A Hiking Blog…

Hiking is not just about pleasant walks down scenic trails; there is more to it than just pleasurable moments. Hiking memories may bring into the mind utter moments of pains due to stings of bees or insect bites. The article is sort of a warning to guard you against such painful situations by suggesting possible dangers and their remedies.

Protection against insects

Ticks, mosquitoes, spiders and bees are apparently the most inviting enemies for hikers. These may be avoided by resorting to a few general precautions. The period between late fall to early spring is certainly good for hiking as insects don’t seem to bother much.

Lightweight full sleeved shirts and pants in light colors ensure protection against ticks and mosquito. Light colors also make it easy for you to detect the presence of insects on them.

To check the entry of insects into your dresses tuck your pants into your socks. Also use an insect screen hat, it protects both your hair against the entry of insects as well as guards you from the intense rays of the sun. Jackets and body suits also serve a similar purpose while contributing to your looks.

Staying away from tall grass, low-hanging branches and bushes lowers the possibility of tick bites. Avoid putting on colorful clothes to keep off from bees. In case bees bother you do not dare to attack them, instead move away from the place.

Hiking during the daytime saves you from the bites of mosquitoes and other creepy insects that grow active in the dark after sunset. Dry, sunny days are better than damp, cloudy days.

While insect repellents containing DEET help in warding off insects, pre treated clothes and Permethrin spays also offers protection against insect bites.

Since spiders love to inhabit in dark restricted corners, avoid such places and spider webs to keep off from spider bites.

Look down before sitting or leaning against some tree trunk. Make sure to shake off clothes before putting them on. Also, limit the use of strong smelly perfumes or eating aromatic food to avoid attracting insects. Also make sure to store food or garbage in sealed packs.

Stay away from camping close to water source since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and light citronella candles for extra caution.

Also, remember to take a shower after hiking.

Treatments to sooth pain

In case you have already been bitten by some insect, precautions won’t help you much. You have already come past that stage and all you need now is to sooth your pain and avoid the occurrence of greater diseases.

On being bitten by ticks or stung by bees, you need to first remove any remains of the insect from your body using a pair of tweezers or scrapping your skin with a razor blade, scalpel or sterilized needle. Then, wipe the area with some antiseptic to prevent the spread of disease.

Since mosquito bites tends to generate itching, avoid doing so as it facilitates greater trouble. Instead wash the area using soap water. Anti-itch sticks and medicines like Calamine lotion works great.

Spider bites though uncommon are dangerous and may even prove to be fatal sometimes. Thus it is better to identify the spider and resort to a doctor after washing with soap water and soothing the wound with ice packs.

When stung by a bee, try to stay calm and avoid itching to check the spread of disease. Antihistamines and chilled water could be used for temporary relief. Allergic patients should try and get medical aid at the earliest.

These are certain tips that shall prove beneficial when you are outdoors on a hiking expedition.

Hiking calls for enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. Therefore, choosing the perfect hiking spot and an apt campsite deserves equal thought. While safe campsites minimize the impact of danger, it should not necessarily account for selection of a boring and non-thrilling spot.

Though apparently it seems that a campsite affects the success of a hiking trip, the contrary is equally true. Our actions also affect our surroundings and perhaps more. While a good campsite selection ensures a peaceful night’s sleep, uninterrupted moments of relaxation and wholesome enjoyment for the hikers, safe cooking and proper disposal of wastes guarantees a cleaner camp spot.

Assuming that you are setting base at various spots during your hiking trip, here are ideas applicable for setting base at public campgrounds and moving on day trips from the base.

Essentials for selecting a good campsite

•    It is essential to undertake a thorough research prior to selecting a campsite, in order to avail the best option available.

•    Planning of the trip is equally essential to fix upon vital issues like arrival and departure timings.

•    While opting for a camping spot it is always better to go for an established one situated at some high use area instead of selecting a campsite in some new and unexplored zone.

•    When camping around desert canyons make sure to stay above the high-water mark to escape the agony of flash floods.

•    Similarly, set up your camp at least 200 feet away from streams and lakes in order to protect them.

•    Since dead branches of huge trees may disastrously break down in the darkness of the night, ensure that your camp is not set beneath such shades.

•    To avoid flooding due to stagnation of rainwater, choose a site, which drains really well.

