If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of trying to get a fire started at your campsite after a long day on the trail, you’ll certainly be able to appreciate the latest gadget from Power Practical. The company is best known for creating handy devices designed to make our outdoor adventures more convenient and comfortable, but now they’ve decided to tackle the age-old problem of quickly and easily getting a campfire going as well. And with the introduction of a pair of new high-tech lighters, it appears that may just have accomplished that feat.
The Sparkr and Sparkr Mini were revealed on Kickstarter a few days back, and within hours rocketed past their $40,000 funding goal. Both devices are plasma lighters that use electricity – rather than a flame – to ignite a fire. This makes them a far more efficient choice for use around the campsite or even at home for that matter, giving us the ability to quickly and safely light candles, start the grill, or get a flame going in the fireplace too.
Made from durable anodized aluminum, the Sparkr is the larger of the two models. It features a built-in 3350 mAh rechargeable battery that powers not only the plasma lighter itself, but a 150-lumen flashlight located on the opposite end of the device. The battery is capable of keeping the LED lamp illuminated for up to 4 hours on its brightest setting, with its burn time extending up to 16 hours when the brightness is reduced to its lowest level.
When designing the Sparkr, Power Practical also included a safety cap that protects the sparking end of the device when not in use. That cap comes with a noodle tie that allows you to affix the lighter to your pack or belt, keeping it within easy reach for those times when you need it most. That same translucent cap also fits over the LED flashlight bulb as well, defusing the light that is given off in the process. This effectively turns the flashlight into a lantern instead, allowing you to illuminate the interior of your tent without accidentally blinding your tent-mates at the same time.
For those looking for a smaller, more compact plasma lighter, the Sparkr Mini may be a more practical option. The device offers many of the same features as its larger sibling, but in a package that more closely resembles a standard butane lighter instead. The Mini uses a 200 mAh rechargeable battery to power its electric spark and it also comes with a built-in 15-lumen flashlight too. Best of all, it tips the scales at a mere 3.2 oz., which is two full ounces less than the standard Sparkr.
With the crowdfunding campaign already a resounding success, both plasma lighters are now scheduled to go into production in April or May of next year. The finalized product is expected to ship to Kickstarter supporters by June of 2017, which is when both devices will be available for purchase as well. The Sparkr will retail for $49.99 when it goes on sale to the public, while the Sparkr Mini should sell for $29.99. Early-bird supporters can preorder either model now for $35 and $20 respectively.
Find out more about the Sparkr and Sparkr Mini on the official Kickstarter page.