Coghlan's Waterproof Matches

Since we do a lot of canoe camping, and camp in all weather, having waterproof matches seemed like a good idea. These matches will light when (lightly) wet, but I certainly will not purchase them again. These are a perfect example of "you get what you pay for." Inexpensive matches = poor quality.

Yes, you get a lot of matches in this package...but we have found that so many break while you are trying to light them, that probably only half are actually usable.

The stick portion is very flimsy and breaks easily. The matches can be lit only by striking on the box striker plate, but they tend to snap in half as you try. We tried to use the matches with another type of matches with a striker on the box, without success.

Each small matchbox contains 40 matches...but we also found that the striker plate is worn out after only about 10 matches are lit. Just not an effective or satisfactory product. We did try the matches after they had been held in water briefly, and they did light, so at least the waterproof claim is accurate.

They are reported to have a shelf life of 2 years; we have used ours for less than a year. We will continue to carry some in our fire kit, but we have since obtained another type of waterproof matches (UCO) that are much more dependable.

Since these were a minor investment, and bought as an 'add-on" item, I cannot get too upset over their poor performance. But, I would certainly not recommend these to anyone.

These puppies light.

I have yet to be in crazy insane weather situations where I needed a match, but I have used these matches in plenty of other situations and they always light and hold up really well.