Archive for the ‘Fire Starters’ Category
You May Be Lost, But At Least You’ll Be Warm
Every year hundreds of people get lost in the wilderness. Most people find themselves ill prepared to deal with surviving in the wild. One of the leading causes of death in the wilderness is hypothermia. Knowing how to start a fire can mean the difference between life and death.
Any survival guide should include a lesson on friction-based fire starting. This method involves finding pieces of bone-dry wood, building a tinder nest, creating a fireboard, and using friction to make a spark. Any camper planning a wilderness outing should be familiar with this technique. Of course, it is always advisable to bring a survival fire starter with you as well.
On Camping Trips, the Fire Comes First
Man’s ability to control fire has been one of the lasting hallmarks of civilization since ancient times. It’s one of the indicators that set us apart from lower animals, and it represents the key to making cooked food. Needless to say, fire is an integral part of any camping trip. The campfire is more than just a venue to roast hotdogs and marshmallows – it’s a communal meeting place where stories are told and memories are made.
Inclement weather and wind conditions can complicate the process of starting a fire. At times, it doesn’t matter how well the kindling is built or how adept the firestarter might be. Such times call for desperate yet reliable measures – namely the use of a firesteel. These implements have been utilized by armies around the world in the toughest environmental conditions, and they will start a blazing fire against all odds.
Overcoming the Elements
Controlled fire was one of the earliest hallmarks of human civilization. It’s the stuff of myth: Prometheus pilfering fire from the god Zeus and sharing it with all mankind. To this day, we remain keepers of the flame, whether we’re lighting our charcoal grills to cook delicious meals or using fire as a tool in forest management. Portable lighters are the most obvious embodiment of our considerable responsibility.
When stranded in a remote locale or perhaps simply hiking along a mountain trail, a lighter becomes more than just a handy luxury. A windproof lighter can operate in harsh conditions, and its spark can create vital heat sources. For any serious outdoor excursion, it’s not a bad idea to pack a windproof lighter in case the going gets tough.
The Blastmatch Fire Starter is Hot
The Blastmatch is the “hottest” way to start a fire! Ultimate Survival Tools (UST) Inc has made the Blastmatch using an alloy bar composed of flint and magnesium 0.5 in thick (1.3 cm), mounted into a spring-loaded handle. This is all integrated with a tungsten carbide striker in the handle. As depicted on the UST website… “With one hand, a shower of sparks, three times hotter than a match (2200 F - 1204 C) can be generated” .
When used with the UST “wetfire tinder” you can make a fire anytime, anywhere. Originally developed for the Special Forces it is the best fire tinder available today. Wetfire comes individually packaged in a lightweight solid cube form that can’t leak or foul up your other gear. It does not leave residue and is non-toxic. The tinder cubes burn without smoke and can be used in high winds, rain or snow. Wetfire tinder can actually burn while floating in water, and it burns longer when wet.