First Impressions of Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m constantly on the lookout for reliable and compact fire-starting solutions. A dependable fire can be the difference between a comfortable night and a harrowing experience in the wilderness. When I stumbled upon the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder, I was intrigued by its promise of being an everyday carry (EDC) foldable tinder combined with blade care properties.
My primary need was a compact and waterproof fire starter that could easily fit in my wallet or a small EDC pouch. I’ve used ferro rods, lighters, and various tinders in the past, but each has its drawbacks. I sought something that combined ease of use, reliability in adverse conditions, and minimal bulk.
Upon receiving the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder, my initial impression was positive. The six 8″ strips, neatly hang-packaged, felt solid and well-protected. Its compact size, designed for wallet or purse carry, was immediately appealing, especially compared to bulkier fire-starting kits. I had considered options like UST StrikeForce Fire Starter and Wetfire Tinder, but they didn’t offer the blade care aspect or the same level of portability. Excitement outweighed skepticism as I began to envision scenarios where this little package could be a lifesaver.
Real-World Testing: Putting Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder on a recent multi-day backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was typical for the region: unpredictable with occasional rain showers and moderate humidity. I attempted to start a fire in slightly damp conditions using one of the tinder strips.
Ignition was surprisingly easy. A small piece of the tinder, frayed with my knife, took a spark from my ferro rod almost instantly. The flame burned consistently, even with a slight breeze, allowing me to quickly build a small fire using gathered twigs and branches. I was particularly impressed with how the tinder remained effective despite the dampness, a common issue with other fire starters I’ve used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder has proven to be a reliable addition to my kit. The remaining strips show no signs of degradation, even after being exposed to varying temperatures and humidity levels in my pack. The packaging, though simple, has held up well, protecting the tinder from damage.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent. Because the tinder is wax-based and waterproof, there’s no need to worry about it getting wet or needing special storage. Compared to other fire starters that require frequent cleaning or maintenance, the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder is incredibly low-maintenance. It outperforms cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly in terms of longevity and ease of carry, a method I previously relied on.
Breaking Down the Features of Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder
Specifications
The Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder boasts a straightforward yet effective design. Each package contains six 8″ strips of tinder. The product weighs a mere 0.04 lb, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry.
The tinder is made with a special wax that offers several benefits, including waterproofing, wind resistance, and blade care properties. This wax is odorless, oil-free, and non-toxic, ensuring safe handling. The tinder also has an indefinite shelf life, meaning it won’t degrade over time, a crucial feature for emergency preparedness.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder is to reliably start fires in various conditions. Its waterproof and wind-resistant properties ensure consistent performance, even in challenging environments. The ease of ignition and sustained burn time make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced outdoorsmen.
The tinder excels at quickly catching a spark from a ferro rod, lighter, or matches. Once ignited, it produces a strong, steady flame that allows for easy kindling of larger materials. While it performs exceptionally well, the small size of the strips means they burn relatively quickly; judicious use is key.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder prioritizes portability and ease of use. The foldable strips are compact enough to fit in a wallet, purse, or small EDC pouch. The simple packaging is functional, protecting the tinder from damage without adding unnecessary bulk.
The tinder is incredibly user-friendly. No special skills or tools are required to use it. Simply fray a small piece of the tinder and expose it to a spark or flame. The waxed coating, while effective for waterproofing, can make it slightly difficult to initially fray the tinder; a sharp knife or multi-tool is recommended.
Durability & Maintenance
The Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder is designed for long-term storage and use. Its waterproof and wax-based construction protects it from moisture and degradation. With proper storage, the tinder can last indefinitely.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent. The tinder requires no cleaning or special care, making it a hassle-free addition to any survival or outdoor kit. This is a significant advantage over more complex fire-starting systems that require regular maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder is a standalone product and does not require any specific accessories for its primary function. However, it pairs well with essential fire-starting tools such as a ferro rod, lighter, or waterproof matches. A sharp knife or multi-tool is also recommended for fraying the tinder.
The product is not designed for extensive customization, but its compatibility with standard fire-starting tools allows users to tailor their fire-starting kit to their specific needs. The blade care properties are an added benefit, allowing users to maintain their knives and tools while in the field.
Pros and Cons of Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight, perfect for EDC and minimalist kits.
- Waterproof and wind-resistant, ensuring reliable performance in adverse conditions.
- Easy to ignite and burns consistently, suitable for both novice and experienced users.
- Long shelf life, making it ideal for emergency preparedness and long-term storage.
- Offers blade care properties, providing an additional benefit beyond fire-starting.
Cons
- Strips are relatively small and burn quickly, requiring judicious use.
- Waxed coating can make it slightly difficult to fray the tinder initially.
Who Should Buy Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder?
The Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder is perfect for:
- Hikers and Backpackers: Its lightweight and compact design make it an ideal addition to any backpacking or hiking kit.
- Survivalists: The waterproof and reliable nature of the tinder makes it an essential component of any survival kit.
- Campers: Its ease of use and consistent performance make it a great choice for starting campfires in various conditions.
- EDC Enthusiasts: The tinder’s small size allows it to be easily carried in a wallet or EDC pouch, providing a reliable fire-starting solution at all times.
Individuals who require a longer-burning tinder or prefer a more traditional fire-starting method might want to skip this product. Those who are unwilling to carry a knife or multi-tool to fray the tinder might also find it less convenient.
A must-have accessory is a reliable ferro rod or lighter to ignite the tinder. A sharp knife or multi-tool is also recommended for preparing the tinder for ignition.
Conclusion on Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder
The Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder is a highly effective and practical fire-starting solution for anyone who values portability and reliability. At $11.99, the price is justified by its performance, durability, and added blade care benefits. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a compact and dependable fire starter for their EDC, hiking, camping, or survival kit.
Its small size, waterproof design, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any outdoor gear collection. Add the Go Prepared Spartan Fire XL EDC Tinder to your kit today and be prepared for anything the wilderness throws your way!