I'm not sure if this is a repost. Would be perfect for a survival kit though. :)

REI Stormproof Matches - Test

im impressed! ive seen those in the store but never saw a demonstration before.

A convincing demonstration. I still rely on my thirty year old box of "strike anywhere" matches dunked in wax.

just remember to not light them in the house. When I got them I light one and made the whole house smell like I light 50 matches. And they smoke alot

Thanks for the info. I would have never thought they could do this. I wonder what they use for a chemical to get the thing to relight after under dirt or water?

Two boxes for $5.50. 25 matches per box.

Small price to pay, if starting a fire will save your ass. I have a few and scattered around in a Nalgene bottle survival kit, a day pack ditch kit, etc., peace of mind.

*wow* that is awesome. i know what my next purchase at REI is going to be :)

Thanks for the video link, definitely added to my gear list.
Boppa

quote Savage Voyageur: "Thanks for the info. I would have never thought they could do this. I wonder what they use for a chemical to get the thing to relight after under dirt or water? "

My first guess would be an oxidizer/fuel mixture with a binder that's not water soluble. Like how waterproof firework fuses work by having nitrate in the gunpowder. The nitrate acts as a alternative oxygen source to feed the fire, which allows the fuse to burn even underwater.

MWM gave a free box of these type of matches at their expo.

Nice, might have to pick some of those up for when the fire steel just isn't cutting it...

I have never had issues where I would feel that I needed these matches.

I bring strike anywhere wood matches dipped in wax in a waterproof container. In addition I have 3 bic lighters along with my magnesium striker. 1 lighter in my cook kit, one in my thwart bag, one duct taped to a canoe thwart.

The matches I took from home, the wax I get from my wife's canning supplies, the container was an old 35 mm film cannister, the bic lighters I admit I bought (3 for .99) the magnesium striker I received as a gift.

In addition I bring a couple of firestarters-wax and wood shavings that was filled into a cardboard egg holder and then broke into 12 sections. 2 come with on each trip and often go home with me. I also have a film cannister with cotton balls filled with petroleum jelly. You can get quite a few stuffed into a film cannister.

Total cost probably less than 2 or 3 bucks and I have not had to make new stuff for over 5 years. I probably should get some new lighters one of these years, but with the 3, I am sure one will work if the other gives out.

I think the key here is to have whatever fire materials on you in case you capsize and get separated from your gear. Decent kindling like cotton balls or wax coated wood along with some way of starting them on fire go a long way to starting a fire.

I really do not see a need? Firesteel and PJCB's are all that are needed in any temp and in any condition. I carry a firesteel around my neck and PJCB's in a matchsafe in my pocket and a lighter or two thru-out my kit.

I find matches are a pain to use and unless something like the REI ones above do not work well in a wind.

That all being said, one of the coolest pieces of vintage gear are old Marbles or Boy Scout match safes. They are neat and would be a great place to store your 5 dollar super matches.

quote bogwalker: "I have never had issues where I would feel that I needed these matches.


I bring strike anywhere wood matches dipped in wax in a waterproof container. In addition I have 3 bic lighters along with my magnesium striker. 1 lighter in my cook kit, one in my thwart bag, one duct taped to a canoe thwart.


The matches I took from home, the wax I get from my wife's canning supplies, the container was an old 35 mm film cannister, the bic lighters I admit I bought (3 for .99) the magnesium striker I received as a gift.


In addition I bring a couple of firestarters-wax and wood shavings that was filled into a cardboard egg holder and then broke into 12 sections. 2 come with on each trip and often go home with me. I also have a film cannister with cotton balls filled with petroleum jelly. You can get quite a few stuffed into a film cannister.


Total cost probably less than 2 or 3 bucks and I have not had to make new stuff for over 5 years. I probably should get some new lighters one of these years, but with the 3, I am sure one will work if the other gives out. "

Oh, I don't NEED these matches. I WANT these matches! I also intend on training myself on how to light a fire 'from scratch' as well as the other fun ways to do it (flint/steel/magnesium?) cuz I've got the stuff, I just don't have the practice. This may keep me occupied this winter. Snow can't be much fun to start fires in, can it?

Impressive matches, but it's a Bic in a Ziplock for me.

On the topic of emergency fire,

fire kit

I have the same matches distributed among several first aid/ditch kits.

butthead

I have some of these and do carry them as an emergency backup. They are pretty impressive but, like SC, I rely on good ole Bic lighters for lighting stoves and fires.

A Bic lighter is also storm proof.

Hey Bogwalker....what is this thing "film" you speak of?? Googled the word "film" and nothing came back. Must be some devise people used years ago before Al Gore invented the internet, like a floppy drive. Is there an antique shop I could get a film container???

quote butthead: "On the topic of emergency fire,


fire kit


I have the same matches distributed among several first aid/ditch kits.


butthead"

Thanks for this butthead, I will make one for the pack and put it in a food saver bag.

I have a few rat-holed back here and there....some in life vest pocket along with "foil' emergency blanket, survival kit stuff, and another kit stash in thwart bag, and yet another in day pack. Along with wax dipped 'strike anywhere matches' in old match bottles. I KEEP them rat-holed for emergency only. Very Storm proof. Usually it's the flick of the bick for me too.

quote snakecharmer: "Impressive matches, but it's a Bic in a Ziplock for me."

hahaha

I mastered that skill years ago :)

Impressive video. Thanks for sharing.