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How to Pack Fuel in a Waterproof Sack

How to Pack Fuel in a Waterproof Sack

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The well-prepared hiker and overnight camper plans for the trip and packs certain items so that things are not left to chance. Fire fuel, for example, in many instances can be found in an area where a fire will be built. Fuel is commonly considered small and highly flammable tinder that can catch a spark and help start a fire. However, there are situations when tinder fuel may be too wet from rain or not available at all. This is when planning and including tinder fuel in a waterproof bag can help get a fire going for warmth or cooking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Dryer lint
  • Saw dust
  • Wood shavings
  • Small-diameter twigs and kindling
  • Small and large heavy-duty zip-close freezer bags
  • Paper (newspapers, paper towels)
Step 1
Select the type of tinder fuel to start your fire. A wide variety of fuels work well, including dryer lint, saw dust mixed with wax, wood shavings, dry grasses and other fine and highly combustible materials. Place the fuel in a heavy-duty zip-close bag, such as a freezer bag.
Step 2
Push the tinder fuel to the bottom of the bag and partially seal the zip closure. Roll the bag from the end, with the tinder toward the zip closure and force out the air. Seal the zip closure completely to make the fuel more compact.
Step 3
Place the smaller bag of tinder fuel in a larger, heavy-duty zip-close bag. Roll different diameters of tinder and kindling fuel in newspapers or paper towels. The paper will help separate the different sizes of tinder and kindling fuel so that they can be added as needed when starting a fire. The paper can also serve as additional tinder fuel for starting a fire.
Step 4
Place the rolled bundles of fuel in the larger zip-close bag with the tinder bag. Partially seal the bag and roll it up to reduce the amount of size required in your pack.

Tips & Warnings

 
Waterproof matches or matches dipped in wax, a small lighter and candle can also be included in the bag or sack to create an inclusive fire-starting kit.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Write for Trails.com

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