Do you want to go camping in cold weather?
Are you afraid your lighter won’t work as well in the winter?
Campfires are critical for a good (and safe) experience when cold-weather camping.
While it’s fun to start campfires without a lighter, we recommend having one on hand if you need to create one quickly.
But are all lighters the same in winter?
No. This is why we researched to help you find the best lighter for winter camping.
The best lighter for winter camping needs to function consistently in cold weather and put out enough heat for a quick start when you don’t have time to waste. Our picks for the best products are:
- Phone Skope PYRO Putty Arc Lighter
- lcfun Arc Lighter
- Zippo Emergency Fire Kit
- Icfun Jet Flame Lighter
- Worthington Trigger Start Propane Torch
Check out the rest of the review for more details and a buyer’s guide.
Disclaimer: Links in this post may be affiliate in nature, which means we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
What To Look For In The Best Lighter For Winter Camping
This section is a brief buyer’s guide.
Use this information to help you figure out what to look for in the products below.
If you want to shop on your own, this information will be helpful.
Of course, if you stick with the ones on our list, you won’t be disappointed, and you’ll save time.
Weight
A lighter’s weight is essential when camping, especially if you’re backpacking where every ounce counts.
Larger lighters and fire-starting systems can produce more heat and last longer, but are heavier.
Compact and lightweight lighters will often do the job, and they’re easy to carry.
But, they don’t last as long, in general.
Sparking Mechanism
One of the most significant differences in lighters is the sparking mechanism.
The two main mechanisms are electrical and flint.
Flint mechanics may not use actual flint, but it’s a call back to the common flint and steel method.
When metal strikes flint, it creates a spark.
For lighters, it’s the same idea.
The spark then comes into contact with the pressurized fuel (butane, propane, etc.), which starts a flame.
The other is electrical-based.
This is more expensive and less common, but it works more consistently, at least in the short term.
In general, this mechanism is more sensitive to damage over the years.
Power
The hotter and bigger the flame from the lighter, the easier it is to start.
Some lighters put out a small flame with low heat, such as the cheap “gas station” lighters.
These lighters work fine, even for starting a campfire.
But picking one with a little more power is even better, especially when winter camping when you want to start a fire with little difficulty.
Power is directly related to how quickly you start the fire.
Learn how to set up winter camping sites.
Weatherproofing
Here is a big one: weatherproofing.
Winter is known for being cold and windy.
Most of the time, cold won’t affect lighters too much.
They may have to be warmed up a little to reach their flash point before lighting.
But the wind and wet weather are often significant problems.
When researching options for the best lighters for camping in winter, we looked for those with extra protection.
This protection keeps them working better, longer, and in more situations.
You may also want to check out these tips for camping in a winter storm.
Fuel
The fuel of the lighter is another one to consider, especially in the cold.
Butane, or lighter fluid, is the most common option.
Butane is colorless and odorless.
It lights up nicely and quickly.
In the cold, the fluid may end up below its flashpoint, but it won’t freeze.
A little movement and warmth will get it to where it needs to be.
Electrical power is another option, such as in arc lighters.
The arc energy starts fires as well.
They don’t last as long as fluid lighter, but they recharge quickly.
Electric-fueled lighters also are immune to wind and cold altogether.
Propane is another option.
Think of it like butane’s big brother.
Propane is even more powerful and reliable, though they add a smell to it to ensure you no when there’s a leak.
Refillable/Rechargeable
Great lighters for camping are all refillable or rechargeable.
Better power and protection come at a higher price.
You don’t want to be replacing them throughout the summer.
Refilling or recharging them saves you money.
All products we picked are this way, but if you go off on your own to shop, make sure it’s refillable or rechargeable.
Review Of The Best Lighters For Winter Camping
In this section, we’ll go over each of our picks and discuss some of their main features and how it will affect you.
Because prices change all the time, we don’t mention specific pricing information.
To see more, click the image or button for more details.
Phone Skope PYRO Putty Arc Lighter
This is a medium-high-priced dual-arc electric lighter for any winter camping.
Because of the electrical nature, this lighter works in cold, wind, high-altitude, and in pretty much any situation.
As a dual-arc lighter, it gives off a lot of heat for such a compact and light product.
Starting fires is simple with this.
The charge lasts a while.
The company claims ist goes for 300 strikes on a single charge.
Based on research, it’s more like 150-200, but still more than enough for a single camping trip.
It charges quickly with a USB interface.
It even comes with two fire starter putties to help get the fires going.
Pros
- Powerful starter
- Well-protected against the elements
- Light and compact
- Starts with great consistency
Cons
- Less charge than single-arc lighters
lcfun Arc Lighter
The Icfun lighter is another arc lighter option at a more affordable price.