•    Select a place where you can receive the benefits of both the morning sunlight as well as be shadowed from the extremes of the afternoon sun.

•    Potential windbreaks are also an important consideration.

•    Since people go out on hiking in order to get a feel of experiencing the thrills of nature in seclusion, choose a calm and quiet spot away from the humdrum of lively souls.

•    A bare ridge away from lakes helps in keeping away bugs while offering a perfect unhindered view of the natural settings.

•    Keep away from fruit laden trees and food sources to avoid attracting animals to your camp during the night.

•    Fix the tent on a ground that is not too hard, nor too soft for a good night’s sleep.

Being responsible, it is your duty to protect the surroundings as well. Make sure to arrange for a safe cooking, keeping in water handy to avoid the break of a fire. Ensure that you leave the spot in a much better condition than you first saw it. Make considerations of the little seedlings, flowers and even small animals, so as not to injure them.

So, camping in the wild is fun, with just a bit of added responsibility.

Hiking itself is an adventurous activity that excites people of almost all ages. It is not at all dangerous if you follow some much needed safety precautions. Taking safety measures can make your trip all the more exciting. This article will help you to know about some safety tips for hiking.

Whether you are going out for a long trip or just a short adventurous walk, you need to follow some guidelines that will keep you, your family or hiking partners safe.

Plan your destination: This is simple but very important; you should know where you are heading to. First decide where to go and then start with the other preparations. Once you are done with your planning, now find out the perfect time for visit and hike. Always stay updated about the weather before you head out.

Know the right direction: Be clear about the right paths that you need to take without which you may get lost. For this, you can use a compass or a GPS unit if you are going for a long and serious hiking. Maps and guides if available should be carried.

Try not to go alone: When you are planning for a hike on a serious note, avoid going alone as it sometimes involves a lot of risks. If you travel alone there is every chance to get lost or get hurt. If you are with someone or in a group, you will get assistance in every step. Most importantly, you will receive help if you need it.

Drink lots of water: Water is the most essential thing that can keep you healthy throughout the hiking. You need to sip water often while you are on the way. As carrying water is quite difficult, calculate how much you will need till the next refilling and just carry that volume. Never drink from streams or lakes as these natural sources are often contaminated with parasites and bacteria. If required, collect the water from the natural source and boil it or use a liquid purifier before consumption.

Take the right equipments: A pair of hiking boots is a must in your hiking gear. Next is a first aid kit that acts as a life saver. Bandages, gauze, anti-bacterial cream, sunburn pain reliever are great in times of emergencies. These are just basics that you need to have with you in the journey. Lighter or matches and a knife can genuinely be of lot of help. View our article on the Ten Essentials for a more complete list.

Respect wildlife: Sometimes you may encounter wildlife on your trail. It is better to stay away than to play fool and get attacked. Most wildlife avoids humans as soon as they sense you are coming. The best idea to ward them off is to make sound to alert them you are coming.

Therefore, following these basic steps can avoid unwanted hazards and make your trip more special.

Wish you a nice safe hike!

Frostbite is a condition when the human tissues freeze. This condition can happen to anyone exposed to temperatures below the freezing point of skin. Another cold related disorder is hypothermia, which refers to a condition of developing an abnormally low body temperature.

Mostly, frostbite affects the nose, ears, fingers, cheeks and toes of the human body. As these areas are exposed to cold without major protection, anyone living in cold climates can get affected.

The earliest specimen of frostbite has been found in a pre-Columbian mummy (5000 year old) that was discovered in the Chilean mountains. The first modern mention of frostbite came in the year 1812 by Napoleon’s Surgeon General, Baron Dominique Larrey during his army’s recoil from Moscow.

Factors causing frostbite

Factors like wet clothes, extreme cold, poor circulation of blood, wind chill and inadequate clothing leads to frostbite. People working in chemical laboratories if exposed to liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic liquids are highly prone to frostbite. Poor blood circulation caused by tight clothing or cramped positions or fatigue can affect the blood vessel and cause frostbite. Even diabetic patients taking trip to cold places can be affected.

People at greatest risk for frostbite are those who spend time outdoors, like hikers, hunters. Aged people and excessively dehydrated people are also prone to frostbite.

