by Alicia MacLeay
While a comprehensive packing list depends on many factors, certain outdoor gear is considered essential whether you’re heading off on an extended backcountry bushwhack or exploring the trails in your local woods. As part of a weekly series, here's a look at outdoor essential number six:
#6. Fire
Being able to start and sustain a fire, even in wet, cold, and windy conditions, is essential. A fire can help prevent hypothermia by providing heat for survival, allow you to make a hot drink, illuminate surroundings, act as a signal, and boost morale. Because fire starting is so important, but can be difficult to do in emergency conditions, especially if you’ve never practiced, you may want to carry more than one type of fire starter for back-up systems.
Windproof pocket lighters are easy to use, but don’t dismiss the value of having waterproof, windproof matches. A fire starter, as the name implies, helps ignite wet wood quickly. You can buy commercial fire starters or make your own from lint or cotton balls soaked with Vaseline. Store any matches and fire starters (even water- or storm-proof ones) in a waterproof container.
Tips:
- As their name implies, strike-anywhere matches don’t require a special striking surface; safety matches do, limiting their usefulness.
- Don’t rely on flimsy packs of matches.
- Know how to build a sustainable fire beyond the first step of lighting the tinder.
Have tips or suggestions for this essential? Share them with us.
Read the full "10 Essentials for Backcountry Travel".
