C.Gar's Blog

Cigar Accessory: Soto Pocket Torch–A Great Travel Cigar Lighter

Introduction to the Soto Pocket Torch

The Soto Pocket Torch is one of our favorite cigar accessories. What’s so special about the Soto Pocket Torch? Three letters. . . TSA. You can take the Soto Pocket Torch through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at the airport. Seriously? Yep! Before I tell you the secret to getting a torch lighter on a flight, here are the details on the Soto Pocket Torch.

Description and Specifications

The Soto Pocket Torch is a single flame torch lighter that uses disposable lighters as the fuel source. This is truly unique and makes life easy, especially when traveling. You can throw the Soto Pocket Torch and a few disposable lighters in your bag, and you are good to go. The lighter has a piezo electronic ignition for ease of ignition just like your other favorite torch lighter. The lighter is wind-resistant as well. The Soto Pocket Torch weights 1.8 ounces and is 4.25 inches long by .55 inches wide by .47 inches deep. The lighter will burn for approximately 20 minutes per disposable lighter. The Soto Pocket Torch uses a variety of disposable lighters but is not compatible with all disposable lighters. Here are a few pictures and a video of the lighter:

 

Soto Pocket Torch
Soto Pocket Torch
Soto Pocket Torch Disassembled
Soto Pocket Torch Disassembled

Where to Buy

You can find the lighter at a variety of e-commerce sites, such as REI and others for around $20. Amazon used to sell them but as of the date of this post, they are not in stock. Additionally, REI sells the lighter at their brick and mortar locations.

The TSA Trick

OK, here’s how you can carry the lighter on your next flight. First, there is some risk. TSA prohibits torch lighters in both carry on and checked baggage. However, here is their definition of a torch lighter: “Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 F) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held.” I take the Soto Pocket Torch lighter apart into the two main pieces and put them in a small Ziploc bag. I place this in my checked baggage. Then, I put a couple of disposable lighters in my carry on baggage. If I am not checking a bag, I put the Soto Pocket Torch in my backpack and disposable lighters in my carry on bag or vice versa. In my view, the Soto Pocket Torch is not a torch lighter as defined by TSA when it is taken apart and not capable of holding lighter fluid. I’ve carried the Soto Pocket Torch many times over the last few years and have NEVER been asked about it. My guess is that the Soto Pocket Torch does not look like a torch lighter when taken apart and x-rayed. Good luck!

c.gar

c.gar loves all things cigar-related. He typically falls in love with cigars that are discontinued shortly thereafter. His first cigar was a Swisher Sweet with a wood tip. Sadly, these are still in production.

2 thoughts on “Cigar Accessory: Soto Pocket Torch–A Great Travel Cigar Lighter

  • I just had my Soto torch confiscated by TSA. It was in separate pieces.
    They told me it was still a torch regardless if it was in 2 pieces because of the nozzle.
    Total BS.
    I traveled with it in pieces before and have never been stopped. I traveled to multiple countries and never had an issue before.
    I was very disappointed and the TSA guys were very specific that it was a torch.
    In the future I will put the pieces in separate bags so there is no way for it to be assembled.
    Still, it is total and utter bullshit.

    Reply
  • Fucked up, TSA took mine from my checked bag too! They are so unfriendly to campers.

    Reply

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