I recently tried to use several new Ronson and Bic pocket lighters when camping in -10 deg C weather. The lighters failed to light.
I've heard that the lighters need to be warmed, such as in one's hands, in order for the lighters to work properly.
That makes me wonder, what's the minimum required temperature for ignition? I'm aware I can use matches as an alternative. I'd still like to know a bit more about the temperature limitations of lighters.
It's also to do with the reduced gas pressure at lower temperature, and the boiling point of butane is just below 0°C. Below that temperature it doesn't want to evaporate quickly. It's not quite the same, but compare a boiling kettle to a cup of hot water.
It's a good idea to carry the lighter in an inner pocket so it is readily usable.
In the old days, the tinder, flint and steel would be kept in a tinderbox, in a dry place such as next to the body. The non-electric butane lighter is a modern implementation of this, with its flint, ridged steel wheel, and gas. Of course there are piezoelectric models now too.
It's also a good idea to carry some dry paper and a little dry kindling. At each camp fire, cut and dry some more kindling for the next night.
