Embrace the Adventure: How to Start a Fire When Your Matches Get Wet While Camping

Does rain put a dampener on your camping plans? Worry not! With the proper knowledge and tools, you can still set up a warm and inviting fire, even when your matches are drenched. Here, we'll explore the best fire starting techniques when your matches get wet, ensuring your camping adventure remains a success.

Preparation for the Wet Match Dilemma

During a camping trip a few weeks ago, I faced the challenge of starting a fire under wet conditions. Heavy rain had left everything drenched, but we still needed to cook dinner. We managed to gather a pile of twigs and branches, carefully selecting the driest pieces. Using knives, we removed the bark from these pieces and split them to expose the dry interior, shaving off wet areas to create curls of wood. This technique helped in igniting a fire, even from the driest possible fuel. Once the fire was going, we added slightly wet branches slowly as they dried in the heat.

To avoid such issues, it's imperative to have a multi-faceted fire starting kit. A cigarette lighter, along with windproof matches, auto-striking firefighters, a Bic lighter, a Ferrocerium rod, and tinder are essentials you should always carry. These tools offer a range of options to ensure you can start a fire, even in the most challenging conditions. However, attempting to start a fire with wet matches using friction methods is only feasible for the most experienced and well-practiced users. Beginners should avoid this approach, as it can result in unsuccessful attempts and no fire at all.

Alternative Fire Starting Methods when Matches are Wet

Even without matches, there are still viable fire starting techniques available to you:

Using a Fire Starter

Flint and Steel: A traditional method, striking a piece of steel against flint produces sparks. Direct these sparks onto dry tinder to ignite it.

Fire Steel: Similar to a flint, a fire steel can produce sparks when scraped with a metal object. Both methods are effective in generating heat and embers.

Friction Methods

Hand Drill: This method involves using a spindle and a fireboard to rotate the spindle rapidly between your palms, creating friction. The resulting heat will produce an ember that can be transferred to your tinder.

Bow Drill: An improved version of the hand drill, using a bow to rotate the spindle generates a higher amount of heat and is more efficient at creating an ember.

Other Fire Starting Techniques

Battery and Steel Wool: If you have a small battery like a 9V, touching the steel wool to the battery terminals can ignite it. The resulting flame can be used to light your tinder.

Lighter: Look for a lighter that is waterproof or protected, as these may still function even with wet matches. Always check your gear for waterproof options.

Natural Fire Starters

Utilize dry materials like:

Birch Bark: Highly flammable. Pine Needles or Resin: These can ignite easily. Dry Leaves or Grass: Gather as much dry material as possible. Volewood: Pine wood saturated with resin that can ignite easily.

Chemical Reactions

Some chemicals like potassium permanganate and glycerin can create fire when mixed, but use these safely and only if you are fully knowledgeable about their proper handling.

Tips for Success in Fire Starting

Prepare Your Tinder

Gather small, dry materials and fluff them up to catch sparks easily.

Build a Good Fire Structure

Use a teepee or log cabin structure to allow airflow and help the fire grow.

Stay Safe

Always have a plan for extinguishing the fire and ensure you are in a safe location away from flammable materials.

By practicing these techniques before your camping trip, you will be more prepared for any unexpected weather conditions that may affect your fire starting efforts. Remember, the key to successful fire starting is preparation, patience, and the right tools. So, get your gear ready and embrace the adventure, no matter the weather!