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Means for kindling a fire. Bushcraft. Homemade effective kindling for a fire. Wood-burning stove from cans for lovers of outdoor activities and tourism

The experiment was a success - the experience was obtained, structured and formalized. Description and photo of the experiment below:

1. Extraction of tinder, kindling and firewood

One flint and firewood for a fire is not enough, because. in reality, this little thing is not able to ignite even birch bark - only medical cotton wool and gasoline ignite from a spark. In order to get fire from a spark, tinder is needed.

I chose Ivan-tea fluff as a tinder, but I'm sure that any other will do. natural material most similar in structure to medical cotton. To example will do reed/cattail fluff, poplar fluff, dandelion fluff, burdock and other plants that form fluff after flowering, or dried moss or tinder fungus tissue. In an emergency, you can always find an abandoned bird's nest - the only thing in the taiga that really lights up from a single spark. it is always protected from rain and consists only of bird down and dry grass. But it is still better to make your own "nest" for the sprouts, and not to ruin innocent birds.

He hopes that the spark will ignite the tinder, and he, in turn, will immediately transfer the flame to the firewood - it is ridiculous. As practice has shown, fluff from a spark also does not light up, but only begins to smolder, giving coals that can be turned into fire with the help of air injection and birch bark. Therefore, before starting the process, it is necessary to take an ax and prepare birch bark.

It is best to take birch bark from dead trees - plucking birches already fallen by nature is not only more ethical, but also much easier and more practical than fiddling with standing living trees.

As firewood, it is easiest to use dry branches of pine trees - the benefit of pine trees felled by time and wind in the taiga is abundant. It was possible to look for good deadwood, but the branches are much closer and more accessible.

Bottom line: tinder, birch bark, wood chips for kindling, firewood

2. Starting a fire

Preparing a place for a fire.

We cut sparks until enough of them accumulate so that the tinder begins to smolder.

We inflate the smoldering tinder, placing thin strips of birch bark. The process is not fast, so you need to approach it with patience without too much haste.

Sooner or later, fire still appears (although for the first minutes it seems that smoke without fire still exists)))

We put wood chips for kindling, and then we stack the firewood with a well or a hut (or you can use both methods at the same time - cover the well with a hut).

3. Conclusions

Making a fire with a flint and flint is an absolutely unnecessary crap in a campaign. Yes, this is interesting to do for show, but in a real trip, a lighter is better than a flint and flint for at least three reasons:

Firstly, a lighter saves time spent searching for tinder (carrying a supply of tinder with you is ridiculous because it’s easier and easier, and most importantly, it’s more practical in terms of the volume occupied to carry hunting matches or the same lighter).

Secondly, the lighter saves time spent on making a fire with the help of the most inefficient way of forcing air - pulmonary traction.

Thirdly, even if the lighter runs out of gasoline (or gas), it can still give sparks that are no different in their properties and effect from the sparks of the flint.

Well, the main counterargument against the stupid fashion for a flint and flint - this trinket is lost just like a lighter, but at the same time it costs no less than a trouble-free Zippo.

Don't give in fashion trends- use reliable and efficient sources of fire.

Making a fire in everyday life and conditions country house today it is customary to carry out with the help of ignition fluid. She is a special chemical composition, which is colorless and odorless and allows in the shortest possible time fuel coals and other types of solid fuels.

Lighter fluid, the composition of which can be very different, is suitable for use in barbecues, barbecues, grills and when making fires in compact stoves and fireplaces. Today, these mixtures are made on the basis of paraffins and do not form soot. They are suitable for making a fire to be used for cooking.

The need for liquid

The ignition process is simplified, because for this it is necessary to sprinkle the fuel with a mixture, and then allow it to soak in for several minutes. The next step is to bring a source of open fire, and you can get a flame. The use of liquid allows you to make a fire even in the most extreme conditions, which include strong wind and high humidity. With the help of a specially made liquid, you can start a fire almost anywhere, and under any conditions, even the use of raw material for a fire should be included. This allows you to use the freed time for other, more enjoyable tasks.

