When you consider that a lighter also includes tinder, compact lighters may have the highest value/size ratio. If I could only have two fire starters, they would be one good lighter and one good ferro rod (with PJ cotton balls). I like my Bics, but a peanut lighter gives me slightly more confidence and more carry options. That's with the cheap China peanut lighters (which I enhanced with better wick and flint). The stainless steel peanut lighters are only better.