Yep, it’s a lighter. Unfortunately, it’s a discontinued lighter. So, I’d talk about how great it is and how much I love the simplicity of butane and the fact that it stays filled fo long periods of time between use, or how it’s got a neat little mirror on the inside of the lid, but I don’t want to get you too excited.
So instead, I’m going to first explain why I think you should have a lighter, even if you don’t smoke.
The biggest thing to consider is if you spend time outside camping or hiking, even if you don’t plan on needing a fire, or if you take long cross-country drives anywhere, there exists a not-insignificant possibility that something unexpected can happen.
Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already accepted this possibility.
So now is my chance to remind you that, if properly used and controlled, fire can be a massive aid to you in unusual or emergent situations – warmth, signaling (by light or by smoke), cooking food, etc.
All that being said, I do have a recommendation for you – Zippo. I’ve had a Zippo lighter for years, and it’s durable as hell, works every time I spark it, has the mystique of, well, being a Zippo, and is just generally a pretty sweet lighter.
I do actually use my butane lighter much more often than the Zippo for one reason – the Zippo fuel actually evaporates if it’s stored long enough in the lighter, and I don’t use my lighter often enough to avoid that.
Now another piece of good news – Zippo makes inserts for their lighters which allow them to use butane!
At the time I bought my Coleman this was not the case, but I fully intend on buying one of these guys soon – just as soon as I find my Zippo.
-T