The tool can be used not only when going out into nature, but also for quickly making a fire in everyday life. If you purchase a quality lighter fluid, the composition of which will be mentioned below, you can get a fire that flares up slowly and without harm to human health. After all, with a sudden fire, you can get a burn.

When using the product, you must be extremely careful, as poor-quality goods can flare up and threaten with unpleasant consequences. In order to determine whether you have purchased a quality product, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition. Among other things, one should take into account how well-known the manufacturer is in the market of the respective goods. Below are several options from which you can choose the one that suits you.

Composition and characteristics of Forester fluid

This lighter fluid, which is formulated with a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, is not capable of altering the taste of cooked food. The products are manufactured by a Russian manufacturer, which means they are of low cost. The tool can be used to ignite firewood, coal, and is safe for health.

The composition of the mixture is non-toxic, it does not change the taste of food and does not form soot. As practice shows, a bottle of liquid is convenient for use, transportation and storage. The design of the cover has certain features that exclude leakage. If the bottle is in the hands of curious children, then thanks to a special mechanism it will not give in to uncorking.

Reviews of the liquid "Eco-standard"

This lighter fluid, formulated with a mixture of liquid paraffins, is toxic. If the product gets on exposed skin, they should be washed immediately with water. Consumers are advised to store the packaging away from open flames and heating devices. If it becomes necessary to extinguish a flame that has been diluted with this liquid, then earth or sand must be used for this.

Buyers claim that if the liquid is placed on blazing coals or in an open flame, a flash may occur. Do not use this product in fireplaces, indoor barbecues or ovens. You can store the mixture at the temperature regime recommended by the manufacturer, which is limited by the limit from 0 to 30 ° C.

Instructions for the use of "Eco-standard"

Before purchasing a mixture that will be used to make a fire, you must read the composition. Coal ignition fluid "Eco-standard" must be applied according to a certain algorithm. The product must be evenly applied to the ignition spot, left in this state for 2 minutes to allow the material to be absorbed. Only then can you start igniting. If you follow these instructions, you will not encounter a sudden flash, coals saturated with liquid should flare up with a calm and even flame.

Composition and instructions for using the "Clean Energy" liquid

Pure Energy lighter fluid, which contains a mixture of liquid paraffins and hydrocarbons, is a product that must be applied in an even layer on coals or wood in a fireplace or barbecue. If their weight does not exceed 3 kg, then 250 ml of liquid will be enough. After that, the composition is left, like any other, for 2 minutes, then you can set fire to the fuel. The new formula of the product is safe for the human body, it, like the others, is not able to change the taste of products.

Things to remember when using lighter fluid

The composition of the fire starter fluid mentioned above is not the only thing to be aware of when buying and using this product. As you know, the number of people who have suffered while cooking barbecue outside the city or in conditions is constantly growing. own house. Vacationers quite often get burned when using the described lighter fluids. Consumers do not consider it necessary to familiarize themselves with the composition of combustible mixtures, so they face problems.

Experts advise to purchase those formulations, among the ingredients of which there are paraffins. If you see on the label that liquid hydrocarbons are present in the mixture, then most often the manufacturer means alcohols. Such a substance will quickly burn out, and it is generally not recommended to add it to the fire, as this can lead to severe ignition burns. The moment a person tries to do this, the flame will get to the throat of the bottle, the person will start shaking it, but only spill the liquid. Experts say that certain additives can also be harmful to health. You can determine the harmfulness yourself by shaking the bottle. If abundant foam appears, then the manufacturer may have added acetone or gasoline. These substances are known to be explosive.

We prepare liquid for ignition with our own hands

If you do not want to purchase lighter fluid, a do-it-yourself composition may well be prepared. A simple ... vaseline will serve as a basis, with which you need to lubricate homemade brushwood. Cotton balls are processed with the same tool. If you use a synthetic ball, it will burn out instantly. Such surprises can be avoided by purchasing cotton products. It will be possible to check the material by the method of its arson. Synthetics will begin to melt, and cotton will slowly burn and smoke.

