There are few things more frustrating than having to light a fire while it rains or when the wind is blowing. Even a new gas lighter cannot be up to the task. After all, it is not new that the wind will not allow a spark big enough. Whether you are trying to build a fire or light a cigarette, you need an efficient source of fire that can be reliable anytime. One of those tools is a windproof lighter.
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Types of windproof lighters
The first windproof lighter was the Zippo lighter. In fact, it is an iconic item that has been around since the 1930s. The company took great pride when its lighter made its way onto the battlefield in the Second World War, and it has resisted on the market ever since. Zippo lighters are so popular that all similar lighters are called Zippo lighters, even if they are manufactured by different companies.
Leaving history aside, there are two primary categories of windproof lighters, and they are categorized by the type of fuel they use to spark the fire. We have windproof gas lighters and electric windproof lighters, also known as plasma lighters.
Windproof gas lighters
The first category is the windproof gas lighter. It has been very common before, but ever since the second category came out, not so much. They used butane as fuel, and depending on the model, you can refill it. In fact, these days, most windproof gas lighters can be refilled. You either buy a small tank of butane and fill it at home, or you can go someplace and have it refilled. However, if you do not know how to change the butane on your lighter, I recommend that you have someone refill it for you. After all, that is not the safest activity you can be involved in.
The pros for a windproof gas lighter is that it is less expensive than the electric counterpart, but that is pretty much it. The cons seem to exceed the pros. For one, you need to buy butane and have it refilled, which comes at a regular cost. At the same time, the flame can burn your hair if you are lighting a cigarette. An open flame will always be more dangerous than an electric arc. Even so, the windproof gas lighter still remains a popular choice.
Windproof electric lighters
The second category seems to still earn its popularity. To be honest, I have not seen many people with such an item, but I think it is a pity. Windproof electric lighters are more efficient, and their maintenance, so to speak, is more comfortable to achieve. For one, you do not need to handle a butane tank, which by itself is a huge selling point. It uses electricity to function, and it forms an electric arc. It is not significant, but it is enough to light a fire, which is all you need.
The pros of a windproof electric lighter exceed the cons this time. You do not have to handle gas, and you do not have to pay anyone to do it. All you have to do is to plug it in and recharge it. Depending on the model, a windproof electric lighter can spark between 100 and 300 times on a single charge. Since there is no open flame, it barely represents danger. As long as the cap is on, there is no risk of anything. The only downside is that it is a bit more expensive than the gas counterpart, but you will barely notice the difference. Plus, you win some of the money back by not having to refill it.
The benefits of using a windproof lighter
While many people still go by the old-fashioned gas lighter, there are a few benefits of using a windproof lighter that I think you will enjoy. Here are a few of my favorites:
The whole point of a windproof lighter is to be able to use it when a regular one is unable to. When you go camping or trekking, for example, you need a source of fire that can function in high humidity and wind. Enters the windproof lighter. You can spark a fire in no time, and you can get warm when you need it. It is a valuable item that any camper should have at any given time.
You will not lose it anymore – this may sound a bit silly, but when you have an expensive windproof lighter, you are more careful with it, and you always ask for it back after you give it to someone. If you are a smoker, you know what I am talking about. How many lighters have you misplaced so far? I bet that they are in the hundreds. That happens to everyone. However, when you buy a windproof lighter, you are more aware of its value, and you are more careful not to lose it. That makes sense, right?
It lasts longer – I do not know what the deal is with those lighters that you can buy for under $1, but they do not last very long. Of course, what can you expect at that price, but still? A piece of plastic and a few ml of butane cannot be that expensive. A windproof lighter will last longer. Of course, it depends on the model, but you still can rely on it for an extended period of time.
What to consider when buying the best windproof lighter
If you are looking to buy the best windproof lighter, the biggest mistake you can make is buying a random product. Read the specifications and consider a few things before you make a purchase. If you do not know what to look at, here are a few ideas:
Fuel type
The categories are presented above, and at the end of the day, it is a matter of preference. Consider both pros and cons for both types before you make a decision, and then take your pick. There are many models out there, and you have where to choose from. Just make sure that your choice is a good one in the long run. You cannot opt for a windproof electric lighter if you go hiking, can you? A small tank of butane can be taken along, but a power outlet not so much.
