Post by: idaho guy on January 01, 2021, 07:51:41 PM
Post by: MADMAX on January 01, 2021, 07:59:51 PM
Post by: highcountry_hunter on January 01, 2021, 08:00:08 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 01, 2021, 08:12:22 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-7940-Sticks-Count-Brown/dp/B01MRCB6GO/ref=asc_df_B01MRCB6GO/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583932709073738&psc=1
Post by: highside74 on January 01, 2021, 08:14:37 PM
Post by: fowl smacker on January 01, 2021, 08:16:47 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 01, 2021, 08:17:27 PM
I carry some tampons and a small tube of 190 proof grain alcohol. When needed dip then in the tube and they will catch super easy and burn a very long time to get a fire going and minimal weight.
Post by: ghosthunter on January 01, 2021, 08:27:25 PM
I have used it many times in the wet to start a small fire between my legs at lunch time.
Post by: actionshooter on January 01, 2021, 08:40:33 PM
https://www.ustgear.com/fire/tinder/wetfire-tinder/wetfire-tinder/20-1WG.html
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on January 01, 2021, 08:56:58 PM
Cotton balls and petroleum jelly here too.
:yeah:
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on January 01, 2021, 08:57:54 PM
Look at the one holland rifles makes. Think its called the lightning strike or something like that. Lots of videos out there and reviews and tons of people have a lot of great things to say.
I carry some tampons and a small tube of 190 proof grain alcohol. When needed dip then in the tube and they will catch super easy and burn a very long time to get a fire going and minimal weight.
I'd stay warm on the inside before id burn the 190............. :chuckle:
Post by: ellensburgpo on January 01, 2021, 09:01:21 PM
Post by: Cougartail on January 01, 2021, 09:09:55 PM
Post by: Stein on January 01, 2021, 09:10:20 PM
If you can’t start a fire, throw a tarp or jacket over yourself and have the stove under and you will be plenty warm.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Cougartail on January 01, 2021, 09:14:42 PM
Post by: bigdub257 on January 01, 2021, 09:25:29 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on January 01, 2021, 09:34:00 PM
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on January 01, 2021, 09:45:52 PM
I second the film canister and cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly. It never leaves my pack.
:tup:
Post by: SGTDuffman on January 01, 2021, 10:16:37 PM
Post by: Caseyd on January 01, 2021, 10:26:05 PM
If it’s an all nighter emergency....whatever gas is left in my sled, then the sleds next :chuckle:
Post by: RB on January 01, 2021, 10:43:05 PM
Wetfire... this stuff is awesome... watch the video
https://www.ustgear.com/fire/tinder/wetfire-tinder/wetfire-tinder/20-1WG.html
:yeah:
This, plus a small block of Fat wood, Bic lighters, Zippo lighter, and toilet paper in a Ziplock, inside a dry bag with a small candle.
Post by: robodad on January 02, 2021, 12:50:45 AM
Post by: Bareback on January 02, 2021, 04:50:58 AM
I’m not sure about a big emergency fire, but in every backpack and all my rigs I keep a 1 gallon ziplock with a newspaper, 3 bic lighters and a film canister full of cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.
People under 30 might not know what a film canister is. When was the last time you seen one?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on January 02, 2021, 01:35:04 PM
Cotton balls and petroleum jelly here too.
:yeah:
But hunting in SE AK, FiL gave me a can of sterno. That, a lighter, and a cup was what we packed, and it rained so much, my nuts were swimming.
Post by: Buzz2401 on January 02, 2021, 02:34:14 PM
I have experimented with a lot of different fire starters over the years. Some good some not but never really kept track of what was best. I spend a lot of time in the mountains in the winter in snowy but also really wet conditions. If you had to pick one fire starter for wet conditions what would it be? I usually pack a few flares and some fire starter but looking for opinions on what’s the best. I’m not looking for something to start my campfire but most reliable to start a fire when stuck out there emergency type fire etc.Have you or anyone else here started a fire with a flare. I tried to one time and it didn't work, which I thought was crazy. Asked around and was told flares are designed to not catch things on fire for safety reasons, I guess they suck all the surrounding oxygen which doesn't allow other things to catch. Probably different kinds of flares though.
