Its fireworks season... yesterday picked up some stuff, and was curious to know how long one of the punks sticks would burn.

With a mild breeze, a 6.5" punk stick will keep an ember for just about 25 minutes. Thought it might be useful if you wanted to carry an ember to move camp a moderate distance... home made fire bundles seem like they'd require a lot of upkeep (too much oxygen and it catches flame, too little and it goes out).

It's hard to tell when you might find use for one though. If we have our equipment with us, then we could just light another fire at the new camp. If not, then we probably wouldn't have the punk either. They can be cut to length and stuffed in with matches though (so can sparklers) and might be useful if that's all you have to save matches, so who knows, just another tool in the toolbox.

I also picked up some fireworks that might be useful. Orange Smoke grenades, parachute flares, sparklers... not that these should replace professional purpose built emergency signalling devices, but it beats nothing at all. I usually keep them in a ziplock to make sure they stay dry and replace them every year.

I like the Whistling Pete's.

Brilliant idea with the punks! I love re-purposing everyday items for bushcraft/survival use!