The 5Cs are well known in the outdoor community. The tools that the 5Cs include will change from season to season. Here are some options for each of the 5Cs which include Cutting Tool, Combustion Device, Container, Cover, and Cordage. (click on the images to learn more.)
Cutting Tool
In the colder months, the wood you find is usually frozen. Having a larger cutting tool is important for chopping and splitting wood to get to the dry center. Also, being able to make fine curls to use as tinder is also very important since most of your small twigs are going to be cold and wet from the snow.
Some options would include – Becker BK 9
Husqvarna 19″ Wooden Carpenter’s Axe
Combustion Device
When it comes to a combustion device it is crucial that you have a secured way of starting a fire. Fire is one of the key ways of staying warm in the colder environments. It also helps melt and boil snow for drinking or cooking.
Some options would include – A lighter, having a lighter during the winter months is a fast and easy way of starting a fire in a hurry. However, a lighter will not work if it is wet or cold. If this is your preferred method it is important to ALWAYS keep it in a pocket close to your body heat when it is not being used.
Stormproof matches, These are a very good option since they will light in almost any weather condition and produce a flame. They can also be bunched together and used as kindling.
One of the most preferred ways of starting a fire is with a Ferro Rod. The Ferro Rod will work in any weather condition. It will also work wet, cold, broken. As long as you have a way of striking your Ferro Rod you will always get a spark. Starting a fire with sparks takes practice and lots of patience to heat up and ignite the frozen wood. So if this your preferred method I suggest to always have a backup way of getting flame.
Container
When it comes to choosing a container for winter camping it really is up to what your needs really are. Some people prefer plastic Nalgene bottles because they are not as cold as stainless steel.
Some options would include – Plastic water bottles. The plastic bottles do not get as cold to the touch but can break in the extreme cold weather. You also can not use plastic for cooking, melting snow, or boiling water.
Stainless Steel. When using a stainless steel water bottle some people will say you need to be careful not to get your tongue stuck to the side of your bottle. However, stainless steel is far more durable than plastic and can also be used for cooking, melting snow, and boiling water. It is a very versatile piece of kit. It does get cold so make sure to insulate the bottle from the cold as best as you can.
Another option is to carry a plastic water bottle with a Stainless Steel nesting cup. You will get the benefits of the plastic bottle with the versatility of the stainless steel water bottle.
Cover
Having proper Cover can really mean the difference in how comfortable your time in the woods really is. The very first form of cover is the clothes on your back. Make sure to always dress in layers. The more layers the better. This will allow you to remove or add whatever is needed for optimal comfort. The two main focuses when thinking about your layering system is Warmth and Staying Dry.
Wool is a great piece of winter kit. It is warm and is also moister wicking which will wick the sweat away from your skin keeping you dry and much warmer.
Cotten Kills. This is a saying most people have heard before. Cotten holds in moister and altho it is cool in the summer. It can increase your chance of hypothermea in the winter which can lead to serious injury or death.
Having a good space blanket can also save you in an emergency. It can reflect around 80% of your body heat back at you or even better reflect the heat of a fire that can be life-saving.
Cordage
This is the one C that doesn’t change much in seasons. Having a good hank of bankline or paracord can aid you in almost any task. From making shelter, hauling firewood. first aid, fire making, making a tripod for cooking, the list can go on and on. I always make sure I have 25 feet of survival paracord that I can use for emergencies or anything that might come up.
I can attest to the lighter not working in the cold. As for matches….I tried using some a while ago and they broke. And a ferro rod is cool – IF it’s longer than an inch or so AND you have a striker.
I think the most imprtant aspect of starting a fire, at least in my limited experience, is preparation ; you have to have good, dry tinder and a dry place in which to work.
You should read my post about the Paradox of fire – https://www.wolfpackwoodcraft.com/fire-paradox