Personal Information:
Leesa Joiner
leesaj@gmail.com
Southwestern Maine
45 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 m)
160 lb (73 kg)

Background:

    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 FireSteel Scout

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

Product Description:

    The Firesteel Scout arrived in a plastic package, along with a sheet of instructions. At first, it appears inconceivable how such small items could light a fire. The instructions are clear and easy to understand and include a few illustrations. The website provides few details, but it is basically what I expected.

    The Firesteel is a small, two part device used for starting fires. The two parts consist of the firesteel and a striker.   The firesteel is a thin cylinder shaped piece of metal and has a plastic grip at one end, that contains a small hole with a cord. The firesteel is under 2 inches (4.5 c) in length.   The striker is a very thin piece of metal in a notched, somewhat rectangular shape. The striker is also attached to the cord.

Initial Impressions:

     The Firesteel is a small device that doesn't appear to be anything 'special'. First impressions can be deceiving - once I was able to get the hang of the procedure for using the Firesteel, I was able to use it to light some paper and wood shavings fairly easily.   In my original test plan I had mentioned that I wanted to know:

    "Learning curve – How much skill does it take to use the Scout? After looking at the instructions, how quickly can I light a fire? Can I do it on a first try? "

    In answer to that, the trick seems to be that the coating on the firesteel portion needs to be scraped off enough that the striker makes complete contact with the shaft portion of the firesteel.   My first attempt to light something took 4 tries.   The next time I used it, I lit the paper the first try. Reading and following the instructions is important, as there are subtle directions that make a big difference. One of these is making sure the striker is facing the right direction.

Some information from the website:

    * Durable – lasts for 3,000 strikes
    * Works equally well when wet
    * Premium quality
    * No "dangerous goods" shipping restrictions
    * Approved by the International Survival Instructors Association
    * Produces a 3000°C (5,500°F) spark
    * Lights campfires, stoves, gas-barbecues
    * Bright spark – can be used as emergency signal

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 winter, we can usually count on snow, cold and more snow. Spring is making an early appearance.   During the next 4 months our temperature range will typically run from the current average of 42 degrees F (6 C) up to 65 degrees F (18 C).    March and April typically bring rain, followed by black flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
    As winter winds down, I spend more time camping and hiking compared to the coldest part of winter, when I tend to snowshoe and cross country ski and have fewer overnight trips. On the weekends, I head off, into northern Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire, either with friends or my kids or both.
    While hiking in northern New England, many of the trails are unimproved, meaning that I spend lots of time climbing over rocks and brush.

Test Plan:

    The last weekend in March we will be taking long weekend camping trip in central Vermont with some family friends. This trip includes setting up camp and everyone 'doing their thing' during the day.   This could include geocaching, hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing etc. In the afternoon, everyone heads back to camp to cook and sit around the campfire. Chances are we will see some snow and possibly rain. We will be at elevations over 2000 ft (610 m) in a fairly wooded area.
    My next planned trip is for 5 days in early April. We are going to northwestern Maine to camp and hike.   There is a good chance of hitting rain and some windy weather.    During late April, I am going on a solo two-night hike. I will be taking my Eureka EXO 2 tent and my dog!   I am looking forward to hiking alone, as I've wanted to do it for a long time, but could never arrange it. I am planning on only being gone 3 days/2 nights, but may be able to stretch it another night.   I will be above 3000 ft (914 m) so will most likely miss out on any bugs, but could see rain and high winds.
     During May we are planning a family trip to Pennsylvania. We will be camping and site-seeing around the Gettysburg area   I am sure the weather in Pennsylvania will be warmer than Maine, but I can't be sure! This trip will definitely be the one that holds the most surprises – we are making some basic plans, but trying to remain 'flexible' and go with what interests us (and the kids) when we get there.
     Other than these planned trips, I am usually out camping at least one weekend a month and day hike weekly.   We also cook outside quite a bit. I will be using the Firesteel to light our different campstoves, grill, etc throughout the test period.

Some of the things to be considered while testing:

*   Durability – The Scout is advertised as being good for 3,000 strikes. How many do I get out of it? I am even more concerned if it lights reliably every time. Other concerns - can I put it in a pocket of my pack or pants, without it breaking? How well put together is it? Does the 'steel' develop 'dead' spots?

*   Usability – How well does the Scout work when it is damp? Wet? What happens when it is windy? Does a light breeze effect it? A strong wind? How well does it light paper, duff (dried leaves, etc), or dried grass?

*   Other questions - What types of materials can I light with the Scout? Does it work better with some substances than others? How bright is the light it produces? – It is advertised as being able to use it as a signal. I am curious how this would be done. Does lighting the Scout become so easy, or 'natural' that I would reach for it instead of a lighter or match?

    I will carry the Firesteel with me on a daily basis - never know when a firestarting opportunity will arise!   I will be using it quite a bit this coming weekend - lighting various stoves, lanterns and campfires. I am anxious to see how it does.

Read more reviews of Light My Fire gear
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Initial Report

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