Step 12 of 14 · Build a Campfire That Lights First Try
Wind, damp, and the second try
Wind, damp, and the second try — step 12 of 14 in Build a Campfire That Lights First Try. If the match blows out: reposition your body as a windbreak, or build a small rock wall on the windward side of the ring.
Free outdoor skills tip: Wind, damp, and the second try (step 12 of 14 from "Build a Campfire That Lights First Try").
If the match blows out: reposition your body as a windbreak, or build a small rock wall on the windward side of the ring. If tinder smoulders but does not flame: it is too damp. Replace with your cotton-ball backup and fresh dry shavings.
If kindling does not catch from the tinder: the gap between tinder size and kindling size is too large. Shave feather sticks — use a knife to curl thin shavings that stay attached to a stick. These bridge the gap between thread-thin tinder and pencil-thick kindling. Two or three feather sticks solve most failed transitions.
You'll need
- Body blocks wind
- Tinder replaced if damp
- Feather sticks bridge size gap
- No accelerants used
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