... before you finish packing and set off ...

I carried one with me last year, nice idea but very unreliable and I had a lot of trouble with it after a few days.

Ditch it and use a cheap lighter or at the very least take a backup - I fully expect you to need it!

I know it's a bit late in the preparation stage but I hope this might help someone, I almost got caught out by it myself last year and if it's cold and wet this year I wouldn't want you guys in the same situation.

Ian, what sort of stove do you use? I’ve ought a piezo igniter for this trip. I’ve even told they work fine with gas (I use a pocket rocket), but not so good with meths/ethanol stoves. I always carry a box of waterproof matches just in case.

It came with my MSR pocket rocket, nice little stove but the igniter refused to spark on many many occasions - use a lighter or striker and spare yourself the agro IMHO.

Good luck to you all