These Unexpected Snacks Can Help You Start A Fire In Case Of Emergency

While building the perfect campfire is considered an essential element for overnighting outdoors, in an emergency situation, a fire truly is essential. Unfortunately, although it's always advisable to have a pack of emergency supplies, far too often hikers and campers find themselves unprepared for such a dire predicament. However, if you packed some snacks for your outdoor adventure, you likely have all you need to start a fire without matches in case of an emergency. All it takes is two of the most common snack items found throughout the United States — a soda can and bar of chocolate.

Despite what are likely to be your initial thoughts, this method has nothing to do with the combustibility of either of these items. Rather, these items can be used in conjunction to ignite a pile of tinder, which can then be utilized to build a fire in an emergency situation. While the origin of this method calls for using a soda can, any aluminum can will work. If you don't have a can, it is sometimes possible to scavenge one from campsites or even along the trail. To that end, even reusable water bottles with an unpainted bottom, such as the Klean Kanteen, can be used in a pinch.

To start a fire with a soda can, you just need to follow a few simple steps. In many ways, this method is very similar to using your eyeglasses to start a campfire. The trick here is creating a focused beam of light that is intense enough to light a small pile of tinder.

So, what is the chocolate for? That is actually the first step — polishing the bottom of the can. Off the shelf or out of the cooler, even the unpainted bottom of an aluminum can is not shiny enough to create an intense beam of light. The chocolate, believe it or not, is used to polish the bottom of the can so it gets a shiny, mirror-like appearance. Given that chocolate is one of the recommended emergency supplies for campers and hikers to always carry, you should have some with you on your excursion. If not, toothpaste can be used.

Once the bottom of the can has been polished, point the bottom of the can at the sun. It is recommended to wear sunglasses while doing this. Then, work to find the optimal focal point by placing a sheet of paper or other flat item in front of the reflection and moving it closer or further from the can to see where the most intense concentration of light occurs. Next, hold a small piece of tinder at this point. Once it ignites, carefully place it under more tinder and kindling. When the pile of tinder and kindling is flaming, progressively, larger sticks and limbs can be added.