Quick Answer
Fatwood is relatively reliable even when it's raining, but its effectiveness depends on the intensity of the downpour. In moderate rain, fatwood can still help you get a fire started.
Fatwood’s Water Resistance
Fatwood, also known as pine resin, has natural water-repellent properties. This makes it more resistant to rain than other types of tinder. However, if the rain is heavy, the water can still penetrate the fatwood and make it harder to ignite.
Preparing Fatwood in Rainy Conditions
To increase the chances of success with fatwood in rainy conditions, keep it in a waterproof container or bag. When you’re ready to start a fire, remove the fatwood from the container and gently squeeze out any excess water. You can also use a small amount of tinder like dry leaves or grass to help absorb the moisture and improve the ignition process.
Combining Fatwood with Other Tinder
In heavy rain, it’s often best to use fatwood in combination with other types of tinder. For example, you can mix fatwood with dry moss, grass, or small twigs. This will help to absorb the moisture and create a more consistent burnable surface. Aim for a mixture of 1 part fatwood to 2-3 parts of other tinder. This combination can make it easier to get a fire started even in rainy conditions.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.