Req. links to threads on firestaring in the rain

Melvin-Purvis

Melvin-Purvis

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Guys, if you remember any epic threads on firestarting in adverse (wet/cold) conditions and link 'em here, I'd appreciate it.

Went fishing in the fog yesterday up in the Swan Mountain Range here in NW Montana, and funky went to ugly really fast - I had a day pack with fire starters and matches, stuff I know how to use, but everything around was wet and cold weather soon blew in.

Again, everything was wet, myself included, and it snowed soon after I got off the mountain. I woke this morning wondering if I'd gotten stuck up there, would I have been able to make a shelter and fire...shelter, yes; fire, maybe not...

TIA
 

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I did a post way back when but can't find it now. I'd ventured out in snowy blizzard type conditions and nearly everything I had to make fire failed me. Bic lighter got so wet it wouldn't work, strike anywhere matches got so wet they wouldn't strike and if they did the wind blew them out straight away. Fatwood, PJB balls etc all failed with ferro-rod. Even my storm proof matches couldn't get a fire going. In the end it was one of those large BBQ type matches, they burn hot for about 5 minutes even in wind and rain, I always make sure to carry at least one of those in Winter now.
 
Sigh - ok, I wasn't clear so will try again...

If you know of any threads on this forum addressing firestarting in adverse conditions, (when you have the means) please link them here...

That said, I have the tools and know how to use them in dry conditions, but when weather sets in and everything is wet from days of rain and fog - well, I was hoping to hear from some of the more experienced outdoorsmen here...

In the form of links... ;)

TIA

Edited to add - NM, I found 'em. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Melvin,
I know where you're coming from. People don't think about that sort of skill until they need it.
Iawoodsman taught me the split wood fire and since that time I've never failed to start a fire in the rain. It is an imperative skill to know if you don't have good dry tinder and the conditions are wet.

He did a video demonstrating the split wood fire..with a pocket knife.:eek:
It's worth watching and worth practicing often with whatever tools you normally carry. It literally could save your life one day.:thumbup:

[youtube]c90jBC31lrU[/youtube]


And I know it's not thought of a lot but the bow drill is actually a really reliable means of lighting a fire in the wet and rain. If your matches get wet or you hands are to cold to work you lighter it can save your life, too. In this vid I used heart wood shavings for my tinder bundle based on what Terry taught me.

[youtube]BJwozxaX_SY[/youtube]

Iz
 
Melvin-Purvis said:
Sigh - ok, I wasn't clear so will try again...

If you know of any threads on this forum addressing firestarting in adverse conditions, (when you have the means) please link them here...

That said, I have the tools and know how to use them in dry conditions, but when weather sets in and everything is wet from days of rain and fog - well, I was hoping to hear from some of the more experienced outdoorsmen here...

In the form of links... ;)

TIA

Edited to add - NM, I found 'em. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I knew what ya meant buddy but as I said in my post I can longer find it !
 
pitdog, gotcha, thanks bud! Bindle, perfecto, thank you - that's exactly what I was looking for. Found some other good 'kit' links and reviews here too... :thumbup:
 
Good question, and some great information here.

I feel that even with the foundation of knowledge and the right tools, it's important to practice under all conditions. One factor that's hard to account for until you feel it is how the cold and wet affects you, not just your fire starting materials. Stiff and uncoordinated hands and lack of energy really add to the challenge.

I make it a ritual to start a fire on every day hike with materials that are around me... not a big one, but just to be able to do it - often to have a cup of spruce/pine tea. If there is an open fire ban, I use a honey stove
 
Take up smoking. When I use to smoke I could get a cigarette lit no matter what the conditions.
 
bindlestitch said:
He did a video demonstrating the split wood fire..with a pocket knife.:eek:
It's worth watching and worth practicing often with whatever tools you normally carry. It literally could save your life one day.:thumbup:

[youtube]c90jBC31lrU[/youtube]
Click to expand...

Why the "eek" emoticon? He did it and did it well. It's an example of actual tool usage instead of cultish salesmanship.

Excellent video. More people should be doing things like this instead of making the relatively loony argument that you need $500.00 knives to survive.

Great to see an old Metal Match and a Camillus Demo Knife, too. :D
 
Don Rearic said:
Why the "eek" emoticon? He did it and did it well. It's an example of actual tool usage instead of cultish salesmanship.

Excellent video. More people should be doing things like this instead of making the relatively loony argument that you need $500.00 knives to survive.

Great to see an old Metal Match and a Camillus Demo Knife, too. :D
Click to expand...

The eek emoticon was because I couldn't find a "wow, if you don't think this is impressive then you've never tried it" emoticon.:D
Iz
 
 
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