Cold hands, wet tinder, and a breeze that will not quit. That is the moment a lighter earns its place in your pack, and it is also the moment a cheap disposable one tends to fail. Most backpacking lighters look similar in a listing photo, but the difference between an arc, a torch, and a combo unit matters far more than the color options.
I looked at the Best Backpacking Lighters by comparing how each one actually starts a fire: arc versus jet flame, rechargeable versus refillable, sealed versus open, and whether the size and lanyard make sense on a multi-day trip. My overall pick for best backpacking lighters is the 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch. It pairs a USB arc lighter with a refillable butane torch in one package, so you get a flameless option for tinder and a jet flame for thicker wood without buying two separate tools. My top picks are just below.
Best Backpacking Lighters at a Glance
| Product | NT Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Laffizz 2 Pack Waterproof Arc and Butane Torch | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for deep grills Laffizz 2 Pack Torch Lighter with 1.2 in Extended | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for wet weather LcFun Electric Lighter Rechargeable Dual Arc | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for USB-C charging LcFun Electric Plasma Lighter 2-Pack with IP56 | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for survival kits Scotte Plasma 2-in-1 Arc Lighter and LED | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Emergency Kits LcFun Electric Arc Lighter with USB-C Charging | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| LcFun 2-Pack Plasma and Torch Lighter Set | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
In-Depth Reviews
A two-lighter set pairing a USB dual-arc flameless lighter with a refillable butane torch, both rated IP56 and weighing 0.15 lb each.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.15 lb each
- Water Protection
- IP56
- Power Source
- USB Rechargeable (arc) / Butane (torch)
- Included
- 1 Arc Lighter, 1 Torch Lighter, USB Cable, 2 Lanyards
Pros
- +IP56 sealed metal-ring cover resists rain and wind
- +Dual-arc flameless design runs up to 300 lights per charge
- +Butane torch delivers a 1.8-inch jet flame
- +Two-lighter set covers both tinder and thicker branches
Cons
- −Butane torch ships empty due to shipping regulations
- −Arc lighter battery holds charge for only about a week
- −Plastic and zinc alloy body may not survive hard drops
Detailed Review
The Laffizz 2 Pack pairs a USB dual-arc flameless lighter with a refillable butane torch, each weighing 0.15 lb and sized at 1.9 by 2.7 by 0.7 inches. The arc unit handles routine fire starting while the torch throws a 1.8-inch jet flame for thicker branches.
Both lighters carry an IP56 rating and a metal-ring sealed cover with locking clasp, which I see as the real value for wet shoulder-season trips where a standard lighter struggles. The arc lighter charges via USB in 1.5 hours and holds roughly 300 lights per charge.
The main trade-off is that the butane torch ships empty for shipping safety, so you will need to fill it before any trip. Battery life on the arc unit also runs only about a week between charges. I rate this a reasonable pick for car camping and day hikes.
A two-pack of refillable butane torch lighters with a 2800 F jet flame, 1.2 inch extended wand, and 3.5 g clear fuel tank. Ships without butane.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.12 pounds
- Flame Temperature
- 2800 F jet flame
- Fuel Capacity
- 3.5 g butane
- Included
- 2 Lighters (no fuel)
Pros
- +Extended 1.2 inch wand keeps fingers back from deep grill burners
- +Clear 3.5 g tank removes guesswork on refill timing
- +Zinc alloy top and brass pipework resist drops and leaks
- +Refillable design cuts disposable lighter waste on camp trips
Cons
- −Ships without butane, so a separate canister is required
- −2800 F jet flame is too hot for soft flame tasks like pipe lighting
- −Assorted colors mean the exact pair cannot be chosen
Detailed Review
The 1.2 inch extended metal wand is the detail that separates this Laffizz torch from a standard pocket lighter. It lets me reach into a deep fire pit, a candle jar, or the back of a grill grate without tipping my hand toward the flame. The 3.5 g clear fuel tank also solves a quiet annoyance: I can see the butane level before a trip instead of discovering an empty lighter at camp.
At 0.12 lb and 3.4 inches long, it disappears into a hipbelt pocket or a kitchen kit, and the brass pipework and zinc alloy top are the parts that matter for repeated refills. The adjustable bottom knob lets me dial the jet between roughly 1.0 and 1.5 inches, which is the range the listing recommends.
Worth knowing before you buy: every unit ships without butane, so a canister is a separate purchase, and the 2800 F jet is a poor match for soft-flame jobs. I rate this a sensible two-pack for car camping, BBQ, and candle lighting rather than a do-everything lighter.
