10 Best Survival Candles 2026 in the United States

The Sterno 100-Hour Emergency Candles are designed to be reliable light sources during power outages, storms, or other emergencies. Their standout feature is the very long burn time of up to 100 hours, which means fewer replacements and longer-lasting light in critical situations. Made from liquid paraffin contained in a durable plastic container, these candles burn cleanly without smoke or any added scent, making them suitable for users sensitive to fragrances or who want odorless lighting. The sturdy plastic container also helps prevent tipping and breakage, adding a safety element especially helpful indoors or in unstable conditions. Each candle is a round container candle about 3.5 inches wide and 4 inches high, weighing just under half a kilogram each, making them reasonably portable but somewhat heavier compared to smaller emergency candles.

These candles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use but are not designed to be weatherproof for heavy rain or strong winds, so some shelter would be needed outdoors. The set includes six candles, providing a good supply for extended emergencies or multiple uses. They represent a solid choice for anyone needing dependable, long-lasting emergency lighting that prioritizes clean, safe burning without fragrance.

The UCO 18-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles are well-suited for survival and emergency use, especially when paired with UCO Candle Lanterns. Made from 100% natural beeswax, these candles provide a clean burn with minimal dripping and soot, which is important when you want reliable light without messy residue. Each candle burns up to 18 hours inside a lantern, or 12–15 hours when used alone, giving you long-lasting illumination during power outages or outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

At 3.5 inches tall and weighing about 2 ounces, these candles are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in survival kits. Their single wick design is standard for emergency candles and contributes to the steady burn. Since they are made of beeswax, they naturally resist strong weather effects better than paraffin candles, and they emit a mild honey scent, which is pleasant and not overwhelming.

These candles are specifically designed for UCO lanterns, so if you use a different brand of lantern, the fit might not be perfect. While beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer, they tend to be pricier than paraffin options, which could be a consideration if you need many candles. These survival candles provide a dependable light source with natural materials and good burn time, making them a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone preparing for emergencies. Their eco-friendly and clean-burning nature adds extra appeal for those who value sustainability and safety.

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.