Testing Waterproof Matches
In this video, I test some waterproof matches that come with our survival kits. Matches are made by Coghlan's. I test the matches straight out of the box, dipped in water, and having been soaking in water for a day. I also test the box strike material having been soaking for a day.
Summary
The matches soaking in water eventually become useless. I do not know how long this takes. I had my matches soaking for 24 hours. Allowing them to dry does not make them usable again.
The matches worked just fine with a quick dip in water (a few seconds) even without drying off.
The box strike material when soaked in water (for 24 hours) was also useless. It does, however, dry out and become usable again.
What do we do with this information?
- Fire is extremely important. Always carry more than one way to start a fire. You can carry water proof matches, a lighter, flint and steel, or better yet, all of those.
- Protect your matches better:
- Carry matches in a waterproof container
- Add additional coating to matches, like candlewax
- Make sure to protect the match strike material as well
- Get strike anywhere matches: these matches do not require a specific strike material and can instead utilize any rough surface. They still cannot get wet, but you at least wouldn't have to worry about the strike material.