USB-rechargeable dual arc lighter with IP56 waterproof rating and paracord lanyard, weighs 1.55 ounces, no butane needed.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 1.55 oz
- Water Protection
- IP56
- Power Source
- Rechargeable lithium battery, USB
- Material
- ABS and zinc alloy
Pros
- +USB charging eliminates butane canisters and refilling on trips
- +IP56 rating handles rain and wind on exposed campsites
- +Paracord lanyard keeps lighter accessible on a pack strap
- +ABS and zinc alloy body at 1.55 ounces adds minimal pack weight
Cons
- −Cannot use near metal products per the listing warning
- −One-hour charge time requires a power bank for multi-day trips
- −Dual arc may struggle with thick or damp tinder
Detailed Review
The LcFun electric lighter runs on a rechargeable lithium battery that reaches full charge in about an hour over USB, so there are no butane canisters to pack or refill on a backpacking loop. At 1.55 ounces and roughly 2.8 by 0.7 by 1.87 inches, it disappears into a hipbelt pocket or ditty bag. The IP56 waterproof rating and metal-ring sealed cover with locking clasp mean rain and wind are less likely to shut it down at camp.
A thick paracord lanyard keeps it attached to a pack strap or belt loop, which matters when you are digging for it with cold hands. The ABS and zinc alloy body should survive normal pack abrasion, though I would not expect it to shrug off a direct slam on granite. The listing warns against using it with metal products, and I would keep that in mind around metal cookware or tent poles.
For my money, this suits weekend campers and day hikers who want a lighter that recharges from a power bank rather than a fuel canister. The main trade-off is the one-hour charge time and the metal-product warning, so I rate it a reasonable pick for three-season camping rather than a primary survival fire starter.
A two-lighter set pairing a USB-C rechargeable dual arc plasma lighter with a refillable single-jet butane torch, both rated IP56 and sold without butane fuel.
Key Facts
- Power Source
- Rechargeable, USB-C
- Battery
- 220 mAh, 300+ uses per charge
- Water Protection
- IP56
- Included
- 1 Electric Lighter, 1 Butane Lighter (no fuel), 2 Lanyards, USB Cable
Pros
- +USB-C charging port refills the arc lighter in about 1 hour
- +220 mAh battery rated above 300 uses per charge
- +Visible fuel tank on the butane torch shows remaining gas
- +Two lanyards and a gift box included in the set
Cons
- −Butane lighter ships without fuel, so a canister is a separate buy
- −Two different ignition types mean two separate upkeep routines
- −No fuel capacity or burn time stated for the torch
Detailed Review
The LcFun set splits ignition duty between a dual arc plasma lighter and a single jet butane torch, so a dead battery never leaves you without a flame source. The arc side runs a 220 mAh lithium battery rated for more than 300 uses per charge and tops up through USB-C in roughly an hour.
The torch is the one I'd reach for in wind, since its jet flame is rated to 2800 F and the visible fuel tank shows how much gas remains before a trip. Both bodies measure 2.67 x 1.85 x 0.67 inches with lanyards, and both carry an IP56 rating plus a locking clasp.
Worth knowing before you buy: the butane unit ships empty for shipping safety, so budget for a canister and a fill before your first outing. I rate this a sensible pick for a camp kit or glovebox rather than a single-lighter minimalist.
The Scotte Plasma is a rechargeable twin-arc lighter and LED flashlight combo with a 5-in-1 magnesium fire starter, weighing under 2 ounces.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.12 lb
- Power Source
- Rechargeable
- Dimensions
- 3.74 x 1.57 x 0.98 in
- Included
- Lighter, flashlight, 5-in-1 fire starter
Pros
- +Combines lighter and flashlight in one 0.12 lb unit
- +Rechargeable battery avoids disposable lighter fuel
- +Ferro rod rated for over 16,000 strikes at 5,500 F
- +Includes 150dB whistle and 450 lb paracord in kit
Cons
- −No waterproof or IP rating stated for either end
- −Arc lighter requires two-hour charge before first use
- −No warranty term disclosed beyond return policy
Detailed Review
The Scotte Plasma packs a twin-arc lighter and a two-mode LED flashlight into a single 0.12 lb body, so you are not digging for two separate tools in a pack pocket. The arc end is flameless and windproof, and the listing claims 150 to 300 lights per full charge with auto shutoff after about seven seconds of continuous pressing.
The included 5-in-1 magnesium fire starter adds a ferro rod rated for over 16,000 strikes at 5,500 F, plus a 150dB whistle, steel scraper, and 450 lb paracord. That kit weighs under 2 ounces and measures 5 inches, which I see working best as a backup fire source for car camping or a day hike rather than a primary tool.
Worth knowing before you buy: no waterproof or IP rating is stated for either end, so wet weather is a real concern. The arc lighter also needs a two-hour charge before first use.
