Ways to light a fire

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Ways to light a fire
Method	Advantages	Limitations	Tips
Disposable lighter	Easy, hundreds of uses	Fails when wet or very cold; the gas runs out	Carry two. Warm it in your hand if it is cold.
Waterproof or stormproof matches	Work in wind and humidity	Limited quantity	Store them in an airtight container with their striker.
Ferrocerium rod	Works wet, thousands of sparks	Needs very fine tinder and practice	Scrape the rod backward with the striker held still over the tinder, so you do not scatter the nest.
Magnifying glass or lens	Never wears out	Only in direct sun	Focus the smallest point on dark tinder.
9 V battery and fine steel wool	Ignites instantly	Risk of burns	Touch the wool to both terminals; store them separately so it does not ignite in your pack.
Friction (bow drill)	Requires no equipment	Very difficult, exhausting; unrealistic without prior practice	Practice it beforehand, never as your main plan.