When SHTF fire is essential
When it comes to fire, it has more positive qualities than negative ones.
Yes, you could burn your home down but if you are careful, that will never happen.
The positive qualities are you get light, heat, cooking options, and a chance to roast some marshmallows.
The biggest question you may have about fire is how to start it in the best way possible.
You have two basic options when it comes to survival times.
You can either use a waterproof lighter or you can use waterproof matches.
Everyone will have their preference and there is no harm in using one over the other.
Just make sure to continue reading to find out which will be the best option for you and your survival situation.
5 advantages to using waterproof matches
#1. They are perfect for wet weather
If you and your bugging out bag are caught in the rain, then getting warm won’t be a problem.
There are waterproof matches that work when wet and do not go out if you drop them in a puddle.
#2. A feather weighs more than these matches do
At least it seems like it.
You can pack 100 of these matches in your bug-out bag and not feel any difference in the bag’s weight.
In other words, you can pack so many matches, you won’t run out of a fire starter any time soon.
#3. These matches are like sardines
You can pack them tightly together and not lose a lot of space in your survival or fire starter kits.
Plus, they are small and light enough to pack with you every day just in case.
#4. They are cheaper than a lighter
One thing about stocking up on waterproof matches is that they do not cost a lot of money.
Probably for the price of a waterproof lighter, you can buy enough matches to last for months.
#5. They do not lose fuel
Or make a mess.
Waterproof matches are not filled with liquid gas or other fuels.
That means your bug-out or fire starter kit will never get contaminated by leaking fuel.
5 advantages of having a waterproof lighter
#1. They last a long time
Some of these lighters can light up to 3000 times before needing more fuel.
If you pack a can of fuel, this would have your lighter lasting up to 5 to 6 months if used wisely.
#2. These lighters provide value for your money
You just have to check to see how many times a lighter is designed to light up before it runs out of fuel.
The longer they last, the more value you get for the money you used to pay for this lighter.
#3. You can light them one-handed
Unlike matches which often require two hands, one hand is all you will need to use one of these lighters.
Plus, they are very easy to use making lighting a fire simpler and faster.
#4. They are lightweight
They may even be almost as light as a pack of waterproof matches.
You should not feel the weight of these devices once they are packed into a pocket in your bug-out bag.
#5. They can have childproof designs
This is an important design factor for anyone who has small children in the home.
Unfortunately, waterproof matches do not have these designs which may give the edge in this comparison to the lighters.
Protecting your shelter from damage may be the issue that convinces people to go with waterproof lighters.
What may even this comparison is the fact that matches are always available and you can waterproof them yourself.
Often waterproof lighters are unavailable and out of stock making it hard to get one or find the fuel for them.
Pros & cons of waterproof lighters
These lists are cumulative and cover several different waterproof lighters and matches.
Pros:
- Easy to hold
- Can attach to clothes
- Produces a reliable flame
- Well built
- Flint wheel does a good job
- Uses electricity
- Easy to charge if you have power
- Use with one hand
- Comes with protective exteriors
- Spring loaded caps
Cons:
- Designs can be chunky or odd shaped
- Small fuel tanks
- Replacement tinder sticks can cost a lot
- Can be expensive
- No electric charging outlets in the wilderness
- You may not see them if you drop them
Pros & cons of waterproof matches
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Quite a few can fit into small pouches or pockets
- Contains some wood to help the fire get started easier
- Not very expensive
- Will work in rain and some brands stay lit in water
- Some brands are wind and water proof
- Burn longer than a regular match
- Can be purchased anywhere
- Does not need electrical charging stations to be ready for use
Cons:
- More expensive than regular matches
- Can give off fumes
- Need a good striker surface to light them
- Can break easily if you strike too hard
- Need to buy a lot which takes up a little storage space
- Need to use two hands to get lit
Types of waterproof matches
There are different match manufacturers that make waterproof matches.
The following list just contains three of those brands:
#1. Zippo Typhoon Waterproof Matches– comes in packs of 15 in a waterproof case.
They can stay lit for up to 30 seconds and are 4 inches long.
#2. Uco Stormproof Matches– comes in packs of 50 so you can have extra matches if you are having trouble lighting any
#3. Coghlans Waterproof Matches – you can buy a pack of waterproof matches.
Each pack comes with 25 matches inside and the flame is reliable.
Here’s our best recommendation when it comes to waterproof matches, as these are free.
Types of waterproof lighters
#1. Green Vivid Waterproof Flameless Electric Lighter– great if you have a power bank or some other charger handy.
No fuel is needed so no fuel leaks.
#2. Zippo Emergency Waterproof Lighter– comes with extra tinder sticks, and a rubber o-ring to keep water out and held in a plastic case that should float.
#3. Xikar 9660BK Stratosphere II Lighter– its body is made from special rubber to help you hold it when your hands are cold or wet.
Like matches, there are many lighter options to choose from.
Some attach to your clothing or go around your neck.
While others just need a good pocket to be in.
See if you can snag a free waterproof lighter.
Alternatives to waterproof matches, lighters, and cases
If you feel that these items are too expensive for your budget, you do have options that help you get the fire starter power you need while still using matches and lighters.
For example, there is a waterproof case you can buy and place a regular lighter inside.
The Exotac fireSLEEVE Ruggedized Waterproof Lighter Case holds Bic lighters with ease and can cut your costs down a little.
For matches, you can buy the cheaper regular matches which are found everywhere.
Then when you get some time, you can melt some wax and make them waterproof in your spare time.
Once you get enough completed, you can use Altoid tins, pill bottles, military-grade accessory cases, or just about anything large enough that keeps water away from the matches.
To make waterproof matches, the best wax to use would be beeswax or paraffin wax.
Just melt the wax to a liquid form and dip the matches inside to cover the ends.
The drawback to making waterproof matches yourself is that you have to scrape the wax off to use the match.
Some safety protocols when using waterproof matches or lighters
Practice good safety habits with the following tips.
When you are in a survival situation, your mind can get distracted and you could end up making a dangerous mistake when you light a match or lighter.
#1. Store matches and lighters out of reach of children & make sure they know these items are not toys
#2. Make sure to fully extinguish the match before tossing them away.
You may think they are out but matches have a way to surprise you when tossed in a trash full of paper.
#3. Inspect your lighters for cracks, holes, and defects, and do this on a regular basis.
The last thing you will want is to be in a survival situation and all the fluid had drained out.
#4. When you go to refill your lighter, do it in a safe place away from open flames.
Make sure to clean up any spilled lighter fluid before you flick the lighter on.
Some final words
In the end, there is really no winner in this comparison.
Both waterproof options are equally good and have their strong and weak points.
The best thing to do would be to is to have enough space in your survival bags to house both options.
Having a back up system is the intelligent thing to do when you are facing survival situations.
You never know when you may drop the lighter and cannot find it again.
Or if the matches break without lighting.
Originally posted 2023-05-04 05:26:14.
