A piezo igniter is a push-button stove ignition system that is often integrated directly onto upright canister stoves for convenience and ease of use. The system works via use of a striker that hits a piezo-electric crystal, which generates electricity even when slightly deformed. When the ignition button is pushed the resulting electrical charge generates a spark. With the integrated ignition system there’s no need to hunt down your lighter or use matches – simply open your stove’s gas valve slightly and push the button to start your stove.

This is especially beneficial on early morning wake up calls when a cup of coffee – and as fast as possible – is in order. With moving parts and a mechanism that can simply wear out however, piezo ignition systems can and do fail in the field on occasion (I subsequently always take backup methods); whether the convenience and slight extra weight is worth it is up to each one of us.

Forms of Piezo Igniters for Backpacking

Piezo igniters come in two forms – those attached and integrated into the stove and those that are a separate all in one item like the MSR handheld piezo igniter. Separate igniters have limited use; they can’t for example start a fire and are only designed to work with lighting stoves or items utilizing canister fuel. They can however be convenient, and don’t result in a singed thumb like you can sometimes get with a lighter.

Editor's Note: This Jargon installment originally appeared in Issue 38 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here.