Today, I’ve got something truly game-changing to share with you.
A Complete Guide To Buying (& Using) Stormproof Survival Matches
Because if a dog is man’s best friend, then fire is man’s ultimate survival buddy—your steadfast partner in staying alive when the chips are down.
We cook with it, protect ourselves with it, and keep warm because of it.
And when it comes to fire-starting tools, few are as reliable or time-tested as the mighty match.
These little fire-makers are simple, effective, and absolutely essential for survival.
But with so many options on the market today, some matches are incredible…while others are downright useless.
So, let’s dive in and separate the matchstick champions from the duds:
TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE… ↓(click to jump)
- Stormproof Vs. Standard Matches
- How Does A Match Work Anyway?
- Some Matches Are Better Than Others
- Best Survival Matches On The Market
- How to Make Stormproof Matches
Stormproof Vs. Standard Matches
Sure, they all create fire, but when survival’s on the line, not all matches are created equal.
So, how do you choose the right one?
↓ Stormproof Matches Vs. Standard Match
How Does A Match Work Anyway?
Understanding how matches work isn’t just fascinating—it’s a survival skill you’ll want in your back pocket (especially if you ever need to make your own).
Here’s the science in plain English:
A match head and a striker strip are made of materials that, when combined with pressure and speed, react violently to produce fire. 💥
The match heads contain a mix of potassium chlorate, sulfur, and powdered glass. Meanwhile, the striker strip includes sand, powdered glass, and red phosphorus.
When you strike a match head against the strip, the friction generates heat. That heat ignites the chemicals in the match head, which burns hot enough to set the wooden (or cardboard) wick aflame.
In simpler terms:
- The striker strip provides the heat-generating friction.
- The match head is the spark that lights the fire.
- The wick keeps the flame alive long enough to use.
Check out this incredible slow-motion video for a deeper dive:
↓ How Do Matches Work?
Some Matches Are Better Than Others
Let’s face it: not all matches are created equal. Some are survival-grade, while others are, well, laughably bad.
Terrible For Survival!
Cheap cardboard matches—the ones you get for free at bars or convenience stores—are practically useless in a survival situation. They burn too fast, aren’t very hot, and are incredibly susceptible to water damage.
Better But Not Ideal.
“Strike anywhere” matches are a step up, but the real winners are stormproof or waterproof matches. These matches are specifically designed to endure harsh conditions, making them your go-to choice for survival.
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇
Best Survival Matches On The Market Today
When it comes to the best survival matches, not all options are created equal. Here’s our shortlist of champions:
The Everstryke is not your typical match; it's better.
It's made from stainless steel, so the Ferro rod is reusable for up to 15,000 long burning strikes! You rarely have to replace it.
The Ferro rod is tipped with a steel bit. You strike it against a piece of flint built onto the outside of the container.
A cotton wick that fits snugly through the end of the Ferro rod, so it takes only one strike to get an extremely hot flame!
The strikes are measured at 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. And the flame sustains an impressive 600 degrees.
When finished, screw the match rod back into place inside the container.
An O-ring built into the Ferro rod prevents fuel from evaporating when it’s screwed into place. And it also helps keep water out of the container.
This metal match easily fits inside a pants pocket or backpack pocket. It's lightweight, reusable, durable, and generally the perfect addition to any survival pack.
The EverStryke Match is an excellent upgrade and investment to your survival gear.
Note: When this post was published, you could get an EverStryke Match FREE - just pay for shipping. Click here to see if this deal is still available.
↓ Everstryke Match Tutorial
This kit comes with 25 matches and a durable, windproof plastic container that can hold up to 40 matches simultaneously.
Plus, this kit includes three replaceable striker strips. The replaceable striker strips are the most useful feature of these matches.
Sometimes striker strips can get worn out after a lot of use, but that's a non-issue with this survival match kit!
Once your striker strip is about to kick the bucket, just replace it, and you're back in business.
The UCO Stormproof matches are also windproof and waterproof and will burn for up to 15 seconds. The case floats if you drop them in water.
↓ UCO Stormproof Matches
The Coghlan's are affordable, reliable, and time-tested.
The Coghlan brand has been around for a long time and is a favorite among the outdoor community.
Hikers, backpackers, hunters, fishermen, and survivalists alike stand by Coghlan’s matches.
