Arrdwolfe, Granted, books DO have value, but I find ACTUAL field experience the best teacher of all, for me. I've read my share of the topic though, nothing better if you have to be inside anyway. I disagree that the matches have to be 'waterproof', in as much as it was the QUALITY of the matches, not the fact that they were wet, nor raining. I carry multiple boxes in separate ziplocs, in separate areas of my pack, and in my pockets <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> If I expect to be in a colder(snow), wetter(jungle) environment; then I might carry a box of 'waterproofs'.....I just have'nt found them for everyday use to be needed for me. But I can see how you might be concerned in your climate, where starting a fire for warmth could mean Life or death. I spend 3 weeks in the 'bush' per month on average, so I'm able to rectify any problems once returning to my van/office for supplies <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It's all a process of elimination for your gear, to find what works for YOU. I spent a whole day once just sitting by a campfire ring trying out the combustibility of all the forest materials around me; in order to see what was the fastest lighting/ longest burning. Here in FL slash pine bark 'sheds' from the trunk. I peel the outer layer off, and then separate thinner inner layers from pieces....these burn well whole or crumbled into tinder. DRY pine needles are EXCELLENT tinder, or to rehab a dying small fire. Pinecones DRY are also excellent to keep a hot cook fire cranking; but be sure to use only ones that are wide open, the closed ones dont seem to burn as readily. Use downed palm fronds to cover your firewood supplies every night, or in the day if rain is threathening <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Thanks, Gene