READERS COMMENTS

I like how it doesn't light after she dunks it (barely) and then the video flips to another frame (in between frames they probably dried it quite a bit) and then it lights.
Posted: Jun 26, 2011 AO

Anybody else notice that the flame in the video after it was submerged looks nothing like the blue cone that you're supposed to get? Seems suspicious to me.
Posted: Mar 19, 2011 Conspiracy Theorist

Helpful tip. I had the same problems after my initial 5 min of use as others and was thinking this was a garbage product too. A friend was next to me while i used it and showed me how to remove the metal U shape part of my light and adjust the flame even higher than the highest setting. This improved my experience 500%. Try it.
Posted: Mar 12, 2011 David

One thing I forgot to mention that others have...this thing when it does light only stays lit for a second or two or three. When it gets hot it cuts off. Again, bad product.
Posted: Feb 15, 2011 djtrekker

Sorry girl to dispute you. I had two and I've given up. Both times because of rain. Once wet they ceased to function, period. Even after taking each home and letting it dry out, neither would work. Anomally? Perhaps. I demand 100% from my gear - I need to trust it. I cannot trust Soto. It's a flash-in-the-pan product that is unreliable IMO.
Posted: Feb 15, 2011 djtrekker

I had absolutely no problem with mine since I bought it from REI 9 months ago. Looking at the other comments, I think there is a production issue with the manufacturing plant. Finding lighters to fit hasn't been a problem. It does work better with a lighter that is at least half-full.
Posted: Feb 09, 2011 Rob T

I'm really disappointed in backpacker for endorsing such and awful product!!!
Posted: Oct 30, 2010 Paul

I've had no problems getting the Pocket Torch I bought at REI in Tucson to light (I hold down the button about halfway until I hear the butane hissing, then I fully depress the button to initiate a spark). As for compatible lighters, I picked up an 8-pack of cheap butane lighters at Walgreens for $4.49. Circle K also has rectangular lighters for about a buck each.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to test the *utility* of my Pocket Torch (such as its ability to help get a campfire going), but I can state that mine reliably functions.
Posted: Oct 22, 2010 AuricTech

Great deveice - got mine at REI and it works with the first disposable I tried (labeled COLICO). While not as much of a torch as the auto shop varieties or my $$$ cigar lighter, this torch can travel empty on US airlines in either carry or checked bag and then filled with an inexpensive disposable. Other types risk being confiscated by ATA. For me, this has become my standard travel and backcountry lighter - very happy with it!
Posted: Oct 08, 2010 Denalijay

Works well with Scripto lighters. Just got mine, though, so not sure how long/consistently it works...
Posted: Jul 18, 2010 G

The quality and duration of flame are dependant on the lighter inside,so make sure it works well,also make sure the flame setting is set to max on the disposable,I use mine all the time and I love it.
Posted: Jul 05, 2010 James W.

The actual torch was easy to find, but finding a lighter to fit inside has been impossible. I've been to three stores. All carried curved disposable lighters. Giving up and taking it back to REI.
Posted: Jul 04, 2010 Margaret

Either the one sent for evaluation was gone over with a fine tooth comb or the production lacks quality control, but this is a POOR product. It doesn't light (frequently) and then rarely stay lit for a second. FAR poorer lighter than a two dollar Ronson (butane) lighter from Wal Mart...with rubber gaskets, etc..Don't believe the hype.
Posted: Jun 18, 2010 Matt P.

This doesn't even compare to a 2 dollar al metal butane Ronson lighter I got at wal mart...rarely lights, little flame, POOR PRODUCT!!!
Posted: Jun 18, 2010 Anonymous

Got mine at REI. Pretty cool, very hot flame. After 1st trip out I noticed it didn't work. After looking closely, I could see the spark was misdirected due to the little prong inside the nozzle being bent. I had to mess with it a bit and got it to light again. All in all I'm happy, but it's not indestructible or anything.

It should light within 3 or 4 clicks and it should shoot out a blue cone. The lighter you put inside may effect performance, I don't know.
Posted: May 27, 2010 Andy

I'm extremely disappointed in mine. The flame rarely ignites and, even when it does light, never stays lit for more than a second.
Posted: May 24, 2010 John

Got one in Denver, CO, Brighton, last week when I was there, THIS TORCH LIGHTER,THE ONE I GOT DOES NOT WORK VERY LITTLE FLAME.
Ray, Maui, HI.
Posted: May 12, 2010 Ray Mains

They sell very similar torches in automotive parts stores and well-stocked electronics shops. They're meant for soldering wire or brazing parts together. The one I have cost me 10 bucks at AutoZone. Of course, I've never dunked it in a stream, but that's easy to test.
Posted: Apr 30, 2010 Kyle

Come on people even REI has it www.REI.com how hard is that to find?
Posted: Apr 20, 2010 Wolf

sad to see Backpacker giving such reconition to an earth unfriendly item :(
Posted: Mar 26, 2010 Anonymous

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