Camp cooker spark ignition as alternative to flint?

Good idea Pop, thanks.

I used to carry the waterproof matches with me because I had an MSR Whisper Lite but since going to the Jetboil I haven't been. I'm actually thinking of going back to the old stove because bottles of fuel will be easier to get from roadhouses than gas cans.

It is a pizzo type. Good to know they won't work as well as flint.

whats wrong with the indiginous method of twirling a stick to light a fire

also if you take a magify glass it is also quiet capable of starting a fire in grass
i"m speaking from experience doesnt take long in the sun try it in a safe place you"ll be amazed and its not hard to carry in your immergency pack

I once spent a little time trying to light a fire with a magnifying glass. Where there is smoke there is fire they say, but it takes a bit of practice to make it look easy and in my case, not very quick. Same with a flint. But I guess it all comes down to practice.

Waterproof matches drive me mad. I have to admit that carrying a couple of lighters is still my joy when it comes to lighting a fire.

I too thought about getting a Jetboil as I really miss having a quick cuppa on a rest break, but the one-purpose-only of the kettle is a deterrent. It will melt on an open fire. I am considering the MSR PocketRocket as an alternative should I decide to include gas in my CSR drops. It is tiny on its own in comparison and I will be carrying a little billy anyway. Gas water boiling is a luxury. I still have to decide whether it is worth carrying the extra bit of weight or not.

Thanks Mazcan for the laugh.

Unless you're a scout trying to show off why would anyone bother these days.

:D

Gaynor, I went on a 7 day solo trek through the Alps in November one year and packed my waterproof matches into a film canister so the box didn't get wet. It wasn't until the second night when I set up to make my first cooked meal for the trek when I discovered I didn't put in the strike tab from the box. I had to back track and ask some trail workers in a hut if they could donate one from their match box. Duh!

I love my Whisper Lite but I went to a Jetboil because it is a good kit for the way I cook when out hiking. Especially if I'm using the Tasty Bites boil-in-a-bag curry or stirfry, I can use the boil water for a drink after heating the meal and the left over boiled water goes back in my water bottle. But i have to admit, the seller was the blue colour of my Jetboil. I'm a bit of a bower bird when it comes to blue things.

The Jetboil is great for convenience, but from what I understand, those gas canisters only burn for about an hour. I can see how this could be a problem when you are in remote areas for a long time and these particular canisters are not readily available.

On thinking about this further, I realise gas is not the answer in my particular case. Sure I can include gas canisters in my supply drops .... but how do I get them out? My 'leave-no-trace' policy won't allow me to leave rubbish on the Canning and carrying empties all the way to Kunawarritji or Wiluna is not an option.

I am now looking at a military style solid fuel foldable cooker found in ratpacks. Small and light I can carry this without it impacting too much on weight, and the fuel tablets collected along the way from the drops will burn themselves out of existence. My main cooking is done on a small fire in the morning and evening, but I really would like a quick cup of tea or coffee for smoko. Now for the testing, but I expect the military have got it right.

Preparing for an expedition is so much fun :-) It is amazing to see how, as I research and prepare, I am going more and more back to basics. The KISS principal.

Gaynor, here's a link from an old archived post with some comments on the canisters

gas archive

and another link re the different capacities and compatible canisters

threaded butane/propane

There are a variety of brands, Kookaburra, Primus, Coleman, in larger sizes that will last a few weeks of general hiking use.

You're best to go with what you feel comfortable. It is no good getting out on the track and wish you had packed something else.

Check that the fuel blocks are available for your army cooker. That was my first cooker about 24 years ago but I stopped using it because the fuel blocks were getting difficult to find locally. The open flame for non-emergency use is an issue in national parks too.

Fuel efficiency with the MSR UL stoves is very good. Better than jetboil.

Have done the friction fire thing once, Bantam, apart from a couple of attempts as a kid.

Were mustering near the junction of the East and West Baines Rivers in NT, and once at dinner camp, no one had any matches. As it was about 1972, this was a bit unusual, as "everybody" smoked back then.

One of the indigenous blokes started the procedure, using dried peabush, and some dry grass that was crushed into a coarse powder. After maybe 15-20 mins, there was enough hot ash, to ignite the grass. Not long after that, the billy was boiled, tea made and we devoured our corn beef and bead.

If you were try it, I'd recommend gloves!!!

Bob.