I have a couple bics in my kits. A wind and weaterproof lighter by coleman, and a zippo(im not a smoker btw <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. my zippo doesnt work because i need the fluid and the rope thingy is messed up. finding the fluid is a pain, so i might just buy another zippo and trade the innards.

btw these forums have been packed lately.lol. every second theres a new post and thread.haha.i guess thats a good thing.

Like someone mentioned above, Zippo and Bics are still my favorites. The Zippo for its simplicity, wide range of fuels, and simply how cool they are. The Bic I like for its reliability, low price, and they can be stored for a long time. I also find that they are more durable then the average cheapy lighter.

I've got a lot of other lighters, both expensive and inexpensive and I always go back to those two.

(That's not to say I don't carry backups as well as other methods [ferro-rod])

I don't smoke, but I've carried a cigarette lighter since I was about 15 years old. Once, while getting "investigated " for hitchhiking, I got a ration of stuff from a deputy sheriff as only a dope fiend would have a lighter & no cigarettes.

I'm not any expert on this topic, but it should be mentioned that if you are traveling by US air carrier, that you may only have one choice: Zippo. Lighters have been banned from carry-on and checked luggage in the US for sometime. This apparently hit Zippo pretty hard. They pushed some political buttons and got this rule change which allows you to carry a Zippo lighter (not butane) if you put it in your checked luggage in a specailly designed Otter Box . The box even has a legend on the back saying it complies with DOT specifications.

So, if you don't want the hassle of picking up a cheap BIC on the way to your adventure, or you are tired of throwing-away a perfectly good disposable before you get to the airport, this might be your solution.

Craig.

Hi guys,

Does the otter box also keep the Zippo fuel from evaporating so quickly? Thanks!

I cannot say specifically, but the Otterbox is airtight and watertight. Part of DOT lighter case specifications include the ability to withstand a certain amount pressure difference due to altitude change.

Basically, (I believe) the box is supposed to hold sea level pressure even at high altitude so that the high altitude pressure (or lack thereof) doesn't suck your lighter fuel out of the lighter.

Also, the statement "As the only storage container complying with the DOT regulations…" on the Otterbox site is incorrect. Collibri also released a lighter case that meets DOT specifications.

Something for everyone???
http://www.magic25filter.com/z_plus_zippo_lighter_case_replacement_torch_flame.htmle

I'm not going to re-hash my old thread comments about lighters, but I really can recommend this insert for Zippo lighters. Personal experience in all weather, and with the insert soaked and blown dry. Experience from 5+ of my outdoorsman-friends in similar. Experience from one hunting buddy who also runs a pipe shop and sells/repairs a wide range of lighters.
---we all stow a few bic lighters for backup. But this insert is our first go-to lighter. Has not failed under any circumstance in which any other lighter worked.

Retail cost is around $12-$13. LARGE fuel tank holds and retains a lot of fuel..even when stored. We never use Ronson fuel, but any other butane worked well. Fits in the larger, not smaller, Zippo case.

Revised link: http://www.magic25filter.com/z_plus_zippo_lighter_case_replacement_torch_flame.html

I'm wondering why you don't use Ronson fuel? I have used it for a long time and have been pleased with it.

Thanks for correcting the link.

Re: Ronson.
I don't want to bring the wrath of Ronson's legal department down on me. If you've had no problems, fine. I'll just repeat what I've been told and personally experienced: use a higher purity butane.. filtered.. like Colibri, King, Dunhill, etc.