#252305 - 10/27/12 02:20 AM
Basic fire starting kit
|
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 03/11/05
Posts: 2574
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#252320 - 10/27/12 07:41 PM
Re: Basic fire starting kit
[Re: TeacherRO]
|
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
|
We share similar thoughts on fire starting, except I have a LMF ferro rod in the #2 spot. I might have to get some of those stormproof matches after watching that video, which is a little scary.
You should consider carrying two Bic Minis, instead of a Bic and that sparky. As you said, the sparky is basically a Bic without the Butane. So, why not just carry another Bic? The sparky is really NOT like a different type of device. The sparky is more like a similar, yet inferior, device. With your sparky and that tinder, you have maybe 10 chances to make a fire. In contrast, I have lit one of my Bic minis over 200 times. It still has fuel in it. Plus, we already know whatever Bic is doing in the manufacturing process is top-notch. I don't have the same confidence in a sparky.
_________________________
If you're reading this, it's too late.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#252321 - 10/27/12 07:49 PM
Re: Basic fire starting kit
[Re: TeacherRO]
|
Enthusiast
Registered: 02/14/08
Posts: 301
Loc: Croton on Hudson, NY
|
exactly my kit, only I don't bother with the matches and always carry a ferro rod.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#252326 - 10/27/12 11:06 PM
Re: Basic fire starting kit
[Re: TeacherRO]
|
Addict
Registered: 07/06/03
Posts: 550
|
I always carry the ferro rod and some of the stormproof matches. They will light and are great items. The Bic is fine when it works. The bike tube bands are a good idea, they are good for lighting difficlt fires and also keep the Bic from slipping out of your pocket. I have had problems with Bic and other butane lighters over the years. I do carry one occasionally but they can't be relied upon. I have had brand new Bics that would not light and they also break easily. I normally carry a Zippo, freshly filled with a backup fill from a Zippo keychain tank. A ferro rod, and the stormproof matches. I keep two small containers full of cotton balls saturated with petroleum jelly for instant fire. Never fails. I also always carry a light, fixed blade knife, in case I need to whittle my way into some dry wood. Your kit will work fine too
_________________________
No, I am not Bear Grylls, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night and Bear was there too!
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#252330 - 10/28/12 02:53 AM
Re: Basic fire starting kit
[Re: TeacherRO]
|
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
|
Just for the record, I have found Zippo's to be unreliable (when it'll be empty, who knows?). I have found Bics to be extraordinarily reliable. That's consistent with most other people's experiences. I have some Bic minis that have been sitting on the shelf for years, and they still are to the top with fuel. I personally have not had a Bic randomly fail. I think I'd have to be abusing it, but I wouldn't know. I think the low price of a Bic throws people off.
_________________________
If you're reading this, it's too late.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#252409 - 10/30/12 03:05 AM
Re: Basic fire starting kit
[Re: bacpacjac]
|
Enthusiast
Registered: 01/06/08
Posts: 319
Loc: Canada
|
I have given up and by them by the box of 50 now!
_________________________
Bruce Zawalsky Chief Instructor Boreal Wilderness Institute boreal.net
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#252488 - 10/31/12 12:22 AM
Re: Basic fire starting kit
[Re: bacpacjac]
|
"Be Prepared"
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 2210
Loc: NE Wisconsin
|
... but I got one with a sparking wheel that wouldn't turn. You could have always lit it with a ferro rod ... if you had one. I EDC the tiny Boy Scout Hot Spark ferro rod ever since I saw that Tom Hanks movie (the name's escaping me ... getting old!). When out & about I carry a ferro rod (a bigger one in my day pack), two lighters - typically one Bic and another one, and a baggie filled with Vasoline-covered cotton balls (careful not to soak the centers). With those fire starters I KNOW my ferro rod will work just fine. The only reason I carry matches these days is to light my Coleman lantern, which is tough to light with just about anything else.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#252837 - 11/04/12 12:05 PM
Re: Basic fire starting kit
[Re: KenK]
|
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 05/05/07
Posts: 3601
Loc: Ontario, Canada
|
... but I got one with a sparking wheel that wouldn't turn. You could have always lit it with a ferro rod ... if you had one. I EDC the tiny Boy Scout Hot Spark ferro rod ever since I saw that Tom Hanks movie (the name's escaping me ... getting old!). When out & about I carry a ferro rod (a bigger one in my day pack), two lighters - typically one Bic and another one, and a baggie filled with Vasoline-covered cotton balls (careful not to soak the centers). With those fire starters I KNOW my ferro rod will work just fine. The only reason I carry matches these days is to light my Coleman lantern, which is tough to light with just about anything else. We think alike, Kent. I always have a ferro rod with me. A bic is (usually) easy to work with but my ferro rod has never let me down. I prefer to carry both, with matches and/or a mag bar as back-up for those, and PJ cotton balls, at the very least, for tinder.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
0 registered (),
344
Guests and
244
Spiders online. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|