Lighters are great for starting fires, but they do have weaknesses in the outdoors. Once wet, a lighter is basically useless until it dries out. They also require constant thumb pressure on the valve to remain lit (and that same valve can get stuck on, emptying the lighter prematurely).
The new FireSleeve waterproof lighter case by Exotac solves these shortcomings, making a simple Bic lighter a waterproof, hands-free fire source.
Sold with an included Bic lighter, the FireSleeve costs $15 on the fundraising platform Kickstarter. The project has been fully funded with $20,000 raised, pointing to a definite demand.
An added bonus — it’s made in the U.S.A.
We can understand the appeal. The reusable case, while more expensive than the lighter itself, turns this disposable fire starter into a much more useful tool, especially in outdoors situations.
Beyond keeping the lighter dry (it’s submersible up to three feet for a half-hour, the brand states), the LighterSleeve’s ability to keep the lighter burning without thumb pressure appears pretty useful. I imagine setting the burning lighter at the base of a pile of tinder while using both hands to coax the fire to life — and not burning my thumb in the process.
