[pektel]

I've never been on the AT, but isn't there any birch trees around?

Before the recently purchased survival bracelet, I've never brought any type of fire-starter besides a Bic lighter (or 3) and a container of waterproof matches. Everything else, nature has provided me for fire-building. Has since the fifth grade. But I've only camped up here in Minnesota, so fire-making options may very well be more scarce in other regions.