Aside from keeping stick matches in a waterproof case, a couple of BICs, a large ferro rod & magnesium shavings in a film can (made at home), I always have my old ZIPPO lighter and two small Tobasco bottles of lighter fluid.

When it's windy and raining, etc., that old ZIPPO will always light. Stays lit in the wind, too.

I don't smoke -- quit in 1976 -- so it is used strictly in emergency situations where the other methods won't work.

I wrap a couple small strips of duct tape around the opening to seal it so the fluid doesn't evaporate for a long time. It has never failed me.

If for some reason the fluid ran dry, then I just refill from one of the small Tobasco bottles.

I also carry four homemade firestarters made by pouring melted beeswax in egg cartons. Beforehand, I soak pure, heavy cotton string in the beeswax (or parafin), lay it in the separate space of the egg carton, put in some rough shavings of dry pine and pour in the melted beeswax.

Once dry, I wrap these separately in wax paper, which also acts as a wick. Kept in a Ziplok bag, they'll burn hot for a long time.

A road flare or lifeboat flare will start wet wood in the most inclement weather. I used to carry two in my saddlebags. Had to use them on two occasions when I needed a fire RIGHT NOW! and everything in the forest was soaking and cold.

Now, in my daypack, I carry a half road flare. Cut one in two, put some Krazy Glue on the cut end and electric tape. Works like a charm. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

FWIW.

L.W.