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10 Best Survival Candles 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CandleLife Emergency Survival Candle (Set of 4) - 115 Hours Long Lasting Burning Time - Great Source of Light for Blackout, Camping, Fishing and Hunting - Smoke & Odor-Free | Clear Mist

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,341
Burn Time
Wick Type
Weather Resistance

Most important from
395 reviews

Burn Time
The wick might need adjusting, but once set correctly, the candle can burn continuously for days.
Wick Type
The wick might need adjusting, but once set correctly, the candle can burn continuously for days.
Weather Resistance
When temperatures dropped into the low 20's, these candles provided reliable heat in an un-insulated shed by using a clay pot setup to trap and radiate heat.

The CandleLife Emergency Survival Candle is a practical choice for anyone preparing for blackouts, camping trips, or other outdoor activities. This set includes four pillar candles, each designed to burn for an impressive 115 hours. The long-lasting burn time is one of its standout features, making it reliable for extended use in emergencies. Made from clear material and contained in a metal jar, these candles are sturdy and durable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage.

They are smoke and odor-free, which can be a significant advantage when used in confined spaces like tents or small rooms during a blackout. The absence of scent ensures they won't attract unwanted insects or wildlife during outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, or hunting. Each candle weighs 3.25 pounds and has dimensions of 7.13 inches in width and 6.81 inches in height, making them reasonably portable, although not the most compact option available.

The wicks are standard and do not feature a crackling effect, which might be a downside for those who enjoy that ambiance. If you need a dependable light source for various scenarios, these candles offer a strong mix of durability, long burn time, and practicality.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,341
Burn Time
Wick Type
Weather Resistance

Most important from
395 reviews

Burn Time
The wick might need adjusting, but once set correctly, the candle can burn continuously for days.
Wick Type
The wick might need adjusting, but once set correctly, the candle can burn continuously for days.
Weather Resistance
When temperatures dropped into the low 20's, these candles provided reliable heat in an un-insulated shed by using a clay pot setup to trap and radiate heat.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Burn Time
Material
Weather Resistance

Most important from
5586 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
Burn Time
Material
Weather Resistance

Most important from
5586 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.
#3

12-Hour White Candles Compatible with Candle Lanterns, Long-Burning Candles for Outdoor, Camping, Emergency, Survival Emergency Preparedness- 20Pack

Rating
9.7
Burn Time
Scent

Most important from
606 reviews

Burn Time
Burn for quite a while.
Scent
Dripless, smokeless, and scentless, lasting all day long.

The NOMFIX 12-Hour White Candles are designed for outdoor usage and emergency preparedness, making them suitable for camping, hiking, and power outages. Each candle burns for up to 12 hours, which is a significant duration for survival situations. Made from paraffin wax, the candles have a high melt temperature, reducing mess like dripping and soot, making them practical for emergency use where cleanliness is important.

The candles feature a cotton wick that ensures optimal flame height and consistent burn time, contributing to their reliability in various conditions. At 3.5 inches tall, these small candles are compact and easy to store or carry, weighing a total of 2.37 pounds for the 20-pack. This size and weight make them convenient for backpacking or adding to emergency kits without taking up too much space. However, the candles are unscented, which might be a downside for those preferring a scented atmosphere.

These candles are compatible with candle lanterns, enhancing their usability in outdoor scenarios. Given their long burn time and minimal mess, these candles are a practical choice for anyone looking to prepare for emergencies or enhance their camping experience.

Rating
9.7
Burn Time
Scent

Most important from
606 reviews

Burn Time
Burn for quite a while.
Scent
Dripless, smokeless, and scentless, lasting all day long.

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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