I've recently been helping a friend assemble a BOB for his vehicle. One item under discussion was the Esbit stove & it's attendant fuel tabs. We've both had one for years, but never used it. The discussion prompted me to break mine out & practice.

First, I attempted to light it with sparks from a Swedish fire steel, using different techniques to ensure good "coverage" from the sparks. While there were scorch marks, the tab would not light from the sparks.

I then resorted to a butane lighter, which successfully ignited the tab after several seconds of holding the flame on it.

I boiled a couple of cups of water & had a nice, large cup of tea as a result of my labors, and learned in the process (which is why I did it in the first place).


This was my first time using an Esbit fuel tab. What are your recommended ways to ignite one? Are there tips & tricks of which I'm unaware?

Thanks.

David