Using A Butane Lighter At High Altitudes

In order to get your lighter to ignite at a higher elevation, you will have to open the valve that releases butane considerably more than you do for ignition at standard elevations. With reduced oxygen, it is going to be harder to get the butane to ignite, and opening the valve offers enough fluid to help you achieve this. To do it, simply locate the wheel, lever, screw, or other adjusters on your lighter and turn it clockwise until the valve is opened more fully.

If you find that this is still ineffective, it may well be that your lighter is simply too cold to provide ignition. To help resolve this, hold the lighter between your hands or simply put it in your pocket until it is closer to your body temperature. This, in combination with the extra butane being released by the valve, should provide you with all of the ingredients you need to achieve ignition. Take the time to ensure that there is enough butane in the lighter for this to occur, as opening the valve means that more fluid is needed and that it is consumed considerably faster.

Whether you are looking to smoke or to light a fire at higher elevations, it will simply be less simple than doing the same thing when on ground level. Thankfully, by following these simple tips, however, you will find that it can be done. Keep in mind that the cooler the air and the higher the elevation, the harder it will be to light your butane torch.

Of course, it is very important to remember to turn the adjuster back down following your descent, as the amount of butane released when the valve is fully open can be significant and the flame can be quite large. Always remember to bring extra butane with you on hikes and trips as well, as keeping the valve open means that you will consume fluid at a much faster rate.