First Thoughts on the Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit
The Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit from Ultimate Survival Technologies (UST) promises a simple, reliable way to get a fire going, even for beginners. At a price point under $10, it’s designed to be an accessible entry point to the world of fire starting. This compact kit packs a ferro rod, tinder, and a set of learning cards into a package that’s easy to throw in a pack or glove compartment.
My interest in this kit stemmed from a desire to simplify my emergency preparedness supplies. I’ve used everything from butane torches to magnifying glasses, but wanted a small, self-contained system that wouldn’t rely on fuel or batteries. I was looking for something straightforward that I could confidently teach to less experienced members of my family.
Upon unboxing, the kit felt reassuringly solid for its size and price. The Sparkforce ferro rod felt substantial, and the tinder pieces looked like they would ignite easily. Compared to carrying a dedicated ferro rod and separate tinder, the compact design of the Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit was instantly appealing. While other fire starting kits boast more components, I chose this for its simplicity and focus on the absolute essentials. My first impression was positive – it seemed like a thoughtfully designed package that delivers on its promise of ease of use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit during a weekend camping trip in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle throughout the afternoon, creating ideal conditions to test the kit’s water resistance. I set up a small shelter and decided to rely solely on this kit to get a fire going for warmth and cooking.
The learning cards proved surprisingly helpful, even for someone with my experience. The step-by-step instructions were clear and concise, making it easy to build a small tinder nest. The Sparkforce ferro rod threw a decent shower of sparks, and the Light-me™ tinder caught almost immediately. The fire started quickly and burned steadily, providing welcome warmth despite the damp conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit has held up remarkably well. The Sparkforce ferro rod shows some wear, but still throws a strong shower of sparks. The tinder pieces are consumed with each use, of course, but replacements are readily available.
The kit has remained in my truck’s emergency kit, enduring temperature swings and occasional jostling without any issues. It’s easy to clean – there’s not much to it, really. Compared to more complex fire starting systems I’ve used, this kit is refreshingly straightforward and dependable. It consistently performs as expected, exceeding my initial expectations for a sub-$10 kit.
Breaking Down the Features of Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit
Specifications
- Learn & Live fire building cards: These laminated cards provide a step-by-step reference guide for building a fire. The clear instructions make this kit accessible to beginners.
- Sparkforce: A compact, high-performance ferro rod fire starter. The ferro rod is the heart of the kit, providing reliable spark generation in various conditions.
- Light-me™ tinder (4): Small, fibrous fire starting tinder pieces. These tinder pieces are designed to catch a spark easily and sustain a flame.
- Size HxWxD: 4.5″ x 4″ x 1.5″ (114 x 102 x 38mm). The compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket, pack, or glove compartment.
- Weight: 4.4 oz (125g). The lightweight design won’t weigh you down on the trail.
- Water resistant: Helps keep the contents dry in damp conditions. The water-resistant design is an essential feature for outdoor use.
- Compact Design: The integrated design keeps all components together. This ensures you have everything you need in one small package.
Performance & Functionality
The Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit excels at its primary job: starting fires. The Sparkforce ferro rod throws a consistent shower of sparks, and the Light-me™ tinder ignites quickly, even in moderately damp conditions. The learning cards add significant value, especially for those unfamiliar with fire building techniques.
The kit’s primary weakness is the limited quantity of tinder. Four pieces are a good start, but users will need to source additional tinder for extended use. It meets expectations for a basic fire starting kit, and the learning cards add extra value.
Design & Ergonomics
The kit’s compact design is well thought out. The components fit snugly, preventing them from rattling around. The weight is negligible, making it easy to carry.
The learning cards are easy to read, even with gloved hands. The simple design is easy to understand and use, even for children.
Durability & Maintenance
The ferro rod itself should last for hundreds, if not thousands, of strikes. The cards are laminated for water resistance, which adds to their longevity. The only consumable is the tinder, which needs to be replenished.
Maintenance is minimal – simply wipe down the ferro rod and cards after use. The kit is designed for long-term storage and occasional use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with everything you need to get started, so there are no included accessories beyond the tinder. Customization is limited. While you can’t really customize the kit itself, the user can easily add additional tinder types to the kit bag for variety and backup. The product is compatible with most commercially available fire-starting tinder.
Pros and Cons of Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket, pack, or glove compartment.
- Reliable Spark Generation: The Sparkforce ferro rod throws a consistent shower of sparks.
- Effective Tinder: The Light-me™ tinder ignites quickly and easily.
- Helpful Learning Cards: Provides clear instructions for fire building, ideal for beginners.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Limited Tinder Supply: Only four pieces of tinder are included.
- Striker Not Integrated: Requires finding a suitable striking tool (knife, rock, etc.).
Who Should Buy Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit?
The Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit is perfect for beginner campers, hikers, and anyone building an emergency preparedness kit. It’s also great for teaching children and other novices basic fire-starting skills. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a reliable and simple method of building a fire.
Those who rely heavily on fire for extended backcountry trips may want a more comprehensive kit with a larger tinder supply or a dedicated striking tool. It’s not for those who prefer butane lighters or other more convenient ignition methods. Some must-have accessories or modifications include additional tinder, a small knife or scraper for striking the ferro rod, and a small pouch to hold extra tinder.
Conclusion on Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit
The Ultimate Survival Learn & Live Fire Starting Kit is a surprisingly effective and affordable fire starting solution. Its simplicity and reliability make it an excellent choice for beginners and anyone looking to build a basic emergency kit. The included learning cards are a valuable addition, setting this kit apart from other basic ferro rod and tinder combinations.
At a price point of $9.49, the value is exceptional. It’s a small investment for a potentially life-saving tool. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone looking for a simple, reliable, and affordable fire starting solution. Grab one, practice with it, and add it to your pack – you won’t regret it.