I carry one of the flint and steel firestarters and a little pack of solid alcohol tablets in each of my camping sets, they work even when soaking wet. I have matches as well, but these are a reliable backup.
For many years (decades….) when trekking, I’ve carried a fire steel and a 10’ piece of jute twine. Take a ~18” cut-off of the jute twine, separate the fibers and form a tinder ball. Be ready with plenty of kindling assembled, because the twine catches a spark & flares very quickly. There are natural oils in the twine.
And yes, redundancy is good. I carry a tiny butane torch for a backup.
If you are going to rely on a Bic type lighter, make sure it stays dry. The "flint" can/will degrade when damp. Been there, done that. As a senior citizen, I have plenty of medicine phials. They seal easily and you can put several into a plastic baggie, along with other fire making supplies.
I carry one of the flint and steel firestarters and a little pack of solid alcohol tablets in each of my camping sets, they work even when soaking wet. I have matches as well, but these are a reliable backup.
For many years (decades….) when trekking, I’ve carried a fire steel and a 10’ piece of jute twine. Take a ~18” cut-off of the jute twine, separate the fibers and form a tinder ball. Be ready with plenty of kindling assembled, because the twine catches a spark & flares very quickly. There are natural oils in the twine.
And yes, redundancy is good. I carry a tiny butane torch for a backup.
If you are going to rely on a Bic type lighter, make sure it stays dry. The "flint" can/will degrade when damp. Been there, done that. As a senior citizen, I have plenty of medicine phials. They seal easily and you can put several into a plastic baggie, along with other fire making supplies.