There’s More Than 1 Way to Start a Fire

Everyone who keeps an eye on regional, national, and international news knows the same thing. There’s some crazy stuff going on in the world.

Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Domestic terrorism against America’s infrastructure. Rising food costs. Political unrest with an election year approaching. And extreme weather that is sure to soon include winter storms.

All these things and more affect us in one way or another. And when hard times hit, people do unimaginable things they wouldn’t ordinarily do.

Some of us may have to go off grid temporarily to survive if things get too wild. And in addition to making sure your three most basic needs are met – food, water, and shelter – you may find yourself in a situation where you need to build a fire.

Weird – and not so weird — methods

Being able to start and maintain a fire in the wild is crucial for many reasons. Including heat, light, cooking, and purifying water.

As well as possibly forming tools. Plus protection from animals and attracting the attention of rescuers.

Today I’m going to provide you with a number of ways to start a fire. We’ll start off with the more traditional tactics.

But stay with me because we’ll also get into some weird ways to do it when you don’t have common items at your disposal.

Fire’s three friends

First though, let’s review a few things about fire. Just as we need fire to survive, fire needs things to thrive. They are fuel, oxygen and ignition.

Fuel for a fire is pretty much anything that will burn. The slower it burns, the better. For cooking, items such as wood, various grasses, and dry manure work best. When you burn manmade materials, they often smell bad and can result in toxic fumes.

Oxygen keeps a fire going. And the air surrounding fire is usually adequate for that. Except for some situations when the immediate area is too tightly confined.

The way to intensify the heat coming from your fire is to fan the coals. But watch out for flying embers. They could singe you or ignite a nearby fire you can’t control.

3, 2, 1… ignite!

Ignition methods are plentiful. But most of them are not easy to accomplish. The easiest ways to start a fire are by using a disposable cigarette lighter or a magnesium starter stick.

As far as fire-starting materials are concerned, you want to make sure you have tinder, kindling, and long-term fuel.

Dry paper is great for tinder. But if you need to depend on what you find in the wild, you’ll want to gather some or all of the following. You’ll note that the key word is “dry.”

Dry wood or bark that is finely shaved

Dry grass or leaves, shredded if possible

Bundles of dried bird or rodent nests

Dry tree moss (also known as “Old Man’s Beard”)

Dry plant seed fluff, such as cattail heads

Can’t start a fire without a spark

Kindling burns more slowly and can keep a fire going for a while. It includes sticks, twigs, bark, or dried grasses that have been bundled.

Other items used for kindling can also be effective. Such as gas, oil, and steering fluid. But they need to be used sparingly and handled wisely.

Your best long-term fuel is logs. They will burn better and longer if you split each one several times. Dead branches also work.

Another item as effective as long-term fuel, if you can handle gathering and burning it, is dried animal poop. It goes by more polite names such as cow pies, buffalo chips, Texas road apples, and smart pills.

Choose the right matches

Returning to our ignition methods for a moment, here are two items you should have with you in the wild. Even if they’re not your primary fire starters:

Waterproof matches. You can find these at sports outlet stores. They work very well, although they’re somewhat expensive and should be rotated out every few years.

Stick matches. They’re better than paper book matches, but need to be rotated out every six months or so. You also need to keep them dry.

As mentioned, your two easiest fire starters are magnesium sticks and cigarette lighters. A mag stick can be used about 100 times. They’re perfect for outdoor usage because they’re waterproof. And they don’t age or freeze.

Remember to practice using them BEFORE you have an emergency. Disposable cigarette lighters have many advantages. Including being cheap, lightweight, and easy to use.

Now that we’ve discussed what works for fire starting, let’s mention what doesn’t – paper book matches.

When they’re even slightly damp, they’re useless. And even when dry they deteriorate quickly. Don’t let the fact that they’re free in most restaurants influence you to toss them in your bug-out bag.

9 unusual methods

As promised, here are some of the more unusual ways to start a fire. You may want to choose one of these methods if you don’t have the materials previously discussed. Or, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to do things the easy way.

9V battery & steel wool. Keep a container of lint from your dryer in your backpack. Fluff up your steel wool to get some air in it. Then touch it all over with the positive and negative terminals of a 9-volt battery to spark a fire. Continue to touch it in multiple places, then add the lint as tinder and blow on it softly.

Aluminum can & chocolate bar. Rub a candy bar on the bottom of an aluminum can until the can bottom shines like a mirror. With direct sunlight on the can bottom, it will heat up to the point where it can ignite your kindling when held against it.

