Thanks gulliamo! I had my fire kit with me and could have tried the ferro rod, but I was stubborn. It was cold and I just wanted to get it going. I've never started a hex cube that way but have seen it done a few times. It's on my To Do List though!

I was wishing for a zippo though. Maybe I'll add one to my birthday wish list. I am going to upgrade to butane lighters in my kits and EDC, with a more simple ignition system. I've got a couple of Robson's that have never failed me, so may just go with those until the Zippo fairy arrives.

We've got a bathroom reno project we're working on right now. (Ok, not me. Not me at all.) I've added aluminum flashing to the shopping list, and intend to make a little wid screen for this and my larger esbit stove. Keeping it up off the ground should help too.

Is the cat's ass when it comes to stoves? No. But I love it. It's a nice piece of kit, in that it's small, light, simple and verstaile.

My Grandma always said that if you're set for a brew-up, you should be in pretty good shape - you've got heat, water and at least enough protection from the elements that you can sit and drink it.