I generally use Mautz Fire ribbon to prime or preheat my gas stoves. Works great for that. I've also started a fire using it as tinder a time or two, just to see how well it worked. You can "decant" some into a film cannister sized container (I'd recommend a small Nalgene bottle, or something similar with a wide, secure, screwtop lid--not an actual film cannister) for easier portability.

Chris' suggestion to try your available methods (with or without cold shower) is a good one. That way, you'll know, & hopefully be familiar with, what works at all, & what works best for you.

The last time I built a fire, I did it on a snowy morning on my wood-fired grill, using a piece of damp wood from the woodpile, a Mora knife, & a Swedish FireSteel...just to practice & demonstrate to the kids--but no fire paste.

Bottom line: it's a good product, but should be part of an array of tools at your disposal, not the only one.

Regards,

David