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Reviews > Cook and Food Storage Gear > Fire Starters > Exotac MATCHCAP XL > Owner Review by Ray Estrella
Exotac MATCHCAP XL
August 29, 2012
TESTER INFORMATION
I've been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, Minnesota, and many western states. I hike year-round in all weather, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I make a point of using lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. Doubting I can ever be truly ultralight, I try to be as light as I can yet still be comfortable. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring/chilling. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot evening meals. If not hiking solo I am usually with my brother-in-law Dave or my twin children. The Product
Manufacturer: Exotac Inc. Quick & Dirty, Nitty Gritty Undoubtedly the nicest match case I have ever used the MATCHCAP XL is a thing of beauty while also being rugged, tough and practical. Able to carry the longest storm matches with room to spare this is now a permanent addition to my gear. Please read on for the details. Product Description
The Exotac MATCHCAP XL (hereafter referred to as the Matchcap XL as I don't want to yell all through my review ;-) is a bigger version of the company's regular MATCHCAP, holding twice as many matches as the original. The body is made of aircraft grade 6061 aluminum. It has been anodized (orange in my case) and laser engraved for durability. The tubular Matchcap XL is made in two pieces as may be seen above. The top, or cap has a wide thickened section that has grooves around the outside to give a firm grip. The inside of this band is where the cap has been threaded to screw to the lower portion. The threads are square-cut for extra strength. At the top of the cap is a 0.75 in (1.9 cm) wide lanyard loop. Not only will this fit most cording but even nylon webbing or strap will fit if so desired. The lower body is the main match storage portion. The bottom of it has a thick knurled area to provide a good grip even with wet hands or gloves on. The two pieces thread together and when closed the O-ring seal makes it waterproof to 5 m (15 ft) according to the manufacturer An extra O-ring is thoughtfully provided. The Matchcap XL floats well, even full of matches. The body is scalloped to give easy access to the stored matches, as may be seen above. There are 22 storm-proof matches in the Matchcap XL in this photo. It will hold 25 max, or will hold 40 of the smaller common kitchen matches. On the back of the scalloped inner case is a red phosphorus striking pad for both storm matches, normal kitchen safety matches and even paper book matches. Exotac says that the striking pad will last for 25-50 strikes. It can be replaced and Exotac sends extras with the Matchcap XL. They also sell refill kits for it. On the bottom of the body is a round abrasive patch for strike-anywhere matches. (The kind that has phosphorus sesquisulfide on the tip.) These matches may also be lit by striking on the knurling of the body. The abrasive patch is replaceable too and extras were sent also. The Matchcap XL comes in a very nice box along with a user's manual and the extra parts. Field Data
I took the Matchcap XL on approximately 10 two or three-day backpacking trips and two camping trips, all in Minnesota. Locations have been along the Red River of the North, Paul Bunyan and Two Inlets State Forests, Chippewa and Superior National Forests, Lake Bronson and Old Mill State Parks. Temperatures have ranged from lows of 34 F (1 C) to highs of 88 F (31 C) in conditions from sunny, hot and humid to stormy and raining. Here is a shot of it in Lake Bronson State Park. Observations
Most of the time on my backpacking trips I use either a fire striker or a butane lighter to light my stoves. But last fall I took on a project to use only wood for cooking, a project that went through spring and most of this summer too. I was using a Trail Designs Sidewinder system (inside the blue sack) and the way it is made does not lend itself to using a lighter very easily. I decided that matches would work better. Read more reviews of Exotac gear Read more gear reviews by Ray Estrella Reviews > Cook and Food Storage Gear > Fire Starters > Exotac MATCHCAP XL > Owner Review by Ray Estrella |