Doc
07-06-2005, 10:35
Candles are useful kit - handy as a light source, or for firelighting, and the wax can be used for waterproofing, or for making dry flies float, or as a lubricant in the top end of the bow drill.
I remember seeing tallow (animal fat) candles in survival kits - the idea being that you can eat them if necessary. Yummy. Anyone tried one? I would imagine it must be like eating lard.
Just now Morrisons (nee Safeways) are doing a small citronella candle in an aluminium container with lid. The base is hollow so it doesn't get hot if its sat on a tent groundsheet. In theory the citronella deters the midgies. Not bad for 49 pence.
I see you can also get citronella tea lights -cheap and light.
The main problem is that candles blow out easily in wind. Anyone any experience with candle lanterns? 'Wildwood Wisdom' shows a clever technique of using a cut open beer can as a candle holder/reflector.
I've also had limited success with the pine resin-and-twig improvised candle but often find the resin melts and drips off. Anyone perfected this technique?
I remember seeing tallow (animal fat) candles in survival kits - the idea being that you can eat them if necessary. Yummy. Anyone tried one? I would imagine it must be like eating lard.
Just now Morrisons (nee Safeways) are doing a small citronella candle in an aluminium container with lid. The base is hollow so it doesn't get hot if its sat on a tent groundsheet. In theory the citronella deters the midgies. Not bad for 49 pence.
I see you can also get citronella tea lights -cheap and light.
The main problem is that candles blow out easily in wind. Anyone any experience with candle lanterns? 'Wildwood Wisdom' shows a clever technique of using a cut open beer can as a candle holder/reflector.
I've also had limited success with the pine resin-and-twig improvised candle but often find the resin melts and drips off. Anyone perfected this technique?