Conclusion

You can, of course, purchase lighter fluid from the store. The composition, the poisoning of which is diagnosed quite often, is sometimes better not to use. To do this, consumers purchase petroleum jelly, which is used to lubricate the balls over the entire area. Inside, such products should remain dry, they do not need to be torn. This will give you the effect of a candle wick. When it is necessary to kindle a fire, the ball should be torn open, exposing the dry core, which will serve as firewood for kindling. Dry cotton wool will light up, and then Vaseline will take over, which will slowly burn for several minutes.

Trips

If the big city isn't your thing, you love to travel, or want to get started, then you might need some information on what to do in extreme conditions to survive.

There are many ideas on how to make things that will help you on your journey.

With your hands you can do a lot useful tools, and you can find out about some of them below.


1. Quick ignition of a fire for active tourism

In wet weather, you may have trouble starting a fire. So that this does not bother you, make blanks that will help you quickly and easily light a fire.

You will need:

Fluffs (threads) sticking to clothes or cotton fiber

Egg carton

Wax from old candles

1. Put the fiber into the egg holes.

2. Melt the candle wax.

3. Pour the melted wax onto the fibers in the carton.

4. Wait for everything to cool and dry.

5. Cut out the blanks as shown in the image.

By setting fire to a match or a lighter, each of these blanks will burn for up to 20 minutes.

You will need:

Two identical plastic jars

Baking paper

Wire or rope to create a handle

Small battery powered candle

Glue stick

adhesive tape

Drill or awl

Super glue

1. Clean the jars of any debris and grease. You only need one jar lid.

2. Measure and cut three pieces of baking paper to fit inside the jar.

3. Glue the ends of all three parts so that you get a tube that will be convenient to insert into the jar.

4. Make a hole on opposite sides of one plastic lid (from the jar).

5. Insert the wire into the holes and bend it to make a handle.

6. Make a large hole in the other lid. This time the holes are on top.


7. Insert a candle inside the hole (there will be a switch outside). Fix the structure with glue.

8. Now glue the lid with the handle to the bottom of the jar, and simply screw the top lid (with the candle) back onto the jar.

3. What a tourist should do in the cold - a hand warmer

You will need:

Calcium chloride (or something that contains it)

2 bags of different sizes with a zipper

1. Pour some calcium chloride into a large bag.

2. Fill a small bag with some water.

3. Put the small bag inside the big one.

4. Upon contact with coolness, calcium chloride begins to heat up, and you get a comfortable hand warmer.

4. Wood-burning stove made of cans for outdoor enthusiasts and tourism enthusiasts

You will need:

2 cans (diameter approx. 7.5 and 10 cm)

Scissors for cutting metal

Can opener

Screwdriver or awl

Ruler

1. Cut off the bottom from a large jar. Make holes in it to turn it into a ring.

2. Put the ring on a jar of smaller diameter.

3. In a small jar, make several holes (top and bottom, large and small).

4. Insert a small jar into a large one.

5. Mobile stove for lovers of extreme tourism

You will need:

Small metal box

1. Cut the cardboard so that it fits comfortably in the tin box.

2. Melt the wax.

3. Wax the cardboard. Pour so that there are no empty holes.

Ready. It will burn long and hard.

6. What a tourist needs: odnora sachets of coffee

You will need:

Paper for straining coffee infusion

Dental floss

measuring spoon

1. Put papers for straining into a measuring spoon.

2. Pour in 1-2 teaspoons of coffee.

3. Use dental floss to secure the coffee paper.

4. Cut off the excess (if the tail of the paper is long).

5. Put all sachets in a zip lock bag to keep them longer.

To brew coffee, use coffee bags in the same way as tea bags:

1. Place the sachet in a cup and pour boiling water over it..

2. Wait a few minutes.

* Boiling water can be poured for free on an airplane, airport, cafe and other places.

