Last Updated on September 24, 2020
Tips for choosing the right Lighter for survival: There are a huge number of ways to make fire improvised means. But most of them require time and special skills. This is all very useful and healthy, but not when it comes to efficiency. And in a survival situation, efficiency is the first thing.
Lighter for Survival – How to Choose
And even the simplest Lighter for survival, not to mention a device that has some useful properties, can be much more useful than other methods of producing fire. Therefore, in your survival kit, she simply must be present.
Survival Lighter
Is it possible to do without it? Theoretically, yes. But only if it turns out that you don’t need fire at all. And it is difficult to imagine such a situation because fire is not only warm, it is also a signal for help, a way to drive away wild animals, the ability to disinfect water and cook food.
And if we are talking about survival in the winter, then without a bonfire, your chances of survival will rapidly decrease with each passing hour. Therefore, in-stock should always be some means of making fire. And best of all, if it is lighter.
Why? Yes, everything is simple, such a means of producing fire, for example, like flint and a chair, require a very, very well pumped skill. Even ferrocerium flint is not as simple as it looks in advertising. And add to this the skill of making a fire in the end, you will not get the most rainbow-colored picture.
On the other hand, modern lighters, even the cheapest ones, are very compact, reliable enough, and screw up the required efficiency. Compare your chances of starting a fire with a flint and a lighter? Does it really matter what to carry with you – a flint or a few lighters? What if you have a “lighter for survival” with you? That’s the same.
What to Look for When Choosing a Lighter for Survival?
Not all lighters are the same, some are better at certain tasks, and some are slightly worse. Therefore, you need to know what exactly to pay attention to when choosing this important element of equipment.
1. Functionality
The lighter should be large enough to lie comfortably in the hand, bright enough to be found by accidentally dropping, and also trigger quickly. It is unlikely that you will want to “strike” the wheel for several minutes, tearing off your skin, in situations where the fire needs to be built as quickly as possible.
2. Strength
A survival lighter should at least withstand a fall from your height. As a maximum, also your fall on it from above. So either stainless steel or hard plastic.
3. Reliability
Some lighters do worse with extreme environmental conditions – they begin to leak, dry out, or rust. For example, lighters with wicks work well at very low temperatures, but they begin to leak over time, which can lead to unpleasant consequences. Therefore, it is worth getting a few lighters. So that at least one is always working.
4. Powerful Flame
Ideally, a small torch at once. If only because only this will help to cope with torrential rain, wind, snow, and other adverse conditions. Also, this “torch” should fire immediately and not flare-up in the process.
5. Water-Resistant
Just because you need to consider this risk. Standard matches, alas, do not tolerate contact with water. Yes, and most lighters – too. Also, the body of the device must also be resistant to corrosion – so as not to rust after getting wet and at high humidity.
6. Wearing Comfort
Lightweight and compact shape. Remember – you have to carry this tool with you all the time, so it’s better that it doesn’t weigh very much and lies well in hand. The best option is a streamlined capsule design. This form also allows you not to cling to other tools, which will also certainly burden your pockets.
7. Refueling Option
Almost all lighters can be recharged, but some with this matter is much simpler. Therefore, there should also be a canister with fuel for lighters in stock – but this applies to long-term autonomous survival.
8. One-handed Work
A good lighter can be operated using only one hand. This is crucial if the other hand is busy.
9. Wind Resistant
Even a light breeze can blow out a lit match. So you need a lighter that gives a flame that is steady even in strong winds.
The Main Types of Lighters for Survival
1. Classic Lighter
When it comes to classics and versatility, Zippo lighters immediately come to mind. Not only are they famous for their longevity and can be stored for a very long time, but you also get a lifetime warranty. If something breaks in it, you simply pay for the delivery, and you are replaced with it.
Zippo itself is extremely simple, but has a number of useful features. For example, they can be used when fingers have already partially lost dexterity and sensitivity. It is enough to strike a wheel on a hard cloth, for example, pants – and there will be fire. Yes, and no need to clamp any levers to support it.
Also, Zippo lighters are very easy to refuel and run on flammable fuels such as butane (yes, some options work on special cartridges), kerosene, and other oil derivatives. They can work on gasoline and, theoretically, on diesel fuel, but the use of these substances is not recommended.
They don’t have one enough – the flame goes straight up, so it is not always suitable for lighting inaccessible places. In addition, you should worry about storing butane cartridges and do not forget to replace them regularly.
2. Simple Lighter
The simplest butane lighters. Even piezoelectric lighters are also an option. If you do not take into account that low-cost devices, such as classic Bic, can start problems at low temperatures. Not to mention the fact that they quickly fail, fall apart, and do not use the fuel completely contained in them. However, this is not scary if you buy a dozen of these lighters and carry several at once.
But in general – this is a pretty good option. They cope with their task, fire, although weak, but give-lightweight, compact, and simple. In extreme cases, even without fuel, they will stably give a spark, which can ignite flammable materials. So in your supply should always be a couple of these simple lighters. It is both cheap and useful.
3. Special Lighter for Survival
For those who live or work in areas with a cold and windy climate, this is the best option. The correct models are able to work at an altitude of several kilometers above sea level and withstand wind up to 35 m/s.
Most of these lighters are waterproof and packaged in brightly colored cases to make them easier to find in grass or low light. Besides, they work even when wet – just one click on the button. Plus, they can almost always be recharged. In a word – full-fledged lighters for survival adapted for extreme conditions.
4. Plasma Lighter
It produces an electric arc, not an ordinary flame. As a rule, it is equipped with a powerful battery and comes with a USB cable so that you can recharge the lighter.
A simple press of a button generates a high-voltage arc that can ignite different materials. Such lighters do not need fuel, just a few hours of charging from the mains, or from solar panels. They are resistant to the wind. It is not so easy to blow away the arc. But in humid conditions, it is better not to use them.
You May Also Like to Read