my alt methods are of course good old water proof matches an I also have a water/wind proof lighter in the easy access pouches. I have an ALICE gear military set with all this equipment on it, I have started them with both the matches and the lighter, it took about three matches to get it started and the lighter only one try to get a fire started. I havent used my fire starting cubes yet but will try that out soon. BTW thanks for all the responces to my question.