3. Before drinking coffee, take out the sachet and throw it in the trash.

7. Very interesting ideas: mobile toilet paper holder

When it rains, toilet paper can get wet. But if you make such a holder, then you can get rid of this problem.

1. Prepare a wide plastic jar.

2. Remove the lid and put toilet paper inside.

3. Make holes at the top and bottom and insert wire to make a handle.

4. Cut an oblong hole to push the paper through.

8. How to Make an Organic Plant Bug Repellent Spray

You will need:

1 head of garlic

1 small onion

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 liter of water

1 tablespoon liquid olive soap

1. Put garlic and onion in a blender and mix until liquid.

2. Add 1 liter of water and a tablespoon of cayenne pepper to the contents.

3. Cover the potion and leave for 1 hour.

4. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and add 1 tbsp. l. olive soap.

5. Fill up a spray bottle and use the contents to keep bugs away from your plants.

9. DIY compass

This craft can be done with your child, it is so simple.

You will need:

plastic cover

Magnet (rod)

Piece of cork or foam

Some water

1. Use a knife to cut off a piece of cork from champagne or wine.

2. Pass the needle along the magnet several times, but only in one direction. If you made it enough times, the needle will also become a magnet.

3. Pour water into the plastic cap.

4. Put the cut circle from the cork on the water, and put the needle on top. Take your time, make sure that the needle lies flat.

Soon the needle will begin to slowly rotate, and its tip will begin to point north.

10. DIY snowshoes

11. DIY water filter

12. DIY hammock

Sometimes there is a need to kindle a fire from wet firewood without skill. Usually, firestarters from the store come to the rescue, but these funds are unreasonably expensive, so we offer you several recipes for homemade products.

soap gel

The first and for me the most convenient is a gel made from laundry soap and 96% alcohol. For 1 part of grated soap, add 3-5 parts of alcohol (the exact ratio is different each time, probably depends on the type of soap, but this recipe is an example of household soap). Soap can be melted in a water bath, or grated on a coarse grater. The result should be a thick mixture, more like a shampoo, from which it will smell very strongly of alcohol.

The advantages of this composition:

  1. We smear a few chips in the future fire and set fire to it - first the alcohol burns out, then the soap, by this time the tree lights up.
  2. A good antiseptic, if diluted with water to the state of liquid soap, you get something reminiscent of the antiseptic "Soap Alcohol" (used when cleaning small wounds from dirt). You can use it without dilution - poured a drop on your hands, rubbed it, washed it off with water.
  3. If a bottle of alcohol is slightly opened in the backpack, then the alcohol, gradually flowing out, will soak all things and evaporate. If a bottle with this mixture is slightly opened, then most likely nothing will leak out, although in case the cap is completely opened, a bag can be put on the neck of the bottle and covered with an elastic band.
  4. There is no temptation to dilute alcohol with water and drink, alcohol is used only for its intended purpose.

cotton wool

Wax-soaked cotton pads for removing makeup work great as kindling for a fire.

All you have to do is melt a candle in a saucepan, dip cotton pads into the wax, hold them there for 2-3 seconds so that they are well saturated. And put on baking paper to cool. Paraffin candles are also suitable. Only the pads soaked in paraffin will not burn so brightly and for a long time.

It is better to dip and catch the pads with long tweezers or kitchen tongs. And, of course, you should follow the simplest safety rules and wear at least an apron so as not to burn yourself with hot wax. Before setting fire to the impregnated cotton pad, it needs to be torn a little.

It is a pleasure to take one on small trips: it burns well and weighs little.

There is another way to prepare such kindling: cotton balls and petroleum jelly. Vaseline must be well, but evenly coat the ball over the entire area. But inside the ball will remain dry, that is, it is not necessary to tear the ball. Thus, we get the effect of a candle wick. When you need to start a fire, you tear the ball from the inside, thereby exposing the dry core of the ball, which will serve as an excellent firewood for kindling.

