Fire making is probably a prime example of the need for skills as well as the shiny gadgets. The paradox of fire is that it is dreadfully easy to make when you need it least (hot and dry) and yet fearfully demanding when you need it most(cold and wet). I have had to make fire when it was really urgent and I decided long ago that a small backpack stove was the most dependable source of flame and heat. Not that heavy - 3 oz to one pound - and absolutely vital in severe conditions.