As an arc lighter, it works consistently in lousy weather, and the packaging has excellent weatherproofing.
They even claim it’ll work after being dropped in a bucket of water.
We don’t recommend that, but it will work after a spell underwater.
This plasma lighter charges through USB and lasts for up to 2 hours.
In our research, we found it lasts for that time.
It also comes with a multi-functional lanyard which has:
- A detachable clasp for easy storage
- Emergency whistle
- Tinder properties for emergency fire starting
Overall, it’s a powerful, consistent lighter.
Pros
- Great value
- Good heat
- Excellent weather protection, especially in water
- Lanyard is a useful extra
Cons
- Doesn’t last as long
Zippo Emergency Fire Kit
The Zippo Emergency kit is another approach.
While not an actual lighter, this little guy is a MUST for anyone going winter camping, especially when you’re farther away from other people.
Inside the small container are 5 paraffin wax-coated pieces of fire starter.
These are specially designed to start when wet, cold, and in the wind.
On top of the container is a flint spark mechanism, designed by the lighter king, Zippo.
It works well when wet, cold, or in the wind too.
Place a twig or small stick through one of the was starters and light it quickly with the spark.
The starter burns HOT for up to 5 minutes.
It’s enough to start most any fire once you’ve gathered enough material.
This isn’t something just to use willy nilly, but for emergencies, it does a great job.
The wax starters are replaceable at low prices.
Pros
- Excellent for emergencies
- Reliable in all conditions
- Super small and lightweight
- Low price
Cons
- Isn’t a lighter for repeat usage
Icfun Jet Flame Lighter
This 2-pack of butane mini-torches is an interesting choice for a lighter, but we found many people love it.
This mini-torch fits in the palm of your hand.
The small tank needs to be filled with butane (it comes empty).
Once filled, you press the button, and a powerful torch-like flame comes out.
It’ll start all but the wettest wood almost instantly.
It works well in the wind due to power, but it should avoid water as much as possible.
The tank inside lasts a decent amount of time, but this depends on how high you put the flame.
All in all, if you want a fire quick with a small torch, this is it.
Pros
- Powerful flame for quick starting
- Small and easy to carry
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not good in the water
- Needs to be refilled often
Worthington Trigger Start Propane Torch
If you liked the idea of a torch for quick starting, but you didn’t want to mess around refilling all the time and small containers, consider the Worthington propane torch starter.
This is a torch starter that screws onto most propane tanks, including hand-sized ones.
The propane tank isn’t included.
Simply screw it on, unlock the trigger, click, and enjoy the flames.
This is one I use often.
The flame will last as long as your propane tank does, which is a lot longer than the smaller butane lighters will.
This may not be for backpacking when you don’t want to lug around even light propane tanks.
Still, power, consistent-starting, and prolonged use may outweigh the downsides.
Some of you may already be using propane tanks for other things when winter camping, so this may be just the lighter you’re looking for.
Pros
- Very powerful flame
- Lasts a long time
- Easy to use
- Propane tank has multiple uses
Cons
- Requires a propane tank
- Larger product
Commonly Asked Questions
Are arc lighters good for camping? – Yes, but they work differently than normal flame ones.
For one thing, they work better in the wind, rain, and cold weather, which is why we like them for winter camping.
On the downside, they’re usually more expensive and take more energy.
They charge through electrical ports, often USB.
Does cold weather affect lighters? – It depends on the lighters.
Lighters with electric arcs aren’t affected, and neither is butane or propane lighters with flint starters.
But if the lighter uses lighter fluid and a wick, such as most simple lighters do, there’s a chance of things being too cold to start as consistently.
Can you refill cheap lighters? – Yes.
This is an easy way to save some money as the cost of more fluid is lower than the price of a whole new lighter.
Refilling the lighters is pretty simple, although there is a higher chance of making a mess.
What happens if you freeze a lighter? – Nothing will happen to the lighter or even the fluid.
Lighter fluid freezes at -220 degrees F.
However, dropping the fluid’s temperature will lower it below the ‘flashpoint” of the liquid.
This means it won’t light on fire right away.
Warming it up slightly with your body or simply moving the lighter will cause it to start again.
It may take a few tries, but it’ll start.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve checked out our picks for the best lighter for winter camping, it’s up to you to pick one and give it a go.
Each one of these has its own pros and cons.
They work well in different situations.
When I camp in winter, it’s usually more low-key.
The propane torch starter gets the fire started instantly, and since we already have a small propane tank for the tent heater, it’s simple to switch it over and back.
But, I’ve had times when I wanted to make it a little harder, and the arc lighters make me feel a bit more outdoorsy.
Whichever one you want, pick one and have a good time.
Now get outside and enjoy the fresh air!
Want to stay nice and warm?
Check out the best fleece jackets for winter camping.