Stages of frostbite attack

The three stages of frostbite are:

Stage 1 (Frostnip) – “Frostnip” is the name given to first degree frostbite. It is a condition of superficial cooling of tissues without cellular destruction that makes the skin appears white or yellow. It may also involve some burning sensation and can be cured by slow warming of the affected area.

Stage 2 (Chilblains) – “Chilblains” refers to second degree frostbite. These are superficial ulcers of the skin that occurs on people exposed to repeated cold. There is disappearance of pain, reddening and swelling of the skin in this condition.

Stage 3 (Frostbite) – The stage 3 of frostbite involves tissue destruction and leads to hard and waxy skin. In this stage, the skin dies and swelling occurs due to lack of blood.

Frostbite Treatment

Treatment of frostbite refers to re-warming or defrosting the area. Always remember, if re-warmed tissues again refreeze, it will cause more harm. So, precaution should be taken not to warm up the affected area quickly unless further refreezing is prevented. Warming is done in two ways:

Passive re-warming – It involves body heat or ambient room temperature to help the affected person’s body to re-warm itself.

Active re-warming – It involves direct addition of heat to the affected person usually along with treatments included in passive re-warming. Active re-warming involves a lot of equipments and warms the affected tissue as quickly as possible without burning them.

But the best natural treatment is prevention.

Spending a lonely night amidst a cold forest calls for building an instant shelter with the materials in hand to survive the deadly night. Thus, learning survival techniques is an essential requisite for a daring adventurer. Survival is a decision and the techniques involved are meant to offer a fighting chance. Food, clothing and shelter being the 3 basic needs, the last is important on several fronts.

A shelter acts as a shield protecting you from rough weather and wildlife intruders, thus providing psychological comfort. Seeking the best shelter accounts for the following strategies.

•    Smaller shelters located near water sources are best to retain heat. Survivor of wreckage should better stay at a visible spot near the wreckage. Natural hazards like dead trees that could fall, cliffs and dry riverbeds could better be avoided.

•    A ventilated shelter facilitates fire making inside or near the entrance. Branches and boulders prevent animals from getting in as well as retain heat inside. Sleeping on a pile of grass or pine needles helps maintain body heat. Fir tree branches and snow offer great insulation from the cold. Stacked up heated rocks provide extra warmth.

•    Frozen water over thatched roofs act as protective insulator in freezing weather conditions.

•    For the rainy season, make cover on flat or sloped land to allow drainage of rainwater, instead of burrowing a hole on the ground and covering with boughs.

•    When using caves as shelter, its better to remain close to the mouth.

•    Metals should better be avoided for roofs, as they tend to reflect away sun while deflecting the rain and wind.

•    To avoid suffocating conditions due to formation of carbon monoxide gas, make sure you turn off the stove or lantern or any fire source inside the shelter.

Alternative shelter options

Since an emergency shelter is required just for survival and not for comfort, so anything could be used as a temporary refuge. While hollow trees could be used as sleeping burrows, an overhang could also prevent you against wind and rain. Dense tree branches act as instant canopy, as logs and rocks help check the wind.

Shelter building

•    On hand materials like bits of discarded climbing rope, ripped plastic sheeting, old hiking boot, ponchos, nylon hammocks or parachutes come to best use for building shelters in worst of conditions.

•    The basic idea is to spread something above you to serve as a temporary roof. A poncho or any kind of plastic sheeting could be tied to two or four trees to form a canopy. While a lean-to shelter can be made by tying two opposite corners of the poncho to trees leaving the other end to slant diagonally to the ground secured with stick stakes or heavy rocks.

•    A tent shaped shelter may be built by running rope down the center of the poncho between two trees and staking the sides into the ground with sharp sticks to create an A-frame. A one-person tent may be built from tree branches without even using rope. The prime concept is to make a frame and then wrap a cover overhead and to the sides.

•    Hanging cots could also be created by rolling sturdy branches into the sheet like a long scroll, leaving some exposed wood at each end, while lashing the cot to four trees a few feet above the ground. Added overhead covers give shape to an elevated platform.

Field Expedient Shelters are shelters built employing the same techniques, except for the roof that is built by branches and thickets in slanting manner for insulation and drainage of rainwater. It built by using Field Expedient tools when there is nothing else at hand. Well-insulated and easy to build huts are known as debris huts, while those built with evergreen tress amidst snow are called tree-pit snow shelters.

However, the most important thing is to remain calm and in control during emergency situations. Basic shelters are easy to construct and essential for surviving the harsh elements of nature.

