Backpacker Magazine – Fall Gear Guide 2009

Gear Review: Essential Gear Windmill Classic Lighter

This refillable lighter is a snap to ignite–even with frigid fingers.

by: Testers Berne Broudy, Jonathan Dorn, Shannon Davis, John Harlin, Kristin Hostetter

Tags:
• Gear
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• Survival
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When benumbed thumbs can no longer flick the Bic, turn to this one-ounce, refillable–and easily ignited–butane lighter. "On a snowshoe trip into the Adirondack High Peaks, with a stiff breeze kicking up and the temperature at a frigid -15°F, I was able to light my stove with one click–while my partners struggled," said our tester (yes, she loaned them her lighter).

A rubber O-ring seals the lighter's cap over the piezo ignitor and catalyzer coil to protect the business end from moisture; a window on the side indicates when fuel is low; and the flame is tucked into a tiny aluminum column to protect it from wind. $44; 1 oz.; essentialgear.com

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