Without a quality lighter, creating a flame at high elevations can be quite difficult. Disposable lighters are not at all effective in such situations. High altitudes bring lower oxygen levels as well as cold temperatures. Both conditions make it more difficult to ignite a lighter. While standards lighters will not work in such situations, there is a solution. A butane torch lighter that has been adjusted to compensate for high elevation will perform the task well. As long as you bring along extra fluid, you will have a reliable source of fire.

Your first step will be to find the flame adjustment wheel, lever, or screw on your butane torch. For higher elevations, you will need to turn this component clockwise. This will turn up the flame. Why do some lighters fail to ignite at higher altitudes? The lack of oxygen at heightened elevations reduces the chances of creating a spark and, ultimately, a flame. This is why adjustments to your device are necessary.

A step you should take before leaving for a high elevation trip will be to adjust your lighter. Simply find the flame adjuster and turn it up to compensate for lower oxygen levels. The adjuster will be in the form of a screw, lever, wheel or other component. It shouldn’t be difficult to find. Turn it clockwise in order to increase the amount of butane that is emitted when the button is pressed. You will find that, at ground level, this flame will be quite high. However, once you reach your higher altitude destination, the flame will be lower and much easier to ignite.

No matter what you need a lighter for, it will pay off to prepare ahead of time. When you are hiking or mountain climbing, making adjustments to your lighter will be more difficult. Do this at ground level before heading out. As a result, you will have a reliable lighter that will ignite when needed. Such things as creating a campfire for warmth or for cooking meals will be far easier.

By following these key steps, you should not run into any problems with your lighter. As long as you keep in mind that lower oxygen levels at high elevations and cooler air will present obstacles to successfully igniting your lighter, you can take the proper steps ahead of time. Don’t forget to readjust your lighter once you return to lower elevations. If this isn’t done, you may find that the flame levels are high enough to pose a danger to yourself and those around you.

Wendy is a consultant for a companies that buy lighters online and has expert knowledge of lighters, including Zippo lighters.