Gear Test: Soto Pocket Torch Update

This super lighter won an Editors' Choice Award this year, but has been tough to find—until now

Soto's Pocket Torch has been a recent BACKPACKER editor favorite: In wet and windy weather, it lights up like a flamethrower—even after getting submerged in puddles of water. Best of all, you don't need any specialized fuel: Simply pop in any cheap gas-station-style lighter (no Bics, though). We dug it so much we gave it an Editors' Choice Award this year. Here's our video review:

There's only one problem: Until now, it's been nearly impossible to find. But we've just received an update from the Japanese manufacturers that after getting swamped by an initial wave of U.S. orders, Pocket Torches are finally making their way to stateside retailers. For now, you can get them online at Summit Hut, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, and Fin & Feather. Company reps assure us they're working on the double to get Pocket Torches to Eastern Mountain Sports, Eddie Bauer, and REI as fast as possible.

So finally, you should be able to get your flame on. Just use it wisely—and let us know what you think.

—Ted Alvarez

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READERS COMMENTS

This thing was awesome for about a week then the ignitor broke.
Posted: Jan 09, 2011 Matt

WARNING, top canopy melts after a few minutes of continuous use, igniter seems to malfunction at the same time.
Posted: Dec 19, 2010 Minh

This gadget does not work with Bic lighters or cheap flat lighters. The advertising and instructions leave alot to be desired.
Conclusion: Great idea but it doesn't work.
Posted: Nov 29, 2010 Allice

Paige, you can just barely see the "searing-hot blue flame." Watch closely. It is the same long, skinny, blue flame that you see on windproof lighters. It is hard to see, but is there in the test before she dunks the lighter. That red orange flame, occurred after she dunked the lighter in the water.
Posted: May 10, 2010 Jim

Okay, so in that video the flame was just a regular red/orange flame, but in the description on REI website it described the output to be a "searing-hot blue flame," which one is it really?
Posted: Apr 29, 2010 Paige Johnson

After reading/watching this review, I went to my local REI and found one. So far, this is the best lighter I've ever owned. It works great and the ability to re-use lighters as fuel is amazing.

Great find - thanks!
Posted: Apr 24, 2010 Brian Reyman

Amazing what they come up with. Heidi Ahrens http://outdoorbaby.net
Posted: Mar 17, 2010 Ahrens