A windproof lighter is a basic piece of equipment for those who enjoy the outdoors. These devices come in several different designs. There are different characteristics that make them windproof. Some of them are made windproof by the flame they generate and some by the fuel they use. Others simply have extended wind guards that provide extra shelter for the flame. No matter what method is used, these are very useful devices for luxury and for emergencies.

Windproof lighters generally accomplish their advertised ability to light in very windy conditions through one of two means. Fluid-filled lighters employ a fuel which does not dissipate or evaporate in the presence of high winds. This ensures that the wick remains soaked with fuel and able to light even when it is wet or very windy. The trade-off is that the wind may blow this flame over the side of the lighter which may present a hazard to the user.

A fluid-filled lighter offers windproof performance because the fuel is too viscous to be taken off of the wick by the action of the wind. These lighters do have one disadvantage in strong winds. The flame may be pushed over the side of the lighter by the wind and it may end up being very large because of the amount of oxygen being introduced into the flame. For that reason, these lighters should always be held away from one’s face when they are lit.

Butane lighters also have the advantage of using a much cleaner-burning fuel. Cigar and pipe smokers generally prefer these models because fluid tends to pollute the taste of tobacco. In cases where the lighter is simply being used for utilitarian purposes, such as lighting campfires, the butane lighters have another advantage. The flame can be directed at any angle which means that one need not engage in odd contortions to get a flame underneath kindling or into a grill.

Where fluid-filled lighters are concerned, there is a caveat. These lighters may produce a very large flame when under high-wind conditions. The flame may also fly to the side of the lighter which can present a hazard. The butane models have the strong jets which prevent this from happening. While fluid-lighters are reliable and time-tested, torch lighters have the advantage of cutting-edge technology. Either will provide excellent and reliable service.