Gathering tinder on the go.

[David]

When out hiking or camping one of the things that is useful is to learn to gather tinder for your fire as you move a long to your destination. This skill also helps develop the mental displine to think ahead and to stay situationally aware. Its some times amazing what you will see or find keeping an eye out for tender. You that are seasoned outdoorsman are proably yawning about now.   

[enki_ck]

Are you sure the title is correct?

[zoidberg]

Are you sure the title is correct?

I was too busy yawning to notice.   

[David]

Are you sure the title is correct?

               

[Gerhard Gerber]

Did the auto-correct tender your tinder? 

I mentioned elsewhere that I start most of my fires with a ferro rod these days, and you can safely assume I don't carry and use cotton wool all the time!

Some types of dry grass catch a spark and go up like petrol,  and a personal favourite is peeling bark of a Commiphora, but for the same money I've used up half a ferro rod on dry stuff that just didn't want to burn......that's why I keep trying.

[David]

Are you sure the title is correct?

I was too busy yawning to notice.   

Dont fall asleep Z.   

Did the auto-correct tender your tinder? 

I mentioned elsewhere that I start most of my fires with a ferro rod these days, and you can safely assume I don't carry and use cotton wool all the time!

Some types of dry grass catch a spark and go up like petrol,  and a personal favourite is peeling bark of a Commiphora, but for the same money I've used up half a ferro rod on dry stuff that just didn't want to burn......that's why I keep trying.

Spelling aint it fun!        It amazing how some things will ignite in a blaze like cattail fuzz and other stuff just sits there and does nothing. I carry a ferro rod which is my favorite way to start a fire. But i have a flint and steel that I'm getting better at. In fact last summer I was showing my mom and sister how it worked and almost burnt my fingers right good.   

[ducttapetech]

Flint and steel is my favorite followed by the ferro rod. And you are right, you need to have a opossum mentally when out and about.

[Gerhard Gerber]

But i have a flint and steel that I'm getting better at. In fact last summer I was showing my mom and sister how it worked and almost burnt my fingers right good.   

My dad recently told me a fascinating story, neighbours of their's were so poor the children literally had to hunt and forage for food in the bush.  This was many years ago in the very same city I live in now.
No firearms, but I assume they had knives.
The part that got me was sometimes they had to go to far and would be forced to sleep in the bush, and apparently they made fire with the white quarts rock common around here.
I also have to assume they used the dry and weathered grass for tinder, but I tried with char cloth as well as char rope and two rocks.  I did get sparks and some of them even hit the char cloth, but no ember....
Few days later smurfed up the spine of my Mora Bushcraft on those same rocks and got a much better spark....yet to test again with char cloth.

The idea of those kids fending for themselves tickles me pink, they could very well still be walking around town, in their late 60's early 70's.
The motivation that necessity gives.......can't help thinking that's part of my failures.   

[ducttapetech]

Get on old file and smooth one side with a grinder. Those old files and a sharp piece of flint makes some serious sparks.

[David]

But i have a flint and steel that I'm getting better at. In fact last summer I was showing my mom and sister how it worked and almost burnt my fingers right good.   

My dad recently told me a fascinating story, neighbours of their's were so poor the children literally had to hunt and forage for food in the bush.  This was many years ago in the very same city I live in now.
No firearms, but I assume they had knives.
The part that got me was sometimes they had to go to far and would be forced to sleep in the bush, and apparently they made fire with the white quarts rock common around here.
I also have to assume they used the dry and weathered grass for tinder, but I tried with char cloth as well as char rope and two rocks.  I did get sparks and some of them even hit the char cloth, but no ember....
Few days later smurfed up the spine of my Mora Bushcraft on those same rocks and got a much better spark....yet to test again with char cloth.

The idea of those kids fending for themselves tickles me pink, they could very well still be walking around town, in their late 60's early 70's.
The motivation that necessity gives.......can't help thinking that's part of my failures.   

Interesting story G. Necessity certainly is a powerful motivator.

Get on old file and smooth one side with a grinder. Those old files and a sharp piece of flint makes some serious sparks.

Hadnt thought of that Nate. Will have to find an old file and give it a work out. Where's Tony when you need him?     

[enki_ck]

Also, if you gather while you go and store it in a dry place, it can dry the moisture out if there is any. Harvesting pine resin if you see some can also be a good idea...

[David]

Also, if you gather while you go and store it in a dry place, it can dry the moisture out if there is any. Harvesting pine resin if you see some can also be a good idea...

Good point on the drying out the tinder. Pine resin good tip there. Thanks buddy!

[Alan K.]

As a historical reenactor portraying 18th and 19th century events I had to learn to light a pipe using flint and steel, with a bit of flax to catch the spark.  The smoke wasn't too bad, but that first puff (burning flax) was HARSH!
 

[AimlessWanderer]

As someone who doesn't get much time for outdoor activities these days, and someone who has given up intentionally making life more difficult than it needs to be, I use a lighter or matches. I do tend to have survival items on me when I do (did) venture out, but don't practice the skills these days.

I must confess, I don't keep my eyes open for tinders or foods either. I've usually been guilty of carrying a heavier load to compensate for lighter knowledge, and the plan is to survive with what is in the pack rather than what may or may not be around me. However, if things did go wayward, I would start paying much closer attention to my surroundings before supplies were exhausted.