High elevation lighters

[tdesanto]

I've used a typical refillable lighter at 12,000' with great success to light my Cook Partner stove. I fill it with the Snow Peak Giga Power blended fuel. This may not be as easy for starting a camp fire as it is for lighting a propane stove. I also always carry a Zippo as they don't require any pressure and seem unaffected by elevation.

 

[kellymoe]

I do lots of climbing above 12,000 feet and have never had a problem getting my stove lit with a $1 lighter you find on the counter of any quickiemart. I keep one in my climbing pack and my parka. The cheapo lighters have never failed me and they last a long time. No need to buy a razzle dazzle latest and greatest, save your money for better coffee.

 

[DueNrth]

My vote for the common Zippo. Not flashy, but I've used mine at over 14K, cold/hot. Always carry one. Oh yeah, don't forget to refill...bummer. That lesson was why I have a firesteel b/u...:elkgrin:

 

[Corey]

I have had my eye on these at Cabelas.
The latter one I like better.
Not sure how they do at high altitudes, but they are storm proof.

Turbo-Lite Lighter
Item:IK-615122
$14.99

Cabela's Alaskan Outfitter™ All-Weather Lighter
Item:XK-612710
$39.99

 

[Christophe Noel]

After my challenges with $75 lighters, I finally went with toting around half a dozen cheap-o lighters. I buy the little mini Bic lighters and keep one in my pack, my pocket, my first aid kit, etc. I have a pink mini-Bic that has been with me to the Alps, Alaska, Hawaii and beyond.

 

[yooper]

I think those Cabela's are rebranded Bruntons or clones.

I have a Bic Mini my pocket at all times. They always work and you can keep several backups with little weight or space penalty.

 

[kellymoe]

After my challenges with $75 lighters, I finally went with toting around half a dozen cheap-o lighters. I buy the little mini Bic lighters and keep one in my pack, my pocket, my first aid kit, etc. I have a pink mini-Bic that has been with me to the Alps, Alaska, Hawaii and beyond.

X2 That is the way to go. Cheap and works, what else do you need?
I never really understood the "stormproof" thing, I have climbed and kayaked in some pretty harsh elements from driving rain to blizzard conditions and have never had a problem lighting anything with a Bic.

 

[1leglance]

as a person who carries a lighter at all times and from sea level to 12,000 plus I have never had any trouble with my zippo and I also carry the cheap Bic-mini's as backup's.

I like zippo's since they can even run on gasoline, but zippo fluid has always been easy to find.

 

[Sawyer]

Having spent several nights at extreme elevations.... ( I love mountaineering). I have found that you will never go wrong with (1) good waterproof matches and (2) a good Bic. Like others have said.... Altitude with mess with a lighter no matter how much you send on it. Zippo, Brunton, whatever.... 9 out of 10 times the bic will out preform. Period!

 

[Speaker]

We were attempting to light a stove on Humphrey's Peak (at about 12,000), and the Brunton would not light. The cheap Zippo we had in the pack did. . .

I work on that mountain. 11,500 feet at the patrol shack. We just use a Bic to light the stove. Otherwise, as others have mentioned, the Benzomatic is on standby.

 

[apsilon]

I've had a couple of the 'windproof' butane lighters, but as entioned, they didn't work at higher altitudes.

To me, the best thing for lighting stoves at any altitude is a metal match like this:

Works at any altitude, any weather conditions, etc.

Firesteel is the only way to go at any elevation. 100% reliable in all conditions. I've had lots of other things fail and all sorts of lighters that just won't stay lit in severe wind.

 

[MisterTinkle]

Thanks for all the opinions. Sorry to take so long to follow up; busy these days. I did pick up a FireSteel and some weatherproof matches from REI. Glad to hear that many people find a BIC works well. Very easy to purchase a spare when filling up with fuel before heading out on a trip.

Thanks again, everybody!