I have a confession to make – I suck at making campfires.
Not to say that I can’t light them, just that it usually involves an above-average amount of muttering and cursing in the wilderness, and no one really likes that.
Whether you’re still working on your survival skills like me, or you’re headed to an area with wet or sparse kindling, it’s worthwhile to take a packet or two of Insta-Fire along with you on your next backpacking trip. It’s a lightweight combination of volcanic rocks, wood pellets, and paraffin wax that will burn for 15 minutes – even in wet conditions!
I currently offer a 24-pack for under 20 bucks in my OpenSky storefront, but thanks to the guys behind the scenes over there, I’m able to offer a special promotion right now:
Just head to my promo site and enter your email and favorite shopkeeper (hopefully, it’s Modern Hiker). You’ll be entered into a random drawing, where 10 winners will get the 24-pack of Insta-Fire for $1.99 with free shipping. If you don’t get the big deal, you’ll get a coupon for 15% off ANY purchase at OpenSky, which is nothing to sneeze at either! Feel free to poke around my Storefront, or one of the other 82 shops – you’ll find something great in there!
Web Hosting by ReadySetConnect
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Another great product is Fire Ribbon. It’s kind of like napalm in a toothpaste tube. I’ve got an old Coleman Peak 1 white gas pack stove (weighs about as much as a Humvee) that doesn’t like to start in any temperature. Fire Ribbon starts it every time. A little dab’ll do ya.
Something always in my pack (usually in the first aid kit) are REI’s stormproof matches. They’re amazing. When I first bought them, I tested it by lighting one, then dunking it in water. The flame went out, but when I pulled it out I’ll be darned if the thing didn’t re-light.
I love fire starting tools! and at 2 bucks I had to get them. Thanks MH!
I’m just OK at starting fires… but when I’m camping, I usually cheat. You would be surprised how easy it is to start a campfire, even in terrible and wet conditions, if you drench it in diesel first. I know, not the most environmentally conscious technique, but it works.
-Romadant