A camping chair is an indispensable part of survival and bushcraft expeditions and an essential piece of equipment for preppers and campers. But actually, why not take ordinary matches or an even more convenient lighter with you on an expedition? The answer is quite simple. It's all about fail-safety and reliability. Matches, even the best protected, can soak up moisture or get damaged. In a lighter, the fuel always runs out at the least opportune time, and you can always rely on a flint. It does not run out of gas or gasoline, is insensitive to water and extremely resistant to adverse environmental conditions. In addition, if it's freezing and you're wearing thick gloves, it's definitely easier to use. Operating matches or a lighter with frozen hands can be extremely difficult. Of course, a properly prepared and forethoughtful lover of mountain expeditions and forest camping usually carries more than one fire source.
In addition to buying a flint, it's also a good idea to learn how to use it properly. If you are not a seasoned survivalist, and your experience was limited to lighting a campfire in the summer or a barbecue in the backyard, it will require several attempts and gaining some practice. The first thing to remember is to gather the right materials. Dry wood is not enough. The device will give us a spark, but in order for a flame to appear, care must be taken to properly prepare kindling. For this purpose, we can use dry grass, cotton wool, ragged handkerchief, previously prepared feathery sticks, scraped dry bark or similar materials. Only when a flame appears, we begin to add wood gradually, starting with the thinnest sticks and slowly adding larger and larger pieces. The tool itself is used in this way: rest it on a rigid surface, then move the sharp edge vigorously over the working part. This can often be an attached blade or knife edge. If your cutting tool does not have a sharp back, eventually a cutting edge can be used. For the whole operation, remember to keep our campfire sheltered from the wind. Not only will you then start a fire more easily, but you will also avoid a fire. Try not to let the sparks fall on the elements of your outfit or tent, as they easily burn holes in many fabrics. The second method is to stabilize the knife and rub the edge with a flint. You must determine for yourself which method is easier for you. They work interchangeably, depending on the conditions and the kindling prepared.
The survival chairs available at MILITARY.EU come in many shapes, types and sizes. For most applications and for learning how to chair a fire, it is best to choose a standard tool, i.e. a hard bar with a comfortable handle and an attached tin. An example of a good device of this type is Light My Fire Firesteel 2.0. This is a good and proven flint, the price is adequate for the quality, and when lighting a campfire with a single spark, it will last for twelve thousand such kindlings. It gives a strong spark and is made of good quality materials. In this section you will also find magnesium flints. They have a block of powdered magnesia chips, which must be scraped before the kindling procedure and only on such prepared powder throw a spark. They will work well wherever we have a problem with preparing good quality and dry kindling. The magnesium chair is very effective and at the same time small, so it is worth taking it with you on every expedition where you plan to light a fire. Using this type of device is extremely climatic. Making a campfire on your own using classic tools is fun and rewarding. It is worth mastering this skill, because you never know what the future will bring. The survivalist's campfire chair should be included in every survival kit, especially in a preppers' escape backpack. Backpacks of this type are called BOB, or bug out bag, in English. They allow you to survive the next few dozen hours, before reaching the designated evacuation point. These hours are sometimes crucial, and that is why it is worth having a proven tool in your backpack that will give you a fire source. This is extremely important especially in winter. Paracord wrist bracelets with a tactical flint woven into them are also an interesting addition. They take up little space, and with the acquisition of skills in lighting a campfire, even such a small instrument will be able to achieve the effect. Gadgets from this category will do well as a gift for a military enthusiast, friendly scout or prepper. They make an excellent idea for a small gift or an addition to a larger gift.
