I have a peanut lighter, recently acquired, (actually a split pea, now that I think about it) and I like it very much. I haven't had to use it for real, but I have tested it a few times, and it lights right up. It rides as EDC on my key ring everywhere I go. Just tried it out right now, and it lit right up first time. If anything, it is getting better. No tendency to come apart while on the key ring and it is pretty tough.

When you consider that a lighter also includes tinder, compact lighters may have the highest value/size ratio. If I could only have two fire starters, they would be one good lighter and one good ferro rod (with PJ cotton balls). I like my Bics, but a peanut lighter gives me slightly more confidence and more carry options. That's with the cheap China peanut lighters (which I enhanced with better wick and flint). The stainless steel peanut lighters are only better.

I really like my peanut lighters. Just make sure to check them every few months and replace the o-ring when necessary. Also, I drop a spare flint into the bottom, a trick I learned from carrying a Zippo.

Up to a point, yes. In particular, good gaiters covers the laces, which otherwise collects a lot of snow (which will melt and try to find its way down, into the boot).

But gaiters don't protect the sides and front of the foot. If your boot isn't totally water proof you will get wet standing in deep snow. That happens a lot faster in wet snow than in dry snow.

The foot sack creates a totally snow free buffer around the boot. The difference this makes is amazing.



Yes.

They're not made for that. You use skis or snow shoes if you have to walk long distances in deep snow. Footsacks are for when you dismount the skis/snow shoes to do whatever work that needs to be done (campfire, shelter, snow cave), standing still and stomping about in deep snow.

I would guesstimate that the footsacks probably would wear out over a few weekends if you used them walking on weekend trips.