Sandwich bag & water. Crush a piece of dry tree bark into a powder. Place the powder onto a solid piece of bark. Pour water into a sandwich bag until it’s half-full. Tilt the sealed baggie to the side and then twist it at the top, making it into a liquid sphere. Use the baggie as a magnifying glass over the powder until the sun’s rays make it start smoldering. Then press the powder onto your kindling.

Vaseline & cotton ball. Pull a cotton ball apart – but not completely apart – and rub Vaseline or petroleum jelly all over it. Roll the cotton back into a ball. Use a magnifying glass or reading glasses and the sun’s rays to heat the cotton ball, which will hold a flame well once ignited.

Gum wrapper & battery. While you’re chewing a stick of gum, cut the foil it was wrapped in into a bowtie or hourglass shape. With two fingers of one hand, hold the two ends of the foil against the ends of a small battery. The foil will ignite and you can quickly light your tinder.

Dead lighter & paper. Maybe you were planning to use a lighter to start a fire, but it died on you. Not to worry. Remove the lighter’s safety lock and slowly roll the lighter over paper, back and forth. As the steel wheel grinds down on the flint rod, flint shavings will be created. Form those shavings into a small pile and then flick your dead lighter repeatedly over the pile until it ignites.

Water bottle. We all know that water is used to put out roadside brush fires. But did you know that water actually causes some of those fires? Lay a clear plastic bottle full of water on its side with the cap on. Then place dark-colored tinder in the beam of sunlight that passes through the bottle. Once the tinder begins to smolder, place it into your fibrous tinder and blow on it softly.

Citrus fruit. Because citrus oils are flammable, you can set them on fire if you can generate some sparks. Take a citrus fruit such as an orange, carve out a hole on the top and clear out some of the flesh. Let the orange dry out. Now push a small rock into the hole and rapidly rub a tool such as a knife on it until it sparks.

Flashlight. After removing the top lens of a flashlight, pull out the reflective cone that the light bulb rests in. Put dried moss or grass into the spot where the bulb was and place the cone in direct sunlight. Eventually the sunlight’s reflection will heat the tinder enough to cause it to burn.

Friend or enemy… you choose

Just as fire can be your best friend, it can also be your worst enemy. Yes, it can protect you, but it can also kill you.

When contained, fire can be controlled and used however you want. But when it escapes containment, it can destroy thousands of acres of forest, land, and buildings.

Fire can save your life, but only if you learn how to create it and control it.

Military Backpacks & Your Survival Stash Have Much in Common

Two weeks ago, I sent you an email on the topic of U.S. troops carrying cellphones. We went through the pros (communication and morale). As well as the cons (security risks including revealing locations).

There are different opinions on this subject. But one thing I think we can all agree on is what our troops definitely should carry while on duty.

That’s what we’ll discuss today. Some of these same things are items we should either carry or at least have stockpiled at home. Just in case of an emergency.

At the end I’ll tell you about a 4Patriots offer that solves two of the biggest challenges you’ll have during a crisis.

Troops carry own stuff

You’ve seen photos of our troops on battlefields. They almost always carry a backpack filled with items they can quickly access.

Back in the day, soldiers didn’t carry much equipment. A wagon holding those items would follow them.

But today’s troops need to access items quicker. And supply wagons are too tempting of a target for the enemy. So, soldiers now carry their own stuff.

The backpacks themselves are usually black. That makes them less visible at night. Another option is camouflage matching the soldier’s attire.

Water bladders

Now let’s get into the backpack’s contents. Keeping in mind that at any moment a soldier might require life-saving equipment.

Especially when they face dangerous and harsh conditions. And when there is no fresh water or food source near them.

Instead of bulky canteens troops once carried, they now have hydration bladders. Lighter in weight, these bladders feature a tube that reaches the soldier’s mouth.

An added convenience for military personnel is that the bladders are self-cleaning. And anti-bacterial. This rids their water of most contaminants.

Food rations

When troops are marching across a battlefield, there are very few McDonald’s in sight. So, they must carry their food.

Protein bars are a great source of energy and sustenance. But sometimes troops require food that also provides warmth.

Some of their food sources include flameless ration heaters. In 12 minutes with no visible flame, a food item can be heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

One thing troops have learned – sometimes the hard way – is it’s better to have too much food than not enough. They never know when a mission might require more time than anticipated.

First-aid kit

Injuries come with the territory when a military mission is involved. These injuries range from minor to moderate to major.

A troop’s first-aid kit must be comprehensive enough to treat minor and moderate injuries. And it should contain items that will at least stabilize a major injury.

With the assistance of other troops, they can use items in a first-aid kit to patch up wounds. That carries them over to when they’re in a position to receive more treatment.

Medicines for a variety of injuries are included in military backpacks. The kits also include items such as sunscreen.

Tactical flashlight

A tactical flashlight is also a must for military personnel. That’s because it can be used for a multitude of purposes.

Shining a bright light in the darkness is an obvious one. But these flashlights can do much more.

Including cutting through a barrier and breaking glass with its hammer. They also feature different light settings.

A durable tactical flashlight can save a life. They can be charged with their solar panel and power up other devices. Most also feature a magnet and compass.

Additional items

What other items can be found in a soldier’s backpack? Here are seven…

Ammunition for guns they carry
Gun-cleaning kit
Body armor they’re not currently wearing
Folded one-person tent (or part of a larger group tent)
Compass
Sleeping bag
Extra clothing (especially clean, dry socks)

Food & water filtration at your fingertips

Take a quick look back at some of the items I’ve mentioned. Like food and water. Plus a tactical flashlight, first-aid, etc. Having these same types of items in your personal survival supply is important.

You may never find yourself out on a battlefield. But it might feel that way when disaster strikes. Wouldn’t you rather be over-prepared than under-prepared?

As promised, here’s a way you can ensure that with just one decision. You can get a 3-month supply of great-tasting, nutritious, and long-lasting survival food. Plus $752.30 in free bonuses.

Our Veterans Day special includes a free countertop water filtration system, free freeze-dried beef and chicken, free mini survival food kits & more.

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A Checklist to Help You Enjoy a “Cooler” Camping Trip

There’s just something about packing for a camping trip. Stopping by the grocery store to buy roadtrip snacks and food to cook over the fire. Packing up utensils and the cast iron skillet. Deciding which blankets would be best for a cozy night in the tent.

There’s a lot that goes into packing up for an outdoor getaway. And there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot something.

So if you’re going camping over the next few weeks, you’ll need a well thought out packing list.

Fortunately for you, I’ve got just what you need. And to make it super convenient, you can print it out as a PDF and use it to prepare for your next camping trip.

When you’ve checked off everything you’ve packed, toss your printout in a bag. It’ll come in handy when you re-pack to head home.

How to chill in the heat

Now, you may be thinking, “Frank, I’d love to go camping, but it’s still pretty hot out there.” Well, I’m here to tell you there are ways to stay cool in the heat that you might not have considered. Including having backup power for fans and other items.

First, select a campsite that has some shade. Your tents should have mesh that allows airflow. A silk sleeping bag liner will keep you cooler than the typical sleeping bag. And use a battery-operated fan inside your tent.

Take a cool shower once a day. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Keep the sun off your head with a brim hat. Carry white washcloths in your backpack. While hiking, periodically soak one with cool water and wrap it around your neck.

Take advantage of opportunities to wade in a cool body of water. As you walk, eat juicy fruits that will taste refreshing and keep you hydrated. And drink zero-sugar sports beverages for the electrolytes.

Don’t over (or under) pack

You probably won’t need everything on the list below. Just pick what works for you and your family or companions.

To me, camping is about getting away from the rat race. I want a different kind of routine when I’m away from home. It’s a nice change of pace to see, use, wear, and eat different things than normally.

You can make do with less on a camping trip by reducing the clutter. At the same time, you can still take all the essentials.

So, here’s the promised list of camping items. Which ones you choose could depend on whether you’re roughing it or heading to a campground where some amenities are provided. It might also depend on how long you’ll be gone.

General items

Tent, with footprints, stakes and mallet/hammer
Ground cloth/tarp
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Backpack
Blankets and pillows
Headlamps, flashlights and extra batteries
Camp table and chairs (if the site doesn’t have them)
Mini-grill or camping stove
Lantern
Clothesline with clips
Toiletries
First-aid kit
Prescription meds
Sunscreen and protective hats
Insect repellant
Lip balm
Rain gear
Extra clothing, including several pairs of socks and underwear
Hiking boots
Bandanas
Survival knife
Multi-tool
Duct tape
Paracord or rope
Saw or ax for cutting firewood (if needed)
Compass
Binoculars
Field guides for flowers and insects
Whistle
Walkie-talkies
NOAA emergency radio
Disinfectant wipes
Documents including vehicle registration, insurance, reservations, etc.

Food/food-related items

Perishable food packed in a cooler or ice chest
Non-perishable food for snacking and meals
Plenty of bottled water and other beverages
Personal water purifier
Fire starters
Cooking, serving, and eating utensils
Cooking pots, pans, plates, and cups
Tongs and skewers
Oven mitts
Cutting board
Tablecloth with clips or tape
Canteen/thermos
Coffee pot
Can opener
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Dishwashing liquid and sponges
Paper towels and napkins
Tupperware
Zip-top bags
Trash and recycle bags

RV Essentials

Recreational vehicles are a great way to travel and camp. But it’s best to know what to take with you in order to handle potential problems with a new-to-you vehicle. Here are plenty of items to consider:

Your RV manual
Drinking water hose
Sewer kit including hose
Surge protector
Generator
Electrical adapters
Water pressure regulator
Tire pressure gauge
Emergency road kit
Extra motor oil and fluids (washer, transmission, brake)
Fire extinguisher
Wheel chocks
Rubber gloves
Emergency brake cable
Tire iron
Tire patch
Jack
Leveling blocks
Emergency warning light
Fuses
Well-stocked tool box
Jumper cables

Stay powered up

As mentioned earlier, backup power is important on a camping trip. There are plenty of reasons for needing backup power. They include charging up your…

Cellphones
Emergency radio
Mini-fridge
Electric blanket
Blender
Hotplate
Lights inside a tent
Outdoor security lights
Laptop or tablet
Coffee maker
Toaster oven
CPAP machine and other medical devices
Handheld electronic games
Boombox
Electric razor
Mini-TV
Blow-up mattress pump
GPS unit
Portable fans

Now you have a powerful list

Without backup power, any of the items listed above could prove useless on a camping trip. Yes, you could get by without some of them, but what if you had to make an emergency phone call?

Or what if an unexpected storm was headed your way and you needed information quickly? What if your perishable food started to go bad? Worst of all, what if you needed to power up crucial medical equipment?

Camping trips are a lot of fun and a great way to unwind with family or friends. They’re good for your body, mind, and soul. Just make sure you don’t forget to pack any of the essentials before you leave home.

Solar Radios May Be Older Than You Think

Back in the late 1800s, Mark Twain reportedly sent a cable from England to the United States. It read: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” He had been contacted by an American journalist inquiring as to his rumored health problems or possible death.

Well, Twain’s now-famous quote can also be said about radio. Yes, it’s one of the oldest ways many of us learned about local, national, and international news. But radio has stood the test of time very well and is still relevant today.

Did you know that 90% of adults still tune into the airways every week? Why? Because radio remains the quickest and most reliable way to gain important information. Especially during a crisis.

And it’s not just learning about critical information. It’s being able to act on it immediately. Radio has helped many people survive a crisis that otherwise might have done them in.

Today, some radios can be charged with the free power of the sun. I want to tell you about the evolution of solar-powered radios and why it’s crucial for everyone to own at least one.

Launched in the Fifties

Most people think solar-powered radios are a relatively new thing. Actually, the first commercially available solar-powered radio hit the market 67 years ago.

Two years after the invention of the first solar energy battery, the Admiral Corporation of Chicago, Illinois produced transistor radios in a variety of colors in 1956. Each included an optional “Sun Power Pak.”

Engineer Harry Thanos is credited with the invention. His radio operated from seven series-wired silicon solar energy cells he acquired from National Fabricated Products.

Both General Electric and Radio-Electronics tried to beat Thanos and Admiral Corporation to the punch earlier that year. But neither of their solar-powered transistor radios was ever put into production.

Power pack was extra

Then on April 14, 1956, Admiral Corporation announced its Model 7L series of 6-transistor portable radios that included an optional 32-silicon cell power pack.

Eugene B. Germany, president of Lone Star Steel Company, was the first buyer of this groundbreaking solar-power radio.

The price was $59.95 for the radio alone and an additional $185 for the optional power pack.

For $40 more, buyers could acquire a custom leather carrying case with a zippered backside pocket for storing the “Sun Pak.”

Innovation reduces price

Many Americans were excited about this new invention. But sales suffered due to the high cost of the power pack. It was priced at more than $2,000 in today’s dollars.

It wasn’t until the next year that engineers figured out how to build solar cells into the handles of radios.

Hoffman Radio, a division of Hoffman Electronics Corporation, used that strategy to build a “SOLARADIO” they sold for $150 plus $9 for four 1.5-volt AA rechargeable batteries.

This radio was available in five different cabinet colors. Other than the handle containing the solar cells, it was identical to Hoffman’s non-solar “Home and Travel Transistor Radio.”

Hoffman Radio dominates market

As with every new product that catches on, more companies jumped into the fray. Many of their radios were earphone-only versions.

Among the companies were the Acopian Technical Company, game and toy manufacturer E.E. Fairchild, International Rectifier, and Science Electronics.

By making improvements on its original model, Hoffman Radio dominated the solar radio market. These next-generation radios were not designed to recharge internal batteries. They all operated either from internal batteries or solar power.

Zenith offered its Royal 555 and Royal 56 solar radios in the mid-1960s, competing with Hoffman and companies based in Japan and Australia.

Following a general lull in the solar radio market through the 1980s, interest perked up again in the 1990s. Since then, a number of companies have produced solar-powered radios.

Radios work when phones don’t

There’s a very good reason why nearly every preparedness list includes an emergency radio. Today, solar-powered radios are particularly beneficial to those in the outdoors and those who occasionally lose power indoors.

Regardless of whether it’s an approaching hurricane, snowstorm, derecho, or a sudden tornado outbreak, we need to be aware of what’s headed our way. There are many true-life stories about people who took cover just in time, thanks to the warnings they received on their radios.

During some emergencies, such as the recreational vehicle bombing in Nashville, Tennessee, in late 2020, communications went down. Many were unable to use their cellphones.

This is one of the things that makes battery-powered and solar-powered radios so important. You can still get important information through a radio you sometimes can’t get through your phone.

What should an emergency radio include?

When it comes to selecting an emergency radio, make sure it’s a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio. Those radios provide timely information about weather threats in your area. Including evacuation routes.

You also want a radio with a powerful battery inside. And other ways to charge it. Including plugging it into an outlet, exposing the radio’s solar panel to the sun, and cranking it up by hand.

You may find yourself in a position where you need to charge your cellphone. Or a tablet, e-reader, camera, flashlight, cooling fan, or other item. Select an emergency radio that can do all that.

There’s no guarantee you’ll have daylight when a weather emergency interrupts your life. You may also need to light your path. So, make sure your radio includes a bright flashlight.

Other important features

Other features you want in an emergency radio are just as practical. For example, you don’t want one that’s heavy. Make sure it’s easily portable.

You also want a radio that’s compact yet durable. One that can take a few dings without getting damaged. And what about some extras the average person might not think about?

Choose an emergency radio that includes a sturdy metal clip so you can attach it to a backpack or belt loop. Select one that has a charging indicator so you always know how much juice it has. Pick one with an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly.

Finally, you want an emergency radio that’s priced right. If for no other reason than so you can buy several of them. For your home and vehicle, and even as gifts for loved ones.

Solar-powered radios have been around longer than most people think. And a few of the latest ones have all the bells and whistles you need. Don’t leave this crucial item out of your preparedness plans.

What to Take on Your Next Outdoor Trip

We all have our pet peeves. One of mine is getting somewhere and realizing I forgot to bring something. Maybe that’s why I became a list maker.

Perhaps this is one of your pet peeves as well. If you’re headed to the outdoors soon – for camping, hiking, hunting, or whatever else – no worries. I’ve got you covered.

Today I’m going to provide you with a bunch of items to remember to pack BEFORE you leave home. These items that you can place in your vehicle or backpack are for both your convenience and for dealing with a possible emergency.

Not all of them will apply to your particular outdoor experience. But by running through the list, you can choose the ones that will be most helpful to you.

The absolute “musts”

A sturdy, waterproof camping tent with pegs and a hammer are musts if you’re planning to sleep outdoors. Of course, you’ll also want to include a sleeping bag and pillows, a blow-up mattress or sleeping pad, and extra clothes including socks and a poncho.

If you’re headed to a campground, find out if they supply wood for your fire or allow you to gather it in their surroundings. If not, take wood with you, assuming it’s permissible. Some places don’t allow that, due to the possibility of introducing new species of bugs to the area.

Among the tools you’ll want to pack are flashlights (and extra batteries), survival knife, compass, fire starters, extension cord, tarp, bungees, and duct tape.

You’ll need to eat, so don’t forget both non-perishable food and fresh foods in a cooler. As well as a compact cooking stove; disposable cups, plates, and utensils; and cleaning supplies like dish soap.

Toiletries go without saying. Including toilet paper, washcloths and towels, wet wipes, a fully-stocked first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and trash bags. And in addition to your cellphone, don’t forget power banks.

Hunting gear

If you’re going hunting, I’m sure you already have a comprehensive list of things you want to pack for the trip.

Among them will be maps of the area in which you’ll be hunting. You might want to look into gaining permission to hunt on private land, which will be less crowded.

Pack your flashlights, headlamps, two-way radios, etc., and make sure you have plenty of batteries for each. Also include your knives, game bags, nitrile gloves, multi-tool, and paracord.

In addition to your firearms and ammunition, pack your binoculars, game calls and orange flagging ribbon. Toss in a whistle and small mirror for signaling, plus an emergency blanket and an extra pair of boots.

Water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing is also a must. But it’s equally important to include ways to purify water from other sources. Such as lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks. Here’s a quick look at a few of those ways:

Boiling and disinfecting:

Boiling water can get rid of potential bacteria, germs, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens. First filter the water through a paper towel or coffee filter. Then bring it to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute, or 3 minutes at an elevation of 6,500 feet or higher. Next, let that water cool and store it in a sanitized container with a tight cover.
If you find it’s impossible to boil water, disinfect it with an unscented household chlorine bleach. First filter the water if it’s cloudy. If the bleach has a 5-9% concentration of sodium hypochlorite, add 2 to 4 drops of bleach into a quart container. Shake the container for 1 minute, then turn it upside down and loosen the cap slightly to allow the water flow to clean the bottle threads and cap. Let the bottle sit in a shaded area for a half-hour until the water looks clear.

Iodine & chemical tablets

Iodine and tablets with iodine (also called tetraglycine hydroperiodide) can kill most germs and can be effective at making small amounts of water safe to drink. But it’s not recommended for pregnant women and those with thyroid issues or shellfish allergies. And it’s not recommended for anyone for more than a few weeks.

After you drop the iodine tablet in, shake your container for about a minute. Then hold the container upside down and unscrew the lid very slightly to allow the iodine to flow into the threads of the bottle cap. Iodine tablets usually require about 30 minutes to take effect

UV lighting and solar water disinfection

UV light has also proven effective in ridding water of small organisms. Some UV light devices are battery-free and work with a hand crank.

A simpler method is filling a plastic bottle with water and allowing it to sit out in the sun for a full day. The sun’s UV light will kill most biological hazards in the water.

This solar water disinfection method is easy but does not help with chemical contaminations. Note: They are not as reliable when the contaminants are large, floating particles. And pathogens can hide behind or inside those particles.

Solar cooker

The solar cooker you use for food can also be employed to remove pathogens and other harmful microorganisms from water. The solar ultraviolet light rays are converted into infrared light rays inside the cooker to produce cleaner water.

Depending on weather conditions, water can be heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in about 45 minutes.

Safety tips for drinking from outdoor water sources

In closing, here are some outdoor water safety tips I want to share with you. When acquiring water from lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, etc….

Avoid water with a strange hue or film on it, and avoid water that is not clear.
Try to find moving water as opposed to still water.
Avoid water where there is active growth in it, such as algae or scum.
Avoid water near roadways or pavement, as it likely has oil and pollutants in it.
Stay upstream of industrial facilities, mines, and construction.
Avoid water from farmland, as it might have large amounts of fertilizer and pesticides in it.

It’s possible you’ll only need one way to clean your water while outdoors. But it’s better to become well versed in a variety of methods because you never know which supplies you’ll have with you during a crisis.

Knowing you’ve packed everything you need for your next outdoor trip will make it all the more enjoyable.

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Unusual Ways to Start a Fire

unusual ways to start a fire

There could come a time in your life when you need to make an outdoor fire. Perhaps for cooking or warmth. Maybe for light or purifying water. Possibly even for protection from animals or attracting the attention of rescuers.

Do you know how to do it? What if there were no dry wood available and you didn’t have a lighter in your backpack?

Knowing a variety of ways to start a fire could come in handy someday. It could even be a lifesaver. Better to have this knowledge and not need it than not have it and need it.

Today I want to discuss a variety of unusual ways to start a fire, including a few you may never have considered before.

Fire’s three friends

First though, let’s review a few things about fire. Just as we need fire to survive, fire needs things to thrive. They are fuel, oxygen, and ignition.

Fuel for a fire is pretty much anything that will burn. The slower it burns, the better. For cooking, items such as wood, various grasses, and dry manure work best.

Oxygen keeps a fire going. And the air surrounding fire is usually adequate for that. Except for some situations when the immediate area is too tightly confined.

Ignition methods are plentiful. But most of them are not easy to accomplish. The easiest ways to start a fire are by using a disposable cigarette lighter or a magnesium starter stick.

Tinder & kindling

As far as fire-starting materials are concerned, you want to make sure you have tinder and kindling. Long-term fuel can also be very useful, but you might not have that with you.

Dry paper is great for tinder. But if you need to depend on what you find in the wild, you’ll want to gather some or all of the following:

Finely-shaved dry wood or bark

Dry grass or leaves, shredded if possible

Bundles of dried bird or rodent nests

Dry tree moss (also known as “Old Man’s Beard”)

Dry plant seed fluff, such as cattail heads

Kindling burns more slowly and can keep a fire going for a while. It includes sticks, twigs, bark, and dried grasses that have been bundled.

Your best long-term fuel is logs. They will burn better and longer if you split each one several times. Dead branches also work.

Choose the right matches

Returning to our ignition methods for a moment, here are two items you should have with you in the wild. Even if they’re not your primary fire starters:

Waterproof matches. You can find these at sports outlet stores. They work very well, although they’re somewhat expensive and should be rotated out every few years.

Stick matches. They’re better than paper book matches, but need to be rotated out every six months or so. You also need to keep them dry.

9 unusual fire-starting methods

Following are 9 of the more unusual ways to start a fire. You may want to choose one of these methods if you don’t have the materials previously discussed.

9V battery & steel wool. Keep a container of lint from your dryer in your backpack. Fluff up your steel wool to get some air in it. Then touch it all over with the positive and negative terminals of a 9-volt battery to spark a fire. Continue to touch it in multiple places, then add the lint as tinder and blow on it softly.

Aluminum can & chocolate bar. Rub a candy bar on the bottom of an aluminum can until the can bottom shines like a mirror. With direct sunlight on the can bottom, it will heat up to the point where it can ignite your kindling when held against it.

Sandwich bag & water. Crush a piece of dry tree bark into a powder. Place the powder onto a solid piece of bark. Pour water into a sandwich bag until it’s half-full. Tilt the sealed baggie to the side and then twist it at the top, making it into a liquid sphere. Use the baggie as a magnifying glass over the powder until the sun’s rays make it start smoldering. Then press the powder onto your kindling.

Vaseline & cotton ball. Pull a cotton ball apart – but not completely apart – and rub Vaseline or petroleum jelly all over it. Roll the cotton back into a ball. Use a magnifying glass or reading glasses and the sun’s rays to heat the cotton ball, which will hold a flame well once ignited.

Gum wrapper & battery. While you’re chewing a stick of gum, cut the foil it was wrapped in into a bowtie or hourglass shape. With two fingers of one hand, hold the two ends of the foil against the ends of a small battery. The foil will ignite and you can quickly light your tinder.

Dead lighter & paper. Maybe you were planning to use a lighter to start a fire, but it died on you. Not to worry. Remove the lighter’s safety lock and slowly roll the lighter over paper, back and forth. As the steel wheel grinds down on the flint rod, flint shavings will be created. Form those shavings into a small pile and then flick your dead lighter repeatedly over the pile until it ignites.

Water bottle or balloon. Lay a clear plastic bottle full of water on its side with the cap on. Then place dark-colored tinder in the beam of sunlight that passes through the bottle. Once the tinder begins to smolder, place it into your fibrous tinder and blow on it softly. You can do the same with a balloon filled with water.

Citrus fruit. Because citrus oils are flammable, you can set it on fire if you can generate some sparks. Take a citrus fruit such as an orange, carve out a hole on the top and clear out some of the flesh. Let the orange dry out. Now push a small rock into the hole and rapidly rub a tool such as a knife on it until it sparks.

Flashlight. After removing the top lens of a flashlight, pull out the reflective cone that the light bulb rests in. Put dried moss or grass into the spot where the bulb was and place the cone in direct sunlight. Eventually the sunlight’s reflection will heat the tinder enough to cause it to burn.