Homemade brushwood must be tightly pushed into an airtight container, such as a film box, aspirin, or other medicine. By the way, it is worth noting that a well-soaked ball, even if it gets wet, will still not absorb moisture, due to the vaseline shell. The shelf life of such homemade brushwood is practically unlimited, and the manufacturing process itself is simple and not expensive.

Natural types of kindling

Below we present several natural types of kindling for a fire:

  • Rough dry last year's grass. Universally available, exceptionally effective kindling. Weeds are broken (or crushed) into small pieces 15-20 cm long, loosely placed in the center of the fire, a hut is built from thin dry branches on top. The fire is ready with one match! True, there is one "but". The efficiency of this type of kindling is reduced to almost zero in wet weather and during the winter thaw. And in the cold, weeds, covered with a thin layer of frost, will not immediately catch fire. So the use of this type of kindling is limited to hot summer days.
  • Small dry branches of spruce or fir. In terms of characteristics and efficiency, they are close to the previous type of kindling, availability is determined by the presence of spruce or fir within reach. Compared to weeds, wet "cobweb" lights up much better; better flammability and winter time. A "spider web" is used similarly to weeds.
  • Birch bark. Birch bark is a real find for those who set themselves the goal of making a fire. It burns beautifully in any form: raw, rotten, taken from a living tree. The availability of this type of kindling is determined by the presence of adult birch trees, which, thank God, are one of the most common trees in our conditions. You can get birch bark both with your bare hands and using improvised means, however, the best results are obtained by removing large layers with a knife. Two deep annular cuts are made on the tree trunk, the distance between which is determined by your desire. Annular cuts are connected perpendicular, directed along the trunk. It remains to pick up the formed edge and tear off the birch bark with a layer. Next, the birch bark is laid in a compact pile in the center of the fire, a hut is built from thin dry branches on top. The fire is ready.
  • Dead spruce bark. Extremely effective kindling in any season and in all weather conditions, it ignites perfectly when wet. Large pieces of bark are excellent for campfires in damp conditions or in winter. Accessibility is determined by the presence of spruces and fir trees - trees in the middle lane are very common. The bark easily peels off in pieces of various sizes, you just need to pick it up with any tool at hand. This is best done with a small hatchet. It should also be borne in mind that the most tarred bark is located at the butt of the tree. The collected kindling is used, similarly to the previous ones, as the basis for the "hut". At the same time, the pieces of bark are located in a “pyramid”, and the branches of the hut must be thick enough, otherwise they will burn out instantly.
  • Coniferous resin streaks. Everyone knows the specific feature of coniferous trees to tighten damage with resin. Initially liquid and viscous, over time, the resin hardens into a solid opaque mass - it is this “old” resin that is used as kindling. This type of kindling ignites when wet and is considered the best for use in winter, even in very coldy. Its availability is determined by the presence of any coniferous tree- again, the middle zone of Russia does not experience a shortage of them. The resin solidifies in two forms: either in the form of nodules ranging in size from walnut up to a fist, or in the form of sagging deeply impregnating the bark and wood around large cracks. We will need both. True, to extract the resin, you will need a hatchet or a strong knife - both nodules and streaks are removed with a piece of the underlying bark and wood. Further use of kindling is similar to the previous ones - as the basis for the "hut". The branches of the hut should be thick enough to avoid quick burnout.
  • Dry core of spruce, fir, pine. Perhaps the most time-consuming type of kindling in obtaining and manufacturing, the efficiency of which is much lower than resin, spruce bark and birch bark. However, this method can come in handy during heavy rainfall, especially a downpour, when there is no time to look for another type of kindling, but you want to quickly dry off by a hot fire. So, the availability of this method is determined by the presence of a nearby dead (just standing, not lying on the ground, dead) coniferous tree of sufficient thickness (from the thigh of an adult man, no less), with a whole top. Too thin a tree can be soaked with water to the very core, and in trees without a top, the core, as a rule, is already rotten and rotten. Not suitable for this purpose are trees standing in places with excessive moisture (lowlands, swamps), as well as larch. These options will either be raw through or rotten. Having found a suitable tree, we cut it down, easier and faster - with a saw. With the help of a saw, we cut into chocks and see that the core of these chocks is completely dry. The selected chock (or two) is stabbed into 4 parts and with a sharp knife we ​​plan a sufficient amount of chips and a torch from the core. Next, we build a familiar “hut” from the material obtained, the basis for which will be a neat pile of chips, and the walls will be torches. At first, the fire requires attention, protection from rain and regular fueling (as it burns up, the dimensions of the firewood also increase), but, having matured, it burns hot and is not afraid of precipitation.

