A single match is an important item in your kit. If you are in need of fire, a single match will get you started. Lighting a match with one hand can be tricky. It requires practice, patience and determination. The following steps will help you light matches without the use of two hands:

Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This will help relax your muscles so they do not tighten up on you during the process.

Hold the matchbook with both hands, but place one hand underneath the other so that only your top hand is holding it. In this position, your bottom hand should be free to hold onto something like a tree branch or a rock if necessary.

Hold the matchbook between your thumb and index finger of your bottom hand (the one holding onto something). Make sure it is securely positioned so that it does not fall out when trying to light it with just one hand.

Use your bottom thumb (not your top) to push against the side edge of the strike pad until it makes contact with the striking surface at its base (see picture above).

Last modified: September 19, 2022