Butane lighter for camping or in BOB?

TrailWolf

TrailWolf

Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
2,809
Hey guys, have always kept disposable bics in my EDC and hiking bag (along with fire steel and matches), and have always been pleased, but thinking of giving butane a try...

Any of you guys keep a butane lighter for such tasks? Recommendations?

I've been doing some research and it seems that the Windmill Delta is the best all around choice coming in on top of the Windmill Trekker, Brunton Helios and Brunton Firestorm...

Thanks!
 
TrailWolf said:
Windmill Delta is the best all around choice coming in on top of the Windmill Trekker
Click to expand...

hey not to hijack your thread but why do you think the windmill delta is better than the trekker as the trekker has 2 times more fuel. Is it becuase the delta has better impact resistance. although the delta does look cooler. but yeah the trekker has more fuel.
If you already knew this than yeah, the delta does look like a solid choice
 
JCK said:
hey not to hijack your thread but why do you think the windmill delta is better than the trekker as the trekker has 2 times more fuel. Is it becuase the delta has better impact resistance. although the delta does look cooler. but yeah the trekker has more fuel.
If you already knew this than yeah, the delta does look like a solid choice
Click to expand...

I spent about an hour researching them and it seems that there is a difference in real quality between the two - it appears that this is a result of the trekker being china made as opposed to the japan made delta.

But I do agree - with 4 times the fuel the trekker is very attractive.
 
Do you mean a torch flame vs. a standard flame. Unless I'm mistaken both use Butane fuel. Me I like a Zippo and a bottle of fresh Naphtha.
 
65535 said:
Do you mean a torch flame vs. a standard flame. Unless I'm mistaken both use Butane fuel. Me I like a Zippo and a bottle of fresh Naphtha.
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not quite. From what i understand (I could be wrong though), Naphtha is used in lighters such as zippos and such, wheras butane is in those disposable lighters and stormproof as it burns hotter and is i think more windproof. However butane lighters are not the best when it comes high altitudes, something to do with not enough oxygen or the temperature reaching below the bioling point of butane, not exactly sure.

But at sea level, stormproof butane lighters are awesome :D

don't get me wrong though, zippos are good lighters, just in strong winds they will go out, like I can blow mine out with a strong breath
 
Butane loses pressure when its really cold.
Zippo is making a butane that has a flint ignition instead of electronic. (this could have an advantage)
There is an insert available for standard zippos that converts it to butane with a jet flame. Its called a Z-plus IIRC. Just make sure you still include the matches and firesteel. I just dont trust any lighter that much!
 
This is why I like having backups for my backups. Lighter, matches, ferro rod and tinder. For the big advantage they offer, the size and weight of fire equipment is almost zero. It’s hunting season so I’m carrying at least one lighter and a ferro rod with cotton balls.
 
For me, Bics are the way to go. A Bic with an O-ring around it to keep the gas button from being depressed will last for years. And contrary to popular belief, a Bic CAN be used when it is wet. You just have to use your shirt to wipe down the center of the striker wheel (the part that contacts the flint).

Bics are compact, efficient, long-lasting, inexpensive, and idiot-proof firestarters. I always have one in my pocket, and several packed away in my bag. Of course, I always have backups, and backups of backups. I carry a couple ferro rods, a peanut lighter on my keychain, a little fresnel lens, a magnifying glass on my SAK, and I can always whip up a bowdrill or some other last-ditch firestarting method if I need to. If I need fire, I'll have it.
 
I have a kydex sheath holding a Bic and clip it to any pack I take outdoors..I dont go anywhere without it...
 
Necrodamus said:
Butane loses pressure when its really cold.
Zippo is making a butane that has a flint ignition instead of electronic. (this could have an advantage)
There is an insert available for standard zippos that converts it to butane with a jet flame. Its called a Z-plus IIRC. Just make sure you still include the matches and firesteel. I just dont trust any lighter that much!
Click to expand...

yeah redundancy is a good thing, and when you say buatne zippos are you talking about the 'zippo blu' as they have been out for a while i think, or do you mean zippo is coming out with a completely new design?
 
I buy the cheap gas station lighters because the BIC's have no adjustment for the flame (too many lawsuits i guess). Those cheap ones for 99 cents can throw a six inch flame on high. Be careful lighting that smoke with one.
The book 98.6 degrees mentions this too.
 
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I carry a butate lighter everyday in my pocket. It's just a freebie a buddy gave me, I think he gont from Camel or something. I really dig it because it bright orange (easy to find when dropped) & the edge is covered in bike chain (takes a beating) I have seen them from time to time at flea markets for sale
 
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