Exotac titanLIGHT

This dependable lighter/fire starter quite simply gets the job done! The Exotac TitanLIGHT is ideal for one who frequently lights fires in the backcountry (the controlled fire!).

High visibility orange keeps the fire starter from being lost

When it comes to lighters/fire starters, the Exotac TitanLIGHT is one of the premier products available for getting that campfire going. Exotac is a small, family-owned business based out of Buford, Georgia. All of their products are proudly manufactured in the USA, which tends to be rare in the outdoor industry.

Features & Specifications

• Weight: 1.75oz/49g
• Size: 3.5" x1"
• Waterproof: Yes/1 meter
• Replaceable flint: Yes (not included)

The TitanLIGHT is a very easy to use fire starter, much like using a Zippo or any other kind of lighter fuel-style fire starters. Simply remove the cap, strike the flint with the wheel, and viola! Testing the TitanLIGHT at home and on the trail over several months has shown the fire starter to be extremely dependable. Using the fire starter in windy conditions plainly does not blow the flame out.

Weight Comparison to other lighter fuel-style fire starters:

• Mini BIC: .4oz/11g
• Regular BIC: .7oz/20g
• Maratac Peanut XL: 1.5oz/42g
• Exotac TitanLIGHT: 1.75oz/49g

The lanyard attachment is on the cap and not the lighter

Construction is top-notch with this USA made aluminum bodied fire starter, however this fire starter is "mostly" well designed. The exception is the placement of the lanyard attachment; if the lighter were to be unscrewed, the cap would remain, however the lighter itself would come unattached. During testing and use, the fire starter did not loosen and detach from the lanyard/cap. In addition, a product that retails for $49.95 should include a replacement flint. Beyond these minor points, this beautiful piece of gear is well designed, well constructed, and is generally better suited than a disposable lighter that is eventually headed to a landfill.

The bottom cap unscrews to refill the lighter using liquid lighter fuel

Note: Overfilling lighters like this can be problematic; this can yield an unstable flame, and lighter fluid can saturate the upper portion of the fire-starter. This could potentially cause a flareup, which can be quite a surprise to someone who is inexperienced using this kind of fire starter. Like Zippo-style lighters, a refill is needed is either by a sputtering or low flame, or inspecting the absorbent material in the fuel chamber. If the cotton appears completely dry, it is probably time for a fill-up.

O-rings under both caps keep the fire starter waterproof

Water Test: The Exotac TitanLIGHT successfully passed being submerged for thirty minutes. Neither the striker/wick, nor the fuel chamber allowed water intrusion during testing. Although not specified, this fire starter DOES NOT FLOAT!

This fire starter has been tested from spring into summer 2018 on multiple Appalachian Trail section hikes, a trip to Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, as well as tested in the backyard at home. Many thanks to the people at Exotac for the opportunity to test the TitanLIGHT for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps.

The TitanLIGHT on an AT backpacking trip with the camp kitchen...

This company has a non-responsive customer service attitude.

Sent a TitanLight to be investigated for a leak issue. Repeated attempts to contact someone regarding the issue have not been successful. Phone calls and emails are never returned.

Now I am out the purchase of a unit and no unit. Horrible business practices

Background

Terrible customer service.