Well, for the surest ignition, I carry a film cannister of Accurate Arms Old No. 9 gunpowder. You set this in a bed of tinder, even somewhat moist tinder, and it will catch the lightest spark and produce an intense heat that will light up any fire.

The old boy scout standard, dryer lint with candlewax melted into it.

I like to collect the dried pitch off of douglas fir trees and such. It makes a really nice fire and catches easily, though it needs a bit of an accelerant at first. My best combo is a chunk of bark with some pitch laid in it, with a small pile of gunpowder in the middle. A few dry twigs handy, and you've got yourself the makings of a good fire.

I guess growing up a pyromaniac did have it's pluses. My brother and I sent enough babysitters home never to return, that's for sure.

Want something that will start a fire only when it is wet, pack a load of carbide with you. Just be careful lighting it off. I've managed to light a pile of carbide that I dripped a little water on and have it burn for a good 10 or 15 minutes. Of course, that was controlled conditions. If the carbide gets too wet, you could end up with it making more acetylene than you want. Hmm, maybe that is not the best suggestion after all... <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />