UCO Stormproof Match Kit

Okay, hopefully my final review of matches! These matches are amazing, and are now kept in our emergency kits, should we ever need to start a fire in extreme conditions. The matches are heavy duty, definitely waterproof, and the case and extra strikers make this a solid, though not expensive, addition to any emergency outdoor gear kit.

We purchased this set of 25 matches,as part of the UCO set which includes a waterproof case, 25 matches, and 2 extra striker strips. These guys are heavy duty! Strong wooden sticks, with a treated end which will stay lit for 15 seconds. They will even stay lit after being immersed in water (see video below).

We did learn early on, though, that you cannot blow out these matches...we found that out when lighting a camp stove, and then found us with a burning match that we could not extinguish...thankfully, we were near the campfire, so tossed the match in there. We have found them best for keeping in the emergency kit, and for lighting campfires in wet conditions.

The wood stick is strong, and will not snap in your fingers. The treated (burning) end of the match does not extend the length of the stick, so you can hold the bare wooden end, but these babies burn hot, and I don't like holding on to them longer than absolutely necessary.

But that is a good thing, because if we got dumped in the canoe, drenched by snow, or soaked by rain, we need to have this assurance that we can start a survival fire.

I think that these matches should be an essential component of every outdoors person's emergency kit. Since the matches (w/o case/kit) cost .20-.25 cents each (come in replacement packs of 25), these are not generally for regular use...but when you need them boy, they work great!