Since a nonexpert's chances of making fire by primitive methods (such as with bow drills) are practically nil, you should always carry matches and lighters in waterproof bags. A flint-and-steel set provides extra security, because it still works after being soaked.

To use it, hold the striker—a curved band of steel—in one hand and the flint stone in the other. (You can also use the back side of a pocketknife blade and a chunk of quartz, agate, or jasper.) Hold the steel steady and strike the flint downward against it. Repeat the motion until a spark ignites your tinder—cedar and birch shavings and dead grasses all work well.

In survival situations, there's no such thing as cheating. Cotton balls dipped in Vaseline and stored in an empty film canister make excellent tinder. Fluff them up before lighting; you'll get an immediate, hot, long-burning flame. Small chunks cut from a fake fireplace log will prolong the burn.

For kindling, use twigs and wood shavings. In wet conditions, take dead branches off trees rather than from the ground. Collect about three times as much as you think you'll need.

Gregory Davenport's Wilderness Survival (Stackpole Books, 1998, U.S. $15) has step-by-step instructions for fire starting and other lifesaving skills.

—Laurence Gonzales

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