Post by: ellensburgpo on January 02, 2021, 02:51:24 PM
I have experimented with a lot of different fire starters over the years. Some good some not but never really kept track of what was best. I spend a lot of time in the mountains in the winter in snowy but also really wet conditions. If you had to pick one fire starter for wet conditions what would it be? I usually pack a few flares and some fire starter but looking for opinions on what’s the best. I’m not looking for something to start my campfire but most reliable to start a fire when stuck out there emergency type fire etc.Have you or anyone else here started a fire with a flare. I tried to one time and it didn't work, which I thought was crazy. Asked around and was told flares are designed to not catch things on fire for safety reasons, I guess they suck all the surrounding oxygen which doesn't allow other things to catch. Probably different kinds of flares though.
Not my experience at all. I’ve lit lots off fires with flares and have caught several things on fire with them unintentionally at work. Only thing regarding what you’re saying I get off the top of my head is it’s adding so much heat it can cause things to burn the fuel too quickly in a small area. The flare is the heat component, it’s not sucking enough air in the outdoors to cause an issue in the oxygen component. All that’s left in my head is fuel. It can burn stuff so hot it is no longer going through pyrolysis enough to sustain fire.
When I use a flare I get a spot going and move it to a new spot to get that going. This all makes sense in my head but is much easier to explain verbally. Sorry if it’s more confusing then helpful.
Post by: bustedoldman on January 02, 2021, 02:54:17 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on January 02, 2021, 02:55:09 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 02, 2021, 02:56:12 PM
Post by: CastleRocker on January 02, 2021, 04:14:24 PM
When I took up snowmobiling, I immediately put a couple flares in ziplocks, and put them in the trunk of every snow machine. One ride, and all that was left was the Striker caps, and a bunch of powder. Apparently, they won't take the bouncing around.
We carry three completely unrelated means of building a fire. Yellow fir, (old growth pitch wood), a lighter, and weatherproof matches, (yes...in a film canister), a ferro rod and knife with a square spine. The kit we carry in our vehicles, and sleds include at least three tampons. One down the gas tank to absorb some gas, and two soaked in oil will provide enough heat to get your kindling going.
I think what most people absolutely fail to realize is; you HAVE to go out and DO IT! If nothing else, just go out in the yard and try to build a fire in a torrential downpour. Better yet, when you are out playing in the snow this winter, and stop for lunch...build a fire! You will NEVER learn how by just watching videos on the internet!
Post by: wadu1 on January 02, 2021, 05:08:09 PM
That is a good question. For the record I opened our Y2k emergency packs and yep each one has a film canister without instructions for use?I’m not sure about a big emergency fire, but in every backpack and all my rigs I keep a 1 gallon ziplock with a newspaper, 3 bic lighters and a film canister full of cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.
People under 30 might not know what a film canister is. When was the last time you seen one?
Post by: boneaddict on January 02, 2021, 05:12:52 PM
Post by: idaho guy on January 02, 2021, 07:30:01 PM
I have experimented with a lot of different fire starters over the years. Some good some not but never really kept track of what was best. I spend a lot of time in the mountains in the winter in snowy but also really wet conditions. If you had to pick one fire starter for wet conditions what would it be? I usually pack a few flares and some fire starter but looking for opinions on what’s the best. I’m not looking for something to start my campfire but most reliable to start a fire when stuck out there emergency type fire etc.Have you or anyone else here started a fire with a flare. I tried to one time and it didn't work, which I thought was crazy. Asked around and was told flares are designed to not catch things on fire for safety reasons, I guess they suck all the surrounding oxygen which doesn't allow other things to catch. Probably different kinds of flares though.
Not my experience at all. I’ve lit lots off fires with flares and have caught several things on fire with them unintentionally at work. Only thing regarding what you’re saying I get off the top of my head is it’s adding so much heat it can cause things to burn the fuel too quickly in a small area. The flare is the heat component, it’s not sucking enough air in the outdoors to cause an issue in the oxygen component. All that’s left in my head is fuel. It can burn stuff so hot it is no longer going through pyrolysis enough to sustain fire.
When I use a flare I get a spot going and move it to a new spot to get that going. This all makes sense in my head but is much easier to explain verbally. Sorry if it’s more confusing then helpful.
I have used flares a bunch in the backcountry for snowy wet conditions they have worked really well I try to actually have a bunch of wood gathered before I use it.
Post by: vandeman17 on January 02, 2021, 07:34:05 PM
Post by: Okanagan on January 02, 2021, 07:50:31 PM
They are superb fire starters but labor intensive to make, so probably not worth it but I made a bunch for myself and the many campers, hunters and backpackers in our family.
