Road flares are not something I ever want to pack on me trapsing around through the forest, but cool if it works for you. If its as cold of a scenario as you portray, you have a good point. Maybe I need to pack handwarmers when its cold.

Why wouldn't you want to carry a flare? (Just curious)

That depends on how shock sensitive the flares are. And don't you want to reserve them for signaling?

Road flares would be good for both making a fire and signalling. If you're freezing NOW though, it might be best to use it to make a fire and save yourself. Otherwise some hunter might find your cold lifeless body with a couple perfectly good raod flares still in your pack.

the problem is, no ne ever knows when they will need to expediantly start a fire. many people go solo, bad idea in my opinion, none the less they do. for whatever reason, it seems many accidents happen when your solo. perhaps, their isn't that buddy telling you "hay! don't cross the river there". what ever the case, it would be prudent on the soloist part to have an easy, effective way to start a fire on their own. you never know when you'll fall through ice or in a cold river, when out and about.

make no mistake, just because it is the middle of summer, doesn't mean you won't suffer from hypothermia. a quick dip in the river, produced from snow melt, will surly change your mind. add to that your doing a solo adventure, hmmmm! sounds like recipe for disaster.

personally, I don't care how well I can start a fire with two sticks of wood or a lighter, I'm going for the guaranteed fire starting method. for me, that's a flare.

Alan Halcon

Well put Halcon...I agree totaly. I think that if you are in the woods with or without someone why risk it. Bring something that will save your life. So what if your pride is damaged because you cant start a fire with two thumbtacks and a ball of yarn.

I carry a road flare (also called a railroad fusee) as my last-ditch, must make fire now device. It works well, is extremely durable, not the least bit shock sensitive, and nearly waterproof. But they make a poor signaling device. When I lay down a flare pattern on a roadway (perhaps 10 or so), it usually only takes a minute or two for someone to drive right over them.

I carry enough homemade pyro hardware and tinder that is safer to carry and use that will flame up in a hurry. Its just more weight to lug. Disagree with me if you want, its just my preference.

Good points, Alan. It rarely snows where I live, though. Terrain, climate, personal preferences, abililties, skills, and needs all have alot to do with.decisions of this type. Road flares are just overkill for me. Remember though, that's only for ME. We tailor what we tote to ourselves, just because something works for me, doesn't mean it works for everyone

Going solo is risky, but good planning and precautions can be taken. You can't always have somebody to hark at your beckon call to go on a trip for whatever reason in the wilderness for a couple of hours. So prior notifying of people is essential.

As for myself, I take the risk to enjoy wildlife, but I do let people know where I am going, when I will be back, stay in cell phone range. etc., etc, etc.

Life is full of risks. But I don't go out overnight alone, that is too risky for me. Remember this line?: "A man has got to know his limitations."

Simon good post. I am curious, however. why the disdain for flares? I'm not trying to be confrontational, I am just wondering if perhaps there's issues with them, that I'm not aware of?

Alan