All the refillable butane lights I have ever tried failed at high elevation also. I don't think I would spend any great amount on a butane lighter, and I certainly would never count on one working (except for the cheapies which seem to work more times than not).

I have heard all the stuff about cheap butane too, and am not buying it. I have also tried all the tricks about purging out air etc from the butane tank for each refill. I think most if not all the expensive butane lighters are somehow mechanically flawed and the cheap butane excuse is what works for them when you return it.

I like the little Peanut light too....not windproof but it at least has a good chance of lighting when all my expensive butanes just wear my thumb out clicking. It sparks too, and has cotton batting....emergency tinder and a sparker in a waterproof capsule.....for only $5 (aluminum), $10 (stainless). Now that is a bargain.