I have had good luck with the butane lighters - even the cheap ones. That said, I keep several different fire sources in my survival packs and BOBs. But I have a $2 butane torch that we keep in the RV and use for campfires that has been refilled numerous times over 3 or 4 years, and still works like new.

Yes, try things before you rely on them. My butt pack on my web gear has a sealed package of 2 new Bic disposables, a Calibri survival torch, a magnesium fire steel and flint, some 0000 steel wool and 2 new 9 volts, survival matches, and wet fire tender. But I feel pretty confident that my butane lighter would be enough in most situations. They are virtually windproof.