Matches or lighter?

[sgtmike88]

If you're going to use BICs as a part of your survival gear, I highly recommend the following:

1. Buy the light colored models (like the white and yellow) - they're translucent and you can easily see how much fuel remains.

2. Carry the lighter close to your body in cold weather - cold contracts the propellant and makes them difficult to light, your body heat will provide enough warmth under most circumstances to enable normal lighting.

I, too, use the mini-BICs, and I buy them in pairs. I only take the warning sticker off the one currently in use, so I know by sight or by feel which one is the current user.

Mike

 

[sn7]

I use a windmill lighter everyday and it is fantastic! When I go out on a outdoor adventure I bring some lifeboat matches as well (wind, water and everything else proof) but the flame is not very good. They both have good and bad things to offer- so why not have both

 

[Erik_in_Canada]

Does anyone have any information or opinions regarding the pros and cons of the Brunton vs. Windmill fancy butane lighters?

I've been a 'lighter man' for quite some time and don't really like using matches too much, and have only recently discovered these butane gizmos. I've been doing fine with the cheap bic's, however my gadget loving side is craving one of these things... any thoughts appreciated.

 

[kb0rrg]

I have yet to find a lighter that works in the cold. Below freezing, they get iffy. Below zero °F they must be warmed with body heat first. At -20°F even if you get it warm, it will be too cold to work by the time you get it to the stove/tinder. Matches don't care about temp. I thought that the Zippo was the answer, but it does'nt work in the cold either.

In the summer I use a refillable butane lighter that I really like. I usually have a few Bics scattered about in my gear too.

 

[kb0rrg]

I have yet to find a lighter that works in the cold. Below freezing, they get iffy. Below zero °F they must be warmed with body heat first. At -20°F even if you get it warm, it will be too cold to work by the time you get it to the stove/tinder. Matches don't care about temp. I thought that the Zippo was the answer, but it does'nt work in the cold either.

In the summer I use a refillable butane lighter that I really like. I usually have a few Bics scattered about in my gear too.

 

[Rick1955]

Simple: MATCHES

Lighters of any type will dry out. The fuel simply evaporates - doesn't matter how "sealed" they are. No fuel, no fire.

With matches - they are always there. The only drawback is if they get wet. There are "waterproof" matches - usually with the matchhead coated with some material such as wax. Just keep your matches in a waterproof container - I always carry matches in two waterproof containers when camping, etc. One on my person and another in my gear. The other nice thing about matches - wooden matches at least - you can split them in two lengthwise and you then have two matches for ever one.

Strike Anywhere Ohio Blue Tip Matches are my preference. Can be hard to find but they are out there.

Originally posted by Stoned_elf
I always hear people saying the have matches in their survival packs/cmping gear and not lighters. Is there any reason for this ? can't think of one. As far as I can see a decent lighter (eg Zippo) is cheaper in the long run (You buy the lighter once and fuel isn't too bad) doesn't get soaking wet and stop working (Well not as easily) and gives a better flame (lasts longer) also you can get those super-lighters which will solder and presumably light anything so why do people still use matches ? also a flint and steel might be good as a back up as wont run out ne time soon or get wet and doesn't need to much skill to use once your used to them.