I mentioned specifically bug-in, where i really don't see the point in using a pump model.

For hiking; mine requirements are totally different and it depends on the area what option i pick.

Thought the spark-lites took standard zippo flints?

So would pack some in waterproof bag/case if was concerned about the flint corroding. Probably have to pack a tool too, to open the spark-lite. Seen some that need an allen key, others flat screwdriver.

I would think that the most reliable and rugged, long-term use fire starter would be a ferro rod.

I heard a lot of positive things about the Aurora fire starter. Does anyone have any experience with them? How durable are they?

Jeanette Isabelle

I have one but I haven't used it yet! I just got it this winter but hopefully I'll get a chance soon. It does seem extremely well made.

Also, what pen won't let me down? Fisher is a tad expensive for a pen, so I've been looking at Rite in the Rain as an alternative.

Jeanette Isabelle

For an inexpensive, highly reliable pen, I like Rite in the Rain, Pokka (particularly their all weather models, which are Rite in the Rain branded), and some Fisher pens are pretty cheap.

I bought a black and blue twelve pack of these https://uniballco.com/collections/rollerball-pens/products/roller-rollerball-pens in college and still use some. I graduated college in 1995.

What do you guys do with your pen? My regular pens don't die so fast. They just keep working. Pilot, Zebra, & Sakura have all worked fine.

My main EDC pen is a Tactile Turn with a Schmidt 9000 refill. I’m probably refilling it about annually. I have a few others that I carry, most notably a cheap orange aluminum pen for outdoors activities. In no small part because it’s bright orange, I keep not losing it.

I like to stash a good inexpensive pen in every bag and every kit — the orange Pokka Rite in the Rain pen has become my standard for that purpose.

And many other pens are temporarily or permanently misplaced, frequently by the rest of the Magnet family. I recently found a Fisher Bullet that I thought I had lost permanently fifteen years ago. I found it on the floor underneath my kid’s bed! With my initials on it!