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Backpacker Magazine – August 2009
Reader Tip: Double-Duty Firestarter
All you need is toilet paper and a little olive oil.
(Photo by Genny Fullerton)
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Tags:
- Skills |
I have the easiest, lightest way to start a fire—using stuff that I take on a hike for obvious reasons. Loosely ball up five squares of TP and shape into a bowl. Pour a small amount of olive oil in the bowl. Crush TP into a ball, saturate the outside with more oil, then place on tinder and light. The flame will last more than five minutes.
Jonah Johnson, Traverse City, MI Sandwiches
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READERS COMMENTS
Update - I used this method to start a fire this weekend while backpacking with my two kids in the Red River Gorge in KY. It had been damp, rainy and misty but the fire blazed great! I did it again the next day during a downpour. The TP & oil caught fire to our delight. There is something heart warming to see a fire going when the rest of the weather is against it. It lifted our spirits and the rest of the trip seemed more enjoyable. Thanks for the timely tip.
Good suggestion. I agree it makes a great fire starter. Olive oil has been used as lamp light oil since Bible times. It gives a nice warm glow and pleasing fragrance.
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