Windproof/Stormproof Lighters

[shogun]

These are the propane lighters that are supposed to run in 80mph winds and burn 2000 degrees. Having misplaced an old one I am researching a purchase. Seems they run from $5 to $85.

Comments range from "great" to "they dont run above 8500'" and trouble lighting. Brunton, Windmill are higher end ones. I dont mind popping $50 for a lighter that may be called upon in dire circumstances, but I want it to work better than a $1 Bic.

Any field experienced comments? Seems like a good OJ test subject; matches, strikers, lighters, thermite.

 

[Sawyer]

Depends on your use. I have a couple of different versions of the higher end ones. However, as cool as they look, I always carry a $1 bic as a back-up. And if I am in the mountains.... a bic is all I will trust and carry. And most of my trips are spent at higher elevations.... So that is really all I carry....

I have heard some have had good luck with good old fashioned Zippo's at higher elevation. But, I have experience with using them.

Good luck.

 

[Corey]

I have the Cabelas Alaskan Outfitter I bought last summer.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46639&highlight=lighter

Very small, I was surprised at how small it is.
I used it at around 5,000 feet, and it worked perfect.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Alaskan-Outfitter8482-All-Weather-Lighter/734136.uts

 

[chasespeed]

I have one of those, and a torch lighter like that. I prefer my little propane torch, for starting fires though, even to start my charcoal grill... hell, I even use it at home for my fire pit, and grill....

Chase

 

[DarthBeaver]

Here is what I picked up for kayaking/camping at 9k ft in the western sierra's:

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/proddetail.asp?prod=QT400004


its waterproof, easy to see if you do drop it in the water. comes with a lanyard (not sure on why...) works great at altitude. mainly used for cigars and lighting camp fires.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Some info that might be helpful:

 

[DarthBeaver]

While I agree with most things the video reviewer said. Here are a few points with regard to the Colibri version:

I did test it at over 10k ft (had a cigar at the summit near Upper Blue Lake/Lost Lake Area in Nor Cal)

The yellow color is key, dropped it off the kayak while fishing (dont ask) in abt 12ft of water. If it had been any other color it would have been gone.

The seal is excellent for sand/dust as well.

I tried about 5-10 different lighters before settling on this one. It works. I t has been a steady part of the camping kit for a few years now. Mainly because it does work over 6k ft which 90% of the butane torches dont.

Beaver

 

[southpier]

link to yours?


thanks

 

[RHINO]

i have the colibre pictured above as well,,, mines all black though and i use the lanyard.

the bruntun and others, IMOP are not even in the same category as the colibre lighters. these things just plain work, and have been a high end lighter for a long time.

heres a link to the colibre site with the full range of lighters.
http://www.colibri.com/

 

[robert]

I've got one of the Brunton Helios and one that looks like the Cabela's lighter (can't remember who made it). I like the Brunton alright, but I don't think it's worth the money. It usually stays in one of my PFD pockets. The other lighter works about the same but I've partially melted the top trying to get a fire going- the top on the one I have doesn't flip all the way back. I've never tried them above 10,000 ft. I usually just use a Bic. Even if it gets wet a few spins of the wheel and they'll usually light. They're cheap enough you can keep a spare in your first aid kit or whatever else you have that's waterproof.

I've got fire steels in all my kits too.

 

[shogun]

Here is what I picked up for kayaking/camping at 9k ft in the western sierra's:

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/proddetail.asp?prod=QT400004


its waterproof, easy to see if you do drop it in the water. comes with a lanyard (not sure on why...) works great at altitude. mainly used for cigars and lighting camp fires.

The Colibri Extreme ll is no longer in production (or at least not being imported). Not available at any website I located and the importer/distributor doesnt know anything about it. There may have been a couple silver ones left over at some site, but no yellow or red.

 

[Lostmanifesto]

Saw this the other day gonna get one. Runs on a cheap bic lighter. You can buy a 20 pack of those lighters for like $3.

http://www.rei.com/product/806554

 

[HenryJ]

Saw this the other day gonna get one. Runs on a cheap bic lighter. You can buy a 20 pack of those lighters for like $3.

http://www.rei.com/product/806554

That is the same as a soldering torch. Those are available at most auto parts stores.
They don't work when cold. The wind blows them out. I have carried one for years , but it just doesn't work very well. I really need that element that remains hot to keep the gas ignited. My thumb is tired from continually sparking to light the torch.

 

[ScottReb]

There is a yellow one on eBay for $50 and a silver one at Overstock for $25.

 

[ScottReb]

Correction-$28 at Overstock. And they have one less to sell y'all. Not as cool as the yellow but for half the price, same lighter.