The LcFun Electric Lighter is a rechargeable dual-arc plasma lighter with a USB-C port, IP56 water resistance, and a paracord lanyard.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.11 lbs
- Water Protection
- IP56
- Power Source
- Rechargeable, USB-C
- Dimensions
- 2.7 x 1.87 x 0.63 in
Pros
- +USB-C charging removes need for butane fuel canisters
- +IP56 sealed cover and locking clasp resist water ingress
- +Paracord lanyard adds a second fire-starting option
- +Slim 2.7 by 1.87 inch body carries easily in a pocket
Cons
- −Dual-arc ignition struggles with damp tinder or thick wicks
- −No fuel gauge or battery indicator to show remaining charge
- −60-day guarantee period is shorter than many outdoor brands
Detailed Review
The LcFun Electric Lighter runs on a rechargeable USB-C battery rather than butane, so there is no fuel canister to refill or leak in a pack. The listing rates it IP56 with a metal-ring sealed cover, which I read as splash and rain resistance rather than submersion protection.
A full charge takes about 1.5 hours and yields more than 28 seven-second ignitions, enough for a weekend of campfires and stove lighting. The included paracord lanyard gives a second fire-starting option if the arc fails on damp tinder.
The main trade-off is that dual-arc plasma needs dry, fine tinder to catch, so it is not a direct replacement for a butane torch in heavy rain. I see this working best for day hikes, car camping, and emergency kits where a rechargeable, fuel-free spark matters more than raw ignition power.
LcFun two-pack pairing a USB-rechargeable dual arc plasma lighter with a refillable butane torch lighter, both rated IP56 water-resistant.
Key Facts
- Power Source
- Rechargeable 220 mAh lithium battery (USB)
- Water Protection
- IP56
- Included
- 1 plasma lighter, 1 butane torch lighter, 1 USB cable, 2 lanyards
- Dimensions
- 2.67 x 1.85 x 0.67 inches
Pros
- +Two lighter types in one box covers different fire needs
- +Rechargeable arc runs over 300 uses per charge
- +IP56 rating for wet or stormy conditions
- +Includes USB cable and two lanyards for carry
Cons
- −Torch lighter ships without butane, so fuel is a separate purchase
- −Battery runtime drops in cold weather, typical of lithium cells
- −No weight listed for either lighter
Detailed Review
LcFun pairs two fire starters in one box: a USB-rechargeable dual arc plasma lighter and a refillable butane torch lighter with a visible fuel tank and an adjustable jet flame up to 1.8 inches. Both carry a metal-ring sealed cover, locking clasp, and an IP56 water-resistance rating, which covers splashes and rain but not submersion.
The arc lighter runs on a 220 mAh lithium battery rated for more than 300 uses per charge, refilled in about an hour via the included USB cable. I see that setup working well for a multi-day backpacking loop where swapping batteries is not an option.
Worth knowing before you buy: the torch lighter arrives without butane, so factor in a canister. I'd consider this set for car camping and wet shoulder-season trips where two ignition methods make sense.
FAQs
Can you take a butane lighter on a backpacking trip?
You can carry a butane lighter on most trips, but the fuel has to be added after you arrive because shipping rules mean these lighters arrive empty. That refill step is easy to forget, so pack a small can of butane or plan to buy one near the trailhead. For a short overnight, a USB arc lighter avoids the fuel question entirely.
Is an arc lighter or a torch lighter better for camping?
An arc lighter is better for tinder, candles, and stove pilots, while a torch lighter handles thicker branches and damp wood. Arc models need no fuel and recharge over USB, which suits multi-day trips where you cannot resupply. Torch models give you a hotter jet flame, but they need butane and a bit of practice to adjust.
Do you need a waterproof lighter for backpacking?
A water-resistant lighter is worth having if you hike in wet climates, because a sealed cover and locking clasp keep rain and splash out. Several picks here list an IP56 rating, which is a splash and dust rating, not a promise for submersion. Store it in a dry pouch and it will handle most shoulder-season weather.
How much should a backpacking lighter weigh?
Most lighters in this group land between roughly two and three ounces, which is light enough to carry as a backup even if you also pack matches. The weight matters less than reliability, so a combo unit that covers both tinder and thicker wood often earns its place. If you count every ounce, a single arc lighter is the lighter choice. For a broader look at fire-starting options, see survival fire starters for wet weather.
Final Thoughts
The thing that matters most when choosing a backpacking lighter is not the color or the gadget count, it is whether the thing lights when your hands are cold and the wind is up. A sealed body, a lanyard you can find in the dark, and a design that covers both tinder and thicker wood will serve you better than a single-purpose tool.
My overall pick remains the 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch. The combo of a USB arc lighter and a refillable butane torch covers the two jobs you actually face at camp, and the included lanyards make both easy to keep track of in a pack. It suits weekend backpackers and car campers who want one kit that handles tinder and thicker wood. Skip it if you want a single ultralight tool and nothing else, or if you would rather not deal with butane refills at all. Check the current price on Amazon, and pick the design that matches how you actually start fires, because that one decision clears up most of the confusion.