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10 Best Survival Candles 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,323
Burn Time
Material
Weather Resistance

Most important from
5546 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
10.0
Chosen by1,323
Burn Time
Material
Weather Resistance

Most important from
5546 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
10.0
Burn Time

Most important from
2389 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
10.0
Burn Time

Most important from
2389 reviews

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

15-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles Compatible with Candle Lanterns - Smokeless Clean Long Lasting Burning for Outdoor, Camping, Emergency, Survival Emergency Preparedness- 10Pack

Rating
9.9
Burn Time
Material
Wick Type

Most important from
414 reviews

Burn Time
These candles have a long burning time and are smokeless, with just a hint of sweetness.
Material
They produce very little heat and light compared to higher quality alternatives and may not smell as nice as pure beeswax.
Wick Type
The wick is well-centered, which ensures even burning and minimizes waste.

The NOMFIX 15-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles are designed for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and emergency preparedness. These candles come in a pack of 10 and are compatible with candle lanterns, making them versatile for various situations where reliable light is essential. Each candle is made of pure beeswax and features a cotton wick, ensuring a minimal mess with less dripping and soot, and providing a clean and long-lasting burn of up to 15 hours. This makes them ideal for power outages and other emergencies.

Additionally, the natural beeswax material offers a subtle and calming scent without any artificial additives, which is great for those who prefer unscented candles. Each candle measures 3.5 inches and the pack has a total weight of 1.34 pounds, making them fairly lightweight and easy to transport. However, if you are looking for candles with specific scents or colors, this pack may not meet those needs as they are unscented and come only in yellow. Also, while they are smokeless, they may not be entirely soot-free in windy conditions.

These candles are a practical choice for anyone needing reliable and clean-burning candles for outdoor use or emergency situations.

Rating
9.9
Burn Time
Material
Wick Type

Most important from
414 reviews

Burn Time
These candles have a long burning time and are smokeless, with just a hint of sweetness.
Material
They produce very little heat and light compared to higher quality alternatives and may not smell as nice as pure beeswax.
Wick Type
The wick is well-centered, which ensures even burning and minimizes waste.

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.

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