I carry a mini bic and firesteel or sparklite when out. But in cold wet conditions, hunting, snow shoeing, winter camping, I always take along a small flare. I've never packed anything more effective in starting a fire fast. Ideal for those emergency conditions. My Walmart carries them, several other sources do as well.

http://www.orionsignals.com/product-groups/fire-starters/product/97.html