I'm a big fan of BIC brand lighters.
In fact, I carry a BIC Mini lighter in my Every Day Carry (EDC).
However, I don't completely trust 'em. Here's why:
5 PROBLEMS WITH LIGHTERS
1) Lighters have many moving parts. ⚙️
Dozens of components = dozens of failure points.
My dad always said: The more parts the more things that can go wrong. (Murphy’s Law)
2) They can fail in the cold. 🥶
Ever tried to spark a flame with frozen fingers or a frozen lighter?
You can warm it up—if you have time... and body heat to spare.
3) They hate the elements. 💧
Mud, snow, water, and wind are no friends to your flickering flame.
4) No fuel gauge. 🤷♂️
Unless you’re rocking the elusive translucent “white lighter” (and risking bad luck), it’s just a guessing game.
5) And let’s be honest—you’ll probably leave it behind. 👋
In your truck. Your pack. Your fanny pack. It happens, and you can bet it will happen when you need it most.
This is why, in addition to a lighter, experienced outdoor survival instructors carry a simple ferro rod + striker. |
