The Most Important Wilderness Skill?

What is the most important wilderness skill? The question can be countered in so many ways! Aren’t all skills important? Why trying to make a hierarchy of skills, since mastering only one skill is not enough! The question is relevant because, in the perpetual search of improving one’s abilities, it’s also important to ask: what wilderness skill should be learned first? 

The answer is clear: fire making! It is the most important skill to learn. Learn to start a fire in as many ways as possible. Do you know at least 3 ways to start one? Can you use competently lighter, matches, and Ferro rod? Do you know the different kindlings and tinders? The safe spots to make a fire?

Mastering fire has huge benefits in your outdoor life journey, here is why you should make it a priority:

-Gain the ability to make yourself warm again. Get close to a fire and feel instantly better. Dry wet clothes too! 

-Cook food on it, learn to boil, roast, grill, etc. It is not only useful, but it is rewarding too. Become a competent outdoor chef combined with a fire-master!

-Boil water and make it safe to drink by killing dangerous bacteria! Or melt snow and get drinking water. Meet your water needs in the field! Always carry a good titanium pot with you, it is a super light survival tool and it heats quickly.

-A fire provides some light in the dark and can be used as a weapon. Imagine yourself fighting off a pack of wolves in the polar night? You need a good torch! Seriously though, the uses are only limited by your imagination.

- Know how to make yourself comfortable, whether in a survival situation or a picnic with friends. Gain a ton of self-confidence. 

-Boast in your resume you are a “fire-master,” especially if you apply to be a firefighter!

-Impress your friends with mountain man’s skill level! Mastering fire is a true superpower.

- Play with fire! Make it a game for yourself, or with others, “who can light a one-match fire in driving rain?” Make it a contest! 

-Fire-making is a way to reconnect with a primitive past. Remember, control of fire was a turning point in human evolution. Fire is reassuring and is a strong presence. Especially if alone, fire becomes a “friend” of some sort.

-Learning to make a fire is fun and rewarding for kids, they will have a blast doing it, and be rewarded with roasted sausages and marshmallows.

-People love to celebrate around a bonfire. Outdoor parties have to have a fire and s’mores!

-Fire has such a destructive power that learning to control it is vital; campers’ ignorance or negligence sometimes starts wildfires.

-Boredom happens during long trips in the wilderness. Making a fire is a way to find something to do. A campfire kills boredom. Not only will you be busy maintaining it but looking at it also helps introspection and meditation.

Hopefully, this article sparked your interest in deepening your fire skills. Go outside and practice!

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