The UCO Fire Starting Kit is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. It includes three separate fire-starting tools cleverly packed in a sturdy, waterproof, fireproof, and reusable metal tin. This kit offers three unique ways to ignite a fire, giving you the flexibility to choose the method that best suits your circumstances.
What’s In the Box
- UCO StormProof SweetFire Tinder (8)
- UCO Stormproof matches (25)
- UCO Survival Fire Striker Ferro Rod (color may vary)
- UCO Metal Tin
Ferro Rod
The kit includes a UCO Survival Fire Striker Ferro Rod, which worked as expected, especially on cotton balls and dryer lint. It has a mini-multitool striker that can be a prybar, hex wrench, and pop the top of a cold one!
The red handle is bright and easy to find when left on a rock or log where a fire may be built. The Ferro Rod is the equivalent of a Light My Fire brand Scout model. It makes strong, hot sparks and remains compact. It could even be added to another kit or live on a keychain.
Storm Trooper
Well, close enough. UCO StormProof matches are designed to be a reliable fire-starting tool in the most adverse conditions. They are windproof and waterproof, ensuring they light quickly and consistently even during heavy winds, rain, or snow.
With a burn time of up to 25 seconds, these matches give you ample time to ignite other materials. Their extended length also provides added safety, preventing your fingertips from burns. UCO StormProof matches are valuable to any survival kit and are ideal for lighting campfires, stoves, and gas barbecues.
I’ve used these successfully when I had a well-arranged fire lay beforehand. It never took 25 seconds of burn time. It’s more like 2 seconds, which is my goal when processing natural tinder or making feather sticks. Bravo UCO!
SweetFire
UCO SweetFire matches are a unique and eco-friendly fire-starting solution. They are made from a sugarcane by-product called bagasse, a renewable biofuel infused with vegetable wax for a longer burn time.
Unlike regular matches, SweetFire includes tinder built-in, allowing it to burn for up to 7 minutes, making fire-starting more efficient and reliable, even in adverse conditions. These matches are also storm proof, capable of relighting after being submerged in water, offering a significant advantage in outdoor and survival situations.
I traveled to Palawan, Philippines, for a jungle camp trip and used the SweetFire matches to help secure a much-needed jungle fire when there was a break in the rain. If you know, you know. When every source of tinder and kindling is beyond damp and soggy, you grasp every resource and skill you can muster up. Cooking and heating water was done when nature allowed it.
The UCO SweetFire to the rescue. Everything you thought you knew about making fire is negated in humid conditions. Forget friction fire or ferro rods in less-than-ideal situations and subpar tinder. When “Fire Now” was needed, the UCO SweetFire delivered despite my lackluster kindling.
Stateside, the SweetFire was the perfect ignition and tinder source when used in a twig stove. Once it was loaded with proper kindling and fuel, the SweetFire was added to the bottom and left to do its thing!
TIPS
Always use a firm surface, such as the one on the matchbox, when lighting matches. Keep the box closed for best results. If the striker or the box becomes wet, allow it to dry out before using it again. In the meantime, use a spare striker. If the matches get wet, ensure they are wiped dry before use. Simple and effective!
SAFETY TIPS
Remember to strike the match away from your body or downwards, and watch out for any bystanders, including our furry friends. When you’re lighting it, be cautious because sparks can fly off. Once you’re done, run the match under water or bury it in the soil for several seconds to ensure it won’t start any unintentional fires.
The UCO Fire Starting Kit is loaded with options to help you start your fire. It can be used as a kit and boiling container or separated and added to existing kits.
For more information, check out UcoGear.com.
