SURVIVAL POP QUIZ

YOUR SITUATION

Imagine, you are in the Uintas at night, your GPS is not working, no cell phone coverage, and it is a new moon and can't see any landmarks or mountains.
You need to wait till daylight to find your way back to the trailhead. You're 10,500' above sea level, and all the ground is soaking wet. You have warm clothing; but need to make a campfire to survive the night. All your kindling and firewood is cold and wet.

POP QUIZ

If you packed only one of these items, which would help you the most to start a fire or keep you warm through the night? (only choose one)

1. Small box of windproof matches
2. A new lighter
3. One burner stove
4. Flints
5. Magnifying glass
6. Can of Sterno
7. Handwarmer

OUR STORY

Several years ago we went backpacking in the Uintas. We hiked to a remote lake and tried to light a fire. We found the a lighter was worthless. Also, we went through two boxes of windproof matches, burning all the dry paper we were carrying. Between the moisture and the higher elevation it seemed next to impossible to light a fire. Determined, I started the one burner stove up. This gave us instant heat to warm our hands. I took the kindling, and roasted one twig at a time until it was charcoal and built a fire that way.
I was on top of a 11,500' peak watching the Sunrise, and tried to keep warm by lighting a can of Sterno. The wind kept blowing it out and very little heat came out. It was worthless.
One Winter I was snowshoeing and wanted to stay warm. I opened up a large handwarmer, and found it worthless. It was old, and the chemicals no longer brought heat.
Utah has a lot of different terrains, from high elevation wilderness, to desert slot canyons. Each situation requires careful planning and different gear. It is up to you to KNOW WHAT TO PACK. Don't rely on the "10 Essentials list." It is important that every hiker is responsible for their own well being. Even if a leader give you a list of things to bring, it is up to you to plan for your survival.
Why isn't a one burner stove on the "10 Essentials List?" Who made that list anyway?