1. I don't know much about Zippos specifically, but I always carry multiple means of starting a fire. Redundancy is really important for fire starting. The rather expensive Windmill type butane lighter seems to hold its butane well and has worked well so far for me. I still carry alternatives.<br>2. Hardly ever, and then not for wilderness survival. There are far more improtant and useful items for equivalent weight/bulk. Urban conditions are another matter.<br>3. Sure (bum bag=fanny pack, right?). I have one which is just right for short hikes all by itself. On longer trips its contents are placed in a larger pack.<br>4. Yes, but if the house is on fire, our concerns are saving lives (which means getting out immediately), not in rescuing a bunch of documents. Redundancy applies here, as well. Copies are duplicated and placed with relatives or the orgiginals are stored in a safe deposit box.<br>