The cotton trick (video)

[Modman]

The survival thread a little while ago got me thinking that a lot of people don't know just how easy cotton is to start on fire, so I thought I would show you. I did it twice so you can see its not a fluke, they are really that easy to start on fire, didn't even need matches. Way better and cheaper than the "firestarter" things you buy in the store.

This is just one cotton ball each time, sprayed with a little mixed fuel but you don't really need the fuel, it just helps the cotton burn longer.

Get about 50 of these (which is about a handful), double bag them in ziplocs so they don't get wet, then if you need to start a fire in the woods you got 'em handy and they will be dry. They take up no space and add no weight, and you can buy 300 of them for $1.59 at Walmart (seriously). If you want to use fuel, wrap one on a stick and dip in the gas tank, then put about 4 more around the gas-soaked one and then put the match to it - Poof instant fire.

Each cotton ball burns for about 2 mins, but I didn't film the whole thing. This will already be about 25 secs of your life that you won't get back.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWeKd1yv374[/media]

 

[Orrin]

Cotton works well I've tried it a few times myself with just matches though, I never tried it with my flint and stone. I wonder if a spark plug would light a dry cotton ball up?

 

[tmix]

good idea, thanks, cheers

 

[Shibby!]

So what about..... TAMPONS?!

Hehe. Easy to dunk with gas, a rope to fling it at a nice big tree, and presto! Fire!

Seriously, does it work equally the same? This is one method to lighten my already stupidly heavy backpack.


Edit. I want a video!

 

[2003Summit]

For those that don't know, there is a cheaper more convenient source: dryer lint.

 

[imdoo'n]

have used cotton balls dipped in vaseline, burns a long time, you can put quite a few in a baggie. nice call modman could be a life saver, in the woods.

 

[Grinder]

The cotton in the gas tank idea is good how bout pre packaged cotton on a string if you know what I mean. Just open dip in gas holding string and start your fire. I know alot of people are cringing but trust me Ive tried it and it works. Plus no chance of dropping cotton balls into tank.

 

[pipes]

So what about..... TAMPONS?!

Hehe. Easy to dunk with gas, a rope to fling it at a nice big tree, and presto! Fire!

Seriously, does it work equally the same? This is one method to lighten my already stupidly heavy backpack.


Edit. I want a video!

a buddy of mine carries tampons in his pack for that very readon. I've personally seen it done and have to admit, it works well.

 

[Modman]

Cotton works well I've tried it a few times myself with just matches though, I never tried it with my flint and stone. I wonder if a spark plug would light a dry cotton ball up?

For sure it would.

 

[Modman]

Yep to all other great suggestions - dryer lint or tampons would work too, or cotton dipped in vaseline, or cotton on a string. Anything that is cotton and fluffy, main point was to show just how easy it catches fire. Pretty much one of the easiest things to light on fire IMO and burns long enough to catch other things on fire also.

 

[arff]

For cold weather survival or how to deal with being in the water and what to do after you are out.

Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht has studies on survival and fire starting using cotton balls,etc.

Also how to make rescue fires...

He was in Edmonton a few years ago and has great classes.

Good to know when being out doors and stuck with no help.

 

[drew562]

For cold weather survival or how to deal with being in the water and what to do after you are out.

Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht has studies on survival and fire starting using cotton balls,etc.

Also how to make rescue fires...

He was in Edmonton a few years ago and has great classes.

Good to know when being out doors and stuck with no help.

Carry a old sock. You can dip it in your tank and it will burn for up to 20 mins. Thats enough to light even old wet wood.

 

[teamgreen]

For cold weather survival or how to deal with being in the water and what to do after you are out.

Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht has studies on survival and fire starting using cotton balls,etc.

Also how to make rescue fires...

He was in Edmonton a few years ago and has great classes.

Good to know when being out doors and stuck with no help.

He spoke at the Manitoba Emerg Services College Conference this year and it was really good, lots of info about surviving in cold water and hypothermia. Days later 3 girls in North Dakota died when their Jeep was submerged in a lake, Dr Giesbrecht was accurate, if you grab your cell phone when your vehicle goes into the water its already too late for you

 

[Bogger]

Apparently Polaris's are just as easy to ignite and burn for a while......



Bwahahahahahahaha...............


Good Info modman, thanks....

 

[arff]

He spoke at the Manitoba Emerg Services College Conference this year and it was really good, lots of info about surviving in cold water and hypothermia. Days later 3 girls in North Dakota died when their Jeep was submerged in a lake, Dr Giesbrecht was accurate, if you grab your cell phone when your vehicle goes into the water its already too late for you

I went to the classes in Edmonton.
He has great information.