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#284789 - 06/15/17 04:51 PM Re: Spark-Lites [Re: Jeanette_Isabelle]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
All of that said, I do like the Spark Lite for small, pocket kits. With good tinder, it is reliable and easy to use.

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#284790 - 06/15/17 05:13 PM Re: Spark-Lites [Re: Jeanette_Isabelle]
haertig Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 03/13/05
Posts: 2322
Loc: Colorado
Originally Posted By: Jeanette_Isabelle
What are other good fire starters?


My first choice in starting a fire is always going to be the humble BIC lighter. "First choice" does not mean "best choice". I'm using the term to mean "easiest choice". But if the BIC fails to get a fire going, as it well might under adverse conditions, my second choice is going to be matches, supplemented with a candle (the "Can't Blow 'Em Out" trick candle variety, if available). Third choice is going to be a firesteel (large size). The order of these choices is based solely on my ability to use them quickly. I always carry all three (when in the wild, but not in urban settings).

If you have a BIC lighter, even if it is out of fuel, you basically have a Spark-Lite. A Spark-Lite seems to be nothing more than a BIC without fuel, albeit smaller in size.

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#284791 - 06/15/17 05:36 PM Re: Spark-Lites [Re: Jeanette_Isabelle]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
Redundancy is a good thing for fire starting methods. They generally do not occupy much space.

A BIC lighter is a great tool, and I ALWAYS carry one. One hand usable, fairly reliable and does not need special tinder. However, I have experienced many failures of these, mostly due to physical damage or the fluid leaking out because the button was depressed. I also always carry UCO or REI stormproof matches, but these need a good striking pad which must be kept dry. No matter what method or methods you carry, something can go wrong and it is good to have an alternative. If your adventures are not so extreme, then maybe you do not need such redundancies.

Along with these fire starting methods, I always carry good tinder. It can make all the difference.

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#284800 - 06/17/17 12:46 PM Re: Spark-Lites [Re: gonewiththewind]
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
These days i routinely use a Bic. But I carry matches, and they have never failed me in past escapades when lighting a fire was crucial - just carry more than one and keep them and a sparking surface dry. Since I usually carry a canister stove, even the tiniest spark from a ferro rod will get things going.

Remember that good tinder and dry, small starting fuel is just as important as the initial ignition mechanism.....
_________________________
Geezer in Chief

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#284802 - 06/18/17 12:34 AM Re: Spark-Lites [Re: Jeanette_Isabelle]
Ren Offline
Addict

Registered: 11/05/07
Posts: 522
Loc: Wales, UK
Believe still can get a shepherd's lighter, or rope lighter.
Same principal as the spark wheel type lighter, but with a impregnated/charred rope to catch the spark, which then use to light whatever tinder.
Also bigger to hold on to, and less likely to ping it into a fire.

Pic of one https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/425379127280045054/

Still covet a Douglass Field S lighter, like a zippo but waterproof/resistant, with spare fuel tank, and place for spare flint.


Edited by Ren (06/18/17 12:40 AM)

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#284803 - 06/18/17 02:19 AM Re: Spark-Lites [Re: Jeanette_Isabelle]
Phaedrus Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 04/28/10
Posts: 3148
Loc: Big Sky Country
No knock on the shepherd's lighter (I have never used one) but the Spark-lite works extremely well. It's so small, light and cheap that I almost always have one with me when I'm in the woods.
_________________________
“I'd rather have questions that cannot be answered than answers that can't be questioned.” —Richard Feynman

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