Field Expedient Fire Starting Methods

[izzyscout21]

I like the old Boy Scout quick method.........

Firewater!

Yep........Coleman fuel and road flares were always prevalent on out troop campouts.

I remember somebody saying something about fire safety. I dunno, I wasn't paying attention. I was too busy burning off my eyebrows.

[DarkLight]

The scoutmaster used to complain about that being cheating and I always countered with "is it available? Then it isn't cheating!"

In fairness, I did have one of my graduating boys (Cub to Boy Scouts) start a fire with a Swedish fire steel, a best of dried grass and the cotton from a q-tip about 3 weeks ago. I was very proud.

[Xzaniel]

I alway use the most readily available source for my fire start... Then work my way down to the expendable items last. I'll try the flint & steel with char then work down to magnesium shavings then when all else fails I'll resort to trioxane tablet... So whatever work! But when it's gone it's gone.

[bacpacker]

In fairness, I did have one of my graduating boys (Cub to Boy Scouts) start a fire with a Swedish fire steel, a best of dried grass and the cotton from a q-tip about 3 weeks ago. I was very proud.

That is great stuff there DL.

[Grumpy Old Man]

I have a small container of FFFFg black powder for when all else fails.

[vukic]

You can use the bottom.of a coke can, shine it up, and use.it.to pinpoint.the Sun's rays to a point...

[ladyhk13]

Or a magnifying glass or regular piece of clear glass?

[AAONMS]

June 2013 edition of Backpacker magazine has an article beginning on page 60 on fire starting.