself in?

Here are the top lighter picks for whatever situation you find yourself in...

10 Best Lighters For EDC, Survival, Backpacking (And Just About Every Other Situation)

Lets look at the first one...

1. Best Survival Lighter (Essential For Trips Into The Wild)

If you don't want to starve to death or die of hypothermia in the wild then having a lighter is obviously mandatory for overnight or longer trips.

I'd even recommend you carry one even for single day trips just in case of emergencies, you don't want to be caught out.

The Icfun Waterproof lighter listed below is a good choice because the rain doesn't seep in, it's windproof and flameless, as well as economic and eco-friendly. 

I like the fact it comes with a lanyard that you can wear around your neck so you don't lose it and it's always to hand in an instant.

Likewise the Tough Tesla 2.0 or the TG Plasma option are also solid choices. 

You can see the best survival lighter options here below...

2. Best Torch Lighters (Great For Campfires & Bad Weather)

Torch lighters are designed to create a more intense and hot flame than a standard lighter does, as you'll notice by it's bright blue flame.

It's similar to a blowtorch but not quite as powerful and is typically used in kitchens for cooking and baking, however...

They can be great for lighting campfires especially in bad weather because they are less affected by wind and rain and can burn quicker and hotter. 

So if you have the space and available weight to carry one then consider a torch option, here's one of the best torch lighter choices below...

3. The Best EDC Lighters (Useful On A Day To Day Basis)

Even if you don't smoke then carrying a lighter for EDC can be useful from everything from burning receipts to lighting a cigarette for a pretty lady.

And one day it might just save your life if you ever need it. 

This PPFish Mini Brass Lighter below is a perfect example of one of the best lighters for EDC...

4. Best Rope Lighter (Aka Sheppard's Lighter or Sailors Lighter)

Rope lighters are known as several different names from Sheppard's to Sailors lighters and are designed to be windproof. 

You strike the sparkwheel which is attached to create the sparks which are caught on the attached rope and that lights the ember.

These are pretty interesting looking devices and you can see one for yourself below with this G2 Retro Rope Lighter...

2. Best Tactical Lighters (Don't Go Into The Wild Without One)

This is the sort of lighter you use if you're venturing out into the wilderness and want to be guaranteed you have a heat source and something to cook with or even to draw attention to yourself in an emergency. 

You can see an example below with this TG Plasma Lighter...

3. Best Grenade Lighter (They Just Look Cool!)

These are nothing more than novelty cigarette lights shaped to look like a grenade and whilst they could be used in survival and emergency situations they are more suited for every day use.

The Boaller Mini Model is a popular choice below to give you an example...

4. Best Windproof Butane Lighter (Aka Stormproof Lighters)

Exactly as it sounds on the tin, a Butane filled lighter that aims to be windproof so no matter the weather (even a storm potentially) you can start a fire, stay warm, and cook.

They aren't the most aesthetic looking lighters but they are practical, check out this Worthington 336737 WT2301 Trigger Start model below... 

5. Best Multi-tool Lighter (Double Your Lighter Up As A Bottle Opener or Knife)

A lighter that doubles up as a "multi-tool" with a sharp knife, a micro screwdriver and a bottle opener so at the very least you'll be able to stay warm AND open a beer...perfect!

This LighterBro Multi-tool model is a perfect example...

6. Best Vintage Trench Lighter (Carry a Classy Piece of History in your Pocket)

A trench lighter was created for soldiers in WW1 from spent bullet casings and scrap metal and were designed to be carried at all times so carrying one of these is not only a conversation starter but you'll be carrying a bit of history in your pocket. 

Check out this Yusud Vintage Trench Lighter for an idea of what these look like...

7. Best USB Electric Lighter (No Flame So Totally Weather Proof!)

A USB Electric lighter (also known as a "plasma lighter") is safer than a traditional lighter as it has no flame and instead uses electricity to light from the Tesla coil.

So if you're worried about burning the house down or your kids getting a hold of your lighter then this may be a good alternative.

Check out the REM Facio Lighter below to get a good idea of a better USB lighter model...

8. Best Gun Lighter (The Classic Novelty Lighter)

These are the classic novelty lighters, the gun lighter. 

As you know it's simply a lighter shaped like a gun which means they aren't all that practical for carrying outside of the home as you don't want to be waving one around in public really.

This Morisk Torch lighter is a good example...

9. Best Backpacking Lighter (Light & Weatherproof)

Any backpacking lighter should be light, easy to carry, and wind-proof because for use in the wild it has to work when required or you risk your life.

The Waterproof USB Duak Arc Lighter below ticks most of the boxes for best backpacking lighters and there are other options too...

10. Best Refillable Lighter (Never Get Caught Without Gas)

It's no use going to use your lighter and realising the gas has ran out and it can't be refilled, especially when you're out in the wild!

So choosing a refillable lighter, and being sure to carry the extra gas for it, is a smart move. 

The Best Lighters For Every Day Carry (EDC), Survival, Backpacking and More

This is a selection of the best EDC, survival and backpacking lighters ranging from practical to unusual to downright weird that beat lugging around a box of matches that are prone to going soggy and blow out too easily in the wind.

Some are useful just for smokers, others for use in the wild, and others are more for novelty but if you're going to carry a lighter around, especially if you don't actually smoke and it's just for show, then at least pick an interesting conversation piece that'll catch peoples eye.

Though if you think you'll ever need it to light a fire or cook food then pick a sensible option that will work when required.