I don't know what people do to their matches to have such problems. I carry a cheap plastic match safe full of untreated strike anywhere kitchen matches and I've never had a problem. I know, I don't get as many lights in the same space as a bic lighter. On the other hand, I know exactly how many fire lighting attempts I have, and I don't really expect to need to start hundreds of fires. Plus I keep a piece of lamp wick with the matches so I know I always have some dry tinder if I need it. I've also found matches to be better for lighting things like stoves and lanterns then lighters.