Who makes a windproof, waterproof lighter that is refillable, durable, and effective even if stored for months at a time with no use??
Sub-$80 would be a huge plus, unless it’s also bombproof, and lights things under water as well.
Next question, that was an easy one.http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0006842612710a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=lighters&Ntk=Products&sort=all&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
I have a similar one that I bought for even less at Costco.
I have used it extensively in Alaska, in all kinds of wind and weather conditions, from sea level to high altitude in the Chugach Mtns. Never failed me yet and has a window to check your fuel and an “o” ring to keep the H20 out. This should be one of the first things to go into your survival kit.
Be safe.
My Google searching is doing Ok, I’m looking for quickie reviews like that first reply. 
Ask Buck…he has the weed hat!
Wow. The Windmill is most definitely going to be the next item in my Bug-Out-Bag.
The Windmill is the Colt of Survival lighters. The next time you get stuck on Kodiak Island in the rain, you will be glad you had one. Save your ass.
I grabbed one to put under the Christmas tree. (for me :p)
just FYI - some of these wind-proof lighters might not work at higher altitudes. i was at around 9000ft and mine would not ignite the butane. tried it again at lower altitudes and it was fine. make sure you bring backups like waterproof matches, just in case.
Did you “turn down” (for lack of a better phrase) the butane? The thinner air at high altitudes can make the chamber inside the lighter too rich to burn if you dont adjust the ammount of butane.
Picked up the Windmill Delta from REI on sale. More then the online place, but I was able to look it over before purchase. It comes with no butane. Got some Colibri premium…hope it’s ok…
I also picked up another magnesium block with flint, as backup.
Anyone try these?
< [COLOR=“indigo”][COLOR=“Indigo”]StrikeForce[/COLOR][/COLOR] >
Windmill Delta.
I have both the Strike Force and the Blast Match. The Strike Force is bigger and bulkier and takes two hands to use, but has a small storage compartment in the top for holding tender. The Blast Match can be used one handed and is considerably more compact. There is no storage area for extra tender. They both put out an incredible shower of sparks and in that area, they are a toss up. They readily start nearly any tender I’ve ever tried, and usually take only one good strike. If it weren’t for the two handed operation I think the Strike Force is a bit sturdier. I always am afraid I will break off some of the plastic parts on the Blast Match, though to date it hasn’t happened. I’ve used them for a number of years without any problems whatsoever.
I keep a Strike Force in each car and the more svelt Blast Match in each of our backpacks. I probably take redundancy to an extreme, but this setup pretty much ensures I will always have a fire starter at hand. (And I also have a GI match box with strike anywhere matches dipped in wax too.) In truth, I find them more dependable than any lighter including my favorite, the Windmill Delta. There isn’t any fuel to worry about running out and they last for several thousand strikes.
Having said all of that, I also keep a Swedish Army “Light MY Fire” along with tender and a Spyderco Double Stuff sharpener in the pouch of my Chris Reeve Green Beret. I grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan and nearly froze to death a few times when out and about, and take firestarting very seriously (this was back in the days of real winters when the wind chill got to -60).
Any of the models listed above will give you outstanding service. The Swedish models are significantly smaller and lighter, but still give plenty of sparks. Not as much as the other models, but plenty enough to get tender started.
As for tender, I have five or six types on hand, some lighter/more packable than others, but in truth, nothing seems to work as well overall as trioxane. Just be sure before you head out to check the packaging, as any pin prick can lead to evaporation of the cubes. All of the aforementioned strikers will easily light trioxane on the first strike even in a strong wind and with rain. I would suggest protecting the tender from the rain/wind, but I tested it under pretty adverse conditions to know for sure what to expect.
Hope this helps.
The lint out of your drier is excellent tender as well. I used to keep a small ball of it, with the military mag fire starter, a BIC, and MRE matches in a small freezer bag. I used it a lot when I used to do a lot of camping and tucked in a BDU pocket/Survival vest when playing army.
yup - i tried the full range of adjustment.
I believe you are supposed to travel with 3 means of creating fire correct? Lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium block…at least that’s how I roll.
NOW you tell me 
actually i did have matches on hand and used those instead. all was well.
I’m glad it didn’t turn into Broke-back Mtn. Survival with 2 dudes in a sleeping bag:eek:
How about a thermite grenade?
thank goodness it was my wife who was with me. it was a day hike anyways.
by the way, i just one of TADgear’s survival spark - it’s tiny but it works:
http://tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/fire%20starters%20main/tad_gear_survival_spark.htm