starting a fire in the rain can be a TON of hard work and trouble, I think that's why it's nice to have those candles that you can cook food with (in a can or small metal cup of course)http://www.quakekare.com/images/ProductImages/6sc_lar_survival_candle.jpg . But on the topic of fire starters (I know this has already been said) cotton balls with petroleum jelly is a cheap alternative