We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Survival Candles 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Long-Burning Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns and Emergency Preparedness, 20-pack

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,469
Burn Time
Material
Weather Resistance

Most important from
5548 reviews

Burn Time
These candles fit perfectly into UCO lanterns and burn longer than paraffin versions.
Material
Made in the USA with Texas-sourced beeswax, these candles are a clear case of quality over quantity.
Weather Resistance
These candles have held up well in hot environments without melting or becoming misshapen.
Scent
The pleasing, mild scent of beeswax enhances the camping experience without being overpowering.

The UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Long-Burning Candles are designed for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and emergency preparedness. These candles, made in the USA from 100% natural beeswax, are a solid choice for anyone seeking reliable and long-lasting lighting. Each candle can burn between 12 to 15 hours, making them ideal for situations like power outages. The naturally sweet aroma is pleasant and not overpowering, which adds to the user experience without causing any discomfort.

The candles are engineered with a cotton wick to ensure an optimal flame height, enhancing the burn time and efficiency while producing minimal smoke and residue. This makes them cleaner than typical paraffin candles, reducing the mess and potential soot build-up in your lanterns or emergency kits. With a high-melt temperature, these candles are less prone to dripping, which is another plus for outdoor and emergency usage.

However, they are relatively small at 3.5 inches in height and 1.25 inches in width, so they may not be suitable for larger lanterns or extended usage beyond their burn time. They are also quite lightweight, which is beneficial for portability but might require careful handling to avoid breakage. The lack of weather-resistant features means they should be kept dry and protected from the elements. In summary, the UCO beeswax candles are an excellent option for those needing dependable and clean-burning candles for outdoor activities and emergency situations. They offer a good balance of burn time, clean usage, and pleasant scent, but users should be mindful of their smaller size and need for dry storage.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,469
Burn Time
Material
Weather Resistance

Most important from
5548 reviews

Burn Time
These candles fit perfectly into UCO lanterns and burn longer than paraffin versions.
Material
Made in the USA with Texas-sourced beeswax, these candles are a clear case of quality over quantity.
Weather Resistance
These candles have held up well in hot environments without melting or becoming misshapen.
Scent
The pleasing, mild scent of beeswax enhances the camping experience without being overpowering.
#2

Official UCO 12-Hour White Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns, Clean Burning, Lead-Free, Non-Scented, 3.5-inch, 9-Pack

Rating
9.6
Burn Time

Most important from
2383 reviews

Burn Time
Perfect for camping; burns from 6pm to 7am in a UCO lantern.

The 9-Hour White Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns are specifically designed to be used with UCO Original Candle Lanterns, making them ideal for camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency preparedness. One of their major strengths is the burn time, lasting up to 12 hours in UCO lanterns and 9 hours outside of a lantern, which provides reliable and extended light during power outages or outdoor activities.

The candles are made from paraffin wax with a 100% lead-free cotton wick, ensuring a clean and long burn without smoke or soot, which is beneficial for maintaining clean lanterns and minimizing dripping. The candles measure 3.5 inches in height, making them compact and easy to store or transport in survival kits. They are unscented, which might be preferable during emergencies or for individuals who are sensitive to strong scents.

However, the product does not explicitly mention weather resistance, which could be a potential drawback if used in harsh outdoor conditions. Additionally, while these candles are optimized for UCO lanterns, their performance outside of these specific lanterns might vary. The candles come in a 9-pack, providing a decent quantity for extended use.

Rating
9.6
Burn Time

Most important from
2383 reviews

Burn Time
Perfect for camping; burns from 6pm to 7am in a UCO lantern.
#3

UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax, Long-Burning Candles for Outdoor, Camping, Emergency, Survival - Candle Lantern, 10 Pack

Rating
9.4
Material
Wick Type
Scent

Most important from
287 reviews

Material
The thick wick provides plenty of light and the beeswax burns cleanly without drips, offering more value than typical paraffin candles.
Wick Type
The thick wick provides plenty of light and the beeswax burns cleanly without drips, offering more value than typical paraffin candles.
Scent
Perfectly suited for emergencies, these candles are well-made, smell like authentic beeswax, and come well-packaged.

The UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles are designed specifically for survival scenarios, camping, and emergency situations, making them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those preparing for emergencies. One of their standout features is the impressive burn time of 12 to 15 hours, which ensures prolonged light when needed. Made from 100% natural beeswax, these candles have a pleasant honey scent and produce minimal soot and drips due to their high-melt temperature, which contributes to cleaner and safer burning.

The candles are compact, measuring 3.5 inches in height, and are lightweight at 1.4 pounds for the pack of 10. This ensures ease of transport and storage, an important aspect for any survival gear. The cotton wick is designed to optimize flame height and burn time, enhancing efficiency.

However, these candles are crafted for use with UCO lanterns, which could limit their standalone use unless you have compatible equipment. While the honey scent is pleasant, it may not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prefer unscented options. Additionally, they are primarily intended for outdoor use and should always be used in a secure candle holder to prevent accidents. In terms of weather resistance, beeswax provides some resilience, but strong winds or rain could still impact performance, so careful placement is necessary. These candles are a good fit for outdoor adventures or emergency preparedness kits, providing dependable light and warmth in critical situations.

Rating
9.4
Material
Wick Type
Scent

Most important from
287 reviews

Material
The thick wick provides plenty of light and the beeswax burns cleanly without drips, offering more value than typical paraffin candles.
Wick Type
The thick wick provides plenty of light and the beeswax burns cleanly without drips, offering more value than typical paraffin candles.
Scent
Perfectly suited for emergencies, these candles are well-made, smell like authentic beeswax, and come well-packaged.

Buying Guide for the Best Survival Candles

Survival candles are essential items for emergency preparedness, outdoor adventures, and situations where reliable light and heat are needed. When choosing a survival candle, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure you select the best fit for your needs. Here are some key specs to look at and explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Burn TimeBurn time refers to the duration a candle can stay lit. This is crucial because longer burn times mean extended periods of light and heat, which can be vital in survival situations. Burn times can range from a few hours to several days. If you need a candle for short-term use, a few hours might suffice. For extended emergencies, look for candles with burn times of 24 hours or more.
MaterialSurvival candles can be made from various materials, including paraffin wax, beeswax, and soy wax. Paraffin wax is common and affordable, but it can produce soot. Beeswax burns cleaner and longer but is more expensive. Soy wax is eco-friendly and burns cleanly but may not last as long as beeswax. Choose a material based on your priorities, such as cost, burn cleanliness, and burn duration.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a survival candle are important for portability and storage. Smaller, lighter candles are easier to carry in a backpack or emergency kit, while larger candles may provide longer burn times but are bulkier. Consider how you plan to use the candle and whether portability or burn duration is more important for your situation.
Wick TypeThe wick type can affect how evenly and reliably a candle burns. Cotton wicks are common and provide a steady flame, while wood wicks can create a larger flame and crackling sound. Multi-wick candles can offer more light and heat but may burn faster. Choose a wick type based on your preference for flame size, burn consistency, and overall candle performance.
Weather ResistanceWeather resistance refers to a candle's ability to withstand various environmental conditions, such as wind, rain, and humidity. Some survival candles are designed to be windproof or waterproof, making them more reliable in harsh conditions. If you plan to use the candle outdoors or in unpredictable weather, look for features that enhance weather resistance.
ScentWhile not a critical survival feature, the scent of a candle can impact your comfort and morale. Unscented candles are ideal for those who prefer a neutral smell or have sensitivities. Scented candles can provide a pleasant aroma and may help mask other odors in a survival situation. Choose based on your personal preference and any potential sensitivities.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now