I wanted to take a moment to break away from the current (and relevant) Ebola threat to post up a gadget review, a must have item that comes in at around $20 and is well worth the spend. If you’ve ever tried to light a fire in windy / cool / wet conditions you’ll know it’s not the easiest thing to do. Or if you’ve tried to source a butane lighter to combat the aforementioned issue you’ll also know that they aren’t that cheap, not to mention must be refilled with special fuel. Enter the Soto Pocket Torch.
Soto Pocket Torch
I picked up my torch at REI today for $20, not too shabby considering what other gadgets I’ve purchased in recent memory have cost. The Soto Pocket Torch turns standard Scripto lighters into a fire breathing flamethrower, although the lighters must be purchased separately. I picked up a couple 5 packs for around $5 from the local grocery store.
Soto Pocket Torch with Scripto Lighters
According to the instructions, the Soto can accept one other brand of lighter but I’m not familiar with it.
Soto Pocket Torch Instructions
As with any new gadget, I immediately had to start toying around with it to make sure it worked. My wife thought I might catch the interior of the car on fire, as I had to assemble it and put it into action while sitting in the driver’s seat. I suppose I’m like a kid in a candy store when it comes to gadgets. Once I got home I went out on the patio and attempted to set several things on fire. First up was a wet piece of wood. That didn’t go well.
Soto Pocket Torch vs Wet 2×4
Next up was some junk mail that I had sitting on the shredder. Might as well burn it instead of shredding it.
Soto Pocket Torch vs Junk Mail
I played around with the torch for 5 minutes or so. A couple things I noticed while trying to incinerate everything in sight.
1- It got stuck in the on position a couple times after extended (20-30 seconds) use. It took a second click of the ignitor button and 2-3 seconds before the flame would go out. This didn’t happen every time, maybe half the time.
2- If you are going to get one of these, stock up on Scripto lighters. Just screwing around with it depleted the lighter by around 40%. Since they are cheap it’s no big deal but having only one could be problematic.
3- The flame burns strong and HOT. This is no gimmick, a pocket torch is a great name for the Soto.
Final Thoughts:
For $20 (plus the cost of the lighters) you really can’t go wrong with purchasing the Soto Pocket Torch. Pick one up on Amazon or stop by your local backpacking store, I’m sure they will have them in stock. For what it’s worth, the Soto Pocket Torch won Editor’s Choice Gold in 2010 from Backpacker Magazine. That’s a pretty strong endorsement. I now have my Soto Pocket Torch and some backup lighters in my BOB, hoping for the day I need to start a fire in the wind and rain. Well..maybe not but at least I have it. Maybe I can light some scented candles around the house for my wife.
Recent Comments