Getting a fire going is often the most important trick you can have in your survival arsenal in the event of SHTF. Whether you simply stray from the trail on a hike or the world has descended into chaos, fire is going to be an essential tool for you to be able to make. Learn this great trick to make starting fires easy, no matter where you are.

1. Use your thumbnail to crimp across the straw about ¼ inch from one end, then fold that end down. 
2. Now use your thumbnail to make a length-wise crease in the part that you folded down. Then pinch the end together.
3. Now take one of the ½ inch pieces of straw and slip it down over the end to hold it closed.
4. Turn up the open end of the straw and start stuffing it with the soaked cotton. 
5. Use the stick to tamp the cotton down tight in the straw.
6. Fill the straw to about ½ inch from the top, then fold the top end down the same way you did the bottom. Crimp it, put a ½” collar on it, and you’re finished. 

Images via Survival Sherpa

With this trick, you'll be able to get multiple uses out of your straw fire starter, and you'll be able to refill it whenever you have the opportunity.

With other straw hacks, you are often required to crimp and seal the end, which is great for keeping out moisture but makes it impossible to reuse the straw.

Luckily, with petroleum jelly, you won't have to worry about keeping out moisture because it will maintain its flammability even when wet.

Overall, this is a great trick to utilize in your survival kit. For more on this topic, head over to Survival Sherpa.

Featured Image via Survival Sherpa