One of the biggest advantages of this brand is they're affordable. You can buy them in bulk. But, these matches do not come with extras such as a waterproof container.
↓ Best Waterproof Matches | Coghlans
Sometimes it's less about the actual matches and more about the container.
The EXOTAC MATCHCAP XL is a high-quality match holder perfect for survival situations. This match holder is made from high-grade aluminum, which makes it both lightweight and durable.
It has a waterproof design that keeps your matches safe and dry in any weather conditions.
One of the standout features of the EXOTAC MATCHCAP XL is its integrated striker. This makes it incredibly easy to light your matches, even in windy or wet conditions.
The XL version is larger than the standard MATCHCAP, which means it can hold up to 40 matches (depending on the match size).
↓ Exotac Matchcap XL Review
The Zippo Typhoon Match Kit comes with a waterproof case, Typhoon matches, and a striker.
The case is made of durable ABS plastic and features a silicone O-ring seal that keeps the contents dry even when submerged in water.
The Typhoon match kit contains 15 stormproof matches that can burn for up to 30 seconds each. The matches have a unique design that includes a long stem and a large head, making them easy to light even in harsh conditions.
The striker is also waterproof and features a textured surface that provides a good grip, even with wet hands.
Overall, the Zippo Typhoon Match Kit is a reliable and high-quality survival kit that can be a great addition to any camping or outdoor gear.
↓ Zippo Typhoon Match Kit
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇How to Make Stormproof Matches
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” – Proverb
This wisdom applies to matches, too. Buying stormproof matches is a smart move, but knowing how to make them yourself? That’s a survival superpower. 💪
Here are a few simple DIY methods:
Method 1: Using Wax
1. Grab a box of strike-anywhere matches and a candle.
2. Melt the wax and dip the match heads into it.
3. Let them dry with the heads hanging off the edge of a box.
Method 2: Using Shellac
1. Soak matches in shellac.
2. Let them dry on newspaper for about 20 minutes.
Method 3: Using Nail Polish
1. Dip match heads in nail polish.
2. Let them dry thoroughly.
↓ DIY Waterproof Matches
Final Thoughts
Fire is a survival essential—period. Even low-quality matches are better than nothing.
So, stock up on stormproof matches for your bug-out bag. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own waterproof matches to add to your survival arsenal.
Because when you’re out in the wild, preparation isn’t just an advantage—it’s the difference between life and death.
Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,
P.s. - I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!
I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.
To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.
Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping... just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.Why You Can Trust Skilled Survival...
Go here now to review a full breakdown of:
- Who We Are
- Our Credentials
- Our Mission
- & Product Recommendations...
Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:
- Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
- Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
- Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
- Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
- Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
- Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
- Bachelor's Degree In Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor's Degree In Civil Engineering
- Bachelor's Degree In Biomedical Engineering
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett
We're fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.
And we'll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create...
P.s - I just took this FREE 60-second 'Readiness Score Quiz'👇
AND... I've still got a few gaps in my preps...🤔 But at least, I'm not part of 'The Fragile Masses'. 👍 Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions...
Recommended Reading
LifeStraw Review: An Expert Puts It To The Ultimate Test
LifeStraw Review - with no moving parts, chemical additions, or batteries, it provides a lightweight, compact filter to treat up to 4000L...
Best Survival Bow: 16 Surprising Reasons YOU Should Get One
A survival bow is one of the most underappreciated weapons I think EVERYONE should own. Here are 16 reasons why YOU should get one today.
Best Survival Hatchets: Tough Enough To Outlast The Wild
Not all hatchets are created equal. A quality survival hatchet can do tasks even a survival knife cannot. Here's the one I carry in my pack.
Best Survival Radios: Why You Must Secure One (before SHTF)
Be the ONE who knows what the hell is going on after SHTF. Here's how to set yourself up with a reliable survival radio in a future disaster.
Best EDC Flashlight: Simple, Small, Compact & Super Bright
The best edc flashlight is durable, bright, compact and worth carrying! In this guide, we review the best one to make your search easy.
11 Proven DIY Survival Gear Projects ANYONE Can Follow
Building DIY survival gear doesn't NEED to be complicated to be effective. Here are the 11 best projects you can finish in just a few hours.