I received an Optimus Burny as a birthday present. It is a lighter designed for outdoor use.

http://www.optimusstoves.com/seen/optimu.../optimus-burny/

The most interesting part of this lighter is that it can be refilled from the isobutane/propane stove canister. You can refill it in the field directly from your stove cannister as well as from a butane lighter supply. I ordered a Primus adapter to fill it. The lighter also can provide a bigger flame with isp/propane.

The lighter is designed for lighting stoves and fires, the flame is almost as big and is as hot as my Bernzomatic pencil torch. Dry pine shavings and small kindling start almost instantly. It comes out horizontal when held like a normal lighter. It works in any position. The shape allows lighting stoves that are hard to get into (I was able to light my SVEA 123 without removing the wind screen).

The major question is going to be the piezo-electric igniter. I hope this one is reliable and works at altitude.

I think I am really going to like this one. That is saying a lot for a old codger who still prefers matches.

Respectfully,

Jerry

You had me interested until you brought up the piezo-electric mechanism. No thanks. In my experience, they will fail, most likely just when you really need them. I am three for three failures with p-e's - not a good thing.

Finally someone who recognizes that things that work perfectly in the home or backyard will fail in the field when you need it most. Thumbs up, Hiker.

Personally I like the little torches they sell in head shops, which we have to check regularly anyway. Theyre compact, burn hot, and have a fat little fuel tank on the side you can check at a glance. Yes they're piezo but can be lit by sparks or a match and they have a safety latch so the tank wont go empty in your pack pr pocket. Mine is in my first aid kit for sterilization purposes, along with a lighter and matches.

Hikermor,

I agree with you, but it was a gift. It also appears very substantial so I am going to give it a try. Not as my critical source of matches, but to replace the box of "penny" matches that I use for normal times. I will still have the K&E regular with my stove, the Exotac (not the xl) that I carry as my emergency supply (in my pocket) and the K&E long in my pack. Plus the usual Spark-Lite metal in my psk. And the Exotac Nano.

Not to worry, I WILL get the fire started!

Respectfully,

Jerry

Sounds like you have the equipment to get it started Jerry!

I had an old p-e butane "torch" lighter that died some years ago... it wasn't the p-e that died (which was my first thought, it was sparking just fine), it was the valve mechanism that failed. What can we say though? They are quick and convenient when they work.