Best survival lighter and crank radio?

[FloridaState]

What is the best survival lighter to get? Do Zippos do something that others dont? Whats the best butane that will light in all conditions etc?

Whats the best crank radio?

[Gunner65]

C Crane makes one of the best crank radios....

[wilbanba]

1 buck bic lighter (lightweight, cheap and you can cannibalize it for the flint striker) - better yet go for a magnesium block fire starter as it will last longer, burns hotter and has a firesteel on one side

Amazon.com: Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival... Amazon.com: Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival...
Amazon.com: Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival...

the eton fr1000 is my pick for a dynamo radio

http://www.etoncorp.com/product_card...uctDbId=321378

[willysurvive]

I use a zippo, easy to refill, can be set down and still burns like a candle, a bigger, wind resistant flame, made of metal and won't break easy. Not a bad choice. Firesteel for a back up.

[Gunner65]

s far as lighters, get one of both...

[ToeCutter]

A bic and some kind of firesteel for backup.

[TrustNo1]

The Freeplay 360 solar windup radio:
http://windupradio.com/freeplay3.htm

Zippo's dry up when not used but can be filled with a lot of fuels.
Have a zippo and a few Bics.

Take care,
Robert.

[clnee]

I am pretty new to these and here are my questions... What about those wind resistant, water proof lighters? Are they any good? I guess the firesteel must be more reliable than a lighter, but what are the cons on using the firesteel, since you guys only use it as a backup? Thanks.

[haha49]

Zippo flint and steel... blast match... magnisum and flint... all work just some are faster... but some last longer..

[wilbanba]

forgot one of my favs

Amazon.com: JetLine Pocket Torch Single Flame -... Amazon.com: JetLine Pocket Torch Single Flame -...
Amazon.com: JetLine Pocket Torch Single Flame -...

and this one

Amazon.com: Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter:... Amazon.com: Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter:...
Amazon.com: Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter:...

[Time Walker]

Zippo, it's the AK47 of lighters and you can use a variety of fuels in a pinch.
I have a Eton 150, I made a plug to go in the cell phone charger to charge the AAA's for my head lamp.

[PAGUY]

Had a zippo for years and it was great but a bic works just the same and costs even less when lost in the field.

[Nutjob Transplant]

Originally Posted by Time Walker

I have a Eton 150, I made a plug to go in the cell phone charger to charge the AAA's for my head lamp.

i too, second the motion of the eton 150, i have one and it pretty amazing, charges up my mp3 player on hikes and camping. can also pick up the local noaa stations witch was very helpful when the power went out four days ago in the middle of the night due to that massive lighting storm we had come through ohio. the flash light was a big help too!

[ToeCutter]

@clnee,

Firesteels are rugged, waterproof and last ages, however they are not as quick and easy as a lighter, hence many relegate them to backup.

Personally, I would advise against a zippo. A 'tank of gas' doesn't last long, they are relatively heavy, I doubt they are waterproof (bics will keep going after you dry them out) and the fuel evaporates if they are left in kit.

[AKpredator]

I have a Brunton Helios and a Blazer Torch but I think a Bic works quite well for a tiny fraction of the cost. One good thing about the Helios is that it is totally waterproof IF you keep it closed and locked when not using it. They hold about the same amount of butane that a small bic does, so you have to refill them and that means taking extra fuel.

The Helios can light a cigar going 30 mph into the wind on my open decked boat. I don't know if that is worth $50 but it works.

[RZombie]

I carry a Bic in my pocket, waxed waterproof wooden matches in my personal first aid kit and a firesteel in my pack. I also have a Eton 150 I keep in my pack. Especially when i'm with my sons scout troop.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by FloridaState

What is the best survival lighter to get? Do Zippos do something that others dont? Whats the best butane that will light in all conditions etc?

Whats the best crank radio?

My best might not be the best for someone else, who's "best" might not be the best for you.

I use a Bic because I'm not in a cold climate and they work fine for my uses.

You've asked a lot of questions and not given a single thanks to anyone who has taken the time to answer them.

[TheOmegaMan]

Two questions:

What different types of fuels can you use in a Zippo lighter.

I've noticed that over time that the fuel in a Bic lighter will evaporate. Is there any way to stop this? would putting it in a plastic bag help? covering it in wax?

The Omega Man

[blackwolf911]

Originally Posted by TheOmegaMan

Two questions:

What different types of fuels can you use in a Zippo lighter.

I've noticed that over time that the fuel in a Bic lighter will evaporate. Is there any way to stop this? would putting it in a plastic bag help? covering it in wax?

The Omega Man

1)Gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene, alcohol.... any liquid that burns when you put a flame to it.

2)You can tape the seam.

[Kipper]

Lighters are cheap and small, even in a BOB where you are trying to save weight it probably wont hurt to have both types (fuel one like a Zippo, and a butane one like a bic)

The Turboflame 2 lighter looks good, is refillable, and has a fuel window.

I have a generic lighter that is very similar to that.

I have a couple of Bics for backup too. I didnt know anything about Bics leaking gas, I need to check them when i get home to make sure they are still working!! (i have had them for a few years now)