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS can occur to anyone at heights around 2,500m above sea level. But serious sickness occurs at higher altitudes of above 2,500m. It can happen to even physically fit people who are in a hurry to ascend heights. If you ascend up quickly, you are more likely to have altitude sickness than if you ascend slowly through road travel.

High altitudes

High altitudes refer to heights around 2,500 to 3,500m. But altitude sickness can occur even at a height between 1,500 and 2,500m. Some very popular examples of high altitudes are Cusco, Peru (about 3,300m) and La Paz, Bolivia (about 3,600m).

Symptoms of altitude sickness

You are likely to experience altitude sickness from six to twenty four hours after you have reached the place of high altitude. If you are suffering from altitude sickness, then you will most likely feel:
•    A headache
•    Sick or vomit
•    Irregular breathing when sleeping
•    An increased heart rate
•    Tired
•    Lack of appetite
•    Dizzy
•    Difficulty in sleeping

All these symptoms usually start to relieve in about two days when your body gets used to the high altitude. But if your symptoms get worse, then it is better to descend to lower altitude as soon as possible.

Serious cases of altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is very common but in some rare cases, it can lead to two serious medical conditions that can be fatal:
•    High altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) – It is a condition in which excessive fluid collects in the brain and causes it to swell.
•    High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) – In this condition, fluid collects in the lungs.

Both these conditions can occur if you ascend above the height of 4,000m.

Factors leading to altitude sickness

There are certain factors that can trigger altitude sickness:
•    If you are unfit
•    If you rapidly ascend to high altitude
•    If you had altitude sickness before
•    If you have a lung infection
•    Do strenuous activity or exercise at high altitude

Treatments

If you have mild altitude sickness, it is better not to ascend further. In such a condition, you should:

-    Take painkillers for headache
-    Rest
-    Drink plenty of water
-    Take medicines like cinnarizine (eg stugeron) or promethazine (eg avomine), which are very effective against dizziness and nausea.

But if the symptoms become sever, then inhaling oxygen is the best treatment. You can get more oxygen in the air you breathe if you descend by 500 to 1000m. You can also carry oxygen tanks or hyperbaric treatment with you. This is important because lack of oxygen is the main reason why people suffer from altitude sickness.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness for a climber’s initial journey is to stay away from a height of 8,000 feet or above.

Do you love hiking and do not want to gamble with nature on every extended weekend you get? Then this write up on the 10 hiking essentials is for you. The list of 10 essential items may often vary from person to person. But the ones I feel most important as a hiker are listed below:

The Ten Essentials…

1.    First Aid Kit – You need to be fit and small cuts and injuries should not hinder your hike. A basic First Aid Kit with items like gauze, band-aids, adhesive tape, butterfly bandages for deep cuts, an elastic bandage for twisted knees or ankles, some pain killers and a few antihistamines for bee stings are very important. Also remember to carry the medicines you need regularly.

2.    Map and Compass – Instrumental usage is very essential in cloudy places and if you get lost. Carry a good compass and if possible the map of the location. The map will inform about the trails, campsites, topography, roads, towns, etc. and the compass will guide the directions.

3.    Extra Food and Water – Always carry extra food and water to avoid hypothermia and dehydration, which are dangerous if not given medical assistance. Moreover, if you get stuck and lose time the extra food would be a boon.

4.    Extra Clothes – Include wool or PolarTek Hat to avoid heat loss as 35% of the total body heat is lost through head. Extra clothing is also good protection from insects, wind, thorns and often cold. If needed, you can cut your extra clothes and make them into bandages, tree climbing aid, pillows or towels.

5.    Flashlights – Flashlights and headlamps are important equipments for traveling in the dark and during dawn.

6.    Rain Gear – An added rain suit or an umbrella will be a very smart choice. Personally I prefer rain suit as it doesn’t engage hands. Even carrying a coated nylon pack bags can act as extra protection against rain.

7.    Knife – A knife of any size can be useful to cut cord, shave kindling or even cut a fabric.

8.    Matches – Carry matches or lighters to light backpacking stoves.

9.    Sunglasses and sunscreen – Sunglasses protect your eyes from snow-blindness. Sunlight when reflected in snow is harmful for the eyes and can even reduce visibility. Sunscreen will protect you from the direct sun rays.

