In Kamchatka (Russia) where they have the same grizzly populations as Alaska, they carry 2 signal flares in their pockets while they are working the salmon runs mere feet away from the bears. Guess they don't have pepper spray there. Thought I would throw in some trivia.

Nice idea, I will look for some.
Back in the 70's they made a pencil sized flare (and smoke)
about 3in long. they were ignited by twisting as the flare
was removed from the key chain holder, wish they still made them.

They still make a pen flare launcher with screw on flare cartridges.

Stopped by WM tonite for some groceries and thought to pick up one more package, but their entire stock was sold. I guess the secret it out! I'll be on the lookout for more. At least I bought three 2 packs the first time I saw them...


Hahaha...just saw my post count. I gotta try not to post again for a while!

Maybe we all live in the same town and are all just lying about our locations and In reality see eatchother every day at walmart in the camping section and exchange polite nods without ever knowing we are one in the same, Preppers.

Or Maybe You just live in a Soccer loving town.

I picked up 2 packs over the weekend and vacuum sealed each flare individually so I can carry them in my PFD.

Pete

Well, I tried one out last week. I did an overnighter at a local park and decided to see how they work. Pretty darned well! The striker is built in, under the top cap. You strike it like a match. It burned very hot for at least the rated 5 minutes, perhaps more. Aside from the heat from the jet of extremely hot fire, it was so bright it was like looking at the sun! Overall I'm pretty impressed. These should ignite anything remotely flammable and also be great for signalling.

Thanks Phaedrus. I picked up a couple but haven't tried them yet. Any tips or tricks or was it as simple as it sounds?

As simple as striking a match. The top of the flare is covered by a cap. The cap has a cap on it, similar to the flip top of a shampoo bottle except it's not attached, that covered the striker. Really simple.

The flame is a very bright jet that fires straight out of the top. This means if you don't prop it up it shoots parallel to the ground.

Ok, these are cool. I'll be checking them out!