Posted: 12/16/2025 7:42:08 PM EDT
[Last Edit: short747][Edited]
The fuel “vault” and mini lighter are from countycomm, has 6 Vaseline/cotton balls, extra striker/wicks for lighter in canister, Olight iR2 flashlight, extra orings for fuel vault and lighter. Used the plastic container that countycomm ships things in. Put plastic in between the cotton balls to separate. Feel free to critique Attached File Attached File 1/7: sorry for delay but kept forgetting to update. Took everyone’s feedback and made revised kit. The bag to store everything is oversized but figured it could be used to collect twigs/tinder bundle material. Attached File Attached File Added jute cord and fatwood, fresnel lens, matches, ferro rod/striker. Wife’s fire kit is set up same. Not as compact obviously but more comprehensive. |
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Looks cool. I’d avoid anything that requires liquid fuel. My go to anywhere I go. Catches a spark and needs no fuel. https://www.uberleben.co/products/tindar-wick https://www.exotac.com/collections/firestarters/products/nanospark And if I’m feeling squirrelly, I’ll add a hex ferro rod for extra sparkles :) 
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Originally Posted By NvrBrdWes: A ferro rod and some petroleum gel soaked cotton balls are really all you need. Having more than one means to make fire is the point. You never know what is going to happen; it's best to plan ahead. One in none, two is one... Nice kits, stash them in BOB, GHB, in vehicles, and day packs. |
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Originally Posted By texmarine0331: Looks cool. I’d avoid anything that requires liquid fuel. I wouldn't necessarily agree, but I do think you need a layered approach, ala P.A.C.E. I found my Exotac "Zippo" lighter (uses Zippo fuel) after 18 months, fired it up and it burned a good 10 minutes. Bic lighters can be finicky, but there are a dozen ways to keep them protected. I wouldn't use a regular Zippo unless you are disciplined enough to check it weekly and refill it. P.A.C.E. for me: Primary: Fire steel (and tinder) for normal conditions. It's just a good piece of kit to help maintain all the other important aspects needed to prepare a fire, use a simple ignition source and understand the importance of tinder and a good tinder bundle. Alternate: Bic lighter. Yes, simple, easy and pretty reliable. When the weather sucks or time is short, this is the best alternative method. Contingency: Tried and true storm matches (and a backup Bic or two). You still need good tinder, but when stored properly, they're very reliable. Emergency: Flare. Yes. I do carry one when outdoors or on the kayak in my kit. Tinder is the most important aspect. Ignition sources can be improvised, but having something catch a spark or act as an accelerant to get and keep a fire going are absolutely as equally important as the ignition source. Yes, I can process or source natural tinder, but when seconds count, having tinder as part of your fire kit is critical. ROCK6 |
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Originally Posted By ROCK6: Tinder is the most important aspect. Ignition sources can be improvised, but having something catch a spark or act as an accelerant to get and keep a fire going are absolutely as equally important as the ignition source. Yes, I can process or source natural tinder, but when seconds count, having tinder as part of your fire kit is critical. ROCK6 Very solid point. Getting a spark is pretty easy, lighting something on fire in harsh conditions can be pretty tricky |
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I'm still old school flint, steel & tree heartwood sponge for sparktinder to put into dry leaves/grass to put under twigs/sticks to start campfire. Course I got a 1/2" x7" ferro rod & homemade char cloth cause they're quick & easy. As are the magnifying glass & $.98 solar reflector mirrored fire starter, but you got to have sunshine for these two. |