This is all good information, thank you guys.
I guess I asked, because I wanted to reinforce what I already thought...
I read some posts, and there seems to be this unspoken assumption that tinder will always be available, and that they don't need to carry any. But, that idea, is contrary to what I understand. But, I wanted to make sure I was not just being cynical or uninformed.
I always carry fatwood, which can be harvested locally.
How do you process old man's beard?
I would think there would always be a dead limb that could be turned into a fuzz stick. (not sure if that would meet your definition of immediately useful)
Yeah, I thought of that, but getting to the dry heart of something during a wet/cold winter could be a problem.
In my area there is an abundance of fatwood. As long as you have the tools to prepare it, it will take a spark. When damp or wet, I will split off a chunk and create a small pile of dust to light. However, I am very interested in other types as well... Especially those found in the southeast.
Yeah, fatwood is the way for me too. Always ready, if pre-sourced, but finding it under snow and such...
In my area Birch Bark is the best tinder around. Easily found, water proof, simple to prepare, takes a spark, and burns long!
There are birch around, but not everywhere, Good point, though.
And nice video. And nice knife...
Fatwood, birch bark, cattail, cedar shavings (or any fine, dry wood shavings).
Are you speaking of cat-tail fluff? I have heard that it is not one to count on, too fast?
I've been trying lately to get a fire going with only a feather stick and ferro rod to see if I could do it. No other tender. No dice so far. I'm trying this outdoors in 20-40 degree temps in whatever wind there is to try to make it as real as possible. The closest I came was to take one big curl and then feather it out vertically and catch a spark on that.
Sounds like you have it whooped.
I also try to use what is around me at the time, however there isn't always good dry tinder on hand. I think it's reasonable to bring natural tinder along, as was done in primitive times.
Even the
Ice Man (not
this one) had tinder fungus with him
Yeah, I have heard of this... That the fire you have now, makes the next fire.
Fatwood, Cedar bark and Resin mixed ! Proved it today !!!!
Is that a prepared mixture?
Cedar is more prevalent around here, when not logged.
There is always tinder in some form or other. To hope that its ready to go, anytime anywhere, is unrealistic. You may have to work at it sometimes. Thats why its important to have prepped tinder in your kit... but it is just as important to become accustom to NOT using it unless the situation calls for it.
Rick
Good Point. Use tinder as you find it, unless there is none that will work.
G'day Marion
That's going to depend most on the area you are in
Along our eastern/northern coast line and marshy inland areas you'll find the paperbark tree (which is kinda like an Aussie version of Birch bark
).
Even after a week of heavy rain, the inner layers still readily take a spark.
[youtube]Vv76wzA99N8[/youtube]
As well as Birch bark, I'm sure that fatwood is available in some areas of the US (unfortunately I've yet to find any here :thumbdn: )
Kind regards
Mick
G'day Mick! I will have to play with this paper bark some day, in Oz, of course. Love the images, as always.
David,
I think it probably depends on your geography, time of year and weather.
Last night's 60 mph winds and rain, around here would have been impossible.
Those are the type of conditions that would really test you.
Best,
Marion