10.    A water treatment option (filter or chemical treatment) – You can treat any type of water – from the streams, pools or lakes with a water treatment device to make it drinkable.

Other important items…

•    Plastic tarp and rope for expedient field shelter.
•    Repair kit, including duct tape and basic sewing materials.
•    Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary)
•    Signaling devices, such as a whistle, cell phone, two-way radio, satellite phone, unbreakable signal mirror or flare.
•    Insect repellent (or clothing designed for this purpose)

You can always carry many other essential items that you think is needed and essential for the particular trip. Again, it is completely up to you to decide whether to carry all the essential items to safeguard yourself from any kind of need or danger because you never know what you have to confront in the wilderness.

Save at Altrec Outdoors on Camping and Hiking Equipment

Trail signs alert hikers with directions, distances, arrows and information that prevent them from loosing their way while hiking. Trail signs reassure the hiker that he/she is in the trail. Trail signs are really useful to hikers when they have some confusion regarding turns, switchbacks, open woods and open areas with rocks. Elaborate trail signs with details of “do’s and don’ts” are definitely found where the trail begins and ends.

Trail signs are usually developed keeping in mind the universal method of interpreting signs and signals and it keeps very little chance for a hiker to misinterpret the signs. Sometimes trails are broken by intersections, missing bridges and many other obstacles. But with signs showing from where to pick up the trail is one development of trail signs.

About Trailhead signs

Signs with all information about the trail are generally placed at trailhead and access points. Trailheads feature essential information, signs, post or marker that marks the trail direction. In urban areas, trail signs are frequent and are also placed at parking lots for trail identification. Information is often found at trailheads that includes rules, map, special conditions, trail mileage, events and “friends of the trail” groups. Some more developed trailhead signs would include a bulletin board with safety messages, a trail register and wildlife alerts.

Trailhead signs are a way to teach and remind hikers of what they are supposed to follow in the trail. Not following the signs may prove fatal as well as compel the authorities to enforce laws on you. Signs also create awareness among hikers to conserve the area.

Appearance of trail signs

Trail signs come in different colors and shapes at different places. It can be a simple white rectangle of the Appalachian Trail or multicolored coding systems used for areas with many trails.

The frequency of trail signs depends on natural visibility of the route, local preferences and the amount of manpower available to maintain the trail. Trail signs should be always visible with clear message to help hikers in their way.

Some usual trail signs

Some of the very common trail signs usually mention:

• Vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas only.
• The speed limit of vehicles per hour.
• No dumping or littering on park property.
• Motorized vehicles permitted on paved or gravel roads only.
• No alcoholic beverages allowed on park property.
• Riding on closed trails can result in a citation.
• No swimming allowed on park property.
• No firearms allowed.
• No hunting allowed on park property.
• No boating allowed in park without written permission from the Park Authorities.
• Disturbing habitat of animals prohibited.
• Fires in designated areas only – picnic areas and picnic shelters.
• Removal of plants is prohibited.
• Fishing is allowed, except where prohibited by sign.
• Cutting or timber prohibited

How to interpret trail signs

Most of the national parks use the same type of trail sign techniques but vary according to the area. There are some basic principles that can be followed everywhere. A blaze or a sign can be distinguished on the basis of color and shape. A sign will generally maintain the same color throughout the trail. Blazes are normally painted on trees and rocks but you need to keep your eyes open to locate it. Sometimes, blazes are painted with reflectors for night travel.

Normally, a straight trail will feature a sign every 100 feet. But when a trail has to turn or switchback, there will be another sign painted on top. Again, when a trail crosses another trail, there will be two signs painted. The first color represents your trail whereas the second one is the one you are crossing or turning onto.

Dangers of not following trail signs

Hiking is really an exciting past time. But sometimes you may face dangers if you don’t interpret or follow trail signs. The immediate impact will fall on you. You may be lost in the trail or face animal encounters. If there is a sign saying some danger is ahead, then try to follow it to avert dangers. Trail signs saying “loose rocks ahead” may not bother you in winter but you may find a whole lot of loose rocks during the rainy season, which may turn into dangerous mudslides. Seasonal trail signs are very important for hikers to follow. Many places take up a dramatic look during certain seasons. So, it is advisable to stay safe by obeying the signs.

