Guess I keep it simple. I've carried chunks of Coghlan's fire starter sticks in every kit and every pocket for nearly twenty-five years. Pretty low tech, I guess; but it's started fires, pre-heated white gas stoves, gone through the wash, been dunked in rivers, and never let me down. Don't know if it would take a spark from a firesteel though; I guess I should work out that angle.

As always, YMMV.

http://www.coghlans.com/products/fire-sticks-7940