1.Zippo Chrome Lighter
Our favorite fuel-operated windproof lighter is the classic Zippo. The Zippo Manufacturing Company began making lighters in 1932, and they’ve been perfecting their windproof design ever since. One nice feature of the Zippo is that it doesn’t require you to depress any buttons to keep it lit, and it won’t light spontaneously when the lid is closed. This refillable lighter runs on Zippo Lighter Fluid and comes with the Zippo Lifetime Guarantee:
One downside to a Zippo is that the fluid will evaporate over time, even more rapidly in drier climates. So, make sure to refill it before setting out, and bring extra fuel for longer trips. The Zippo is water-resistant, but not waterproof. Zippo lighters are available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, and the classic chrome version measures 1.50 x 0.5 x 2.25 inches, and weighs 2.0 ounces. If you’re not a fan of chrome, we recommend the Zippo Matte Lighter instead. It is the same size but has a matte finish.
2. Tesla Coil Lighters USB Rechargeable Windproof Arc Lighter
The Tesla Coil Lighter is a clever choice for a windproof lighter and it is our favorite of the electric lighters available. It is a rechargeable electric lighter, meaning it doesn’t require messy or smelly fuel to operate. It comes with a USB charging cable, and once fully charged it will last approximately one week, or 100-300 lights. It is not the best choice for long-term backcountry trips, unless you carry a portable charger or have access to an outlet along the way. The electric operation is naturally windproof, and is not affected by cold temperatures and higher altitudes the way a fuel lighter will be.
Reviewers have provided mixed reports about using this in the rain, but being electric it obviously can’t handle being fully saturated or submerged. When lit, it doesn’t have an open flame, but only a small arc of electricity, so you must have access to quality tinder to use this lighter to start a fire. When closed, the lid prevents it from activating, even when the button is depressed, which is a great safety feature that is not available on all electric lighters. Given its features, we also think this is the best windproof lighter for high altitude and low temperature. It is also the most environmentally friendly lighter, as it is rechargeable and doesn’t require fuel, both of which cut down on packaging and waste.
3. GStar TorchZilla Butane Torch Lighter
For those of you looking for an inexpensive, yet reliable, windproof lighter, we recommend the GStar Torchzilla Butane Torch Lighter. It’s a reliable torch lighter that retails for one-half to one-third the price of the other lighters on this list. This lighter uses butane fuel and is reusable and refillable. One drawback, though, is that butane is not the best for use at higher altitudes due to lower oxygen levels, and it must be warmed up to operate in lower temperatures. Accordingly, it’s not ideal for camping trips in these environments.
This lighter comes with a locking feature that allows you to flip a switch and maintain a continual flame without having to maintain pressure on a button. It also has a flame adjuster, too. Be sure to adjust the flame before use, not during. Measuring 4.5 x 0.3 x 0.3 inches, and weighing 4.0 ounces, this lighter is larger and heavier than the other lighters we have listed, so it is best for people who aren’t worried about pack weight or size. The biggest factor to consider is fuel vs. electric operation. Fuel-powered lighters need to be refilled; electric lighters need to be recharged. Electric lighters are naturally windproof, but require better tinder.
4. UCO Stormproof Torch
In the world of matches and lighters, “stormproof” means something is both windproof and waterproof. So, if you need your windproof lighter to also be truly waterproof, not just water-resistant, then you need a stormproof lighter. And the UCO Stormproof Torch is the best one available. This lighter is refillable and runs on butane fuel. It has a triple jet adjustable flame. It can be lit approximately 700 times before needing to be refilled, which is more than the other lighters we reviewed. According to UCO, the Stormproof Torch can be ignited up to 30,000 times before needing to be replaced.
As with other fuel lighters, it’s not the best choice for high altitude or colder temperatures. The UCO Stormproof is available in two styles: one includes a three-foot stash of utility tape, and the other has an included bottle opener. The biggest factor to consider is fuel vs. electric operation. Fuel-powered lighters need to be refilled; electric lighters need to be recharged. Electric lighters are naturally windproof, but require better tinder. If you want to avoid the hassle of fuel and all that comes with it, or you need a reliable lighter at high altitude or in colder temperatures, then an electric lighter is your best bet. If you don’t want to have to charge your lighter or you prefer an actual flame, then a fuel lighter is the better choice.
5. Zippo Slim Matte Lighter
If you are looking to save every fraction of an ounce and square inch of space possible, then the Zippo Slim is your best choice. There are smaller and lighter windproof lighters on the market. However, none possess the reliability of the Zippo. This slim profile lighter measures 0.4 x 1.4 x 2.2 inches and weighs only 1.5 ounces while still having all the traits of a standard Zippo. Plus, you get the lifetime guarantee we mentioned earlier. Keep in mind the slimmer profile means less fuel capacity, so this lighter will require more frequent refilling. We recommend you take it on short camping trips where you won’t need to refuel.
Carrying extra fuel would negate the benefit of it being so lightweight. The biggest factor to consider is fuel vs. electric operation. Fuel-powered lighters need to be refilled; electric lighters need to be recharged. Electric lighters are naturally windproof, but require better tinder. If you want to avoid the hassle of fuel and all that comes with it, or you need a reliable lighter at high altitude or in colder temperatures, then an electric lighter is your best bet. If you don’t want to have to charge your lighter or you prefer an actual flame, then a fuel lighter is the better choice.
TORCH LIGHTER 