⚡️Plasma Lighters for Survival?

[@ROE1300]

Whenever I NEED to start a fire it is windy, cold, wet, & probably about to get dark. So, your test conditions were realistic. One-handed operation is always good. Thank you for sharing. Just FYI, 2 ounces is not heavy. The charger probably weighs more. Every mini sparker I have ever met sucks.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching and sounding off, MeaninglessEndeavors! Glad you appreciated the test. I know 2oz isn't THAT much but it feels like a brick next to the microsparker 😆. Lightweight doesn't matter if it doesn't work though. Great hearing from you! -Rusty

[@3vil3lvis]

Plasma lighter + a biolight stove = perfect pair.

[@scorchingcoals1607]

There he is! It's been a while, Rusty. My reaction to the video 😳 > 🤔 > 🤩. Going to have to fiddle with one of those plasma lighters now. GREAT TO SEE YOU BACK!

[@Equip2Endure]

Ha! Thanks for watching, Coals! And it's great to be back. Still need to get more time on this plasma lighter in the field but so far... it's looking surprisingly promising. -Rusty

[@DAH1020]

Ever since watching really big monkeys survival mindset I chose to stay away from batteries and to only use renewable panels along with rechargeable devices which are a lot lighter than most and this is exactly right up that renewable source. Thanks again for bringing this up because it's a critical piece of equipment

[@Equip2Endure]

Ding ding ding... Right on the money, Dah! Let us know if you try one of these out and what you thought. Thanks for watching and chiming in! -Rusty

[@banshee107]

In extreme cold, I rely on Zippos and white gas. Bic lighters are useless unless you keep them warm(close to body) in these environments. This looks good but I’d like to see the consistency

[@Equip2Endure]

Great input, Banshee. That's exactly why we're not going all in on the plasma lighter yet - though it is showing promise. Thanks for chiming in and hope to see you around more. -Rusty

[@TNTom67890]

Personally, I find it useful to have both options available. When a bik lighter runs out of fluid, you can use it as a striker... with the same effect as a dedicated striker. If i had to choose one, i would still go with the Bik. I keep both options in my survival kits.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching and coming in, TNTom! Agreed, that's why it comes down to the ability to recharge it. -Rusty

[@Equip2Endure]

Does a plasma arc lighter just go too much against the "bushcraft grain" for you or are you interested in checking one out?

[@bnalive5077]

Have one but knowing it is battery required and cannot be used when dead is a big factor. A bic can be used when it is completely dead…….

[@Equip2Endure]

Agreed. That's why we pack multiple options, right?@@bnalive5077

[@LoreTunderin]

If you already carry a USB power bank or portable solar panel for your phone then a plasma lighter is almost a no-brainer. Spark wheels CAN be great for one handed emergency use, but you need to carry a something that ignites straight to flame when hit with a spark instead of a tinder that only gives you an ember like char cloth. I keep a small pill capsule on the same keyring as my spark wheel, stuffing it with cotton balls and petroleum jelly in case I really need fire in an emergency. The capsule can be opened one handed with some effort, but I can always grip it with my teeth and spin the keychain to open it if my dexterity is compromised. The capsule can be replenished with natural tinders like fatwood scrapings, shredded birch bark, evergreen resin, Usnea lichen, etc.., or I can replenish it with items I carry for other purposes, such as lip balm, antibiotic salve, duct tape, toilet paper, beeswax, etc.. One mistake I see far too often is using way too much petroleum jelly than is necessary to get a fire going. If your tinder and kindling prep went well and it's not soaking wet, you can smear a tiny amount of chapstick or petroleum jelly on your fingertip and rub it on the end of some twigs or a featherstick to make them take a spark very easily. This also works on grasses, candle wicks, etc..

[@TheWatchmanNews]

Plasma lighters are ok if you have something that will catch the flame like those tender tab things you were using. But if you are trying to light natural material like a birds nest or a tinder bundle you are better off with the bic. But there is a better option for butane as well and that is the little micro torches. I bought a plasma lighter for a particular now legal use and it worked ok but then I replaced it with a micro torch and its much better. Wick lighters are a good option as well. I have a Maratac Peanut XL on a keyring with a small extra tank of fuel that is part of my EDC. I also have a ferro rod and striker as part of my EDC and a Bic. Never too many ways to light a fire!

[@Equip2Endure]

All good thoughts, Watchman. Different tools will shine in different contexts. What really stood out to me during testing was how the tool acted in the elements though. Torches won't be as impacted by wind, but zippos and bics sure will. Thanks for watching and for your thoughts on it! -Rusty

[@TheWatchmanNews]

@@Equip2Endure absolutely. Another advantage to the plasma lighter is it will work in the cold. Butane lighters wont work after they get so cold.

[@Equip2Endure]

☝Another great point @@TheWatchmanNews

[@alimfuzzy]

Get the same one but with the extendable flexible neck. I think they also have a slightly larger battery.

[@Equip2Endure]

Thanks for watching, Fuz! Some people may definitely like those better. Depending on the model you like they can way 2.5x as much as this one (which is already as heavy as I would personally want to go). It's going to be interesting to watch this product/market develop. Good hearing from ya! -Rusty

[@highlandready]

RUSTY!!! Was hoping you'd be putting out videos again soon. But be careful... that face and contortion at 06:32 got Trump in trouble a few years back 😜. -J

[@Equip2Endure]

Hey, J! Thank you thank you... Well, we might have to pull this video down if I ever run for office. -Rusty

[@whiskeyriver4322]

Nope....... I still rather keep it simple. Zippo sealed in size-specific zip-lock bag that prevents evaporation, spare 1/2ounce Zippo fuel canister, and mini inferno tin; compact enough to fit in my FAK that is always in my cargo pocket. Ferro rod always on my knife sheath, magnifying glass always around my neck, box of small UCO matches always in my rucksack; total weight, under 6 ounces.

[@Equip2Endure]

Hey, Whiskey! Thanks for chiming in. Great input as always. You know... I felt the same way until I tried it. I'm still not 100% in, but I was impressed enough to keep trying it out in the field. -Rusty

[@bnalive5077]

No. A bic can be used when it’s completely dead. Where a plasma one cannot……

[@Equip2Endure]

Hey, bnalive! Thanks for watching and chiming in. I agree with you if you don't have a way to recharge the plasma lighter (b/c at least a dead Bic will produce sparks). However, once the Bic runs out you can't refill it. Also, both options can break to the point they're useless. -Rusty