Your post and I believe it was Susan's from another recent post reminded me of one of my favorite short stories of all time. Jack London, I'm sure a familiar literary figure to those who frequent this site, put down one of the most telling and satisfyingly dark works in "To Build a Fire" (If you haven't ever read it, I strongly recommend you do).

My point is that whenever I'm planning on being out in the wild, I'm going to be equipped mentally and physically. Not only will I be carrying matches, sparklite, ferro rod, and lighter along with a quick fuel source (not just tinder), but I'm also going to make damn sure that I have some large motor control fire sources like a flare and big trigger lighter (BBQ style ones). I don't think I want my life depending on my ability to unscrew a match vault when my fingers are so cold they couldn't hold onto the match. Maybe a pushbutton ignition camp heater/propane tank hanging off my belt at all times? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />