"Waterproof" Matches
Sometimes we get so intent on looking for a high-tech gadget that we forget that the simplest solution can be the best. After lugging around waterproof lighters (they're heavy, tricky to use at odd angles, and have a knack for running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere), waterproof matches (trouble to light and too small to do the job), and matchbooks (never could get the hang of them, and they burn down to my finger before I can say "let there be light"), I've ended up with the following solution. It works like a charm, tucks into any little cranny in my cook or emergency kits, and I don't have to worry about a paper box that can get soaked and fall apart.
I find old-fashioned, full-size matches are the most dependable lighters, but I sometimes use the small size kitchen matches if I'm only using them to light my stove.
Sandpaper works better, and lasts longer, than the striker panels on the match boxes. 1.5 x .5 inches is about a good size for the striker. The sandpaper can also be used to file your nails or smooth a rough edge on a piece of gear.
I usually carry at least two packets of these, one for my cook set and one for my emergency kit. And sometimes I carry one in the zippered pocket of my pack pants/shirt to increase my odds of having a fire on the other side of a disasterous stream crossing if needed. If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it on the emergency packet to ensure that absolutely zero humidity seeps in during storage or transport.
I only include the birthday candles if I'm planning on campfires, but I always carry them in the packet that goes in my emergency kit. The "magic" birthday candles are designed to relight themselves when blown out, making them nice for campfire starting if there's a breeze. (I've found them at Dollar stores.) If you don't want to use a whole magic candle to start one fire you can dunk it in water to extinguish it.
Weight of packet with 12 matches, sandpaper striker, and two birthday candles: 0.2 oz.
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Put in small zip-lock bag:
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