Thread: Emergency Lighter

My backcountry kit has always held a couple of bics, waterproof matched, and some firestarter. I have recently added a couple of Triox (sp?) blocks as fuel. I just read a couple of articles talking about people having a difficult time performing manual tasks when cold. Specifically, lighters were mentioned as very difficult to operate. One guy was even found dead, next to his unlit prebuilt fire. He couldn't get it started. They only things I've been able to find are butane powers and piezo ignited. They still seem like they would still be difficult to use if one was borderline hypothermic. Any ideas?

Matches!

Crack pipe lighters and vaseline soaked cotton balls, or so I hear.
Those mini-crack pipe lighters really put out a butane torch-like flame and someone recently told me that vaseline-soaked cotton balls burn like a chunk of C4. However, I've noticed a number of lighters seem to not work at altitudes above 6500' and can't figure out why.

Originally posted by splat
Crack pipe lighters and vaseline soaked cotton balls, or so I hear.
Those mini-crack pipe lighters really put out a butane torch-like flame and someone recently told me that vaseline-soaked cotton balls burn like a chunk of C4. However, I've noticed a number of lighters seem to not work at altitudes above 6500' and can't figure out why.

Yes, vaseline soaked cotton balls burn like a mofo. I've had those in my back for years. I'm concerned that the butane is unreliable.

Every time you close your emergency kit, think to your self, "self, the next time I open this, I may need it to save my life."

Originally posted by splat
However, I've noticed a number of lighters seem to not work at altitudes above 6500' and can't figure out why.

Maybe because you're too high?

Originally posted by Buster Highmen
Maybe because you're too high?

Brain to thumb, come in, thumb.

Originally posted by Buster Highmen
Maybe because you're too high?

Naaa.. Ive noticed the same thing.. Ive thrown away good lighters over them getting a small ass flame.. Only too notice my brand spankin' new lighter all of the sudden having a small ass flame at the hill..

I dont think it is necessarily the altitude, because I have no problems with the lighter back in the hotel room.. I think it is probably a combination of the altitude/humidity/temperature..

I've discussed this one at length.

BUTANE SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS IN SNOW n-Butane's boiling point is 32F. At altitude, the boiling point is lowered, but the fuel is cooled as it is evaporated. Butane SUCKS. If you must used liquified gas, use isobutane (~15F) or propane(~-40F) (however nobody I have found makes lighters that run on either and for obvious reasons). Gasoline or lighter fluid lighters (or stoves) are better in the cold.

Triox is good. You can also get Triox stoves that weigh nothing and you put hte bar in and can melt snow or boil water with (I havent used these though).

Magnesium firestarters like the coleman one or the BlastMatch are foolproof unless you cant work your hands to aim the shaved magnesium. However, the flint + knife means mucho sparko. I can light trioxane bars with it with no Mg shavings (i rip up the bar a tad with the knife first then rest the Mg-bar + striker bar on the trioxane bar and hit with the knife... good deal. A few Mg shavings make it work even better.

Duct tape is a wonderfull firestarter too. It burns hot and a small amount burns forever and you have it with you anyways. I'll post more on that later.

Cary 3-ways to light a fire.

another great firestarter is a stip of a cut up bicycle tube.

lights easy. burns strong & slow.

Lightwieght & cheap

Spagetti is a great firestarter, shit you not, lit up one at home, you'll see, additionally it's food!

Originally posted by SummitCo 1776
I've discussed this one at length.

I'm sure you did.

Never tried it but why not cut a road flare down a bit?
Maybe down to like 3”. You could jam it on the end of your ski pole to keep from burning yourself. Talk about a bit match?

my bic worked at 13000'. dunno how/why but it did.

i like my zippo, though its impossible (d'oh it has a flint) if it gets wet.

buy a blowtorch. you'll be happy with your decision

No clue on the lighter, but Fritos burn like a mofo.

Originally posted by Frank the Tank
I'm sure you did.

Whats that supposed to mean?