Bonfire even if there is gas burner or Primus? - an indispensable attribute of travel. It just doesn't always work out. Although with the right kindling, it becomes not so difficult. Some representatives of the northern peoples are still able to boil a kettle on a fire made of twigs as thick as a pencil...
For a city dweller who ventures into the woods once every six months, even just making a fire often becomes a problem, especially if it happens in wet weather and there is no gasoline at hand. But if you took with you the means for kindling, then you don’t have to worry - the fire will flare up. Even if you breed it for the first time. At least that's what the manufacturers say. And we will check it now.

THE REQUIRED TRINITY
Not all products tested today can be considered fire starters, but they are all important for making a fire. It is possible to distinguish the kindling itself, burning long time with a temperature sufficient to dry and ignite firewood, means of ignition (matches), which are indispensable in the forest, and, finally, fuel long burning, capable of replacing a fire or helping to build it in very advanced cases.

The main thing that is required for a fire is matches. The master can even build a fire from one such stick in a wet forest. True, she herself must be dry. To do this, you need to fill ordinary matches with paraffin. This protection guarantees the dryness of the product even if it is completely immersed in water. But hunting matches are considered more reliable. They are not afraid of water and should not stop burning even when lowered into water. But it turned out that since Soviet times the quality has dropped sharply. No, all subjects ignited and burned in the air normally. But when immersed in water, about half of them stopped burning. And this happened with hunting matches from each package. Therefore, if it is pouring rain outside, then it is better to light matches under a canopy. Other than that, they are quite functional.

USELESS IRON
Iron matches are like sparklers with a match head at the end. They are afraid of bends, moisture, wind ... They are suitable for kindling fireplaces or stoves, but their usefulness is doubtful when traveling.
So take hunting matches with you. But with a margin: in wet weather, their consumption may increase.

THERE IS A REASON NOT TO DRINK
The best kindling - dry moss or pine needles - is not always available in the parking lot. Birches also do not grow everywhere. And when the firewood is damp, a lot of birch bark is required. So special equipment is needed. The most famous of them, "dry alcohol", ignites easily and does not produce soot. Its main drawback: if it is wet, then it cracks during combustion, scattering fragments. Yes, and during transportation can be painted.

Paraffin-based kindlings are either hardwood-like pulp impregnated with paraffin, or simply paraffin bars. Long-burning matches and ignition briquettes are similar to the first option. Hardboard products burn confidently, dampness and getting wet before use is not a hindrance to them. But on burning matches and briquettes, water must be excluded: they go out like pretty ones.

Paraffin bars flare up instantly, are not afraid of water during transportation, and do not even fade during combustion when water drops fall on them. But if the rain is torrential, the paraffin does not stand up.

"Fire of Lebedev", products from a mixture of sawdust and paraffin of a special form, can be used as a substitute for a fire. And the younger model of the family is also like kindling. It burns for two hours and eliminates the need to collect small branches.

Iron matches ("Energy-SV", 75 rubles, 14 pcs.)

Made on the principle of sparklers: a combustible mixture on a wire. The length of the combustible layer is 13 cm. The burning time is 1 min. They ignite through one, the combustible layer crumbles when bent, they are afraid of moisture and wind. The flame is very hot, but the burning time is not enough to ignite. Suitable for home use.

Hunting matches ("Plitspichprom", 20 rubles, 20 pcs.)
Classic hunting matches in a cardboard box. The length of the combustible layer is 3 cm. The burning time is 8.7 sec.

