I’m a nonsmoker who rarely handles cigarette lighters, but when somebody suggested using a Zippo lighter for a fire starter, I thought it sounded like a pretty good idea.  Having a lighter or two in your survival supplies makes sense because you’d have a reliable source of flame when you need it.  I’m open to any thoughts you have on this, so please feel free to comment.

            Having a good fire starter is essential for any pack or kit when you’re camping, hiking, or in the wild for any particular reason.  If you’re in an ice storm this winter and have no way to start the kitchen stove, you need a way to start a fire for a propane stove or for Esbit fuel tabs under a can of beans.

            Having more than one way to start a fire is preferable as well.  Fire starters and lighters aren’t that expensive.  I’m not a purist who thinks survival means using only primitive means of lighting a fire.  I’m thankful for little wonders like cigarette lighters.

BUDK.com has an amazing assortment of lighters, and you can pay a little or a lot.  You can have fun by spending a few minutes checking out all they’ve got.  Zippo is one of several brands they carry.

Zippo has been around for decades and comes highly recommended.  One of the least expensive lighters is the Zippo Slim Street Chrome Lighter.  This lighter has a windproof design and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

            When you click on the BUDK banner below, you’ll see the Lighters category on the sidebar.  Clicking on that takes you to a page featuring a few of their lighters, and you can explore from there if you like.

However, when you type Zippo Slim Street Chrome Lighter in the search box, you’ll be taken to a page featuring this one and several Zippo lighters.  Click on the photo of the lighter you want, and you’ll be taken to a page with that lighter.  When you’re ready to start the ordering process, click Add to Cart.

            Get a Zippo Slim Street Chrome Lighter or two for your survival kits, and buy extras as practical gifts.  Wouldn’t the three thousand year old man have loved a Zippo?  When you’re without modern conveniences, wouldn’t you?