In addition I carry some slats of pitchwood/fatwood, 5 inches long, 1/16 to 1/8 thick and from a quarter inch to ¾ inch wide. I wrap half a dozen of those in a paper towel and put the bundle in a ziploc. Along with those a piezo lighter, waterproof matches, candle stub, flint and steel, fire wafers and space blanket go in a little zippered school pencil holder. One of those packets goes in every pack, with some extras handy in vehicle, cook kit, etc. In addition a big package of such fire starters is under the front seat of my 4x4 along with the TP and wet wipes.
Post by: idaho guy on January 02, 2021, 07:55:27 PM
Post by: actionshooter on January 02, 2021, 10:04:12 PM
Good response so far a lot of the stuff mentioned I have used before. The wet fire stuff I had before and it is great. I hound hunt lions and sometimes by myself so I can end up middle of nowhere and just have to go where dogs go. It’s not like elk hunting where you decide when to turn back you have to go where the dogs go. Just looking for the ultimate emergency fail safe fire starter but I think a combination is best. I think I will just pack the coughlins fire starter,the wet fire, a lighter and a flare I should be covered 👍 for all the bic lighter fans bring 3 don’t ask how I learned this one. The weather where I hunt goes from snow to wet and rainy to freezing all in one day makes starting a fire a challenge.I have used my stove to warm our tent hunting so I have that but when you’re soaked you need a fire.
My only hang up with the Wetfire is the cost,,, stuff works great, but I save it unless I can't get a fire started another way.
Post by: Okanagan on January 03, 2021, 07:16:35 AM
for all the bic lighter fans bring 3 don’t ask how I learned this one.
:tup:
Have had Bic lighters turn into a collection of tiny parts in my pocket and in a pack.
Re lighters, I prefer piezo and waaay prefer the angled head "cigar" lighters for starting campfires. Much easier to get the flame under tinder without scattering it. Also, my hands get so cold sometimes that I cannot operate the striker on a lighter with fingers or thumb. Was surprised to find that a flint and steel is easier to operate with stiff cold hands than the lighter, because it uses larger muscles and requires less finesse of movement. (Hold the steel still close to tinder and pull the fire ferro rod back toward yourself. Again, that way it doesn't scatter the fine material you are trying to ignite.) Klutz that I am, I carry at least three ways to ignite a fire and several items to keep it going till I can get a sustained fire from wet wood.
Post by: madcow41 on January 03, 2021, 07:27:47 AM
Post by: idaho guy on January 03, 2021, 08:46:31 AM
Good response so far a lot of the stuff mentioned I have used before. The wet fire stuff I had before and it is great. I hound hunt lions and sometimes by myself so I can end up middle of nowhere and just have to go where dogs go. It’s not like elk hunting where you decide when to turn back you have to go where the dogs go. Just looking for the ultimate emergency fail safe fire starter but I think a combination is best. I think I will just pack the coughlins fire starter,the wet fire, a lighter and a flare I should be covered 👍 for all the bic lighter fans bring 3 don’t ask how I learned this one. The weather where I hunt goes from snow to wet and rainy to freezing all in one day makes starting a fire a challenge.I have used my stove to warm our tent hunting so I have that but when you’re soaked you need a fire.
My only hang up with the Wetfire is the cost,,, stuff works great, but I save it unless I can't get a fire started another way.
I agree don’t want to use them unless necessary. Try the inexpensive easy stuff first :tup:
Post by: idaho guy on January 03, 2021, 08:51:17 AM
Post by: highcountry_hunter on January 03, 2021, 10:24:57 AM
I am also going to play around with cotton balls a p jelly. I like to try stuff in terrible weather but not when I have to start a fire just kinda a test run. This is an old one but I haven’t really used. Thanks again for all the responses good stuff :tup:
They way I’ve always done it is put the petroleum jelly in a small pan on the stove or microwave it in a little bowl so it’s liquified, soak up as much as you can with the cotton balls then stuff em em in the canisters.
Post by: CP on January 03, 2021, 10:30:03 AM
Post by: cbond3318 on January 03, 2021, 10:36:13 AM
I used this stuff on my backpack hunts this year, it work well. Doesn’t burn real hot but it burns slow and did burn when wet. Seemed to work as advertised. Fairly inexpensive. I think you’re wise to have a few different emergency options.
