Can you use moss as part of your tinder bundle?

Choosing the Right Moss

When selecting moss for a tinder bundle, look for species with thick, dense growth and a high concentration of spores. These types of moss tend to retain heat and dryness better than others. A good rule of thumb is to choose moss with a thickness of at least 1/8 inch (3 mm) to ensure it ignites and sustains a flame.

Preparing Moss for Tinder

To prepare moss for use in a tinder bundle, you’ll need to dry it out thoroughly. Start by gathering a handful of moss and gently teasing apart the individual threads. Then, spread the moss out in a thin layer and allow it to air dry for several hours or overnight. To speed up the process, you can also try spreading the moss out in a thin layer in a warm, dry location or using a low-temperature oven (150°F - 200°F / 65°C - 90°C) for 1-2 hours. Once the moss is dry, crush it into small pieces to increase its surface area and promote ignition.

Combining Moss with Other Tinder Materials

When combining moss with other tinder materials, such as dry leaves, grass, or small twigs, aim for a mix of 1 part moss to 2-3 parts other tinder materials. This ratio will help to create a well-balanced tinder bundle that ignites easily and sustains a flame. To create the bundle, simply mix the moss and other tinder materials together in a small pile, being careful not to compact the materials too tightly. Then, place the tinder bundle under your main fire starting material and ignite with one match.