Space wise I think a lighter would make more sense, you can start a lot more fires with it. If it is a flint wheel type you can even use it for starting fires after the butane/lighter fluid is gone. However, a lighter would need to be replaced often, matches will stay good for longer. My personal favorite is the Perminant match, it can use many different types of fuel like a Zippo, yet doesn't run out as easily because the fuel is sealed. Plus it has a flint that will throw more sparks.