My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. While enjoying the outdoors with my Girl Scout troop, friends and family, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to 'lighten up' and primarily use a hammock for sleeping.

Product Information:
Manufacturer: Light My Fire
Year of Manufacture: 2006
URL: http://www.light-my-fire.se
Listed Weight: 1.8 oz (52 g) including package
Measured Weight: 1.8 oz (52 g) including package
Measured Weight: 1.4 oz (40 g) without package
Listed Size: 4.2 x 6.8 x .9 in (107 x 173 x 23 mm) including package
Measured Size: 4.2 x  6.8 x .9 in (107 x 173 x 23 mm) including package
Available Colors: Oak, Blue,Yellow, Green, Red, Oak
MSRP: Not advertised

 For more descriptive information, please see my Initial Report.

Test Locations, Conditions and Time Frame:

        Living in Northern New England, I have the good fortune of being able to experience at least 4 seasons (sometimes within days of each other!) and some of the best outdoor areas around.   During the last two months our temperature range has run from the current average of 72 degrees F (22 C) down to 45 degrees F (7 C).   April and May as usual brought rain, followed by black flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
        I've had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Vermont with family and friends, hiking, camping and just 'hanging out'.  We spend a lot of time during these weekend trips eating and sitting around a campfire relaxing.  The weather was calm and clear for the most part.  The nights were cool so the campfire was very enjoyable.
        I also spent the night on a local mountain (about 2300 ft (700 m)) by myself.  I hiked up on a Saturday afternoon, enjoyed the view, cooked my dinner and enjoyed the view.  In the morning, I made myself a cup of tea and oatmeal, before hiking down.  It was a totally relaxing trip.   I shouldn't have told anyone how great it was - they all want to come next time.
    While hiking in northern New England, many of the trails are unimproved, meaning that I spend lots of time climbing over rocks and brush.  
 
Field Use:

        I have used the Firesteel on 10 occasions away from home (and many more times at home).   It has been used in the field to light dried leaves, dryer lint, grass and 'duff' without a problem.   I have also used it to light paper and wood shavings while at home.   It is extremely quick to light and the motion needed to achieve a spark has become automatic for me.  
        While slight dampness does not seem to affect how quickly the Firesteel lights, wind has been a problem.  I have had to make sure that I have a windbreak available.   The wind doesn't actually keep the Firesteel from lighting, but it does seem to put it out so quickly that nothing will catch quickly enough.     The Firesteel has not been submerged in water, just used during drizzly weather when my hands were wet.
        I find it very easy to use and useful while outdoors.   I prefer carrying it over matches - matches fail fairly easily when damp.  At this point, and from what I've experienced, I believe that the Firesteel would be more reliable.  
        Some of the aspects of the Firesteel I really like is that it can't light accidently, nor is it ever hot to the touch.  When camping and hiking with children, this is a feature that is taken into consideration.  Another thought that occurred to me - I doubt a young child could light the Firesteel - at least not on the first few tries.  This obviously doesn't mean I'd recommend leaving it where a child could get to it.
        I'm looking forward to continuing to use the Firesteel - it helps me accomplish two of the things I like most about being outdoors - sharing good food and relaxing around a fire with my family and friends.  

Continued Test Plan:
    I plan on continuing to use the Firesteel, watching for any decrease in performance.   So far, dampness does not seem to effect how quickly it lights.