Since a nonexpert’s chances of making fire by primitive methods – such as with bow drills – are practically nil, you should always carry matches and lighters in waterproof bags. A flint-and-steel set provides extra security, because it still works after being soaked.
To use it, hold the striker—a curved band of steel—in one hand and the flint stone in the other. (You can also use the back side of a pocketknife blade and a chunk of quartz, agate, or jasper.) Hold the steel steady and strike the flint downward against it. Repeat the motion until a spark ignites your tinder—cedar and birch shavings and dead grasses all work well.
In survival situations, there’s no such thing as cheating. Cotton balls dipped in Vaseline and stored in an empty film canister make excellent tinder. Fluff them up before lighting; you’ll get an immediate, hot, long-burning flame. Small chunks cut from a fake fireplace log will prolong the burn.
For kindling, use twigs and wood shavings. In wet conditions, take dead branches off trees rather than from the ground. Collect about three times as much as you think you’ll need.
In finding water also here are some tips: With luck, you are close to a lake or stream. If you can’t find a source of fresh water, there are several possible strategies. First, don’t be overly stingy with the water you do have: Many have died with carefully hoarded water still in their canteens. Better to drink when you’re thirsty. If you must search or work for water, beware of exerting yourself unproductively.
You can try digging in the dry streambeds or looking for rainwater in hollow stumps or pockets in rocks. You can even use a bandanna to blot the dew from plants at dawn and then wring it into your mouth.
The solar still pictured here is a last resort. To make one, choose the dampest sunny spot you can find. Dig a hole about three feet [0.9 meter] across and two feet [0.6 meter] deep, with a deeper indentation at the bottom to hold your water container. Cover the hole with a piece of your plastic drop sheet and place a small rock at the center to depress the plastic. Anchor and seal the edges with rocks. Adding also crushed plant leaves will slightly boost the output.
Water from the ground and vegetation will condense on the sheet, roll down to the center, and drip into the container. But don’t get your hopes up. Stills often produce only a few swallows of water a day. You’ll need more than one.
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