I've never had problems lighting my whisperlight in any and all conditions from -15F to high winds and rain but have sure seen some great fireballs from others. You're right on in checking it our before hand. I always light it up at home (outside <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) before a trip if I have'nt use it recently. Pump, prime, then when the priming is almost out open the valve and pump some more.