Water Proof Matches & Flint Firestarter

When faced with our worst case survival scenario, building a fire should always be in the back of our minds. Fire can add comfort to the worst situation. Used for boiling water to make it safe to drink, cooking and warmth, without fire we can't survive for long.

Waterproof Matches - Easiest Fire Building Tool
The most simple way to start a fire is with matches. Waterproof or Stormproof matches are by far the best since you don't need to worry about a little water getting on them and making them useless when you need them most. The storm proof matches are nicer as they flare up hotter than normal matches with less chance of getting blown out by wind. In a SHTF situation this is one more advantage in your favor.

A good idea to always keep all matches in a waterproof container as additional  insurance against moisture. If you get caught in a down pour, you will be happy to have your matches nice and dry. Keep a container full of matches on each person and a large bulk package in your bug out bag to restock from.


The Exotac MatchCap Match Case is one of the nicest match cases I have found for keeping matches dry. It is made from lightweight aircraft grade 6061 black anodized aluminum. Built into the case are two match strikers and a lanyard loop. The Exotac Match Case is waterproof to 16 feet and will do a great job of protecting your matches from the harshest elements.

As a back up, its a good idea to keep a flint or two in your pack in case you run out of matches. This gives one more simple way to start a fire with dry tinder. Depending on how dry the tinder is, a flint can take a lot more effort to get a fire started than with matches. Take good care to protect your matches and use them sparingly so they will be there when you need them. Trust me the matches and a flint beat making fire by rubbing two sticks together  anytime.


When Starting a fire with a flint, again it is very important to use dry tinder and protect the sparks from wind. You can also buy pre packaged tinder sticks, to keep in your emergency pack to make fire starting chores so much easier.


Ultimate Survival Technologies Blastmatch Fire Starter is the flint I keep in my bug out bag. It generates a stream of super heated sparks, that are actually much hotter than a match. In case your Blastmatch flint should get wet all you need to do is wipe it off and it still works. It also comes with it's own carbide striker, so you won't need to use your knife. Another very popular flint is the Swedish Firesteel a bit more compact than the Blastmatch, it works equally as well and costs a few dollars less.

Water Proof Matches, Match Case and a good Flint is something no bug out bag should ever be without.