B
bucklover
Guest
It's getting close to our favorite time of year. Just thought I'd share this and maybe help someone with the information. The very best fire starting method I have found is to use cotton balls, (you can steal from your wife) in which I rub vaseline into,(which you can also steal from your wife). I put them into a sealable baggie. Vaseline is a petrolium product, so it burns well in any conditions. The wind even makes it burn better. I've also experimented with Bag Balm and it works well also. Both Vaseline and Bag Balm are great to have along for first aid purposes (stratches, chaffing, butt rash etc,) so they serve a dual purpose. You can carry a bunch, it weighs nothing, can be smashed into anywhere, and catches fire instantly, and they're practically FREE. One ball will burn for 3 or 4 minutes. I use one of the magnesium type rods (ex. Swiss Striker) that you scratch a few tiny flakes from and then strike a little harder to throw a spark. The magnesium blocks w/ a striker along the side work well also, but some are made better than others. Doan brands work well. A few small flakes on the cotton, a spark and instant fire. This method works so well, I have pretty much stopped carrying bic lighters. I'm always afraid they will leak or break inside my pack, or not work when I need them. I know most of you already have your preferred methods, but I hope this will help someone.