I like the suggestion for carrying multiple ways to start a fire as well as having something you are confident in. Personally I use a Ferro rod and a Mini Bic for my fire starters, and carry a small bit of fatwood with me for just in case.
That said the difficulty of finding dry enough and fine enough tinder and even of starting a fire with a Ferro rod are overstated by the OP. With a little practice any stick can be turned into tinder with a knife quickly and effectively. And a vast number or materials can be used as a tinder with varying levels of ease and effectiveness. I have seen someone cut a live branch and ignite the wood from it with nothing but a Ferro rod.
At the end of the day though for me there is nothing like the pure convenience of a Bic lighter. I've never been a fan of matches personally, and as always one should use what works best for themselves.
That said the difficulty of finding dry enough and fine enough tinder and even of starting a fire with a Ferro rod are overstated by the OP. With a little practice any stick can be turned into tinder with a knife quickly and effectively. And a vast number or materials can be used as a tinder with varying levels of ease and effectiveness. I have seen someone cut a live branch and ignite the wood from it with nothing but a Ferro rod.
At the end of the day though for me there is nothing like the pure convenience of a Bic lighter. I've never been a fan of matches personally, and as always one should use what works best for themselves.