Originally Posted by las
Originally Posted by Pete E
Beware of the so called waterproof matches that require the special striking surface.

On a couple of types I have tried over here, while the matches are waterproof, the striker surface is not! The ones i am thinking about come in small white bottles like pill containers with the stricker surface the exterior of the lid. I found that when it got damp, the surface tended to disintergrate/dissolve leaving you unable to use the matches.

If you use these it may be worth checking before you come to depend on them..


Get a BIC. Keep it warm and dry in a zip-lock in an interior pocket. Or one of those magnesium striker bars. Nothing else is reliable here in wet Alaska.




Why not both? I usually try to carry 3 methods of starting a fire; Bics, Zippo(spare fuel/wick/flints), sparky stick(s)(BSA model are cheap), and water resistant strike anywhere matches in an waterproof match safe. And some flammable tinder.

Regards, Jim

Last edited by alligator; 11/03/09.