A fresnel lens is a great back up fire lighting tool and it is only the size of a credit card, so it will take up less space in a survival kit. I have found it to work just as well as a magnifying glass. <br><br>
"The Fresnel Lens Fire Starter is more commonly known as a credit card magnifier. However, our version has 4 power magnification, much more than the 2X or 3X of standard credit card magnifiers."
It is not magnification that matters but area (size). The bigger the area the more energy captured and focussed on the ignition spot.
Try a Fresnel lens from an old overhead projector (plenty around). It will be about a foot square or more. No problems with ignition but a bit difficult to put in your pocket!
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