Traveling With HOT Coal.

Iboschi

Iboschi

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
2,692
Many moons ago, I read of how nomadic people used to transport small hot coals with them as they traveled, and used them to start fires at their target location, rather than "make fire" when they got there. To this effect, I took what amounts to a steel Altoid case without hinges and drilled a couple of holes in one side in order to allow the coal to breath. The basic principal as I understand it: is to take a small coal and pack it in with fairly dense material to keep it lit, but allow it to breath, taking it out from time to time in order to force it to "bloom". I then tucked some of the contents of my kit inside, whatever would fit, and incorporated it into my kit. However, I have yet to try it. Any one familiar with this concept, tried it, or have more information?
 
'longmatches' can be made, essentially hot dog like bundle of sticks wrapped around bark. The bark is wrapped around a core of pith, punky wood, moss, etc. blend. This blend is wrapped around a thin twig. Once all wrapped up, the twig is pulled out to allow ventilation. A small coal is put in, allowed to smolder in, and then end crimped shut. This will smolder through very slowly if done right....

'Fire Horns' were also widely used, buffalo horn, etc...
 
'longmatches' can be made, essentially hot dog like bundle of sticks wrapped around bark. The bark is wrapped around a core of pith, punky wood, moss, etc. blend. This blend is wrapped around a thin twig. Once all wrapped up, the twig is pulled out to allow ventilation. A small coal is put in, allowed to smolder in, and then end crimped shut. This will smolder through very slowly if done right....
Click to expand...
I've seen that done, even recently. However, the method I outlined is a bit different, though still potentially effective and requires less resources and can act in cold weather like a hand-warmer. I just can't find much information on it.
 
paleojoe said:
'longmatches' can be made, essentially hot dog like bundle of sticks wrapped around bark. The bark is wrapped around a core of pith, punky wood, moss, etc. blend. This blend is wrapped around a thin twig. Once all wrapped up, the twig is pulled out to allow ventilation. A small coal is put in, allowed to smolder in, and then end crimped shut. This will smolder through very slowly if done right....

'Fire Horns' were also widely used, buffalo horn, etc...
Click to expand...

The local indians around here used yucca fibers and leaves in much the same way, wrapping almost like a cigar, and could carry a coal for a long way. There was a neat exhibit at the Museum Of Man a few years back.
 
Iboschi,
Altoids are generally thin, so I imagine would have to be lined with denser material on top and bottom, with more smolder material for sides to control the coal.
I could imagine it being pretty warm! I'm curious, what smolder material did you pack the Altoids with?
 
Paleojoe,

It is actually made of thick 1/8 inch stainless steel. Soap came inside of it. I had to reuse it, and this is the idea that came to mind. I'll take a picture and post it.
 
Last edited:
Pictures added:
P1030708.jpg

P1030705.jpg
 
I'm curious, what smolder material did you pack the Altoids with?
Click to expand...
I have it packed with other "kit" stuff. Not what I would be burning. I would have to find that in my environment. Something fluffy and dense at the same time would be good.
 
nice!

I meant thin as in shape, not as in metal thickness.
I was wondering more about when filling with material, the coal might burn quicker through what little is packed above it and below horizontally, and the coal touching the metal may be affected (as the holes are above), as the coal wants to be fully surrounded in smolder material to control air, so a denser material above and below, like shredded bark, and more lighter smolder material laterally...

Let me know how it goes!

I could imagine the hole placement and sizing to be other major factors...
 
Last edited:
I think its about 1.5 inches thick. I'm thinking perhaps just pack it 1/2 full with material, coal in the center and then 1/2 full with the rest of material. Gives it 3/4 of an inch to expand both directions and the holes keep it from smothering. It is the fine tuning I don't know about though. How to keep it from raging and how to keep it from dying. I can't seem to find much info on this method though.
 
Iboschi,
I've never heard of it with an Altoids, so its new to me!:thumbup:

I use Altoids for making charcloth, and it's definitely fine. The flare-ups and die downs will all be air and tinder related. Variations on hole placement and sizing with other tins and comparing them would be a cool and innovative test!:D

I can also attest to air leaking at certain points along the lid seal, and hole size, which has affected my char-cloth....
 
Last edited:
Easiest slow match in the world - female flowerhead of Cattail (Typh spp.)

Seen here.

Doc
Click to expand...
I was of the impression that some could be made to last upwards of 4-8 hours. Long enough to travel to a new local and set-up there.
 
Doc,

Cool stuff! I assume the tinder fungus is optional?:D

I find it funny that adversely, Cattail can make great torches too when dipped in wax or fat!
 
Paleojoe,

It isn't an Altoids tin. It is similar and shape and size, thus "like" an Altoids. I think the stainless steel will be more resilient than a thin tin. I'll be setting up an occasion to test in the next couple weeks. I am hoping I can get it to go an 8 hour stint with minimal encouragement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top