Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Poor design of survival lighters

I just got a Stormproof Windmill Trekker lighter. It is slightly better in design than the previous stormproof lighters with the big cap in the way of getting the flame into tinder, but it still a lame piece of equipment.

The problem seems to be that the designers of the lighters intend them for use in the bush but design them in a traditional shape made for lighting cigarettes. I have found that the cheap cigar store Piezo electric lighters with a 45 degree angle on the head and flame are FAR more practical in design shape when it comes to starting a campfire. I have one that is built with an extension on the flame end with a cap that retracts out of the way. It is FAR easier to light wispy tinder with it and not push the tinder pile cattywampus.

Trekker, are you listening?

(In true campfire tradition, someone here will probably inform me about a stormproof lighter designed to my specs. Hope so!)

My dad once gifted me one of those Cabelas "Alaskan Guide" lighters. I think it was supposed to be stormproof, windproof, etc etc. It was refillable with butane. My first time out with it in winter, it wouldn't light after being on a string around my neck INSIDE my parka. I called them and they said, "well, they don't work very well in the cold below -20C or so." Excuse me? They offered me a new one as replacement. No thanks.

A disposable $2 bic in my pocket seems to light about every time.

Okanagan;
I've had variable success with windproof lighters too, and gave up on trusting disposable lighters at higher elevations.

Lately the girls and I have been packing a variation of something similar to this micro torch.

http://www.blazerproducts.com/tools/pb207.html

Canadian Tire actually carried one called a "Solder It" up until a year ago - though I don't see it online right now.

They'd come on sale for $20 or so as I recall and I should have bought more of them.

I'm with you on the 45� thing too and that's our next stop for a micro torch for our packs.

If I find something that works well I'll drop you a line as to what and where and all that.

All the best to you and your fine family this Christmas and in 2013 too. As always you are in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Dwayne

I have tried a few $$ torch lighters from cigar stores. NONE work well in the cold at high elevation. I carry kitchen matches.

Got any pics so I can see what you're referring to?

They suck at altitude and are just a maketing gimmick for those who can't get enough gear (relax, I am one of those guys too) ....Zippos are my favorite if I wanna go "high dollar" for lighters

Bic and matches or even a magnesiun/firesteel starter are much better options in actual practice

I mentioned this lighter on another thread. Just discovered this particular model. Now that I have bought it I see that Backpacking Light online magazine is high on it. This one has a see through plastic fuel tank so you can see how much fuel is in it and refill. It is a small blow torch and a man could solder with it I think.

The fire steel is more reliable, but the lighter is a good tool so I carry both, plus matches.

No butane lighter works well at higher elevations, and I think butane simply quits as a fuel about 14,000 feet. I seldom go above 7,000 feet and am usually below 4,000. Cold temps also stop butane but if I keep lighters warm in an inner shirt pocket, they have worked for one or two lights in cold temps before having to be warmed again. I saw in Backpacker that they recommended filling these lighters with a propane blend fuel designed to burn at higher elevations but that makes me a little nervous.

Added later: Below is a comparison photo with the Windmill Trekker, designed for backpack use in storm conditions. It is the big orange one. The cap is in the way of getting the flame into fine tinder; ignition requires pushing down with thumb or finger placed right beside the flame.

By contrast, the cheap tobacco store Mega Pocket Torch for lighting pipes has the flame way out on the angled neck far from where thumb or finger operates the ignition button. You can burn this indefinitely without burning fingers etc. and get the flame well into tinder much easier.

this might be of interest to you. They say it's windproof. I can't tell you since I never used one. http://www.zippo.com/product.aspx?id=1023899&cid=1239

They also make it with a straight neck for those who prefer that.

How do they work at altitude? I've had very bad luck with butane lighters at higher elevations.

I'm not sure I've never used one and I haven't looked for reviews yet.

Thanks for the link! That fits the use far better than the stormproof trekker. I like the long and flexible neck, but wish they would make a scaled down model that would be better for backpacking. It is a foot long.

I know its a little big. I thought of it when you made your post. I found it on Zippo's website when I was looking at Black Crackle lighters. When I go out in the woods I carry quite a few different ways to make a fire. I usually start my fires with a fire steel and magnesium and I use a Zippo for starting my stove.

If they could ever keep a Zippo from evaporating off the fluid, it would be dam near perfect. I haven't found anything better.

I agree. The best (only) solution is to know the length of your trip and bring enough extra fluid along. Not really practical for an emergency kit that's supposed to be Semper Paratus.

I own a Wildmill Delta "storm proof" lighter that worked well until one day when it wouldn't anymore. I used only super-ultra-premium fuel, but it appears to still suffer a glog. The repair expense makes it a piece of junk at this point. I've also got a second Windmill "storm proof" lighter under the Brunton label that still works fine, but I no longer trust it because the guts are identical to the Delta.

They're fun toys (while they last) but I only trust the proven sources of fire when it really counts---------------like anytime I'm outside.

This is the only jet flame lighter that I have found that works for years on end. I have tested it to 11,000 feet also. It is only $5 and easily refillable. Here are multiple stores you can get it from.

http://us.dinodirect.com/HONEST-Butane-Jet-Lighter-1300-C.html

http://www.souris-mini.com/en/shop/...Butane-Jet-Lighter-p175494.html#revies_a
http://www.lighterstores.com/honest-cigarette-cigar-pipe-torch-butane-gas-lighter-p-224.html

These keep the fluid from evaporating.

I've had mine sealed for four months, no problems.

Pricey, but other than the flint, indestructible.

http://tisurvival.com/about/products-2/exo-flame/