I was thinking it would be nice to have a small amount of this stuff in my pack just in case. I was envisioning something the size of a film canister or an MnM Mini canister. Maybe something with a screw top though. Thoughts or suggestions?
An old time trick is to take cotton balls and saturate them with Vaseline and put those in a little container. They light easily when needed, work great as fire starters and keep for years. I have used them many times. If you want to take the gel, garagegrowngear.com sells little containers that are dependable. I always suggest putting them in a ziplock bag, just in case.
@Hadden
I like using dryer lint, personally. You know, complete the cycle and all. it also works the same and is free
Emerson said:
@Hadden
I like using dryer lint, personally. You know, complete the cycle and all. it also works the same and is free
And can stink to high heaven depending on its content.
@Scout
Yeah, the amount of dog and fiance hair in my dryer lint makes this an iffy one for me haha
Emerson said:
@Hadden
I like using dryer lint, personally. You know, complete the cycle and all. it also works the same and is free
My dryer lint is 80% cat hair, I have to pass on this one.
@Hadden
This. Have used these for decades. And have some probably a couple decades old in some much cherished plastic film roll containers that are surely good to go if when needed.
@Hadden
I like the cotton makeup removers rather than cotton balls
@Hadden
This. It’s stable and I seal it into larger plastic straw sections and then thermal seal with pliers and a lighter. Then it will start in any conditions with a flint and steel. Cheaper and safer.
Consider using solid fuel tablets instead. These are a reliable alternative and can be safely packed without risk of leakage.
Kyle said:
Consider using solid fuel tablets instead. These are a reliable alternative and can be safely packed without risk of leakage.
Thanks I wasn’t aware of these. I’ll definitely grab some
@Cedar
I carry a few of those in my kits. I individually wrap them in tape (they smell a bit), then put like 4 and a match book in a pill bottle. Remember, you don’t have to use the whole tablet. If you’re good with your other fire prep, just a small chunk will help you get going. Easy enough to light with matches or a lighter, not with ferro rod or flint steel. You’ll have to get a small flame going first.
@Oaklan
Yeah I have a small kit with matches, bic lighter and ferro rod. Just looking to diversify a bit and not add a lot of weight. Thanks for the suggestion!
@Cedar
You can easily make your own by melting some wax in a double boiler and soaking it into toilet paper rolled into 2cm rolls. Then cut into smaller pieces.
Ren said:
@Cedar
You can easily make your own by melting some wax in a double boiler and soaking it into toilet paper rolled into 2cm rolls. Then cut into smaller pieces.
I’ve done the dryer lint and egg carton starters before. Just felt like trying something different
@Cedar
My version is better IMO. The end result is smaller and dryer lint usually smells bad because of synthetic fabrics.
Ren said:
@Cedar
My version is better IMO. The end result is smaller and dryer lint usually smells bad because of synthetic fabrics.
I can see that. I’ll make a few of yours as well and test them out. Thanks
@Cedar
Hex tabs are toxic when burned, FYI. They’re useful, but take precautions
If you want it as fire starter I’d just bring something solid that can’t leak in your pack. The little wax or cellulose cubes they sell as charcoal bbq starters are cheap and reliable, and can’t spill or leak.
Soak cotton balls in Vaseline and store in a ziplock. They compress and take up zero space. Any sparking tool will light them. Just fluff them back up when you’re ready. Liquids are always dicey, since if it leaks you become the fire hazard!