Disclaimer: I have not tried it in N Idaho wet yet, big difference from Central Idaho. :chuckle:
Post by: idaho guy on January 03, 2021, 11:06:35 AM
https://blackbeardfire.com/products/black-beard-fire-starter?variant=31477581152392
I used this stuff on my backpack hunts this year, it work well. Doesn’t burn real hot but it burns slow and did burn when wet. Seemed to work as advertised. Fairly inexpensive. I think you’re wise to have a few different emergency options.
Disclaimer: I have not tried it in N Idaho wet yet, big difference from Central Idaho. :chuckle:
👍 big difference for sure like the last week has been cold, snow, rain and today feels like spring 😂 thanks I will give it a test run
Post by: idaho guy on January 03, 2021, 11:08:50 AM
A propane torch and little diesel works very well.
Agreed I’m all about diesel or just gas but if I get in a situation I’m on foot not real practical. Diesel and propane torch is how all my slash piles get burned 👍
Post by: idaho guy on January 03, 2021, 11:10:09 AM
I am also going to play around with cotton balls a p jelly. I like to try stuff in terrible weather but not when I have to start a fire just kinda a test run. This is an old one but I haven’t really used. Thanks again for all the responses good stuff :tup:
They way I’ve always done it is put the petroleum jelly in a small pan on the stove or microwave it in a little bowl so it’s liquified, soak up as much as you can with the cotton balls then stuff em em in the canisters.
Good tip I wasn’t aware of thanks
Post by: madcow41 on January 03, 2021, 02:53:59 PM
I am also going to play around with cotton balls a p jelly. I like to try stuff in terrible weather but not when I have to start a fire just kinda a test run. This is an old one but I haven’t really used. Thanks again for all the responses good stuff :tup:
They way I’ve always done it is put the petroleum jelly in a small pan on the stove or microwave it in a little bowl so it’s liquified, soak up as much as you can with the cotton balls then stuff em em in the canisters.
I just mash them up in a plastic bag. Works pretty well. I only need to get my fine fuel going and go from there.
Honestly a poncho and stereo work well to warm up, the build a little rain shelter and make your fire under the shelter.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 03, 2021, 03:05:47 PM
Post by: Bob33 on January 03, 2021, 03:22:43 PM
Honestly a poncho and stereo work well to warm up, the build a little rain shelter and make your fire under the shelter.Isn't it a little bulky fitting that in your pack? :chuckle:
Post by: Dan-o on January 03, 2021, 04:56:19 PM
Can't believe nobody has mentioned trioxane. Used a ton of things but one little spark will light that stuff every time. Best I've used for sure.
:yeah:
Plus they burn in the rain.
Post by: jstone on January 03, 2021, 04:57:43 PM
Post by: Stein on January 03, 2021, 05:03:11 PM
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Weber-Lighter-Cubes-24-Pack/3151081?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-sol-_-google-_-lia-_-119-_-grillfuel-_-3151081-_-0&placeholder=null&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88X_BRDUARIsACVMYD8tGMOXWQuIRLP1q6q3_DVOteAkuzAw6JH32p2b5p7_AqPqvkSkrTIaAqj3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Post by: SteelheadTed on January 03, 2021, 06:29:31 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Esbit-1300-Degree-Smokeless-Backpacking-Emergency/dp/B07QTD1GHM (https://www.amazon.com/Esbit-1300-Degree-Smokeless-Backpacking-Emergency/dp/B07QTD1GHM)
Post by: h2ofowlr on January 03, 2021, 07:57:46 PM
I’m not sure about a big emergency fire, but in every backpack and all my rigs I keep a 1 gallon ziplock with a newspaper, 3 bic lighters and a film canister full of cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.
People under 30 might not know what a film canister is. When was the last time you seen one?
I have a few of these. Used to pack them full of fire starters and run some black electrical tape around the seam. Sealed and good to go.
Post by: kentrek on January 03, 2021, 08:21:49 PM
Can't believe nobody has mentioned trioxane. Used a ton of things but one little spark will light that stuff every time. Best I've used for sure.
This & esbit tablets...esbit goes for about 15 minutes..which is nice when trying to burn wet wood
Post by: actionshooter on January 03, 2021, 09:41:10 PM
I carry these with me and two bic lighters. They are durable when getting knocked around in my pack, they light easily and they don't absorb water. A cube burns for like 15 minutes.
https://www.amazon.com/Esbit-1300-Degree-Smokeless-Backpacking-Emergency/dp/B07QTD1GHM (https://www.amazon.com/Esbit-1300-Degree-Smokeless-Backpacking-Emergency/dp/B07QTD1GHM)
Yes!!.... these work awesome and couldn't remember the name... we used these to start fires every day on a 16 day float in Alaska...
