That's strange Paul. I have never had one fail on me yet (knock on wood). Even the cheapie kind. I just looked at the ones that I bought about a year or so ago in a multi-pack. It is the clear kind like you describe. Brand name Calico, which I never heard of. They all still work fine. And they normally sit around on a shelf or in a pack or ride in my pocket as part of my EDC. I have some olders ones of various brands and they all still work. Even the one that is running on mostly fumes still works.

Maybe sitting in the pack clogged the nozzle? Who knows. Probably would be a good idea to update the lighter that just sits regularly too when you update the meds in your first aid kit. I think it would be worth it. That's why I bought that multi-pack. I guess I should take my own advice and buy a new pack. I think a pack of six cost only a buck or two as I am in the process of updating my kits and making a new one, now that my wife agreed to carry one if I make it for her.