Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes Review

The Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes Made a Bold First Impression

For anyone who spends time outdoors, whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a more serious backcountry adventure, having a reliable fire starter is essential. The Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes promises to be just that, offering a waterproof, windproof, and easy-to-use solution for getting a fire going in any conditions. This seemed like the perfect solution to my perpetual struggle of damp kindling when backpacking in the Pacific Northwest.

I was seeking a fire starter that was both lightweight and effective, something that wouldn’t add significant weight to my pack but would reliably ignite even in less-than-ideal conditions. Too many times I’ve relied on questionable tinder, resulting in frustration and wasted time. This seemed like the answer to those cold, damp nights.

Upon unboxing the Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes, I was immediately impressed by their compact size. Each cube is individually formed, and the four packs of 12 felt substantial without being heavy. The cubes themselves felt slightly waxy and dense, indicating a potentially slow and consistent burn. Compared to other fire starters I’ve used, like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly (messy) or chemical-based starters (questionable fumes), these seemed cleaner and more convenient. I picked the SOL Fire Lite Cubes over others because of their advertised non-toxicity and lack of fossil fuels, aligning with my efforts to minimize my environmental impact.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. They looked promising, but the real test would be how they performed in the field. I was excited to put them through their paces, but also a bit skeptical – many fire starters promise the world but fail to deliver when the chips are down.

Real-World Testing: Putting Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes on a recent backpacking trip in the Olympic National Forest. The conditions were typical for the region: damp, overcast, and with a slight drizzle. The area had plenty of available wood, but it was all slightly wet from the recent rain. Starting a fire with natural tinder alone would have been a challenge.

Using one of the SOL Fire Lite Cubes, I was able to get a fire going within minutes. I simply broke off a small piece of the cube (about 1/8th), placed it under a small pile of damp twigs, and lit it with a ferro rod. The cube ignited quickly and burned with a strong, steady flame, easily drying out the surrounding twigs and allowing them to catch. Even with a slight breeze and damp wood, the fire took hold remarkably quickly. The cube burned for a solid 2-3 minutes as promised, giving the kindling ample time to ignite. I was impressed.

The ease of use was a major selling point. No fussy preparation was needed; simply break off a piece and light it. No struggling with damp tinder or worrying about chemical fumes. There were no issues. The cubes performed exactly as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use on various camping and hiking trips, the Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes have consistently performed well. They remain waterproof, even after being submerged in my pack during a heavy rain. The cubes show no signs of degradation, and they light just as easily as the first time I used them.

In terms of durability, the cubes themselves are fairly robust. They don’t crumble easily and can withstand being jostled around in a backpack. Maintenance is nonexistent – there’s nothing to clean or maintain.

Compared to other fire starters I’ve used, the SOL Fire Lite Cubes are far more reliable and convenient. They outperform cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly in terms of cleanliness and ease of use, and they are a much safer and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-based starters. They have quickly become my go-to fire starter for all my outdoor adventures.

Breaking Down the Features of Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes

Specifications

• Material: The SOL Fire Lite Cubes are made from a non-toxic, smokeless, and odorless fuel. The exact composition is proprietary to Survive Outdoors Longer, but they are advertised as being fossil-fuel free.
• Weight: Each cube weighs approximately 0.2 ounces. This lightweight nature is critical for backpackers and anyone concerned about pack weight.
• Burn Time: Each cube can burn for approximately 8 minutes when used whole. They can also be divided into 8 smaller pieces, each burning for 2-3 minutes. This flexibility allows for controlled burn times depending on the situation.
• Temperature: The cubes can reach temperatures up to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is sufficient to boil water and ignite damp tinder.
• Quantity: Each set contains 4 packs of 12 cubes, for a total of 48 cubes. This provides a generous supply for multiple trips.

These specifications are significant because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The lightweight nature ensures they won’t weigh you down. The long burn time and high temperature guarantee a reliable fire in various conditions. The non-toxic and odorless properties minimize environmental impact and potential health concerns.

Performance & Functionality

The Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes perform exceptionally well in their intended purpose: starting fires quickly and reliably. Their key strengths lie in their waterproofness, windproofness, and ease of use. They consistently ignite even in challenging conditions, making them a dependable tool for any outdoor enthusiast.

However, there is room for improvement. While the cubes are non-toxic, the manufacturing process itself may have some environmental impact.

Overall, the SOL Fire Lite Cubes meet and exceed my expectations. They deliver on their promise of providing a reliable and convenient fire-starting solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the SOL Fire Lite Cubes is simple yet effective. The cube shape makes them easy to handle and pack. The waxy texture provides a good grip, even when wet. The individual cubes are easy to separate, allowing for customized burn times.

They are extremely user-friendly; there’s no learning curve involved. Anyone can use them successfully, regardless of their fire-starting experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The SOL Fire Lite Cubes are designed to last. They are resistant to moisture and temperature changes, ensuring they remain effective over time. The individual packaging helps to protect them from damage during transport and storage.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply store them in a cool, dry place, and they are ready for use whenever needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes do not come with any specific accessories, as they are intended to be a standalone fire-starting solution. However, they are compatible with any standard fire-starting tools, such as ferro rods, lighters, and matches.

There are no customization options available for the cubes themselves. However, users can experiment with different tinder materials to optimize fire-starting performance.

Pros and Cons of Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes

Who Should Buy Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes?

The Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes are perfect for:

• Campers and hikers seeking a reliable and convenient fire-starting solution.
• Survivalists who need a dependable fire source in emergency situations.
• Backpackers looking to minimize pack weight without sacrificing performance.
• Anyone who struggles to start fires in wet or windy conditions.

This product might not be ideal for someone on an extremely tight budget who prefers to make their own fire starters from readily available materials.

A must-have accessory to pair with these cubes is a reliable ferro rod. While you can use a lighter or matches, a ferro rod provides a spark in any condition, ensuring you can always ignite the cubes.

Conclusion on Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes

The Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes offer an exceptional blend of reliability, convenience, and environmental consciousness. They are a valuable addition to any outdoor gear collection, providing peace of mind knowing you can always get a fire going, regardless of the conditions.

The price of $8.79 is justified by the performance and reliability of the product. These cubes are not just fire starters; they are an investment in safety and preparedness.

I would highly recommend the Survive Outdoors Longer SOL Fire Lite 4 Packs of 12 Cubes to anyone who spends time outdoors. They are a game-changer for fire starting, making the process easier and more reliable than ever before. Don’t leave home without them; grab a pack today and experience the difference for yourself.