When you are asked to follow certain rules and signs, you are actually saving yourself from danger as well as helping in preserving the environment. Hikers often tend to destroy the environment when they don’t follow signs. Again, protecting the trail and the nature is a responsibility of every hiker. Cleaning out the garbage made by you can help in the conservation of the trail.

Each individual hiker can help in preserving the ecosystem by not lighting campfire in restricted areas. Once in 2005, a Czech hiker burned 7% of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile by accidentally knocking over an illegal gas portable stove. By following and obeying trail regulations, you can actually save the environment.

Knowing how to make fire is one of the primitive survival skills mastered by mankind. It can be termed as the flag bearer of ancient human civilization. Since ages, a well-built fire has proved to be bliss – it has given the necessary warmth to people around it; provided light in the midst of a jungle; and helped in roasting meat in a forest camp.

Fire has diverse use and by learning to build it you are on your way to master one of the basic survival skills of life. This article provides you some valuable information about the art and logistics of fire building. Read on.

Components of fire

Fire has four basic components. Absence of any one of them will either not allow the fire to burn, or, will prevent it from burning any further. The four components are:

1)  Fuel. This includes wood, coal, gasoline, or any other combustible material.

2)  Heat. The initial amount of heat necessary to ignite the fire is provided by matches or by the rubbing of two sticks.

3)  Supply of oxygen. A burning fire consumes oxygen for combustion from the surrounding air.  

4)  Continued chain of chemical reaction. During the lifetime of the fire, a chain of chemical reaction goes on that produces intense heat and keeps the burning process on.

Four Steps to Fire Building

If you want to build a fire, you will have to go through a four-step process.

First, you need an ignition source. Popular sources of ignition include – matches, lighters, firesteel etc. If you are experienced, rubbing two wooden sticks can also provide the necessary spark. When you go for an expedition, it is recommended that you carry at least three different ignition sources in your survival kit. Waterproof matches, for example are highly popular among adventurists.

Second, you should arrange for the tinder. The role that tinder plays is to catch the initial spark or flame from the ignition source and then transfer this flame to the kindling. Sometimes, the kindling might be wet. The tinder in that case has to burn long enough to dry the kindling first before setting it on fire. The probability of building up the fire quickly increases proportionately with the dryness of the tinder. Tree bark (such as paper birch), dry small plants, grasses, wax, paper, dry needles of coniferous trees are popular tinder materials.  

Third comes the kindling. If the surface to volume ratio of the kindling is large, it becomes easily combustible. When the kindling produces a hot flame, the bulk of the fuel catches the fire. Some of the best sources of kindling include dry twigs, small pieces of wood, and cardboards. Kindling can also be made by cutting a large piece of wood into smaller pieces.

The last, but most crucial component of fire that you need to take care is fuel. Fuel catches fire from the kindling and continues to burn for an extended period of time. Once the fire becomes well-lit, you need to simply add more fuel to the fire to make it burn for an extended period. Dry wood, dry grasses, animal dung, and coal are excellent fuels.

However, there may be different scenarios when you need to build a fire from absolutely nothing. The following are some ideas that can help you to deal such situations.

Create fire with a magnifying glass – If you have a magnifying glass, use it. Just gather some papers and small pieces of dry wood. Hold the magnifying glass in front of the sun to form a small dot on the paper. Within a few minutes you will get a flame.

Create a spark with steel wool and a battery – You need to hold the piece of steel wool and the battery on different hands. To get the spark, touch the end of the battery to the steel wool. This would act as the ignition source for the tinder. With a few attempts you can get a flame.

Create a spark with rock and a knife – Find a flint rock or a quartzite rock that has a point on it. Hold the rock on one hand with the point aimed toward the knife on the other hand. Strike the knife with the rock and sparks would fly. Create a pile of tinder and use this method just on top of it. Soon you will get a flame.

How to ignite wet matches – If you have a flashlight, you are saved. Surprisingly, you can light a wet match stick with the reflective part. Remove the reflective part of the flashlight and push the wet match stick through it. Position the head of the match stick where the bulb is located. Now hold the thing directly facing the sun. Generally it takes some time to get the flame as the process has to dry the match stick and then ignite it. Remember to keep some tinder nearby so that you can set fire to it as soon as the match stick catches the flame.

Thus, now you can now create fire when you do not have a lighter or any ignition source or even if you have a wet match stick!