Can it possibly be that there is a natural tinder that lights more easily than fatwood and burns hotter and for longer ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> From my experience the answers yes but it just takes a little more time to prepare !

First off we are looking for some pure resin, you know the stuff, it looks like syrupy stalactites hanging from the bark of trees where a wound has taken place ! I was going to give ya my tip for collecting this stuff but decided I'd let ya get all sticky and learn the hard way like I did ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />



You then need to collect some Cedar bark. If everything is dry then just scrape some off with the back of ya knife but if it's been wet for a while then your going to have to dig a little deeper, don't worry about taking a small section it doesn't damage the tree !



Now ya really need to work this stuff in ya hands to break it down as much as possible. The more it's broken down then the easier it will be to combust.



Now we add the resin.



A few strikes later and we have fire.



Once the fire takes hold of the resin you will really see the fire get going, this will burn very hot and for quite some time even in rain. If ya making a camp fire add some kindling and drop on some more of the resin !



A word of caution, make sure this is totally out before ya leave it as it will smoulder and a slight breeze can get it to flare up again !

At this point Snicker reminded me it was time to get going !!!!

looks great Pits.
Do you know if juniper bark is about the same as cedar? back at home (Seattle, WA area) we always used cedar bark for fires, but now I find my self in South-East Idaho and Utah, and junipers are more common.

I've never tried Juniper buddy. I'd imagine it would work, especially if broken down enough with the resin !
Let me know how ya get on ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Great demonstration dude. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I found this article which says Juniper bark burns well ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

These sources of natural tinder are available year round. Use whatever can be found in the area.

•Birch bark contains a combustible oil and will burn fiercely even when wet. Peel the loose bark - do not cut into the tree.
•Shredded juniper bark can be stripped from dead branches (bark of other shrubs and trees can work too)
•Cattail Fluff - stroke a stick or the back of a knife down the side of a cattail puff to free up the seeds.
•Dry pine needles or spruce needles (though will burn as kindling even if green) still on the branch.
•Spruce Twigs - the dry pencil-thick twigs at the base of a spruce trunk (called "squaw wood" in some areas) makes excellent tinder and dry wood may be found close to the trunk even after days of rain.
•Birds' nests - usually made from twigs and dry grass, these make effective tinder especially if broken up a bit (they tend to be quite compact)

Looks like another great trip Pit, and nice info too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Snicker is a cute little dog. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks buddy but don't let that cute face fool ya she she can be quite the PITA !!!!

Hey thanks pit, I figured it would work, just never got a around to trying it.

awesome info, Thanks! Might have to give that a whirl next time I'm in the woods.

ECF - Pitman spends a lot of time hiking in the woods, and his ideas are based on his experience. He's a good man to listen to! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Definitely, I'm glad I stumbled across this forum for more than just the knives. I learn something new every day, whether it's Lachine's pics of China, or how to start a fire without Fatwood. I at least feel confident NOW more than I did before I found the yard that I might be able to survive a nasty night outside, at least mostly intact, lol. My Uncle is a survivalist, and I've learned a few tricks from him too, but even so I still pick up stuff around here.

Great thread pitman,you might try pulverizing the bark with the but of your knife,
or even the spine to break it down real fine & save the hands.
And thanks for the reminder to make sure the fire is not smoldering & is totaly out.
Smokey would be proud.