Matches for the hunter ("Plitspichprom", 50 rubles, 20 pcs.)
Long hunting matches in a cardboard box. The length of the combustible layer is 5.5 cm. The burning time is 21.3 sec. Not afraid of wind, moisture and rain. Easily ignite and confidently burn in the air, regardless of weather conditions. In short, everyone is good, but half goes out in the water.

Matches for special purposes ("Belka-Favorite", 20 rubles, 6 pcs.)
Elongated hunting matches in vacuum packaging. The length of the combustible layer is 6.5 cm. The burning time is 49.7 sec. The longest burning time and additional protection against dampness (useful when the package is completely submerged in water: dampens wooden base- and the matches refuse to light). But half of the matches also do not burn under water. Optimal price/quality ratio.

Long-burning matches ("Russian match", 73 rubles, 14 pcs.)

Triangular matches made of pressed wood dust impregnated with paraffin. Package - cardboard box. Burning time - 6 min. 34 sec.

Dry fuel "Voanda" ("Promeks ST", 56 rubles, 12 pcs.)

Dry fuel in classic size tablets with a match head. Diameter - 3 cm, height - 1.1 cm. Burning time - 13 min. A very convenient solution, only the grater could be made waterproof and bigger. The packaging itself is sealed enough to prevent dampness. One tablet is enough to make a fire from semi-dry firewood. Can be used for personal cooking.

Dry fuel "Gefest" ("Stroybis Venture", 120 rubles, 3 pcs., 600 g)

Fuel tablets in foil packaging. Tablet diameter - 7.5 cm, height - 4 cm. Burning time - 57 min. Size matters when there is not a single dry branch in the forest. With "Hephaestus" you can easily kindle a fire. It will take a lot of time, but the heat will be provided. It can be used as an alternative to a burner if your pot is no more than two liters. Protect from moisture during transportation!

Briquettes for ignition ("Alabr", 100 rubles, 64 pcs.)

Briquettes made of compressed wood dust impregnated with paraffin. Packing - cardboard box. Burning time - 6 min. 5 sec. There are two crisply diced plates in the package that peel off easily and burn surprisingly long for its size. To ignite them, you will need a separate source of fire. Nevertheless, of all kindling using paraffin, this option seems to us the most profitable, compact and efficient.

Solid fire starter Pe-Po (Czech Republic, 66 rubles, 40 pcs.)

Riket made of paraffin mass with a notch in a cardboard box. Dimensions (general) - 95x150x27 mm. Burning time 1/20 - 11 min. 36 sec. Despite the 40 cubes declared on the package, we managed to find one briquette in the box with a very indistinct notch, along which, apparently, it was worth breaking off these cubes. In practice, it did not work out: the paraffin broke off regardless of the lines, forming pieces of irregular shape. Therefore, we decided to give the overall dimensions and burning time for the broken piece. The bar lights up easily, burns hot, is able to evaporate moisture from firewood and kindle a fire, but at the same time emits a large number of soot. So it is better not to stand on the leeward side of the burning bar. The firelighter is afraid of water only, as one would expect, when pouring during combustion, any other impact of it has no result. It is better to transport and store in sealed packaging: the substance has a pungent smell of petroleum products.

"Fire of Lebedev" 0.2/2 ("White Candle Yard", 195 rubles)

A truncated cone made of sawdust soaked in paraffin, wrapped in paper. Dimensions - 75x80 mm. Burning time - 2 hours. This variant of Lebedev's Fire produces a flame 20–30 cm high and is designed for independent use as a replacement for a fire and for lighting. But the “pyramid” is also useful for kindling a fire, especially in those places where there are no small branches: a powerful and hot flame, combined with long burning, allows you to confidently ignite rather thick branches, even wet ones. Only it is necessary to make a fire not on the ground, but on a hill: the fire at the cone breaks out from above. A thing worthy of taking a place in the backpack of any traveler: Ogon Lebedev is not afraid of water, weighs only 200 g, does not take up much space, and its versatility can come in handy both in everyday and in extreme situations. The older brother of Ognya Lebedev, model 0.5/2, can only be used on its own as an alternative to a fire, heater, dryer or torch.

continuing the topic review from comrade Umcbrat:

I found an interesting publication, which is in my opinion a very interesting and informative article.

