You are here

Light My Fire--Don't Leave Home Without It

Share

    One of the really cool items I saw during the annual Outdoor Retailer Show back in January was this tiny little tool that has become a permanent item in my pile of backcountry gear.Steel_scout_army_medium_copy
    Known as "Swedish FireSteel," this little gizmo will spark a fire in just about any condition, wet or dry, you might encounter in the backcountry. It can be used to ignite kindling or simply to spark your cookstove.

    For years I've carried a small bar of magnesium with me that can be used to start a fire. Basically, you would use a knife to whittle off a small pile of shavings, and then use the attached flint to spark the shavings.
    While serviceable, that system pales tremendously next to the FireSteel tool sold by the folks at Light My Fire. Developed by the Swedish Defense Department and approved for use by the International Survival Instruction Association, this tool works simply by running the attached striker across the rod that contains cerium, magnesium and phosphorous. What follows is a stream of sparks that burn at a reported 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit.Sparkstriker2liten_copy
    I picked up the Scout model, which is said to last approximately 3,000 strikes. This is definitely something worth toting in your pack.

Comments

Although the swedish firesteel produces a better spark i still carry my magnesium starter for something i can use the swedish firesteel to light under a tinder bundle.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.