Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game starting a fire without matches

VCBs are my go-to fire starter. Vaseline is so thick, I've used a little mineral oil on them and nuked them a little in the microwave too. It helps to soak the fule into the fiber, IMO.

A lighter and bicycle innertube will burn hot and long. A backpack version of Steely's idea.

Mg scrapings and a sparker on the VCBs will always work.

Esbit squares burn nicely.

There are sawdust bars soaked with some sort of fuel available commercially.

Fire paste is a for-sure option as well.


And as far as lighters are concerned, I will only use a bic lighter as a last resort. when you absolutely, positively, gotta-have a fire, there's a real good chance you are wet and cold. my fingers start to lose cooperation at that point.

I far prefer a piezo lighter. They can usually be found in a cigarette shop, or tobacco shop. Just push the button - no wheel to turn and try to make a spark.