This Fool-Proof Outdoor Item Is A Must-Have For Camping In Unpredictable Weather

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One thing about being out in the wild is that weather conditions can suddenly change. And even though one of the most important things you can do before booking a camping adventure is making sure the weather cooperates with your plans, certain conditions are just totally unpredictable.

At a time when you're not expecting it, a sunny day can give way to biting winds or torrential rain. This can ruin your camping experience, as your ability to build a campfire may become difficult. Sometimes, starting a fire may not be for comfort alone, but for survival — especially in emergency situations. In this case, stormproof matches — rather than the normal ones — become essential, as they're designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Unlike regular matches that tend to fail you at the worst moments, stormproof matches are able to light and burn for longer (up to 25 seconds), even in strong winds or after being exposed to water. To test the durability and reliability of these matches, TikTok user @outdoorskills_topone dipped a lit stormproof match in a cup full of sand, poured some water in it, and brought out the matchstick again. Yet, the matchstick was still burning, proving how truly dependable these matches can be in extreme or emergency situations.

The key factor that makes stormproof matches truly stormproof, and waterproof, is the use of chemicals and the inclusion of binders like wax. A stormproof match head typically contains oxidizing agents such as potassium chlorate, which provides the oxygen needed for the fire to start and keep burning, and a sulfur component that serves as fuel for a stable flame. Additionally, the matchstick also tends to be longer and thicker — further ensuring more burn time. Finally, it's also often coated with a wax-like material (or other water-repellents) to achieve adequate water resistance.

Apart from being designed to be rugged, stormproof matches are also made with safety in mind, as some brands incorporate features that prevent accidental ignition in backpacks. For instance, some of these matches come with separate strikers. Others are also made in the form of safety matches, meaning that they require a certain amount of friction before they can create fire. 

In addition to the fact that stormproof matches can be confidently used to start fires while camping in any weather and at any elevation, you can rest assured that the chances of unintentional sparks are very low, if not nonexistent.

You definitely wouldn't want to go out camping without ensuring adequate preparation for unexpected bad weather. Of all the things any camper must consider essential in unpredictable climates, having a dependable fire source easily tops the list — and stormproof matches are the perfect option. After all, not only do they eliminate the worries of being unable to start a fire in certain conditions, but they're especially useful in survival kits, go-packs, and bug-out bags. Even if you're not outdoorsy yourself and are simply looking to put together a survival-themed kit that includes some of the best camping gifts for an outdoor enthusiast in your life, stormproof matches are a worthy addition. Best of all, you don't even need to break the bank to get your hands on some. Available on Amazon for around $15, UCO stormproof matches are affordable and can burn for up to 30 seconds.

Stormproof matches not only check the box as a reliable weather-proof fire starter, but they're also compact and lightweight. This means that they are very easy to pack and take up almost no space in your backpack. 

Whether you're walking through wet forests, hiking through coastal trails, or setting up camp before a mountain squall, you can always be confident that the atmospheric conditions have nothing on you and your stormproof matches.