When you have charcoal and liquid kindling (a mixture of liquid paraffins), the question of how to quickly make a fire does not arise. Any matches will do, in extreme cases a lighter. But if firewood is used, besides, it is not very dry, and there is no bottle with flammable liquid, then one has to remember the pioneer childhood and youth on the march.

If you are not in a hurry and know how to properly build a fire, then, of course, ordinary matches or a lighter will be enough. But today, a variety of hunting, tourist, fireplace matches are also sold, which are designed to help light firewood quickly and without any hassle. So we decided to check whether they are “afraid” of moisture and wind, how long they burn and how effectively they set fire to logs.

A small, but, in our opinion, significant addition. There are also thermite travel matches - in terms of the effect on wood, something in between ordinary hunting matches and kindling. The thing is spectacular and efficient, with a very high combustion temperature, but thermite matches are extremely rare on sale.


To compare the incendiary capabilities, we involved in the test the so-called "Super kindling", since in terms of its dimensions it is quite comparable to long-burning matches.

We plan to publish a report on other modern kindling materials in one of the next issues.

A small but, in my opinion, significant addition. There are also thermite travel matches - in terms of the effect on wood, something in between ordinary hunting matches and kindling. The thing is spectacular and efficient, with a very high combustion temperature, but thermite matches are extremely rare on sale, so they did not participate in this test.

To compare the incendiary capabilities, I involved the so-called “Super kindling” in the test, since in terms of its dimensions it is quite comparable with long-burning matches.

A report on other modern kindling materials is planned to be published in one of the next issues.


LLC "Extraform Unit", Moscow
"Long-burning matches" 20 pcs.
Claimed burning time - 6 minutes.

In general, they burn for 6 minutes, although the last minute can not be counted, since the match just burns out lazily. But the declared time is formally observed. After being tested with water, these matches still burn.


Plitspichprom CJSC, Balabanovo
"Hunting matches" 20 pcs.
The declared burning time is 20 s.

Burn for 25 seconds. But after abundant spraying with water without passion and less than the stated time.



"Matches for tourists" 5 pcs.
Burn time not stated.

The triangular briquette honestly burned for 8.5 minutes, ignoring the wind. Moistened with water, he also regularly served.


CJSC Match Factory Belka-Favorit, Kirov Region, Slobodskoy-3
"Matches for special purposes" 6 pcs.
Burn time not stated.

The match burns for almost half a minute (27, 35 s). This is exactly a match, without kindling components. Water and wind do not interfere with her.


NPP "Intaterm", Moscow
"Super kindling" 1 pc.
Claimed burning time - 20 minutes.

It fully justifies its name - it is not afraid of water, it burns powerfully for as much as 27 minutes! Although this is not quite a match, it can be used to light a fire even with damp firewood.


Factory Swedish Match Plam Bulgaria, Bulgaria
"Miracle matches" 20 pcs.
Claimed burning time - 15 minutes.

They exceeded the stated limit by a minute. They burn confidently, with a high flame temperature. Having got wet, they categorically refuse to burn, they do not like water.

Matches "Extreme"
What scoring crap I found in the "Hunter's Signal" kit! Very similar to thermite matches! In the process of burning, hellish temperatures of more than 1000 degrees Celsius are emitted! The melting point of aluminum, for example, is about 660 degrees Celsius! Accordingly, if you throw a burning match into a can of cola, it should burn it in theory :) I suspect that they are ideal for lighting fires in adverse weather! On Pluka, for such KC, the boys would give more than one yellow pants!

On one forum, I found indicative pictures of the burning of these matches!

Each match burns for about 15-20 seconds! The tin can was not burned! But the welded seam remained ...