READERS COMMENTS

i like to put a little paper in when my fire is getting low. When the fire gets huge for a couple of seconds, I put some more wood in. This helps sustain the fire instead of killing it when you put wood in it. Usually, the fire dies out if you put too much wood in it. This way, the fire won't die
Posted: Sep 13, 2009 khushal shah

Got any suggestions not for just hiking but just taking off and wherever you end up is where you end up.contact me at www.sixstringgunslinger@yahoo.com
Posted: Sep 01, 2009 Wyatt Blackwood

I like to use dryer lent. It's cheap and abundent.
Posted: Feb 04, 2009 sasquatchrash

Not sure about "civilian" spoons but military MRE spoons will burn for 10 minutes making an awesome fire starter, i usually carry waterproof matches and a bic lighter in my kit and a zippo in my pocket.
Posted: Jan 26, 2009 Joel

I like the suggestions for having things together in their obvious locations, like the closet, dresser and pantry. I've tried the bin method where things go into a plastic tub or tubs, but inevitably too much goes into the tub(s) and it becomes unwieldy. Besides, I use many of my "backpacking things" everyday - like my headlamp, knife and clothes, so I like those handy and not stored away in the garage. I need a "go box" with my favorite quick & light gear and a tub for the 'alternates' and car camping gear. I'm going to try the suggestions.
Posted: Jan 16, 2009 Steve C.

I love it that firestarters are continually the hot topic. People rarely get fired up about a camp towel.
Posted: Jan 16, 2009 Steve C.

I think bought fire-starters are overrated. A true outdoorsman (or outdoorswoman) should be able to start a fire anywhere using what they have available for tinder. I like to use a little magnesium firesteel that works in any weather to light whatever I've got. In my area that means old-man's beard fungus, birchbark shavings, etc. From there you can progress to pieces of fat pine (resinous dead pine wood), thicker birchbark, and matchstick thin pieces of wood.
Posted: Jan 15, 2009 Benjamin

I love having Duct Tape with me when I backpack for repairs. Take a 5" piece from a roll, fold it onto itself the first time, press flat, then fold over and over multiple times till you have about 40" of duct tape in a flat brick that is 5" long.
Posted: Jan 15, 2009 Scooter

On the topic of fire starters, I use wax/lint/wood chip filled egg carton pieces. When the wax dries it forms a waterproof and nearly indestructible fire starter. Never had to use more than 1 to start a fire, burns for almost 5 minutes.
Posted: Jan 15, 2009 Ryan M

Army issue trioxylene works wonders !! It will light a fire in the rain..
Posted: Jan 15, 2009 Bill Harrison

In a pinch, a small strip of duct tape will work as a fire starter. It worked for me on a canoe camping trip this past summer.
Posted: Jan 15, 2009 Dale F.

for fire starters, i prefer a film canister filled with vaseline covered cottonballs. one cottonball usually does the trick and the things never go bad.
Posted: Jan 07, 2009 Anthony

i have learned that cutting a fire log up with a thin wire line into small pieces is a real money saver for that starter fire.set the pieces in a plastic bag and it will last almost forever
Posted: Jan 02, 2009 melvin steger

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