The Yellow
Lifesaver
If you spend
enough time in the backcountry, you will find yourself having to make fire
under extreme conditions where it’s a downpour, snowstorm or the risk of
hypothermia nipping at your heels.
Getting in
the habit of always carrying 3 firestarters (Stormproof matches, spark rod and
lighter) and a vial of cotton balls smeared with Vaseline is a critical step in
being prepared.
Your other
friend, found in most forests throughout the world, is resinous wood
particularly the old stumps and logs from dead pine, spruce and other conifers.
We have used this wood on winter survival courses in the deep snow and in wet
weather during the summer months and it has been key in getting ignition and
warming our bones during cold nights.
Look for old
stumps in pine or spruce forests or use dead-standing trees. I have done
this on stumps buried under the snow and gotten instant ignition.
This shaving
technique is a woodcraft skill that you can practice in your backyard. Keep an
eye out for that yellow-tinged wood on your next hike and try it for
firestarting. It can be a real lifesaver.