10 Essentials...revised

[BoyNhisDog]

Pete, the ferrocium rod is the same synthetic flint that you find on the magnesium fire starter. I don't personally like the magnesium bar either. You can find the ferro rods in different sizes. Usually one strike will light up a 100% cotton ball and the vaseline will keep it lit for a couple of minutes ( actually I use the oil loaded herbal salve in my little first aid kit). It is so easy and I do it without the cotton or oils as well, just cedar shavings or very dry grass.

I have started fire with the bow-drill method as well not to mention a 4"x6" fresnel lens (doesn't work at night or when cloudy ). I think practicing is essential lest one find them in the predicament you did recently and they freeze up or bumble it up.

Hats off to your performance though. You are a good textbook example of what to do when things go wrong and when to do it. I read your ordeal twice and learned from it. I too have been out there in some very bad conditions, wet and cold, know what you felt. You survived. Some would not.
_________________
Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
- Andre Gide

[pfredricks]

Thanks Glen-
I will definitely try that idea out. Sounds like a keeper.
I appreciate you sharing
-Pete

[Tom Treks]

See Pete? You're a legend in your own mind. Ok... well... a few others too.

Nice list btw. Is that "all" you take with you? I also believe in the mini-bics. Never had one fail on me yet.

Glen, you're a whole different human all together. You sir, I would just have to invite on any trip I make. I know, I know, it would have to be down Tuscon way. We may be heading down your way the first part of Feb to do Rincon. You up for it?

[BoyNhisDog]

Tom, any friend of Lady Di's is a friend of mine. Shoot me a PM with your itinerary when it gets closer. I never can confirm until Friday afternoon as I don't know where I will be or what my schedule will be. Love to get out and walk around some though.
_________________
Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
- Andre Gide

[matt gilbert]

Pete, Glens idea about the cotton balls is right on. He suggested it in another forum and I gave it a try. I carry one of the magnesium bars. Yes, it is an extra hunk of metal to carry around, but I figure if everything gets soaked and I want a fire to warm up/dry out I've still got a viable means to start a fire and I don't have to wait for my bic to dry out. The cotton ball soaked in ointment lights up almost instantly, even if it does smell a little funky. Whats more, when not serving as a fire-starter, the cotton ball rides in the top of my little bottle of ibuprofen/other drugs and keeps moisture out. So it serves double duty as well (not that it weighs anything to begin with...). I also have a small chunk of trioxane that gets stuffed in there, just in case I have to start a fire from wet material, it will burn for a while with really high BTUs and dry out the initial kindling.

I also carry a small magnifying glass as well, it weighs next to nothing and serves as my third means of fire starting (bic, magnesium, magnifier; in that order). The magnifying glass also serves to examine interesting rock formations, insects, etc...

I know that may sound like a lot of stuff to carry around just to start a fire, but in a survival situation, I think fire is probably one of the most important things you can have; fire gives light and comfort, cooks food, keeps you warm, purifies water, keeps animals away from camp, and on and on. I think all three firestarters put together only weigh a 4-5 ounces.

[srlatty]

[k9hiker]

I didn't see shelter listed on that REI list? That was definitley one of the original itmes included by the Mountaineers.

I carry all that stuff except the food container - I don't consider that essential - and I don't carry a whistle - I use my fingers if I need a loud whistle.

Not to divert too much but those of you who hike with a dog, what do you consider your doggie essentials? Obviously some of the human stuff (water, food) will work for them too but what about the real doggies items?
_________________
Jamie
Canine Hiking Club of AZ
www.mydog8az.com

[JW]