The disposable butane lighter is the way to go with the following caveat: Get one of the "electronic" models. This is the type that replaces the flint wheel with something called a piezeoelectric ignition device (no battery involved). The problem with flintwheel lighters (Zippo and most disposables) is once wet, they are very difficult to get to spark. Impossible in a wet survival situation with wet hands and wet clothes. The electronic lighter will light relatively easily after immersion once shaken out a few times. The newest offer a childproof feature that guarantees that the gas will not be accidentally released in storage by pressure on the button. <br><br>Lighters in general are much more convenient to use than matches or other methods and provide more than a thousand lights in a tiny package. They are the clear choice for me as a primary method. Carry in an inner pocket and your body heat will keep it in it's operating temperature range in any weather. A cold lighter can be rewarmed in an inner pocket in just a few minutes. Of course I also carry a back-up method, but with this, I probably won't ever need it.<br><br>I prefer the ones sold under the Cricket brand name. They are the thinnest and fit very neatly into a pocket or personal survival kit. Especially the shorter "pocket electronic" model. Crickets are a bit harder to find than the more popular Bic (also excellent, but not as tiny), but try looking at Wal-Mart. Stay away from Scripto and others. They are cheap, so get several and drop one in the pocket of each of your coats and your day pack and don't forget one for your car. <br><br>The only possible weakness is that they are not "windproof." However, they work well in normal lightly breezy outdoor conditions, and creating wind shelter with your hand or body is usually a simple matter. More elaborate wind sheltering could be devised in really windy conditions. All in all, it provides unmatched utility for the size, weight and price.<br><br>