Thanks for the link, I just ordered another 2 dozen :)
Post by: mountainman on January 03, 2021, 10:27:52 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 03, 2021, 11:10:22 PM
Always good to have a foil pack of trioxane in the bag.
Post by: madcow41 on January 04, 2021, 08:15:32 AM
Honestly a poncho and stereo work well to warm up, the build a little rain shelter and make your fire under the shelter.Isn't it a little bulky fitting that in your pack? :chuckle:
I meant sterno... autocorrect.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 04, 2021, 08:16:52 AM
yeah but a stereo would be more fun. Who needs fire when you could have a one man dance party to stay warm :chuckle:Honestly a poncho and stereo work well to warm up, the build a little rain shelter and make your fire under the shelter.Isn't it a little bulky fitting that in your pack? :chuckle:
I meant sterno... autocorrect.
Post by: jstone on January 04, 2021, 08:18:34 AM
Crazy!! :chuckle:
Post by: Okanagan on January 04, 2021, 12:05:23 PM
I am also going to play around with cotton balls a p jelly. I like to try stuff in terrible weather but not when I have to start a fire just kinda a test run. This is an old one but I haven’t really used. Thanks again for all the responses good stuff :tup:
They way I’ve always done it is put the petroleum jelly in a small pan on the stove or microwave it in a little bowl so it’s liquified, soak up as much as you can with the cotton balls then stuff em em in the canisters.
For Vaseline on cotton balls, I put a gob of Vaseline in a Ziploc, add handfuls of cotton balls and knead. Just leave them in the bag and take the whole bag for less mess.
I prefer to melt a mix of Vaseline and paraffin and pour that into a Ziploc bag of cotton balls. The result starts and sustains flame easily and is way less messy than greasy Vaseline alone.
Post by: konradcountry on January 08, 2021, 10:02:37 AM
Will be fine.
Post by: ghosthunter on January 08, 2021, 11:06:52 AM
I am also going to play around with cotton balls a p jelly. I like to try stuff in terrible weather but not when I have to start a fire just kinda a test run. This is an old one but I haven’t really used. Thanks again for all the responses good stuff :tup:
They way I’ve always done it is put the petroleum jelly in a small pan on the stove or microwave it in a little bowl so it’s liquified, soak up as much as you can with the cotton balls then stuff em em in the canisters.
For Vaseline on cotton balls, I put a gob of Vaseline in a Ziploc, add handfuls of cotton balls and knead. Just leave them in the bag and take the whole bag for less mess.
I prefer to melt a mix of Vaseline and paraffin and pour that into a Ziploc bag of cotton balls. The result starts and sustains flame easily and is way less messy than greasy Vaseline alone.
I recently used Vaseline on cotton rounds, and liked it better than cotton balls. :tup:
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on January 08, 2021, 02:42:24 PM
I carry mil surplus trioxane packets for emergencies. For decades before that, about an inch of compressed dryer link in the bottom of a ziplock sandwich bag, then pour in melted paraffin. If I ever run out of triox and can't find more, I'll go back to the lint and paraffin - but you cant beat triox.Can't believe nobody has mentioned trioxane. Used a ton of things but one little spark will light that stuff every time. Best I've used for sure.
:yeah:
Plus they burn in the rain.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 08, 2021, 03:15:38 PM
Post by: fowl smacker on January 09, 2021, 03:52:01 PM
Post by: mazama on January 10, 2021, 10:41:15 AM
Post by: Alchase on January 11, 2021, 06:40:12 PM
Post by: Sliverslinger on January 11, 2021, 07:05:12 PM
https://quicksurvive.world/products/50-piece-canister
Post by: idaho guy on January 12, 2021, 11:25:11 AM
I’ve used it all. Vaseline and cotton balls work well, but over time it dries out and loses its effectiveness. I’ve tried these and will never look back. Tiny, take no room, weigh nothing, light with a lighter while still in the pack or open and hit it with a spark. Burns for quite a while. You can buy a container and it will last forever.
https://quicksurvive.world/products/50-piece-canister
Thanks I am going to check that out 👍