Lighters and Matches – Your Fire-Starting Essentials

By Cade Shadowlight

 

The Survivalist’s Stockpile: Must-have items for your preparedness kit. Today, we cover lighters and matches, a real game-changer for survival.  

 

Why Fire Matters

Our ability to create and control fire sets us apart from animals. It provides protection and warmth, cooks food, purifies water, and signals for help. While primitive methods like ferro rods or bow drills are valuable skills, they’re time-consuming, skill-intensive, and unreliable in harsh conditions like rain or wind. As one of my mentors often says, “Daniel Boone would’ve carried a Bic if they existed back then.” Lighters and matches are faster, easier, and more dependable, making them non-negotiable for any survivalist.

 

Lighters: Compact and Reliable

Lighters, like the classic Bic, are a survivalist’s best friend. They’re affordable, portable, and store well for years. I recently tested a pack of five Bic lighters I bought in 2009 and stored in a drawer. After over 15 years, every lighter retained at least 75% of its fluid and sparked reliably. There was no drying out, despite common concerns. With inflation driving up prices, now’s the time to stock up on these budget-friendly tools (Amazon link). Toss one in your pocket as part of your everyday carry (EDC), add several to your bug-out bag, tackle box, or first aid kit, and keep spares in your vehicles. Their small size and long shelf life make them ideal for any scenario.

 

Matches: A Solid Backup

Matches are another excellent fire-starting option, though they can be slightly bulkier than lighters. For maximum reliability, invest in storm-proof matches (Amazon link), designed to ignite even in wet or windy conditions. These are perfect for your bug-out bag, survival kit, or vehicle’s glove compartment. Pair them with a waterproof container to ensure they stay usable in any weather.

 

Practical Tips for Stockpiling

 

Lighters: Buy in bulk now to beat rising costs and future supply-chain problems. Store them in cool, dry places to maximize longevity. Test older lighters periodically to ensure functionality.  

Matches: Opt for storm-proof varieties and store them in waterproof containers. Keep a small stash in multiple locations for redundancy.  

EDC Integration: Experienced survivalists carry a lighter daily, even if they’re skilled in primitive fire-starting. Why struggle when a flick of a Bic gets the job done?

A Word on Preparedness

While mastering alternative fire-starting methods is a worthy skill you should develop, don’t rely on them in a pinch. Lighters and matches are your first line of defense for quick, reliable fire in emergencies. Stock up, distribute them across your kits, and ensure you’re never without the ability to spark a flame.The uses of fire are endless, and so is the value of these tools.

 

Stock up on lighters and matches today. Wwhen the grid goes down, fire is life. Have a fire-starting tip? Share it below! 

 

Stay prepared, —Cade Shadowlight   

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