Waterproof capabilities
Depending on what you are using the lighter for, you may want to consider a windproof lighter with waterproof capabilities. Not all of them have this feature, and such a feature raises the price quite a bit. However, if you like to go trekking or camping, you may actually need it. After all, one of the rules of hiking is that you must always stay dry. That can be quite difficult in a rainforest with no fire.
Charge or fuel capacity
Depending on the model, a windproof can provide from 100 to 300 sparks. Some heavy-duty models even more. Take a look at the specifications when you want to buy a particular product, and there you will find the information you need.
What are the best windproof lighters?
As I mentioned before, there are a ton of windproof lighters out there, and you can just take your pick. However, I must remind you again to always read the specifications to make sure that the product you want is the one you need. You can also read some windproof lighters reviews online to learn about other people’s experiences with the products they bought. If not, here is what you can go for.
Tesla Coil Lighters USB Rechargeable Windproof Arc Lighter
This may not be the cheapest windproof lighter, but it is definitely worth the expense. When I say that, do not think of too much money. I mean expensive for a lighter. This one is a rechargeable lighter, just as the title suggests. There is no flame, you do not have to handle butane, and the hassle is minimal. All you have to do is plug it in once in a while.
The Tesla windproof lighter works by creating an electric arc. All you have to do is press a button. The spark is instant, and even if the arc is small, it is highly efficient. After one recharge, you can use it up to 300 times, depending on how much you need to keep the button pressed at once.
This lighter, since it does not use a flame, is not only windproof, but it is also economical and environmentally friendly. You do not need to buy lighter fluid, and since you are not throwing it away, you keep the planet clean of plastic. Simple as that. The Tesla windproof lighter also has a safety feature. As long as the lid is closed, it will not light up. The lighter is simple, safe, and reliable. Plus, it has a gorgeous design.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3T6qlg6
Zippo Matte Pocket Lighter
The list of my best windproof lighter could not be complete without at least one Zippo. As I mentioned above, Zippo lighters are iconic, and this one just proves my point. You can find it in various colors, and you can buy it for yourself or buy it as a gift for a friend. It is an excellent product that I think you will enjoy very much.
This is a genuine Zippo lighter with the logo and that distinctive Zippo click that we all know and love. It is made entirely of metal, and the windproof design makes it function anywhere and anytime. It is highly reliable, and I am sure that if you do not lose it, you will enjoy it for many years to come.
The flints and wick are replaceable on this model, and you can find them separately. It is made in the USA. The only drawback to this lighter is that it uses as fuel Zippo Premium lighter fluid. It is sold separately. I am not a fan of gas lighters, but there are still people who like them, and it is a matter of taste, after all. Other than that, I think it is an excellent product.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3FfSdbQ
Saberlight Rechargeable Flameless Plasma Beam Lighter
The windproof lighter from Saberlight is yet another product that I think you would like. It is cheaper than the Tesla, but that is because this is a 2-pack. It uses plasma wave technology to create a plasma wave that is supposedly hotter than fire. You can spark a flame in whatever environment you may be in.
This model is rechargeable, which means that you must not handle any lighter fluid. It takes one hour for the lithium-ion cell to charge, and the lighter can function for more than three hours. It is highly efficient, and it lasts long enough to help you start fires during your entire trip.
As you can imagine, this is a windproof lighter, but it is also splashproof, and TSA-approved. That means it can rain and the device would still work. As for the TSA-approved feature, since it has no fuel, you can take it with you to an airport.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3JHc6LL
My recommendation
No matter which one of the products presented above you choose, I am sure you will be happy with your decision. However, if it were up to me, I would go with the Tesla Coil Lighters USB Rechargeable Windproof Arc Lighter. It is not much different than the Saberlight, but I like the design more. I think it is one of the best windproof lighters you can find on the market.
Conclusion
A windproof lighter can come in handy, especially in some circumstances other than windy days. All of the products above can help you spark a fire in no time, and I am sure that no matter which one you choose, whether it is one of the above or another one you find online, you will find a windproof lighter to be highly efficient, reliable, and more convenient to use than a regular one.
Updated on March 11, 2023