UCO  Survival Matches

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Being able to make fire is vital for cooking, generating warmth and signaling for help. Keep the Uco Survival matches on hand in case of an emergency.

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Features

  • Windproof and waterproof matches are easy to light and will relight after being submerged in water; matches burn for up to 12 sec.
  • Sealed case features an integrated striker on the outside for easy lighting of matches
  • Includes 2 strikers and 15 matches
  • Uco Survival matches and case have a combined weight of only a half ounce

Imported.

Before starting a fire outdoors, review Leave No Trace principles and safe extinguishing practices. Always check the land manager's current regulations for information on where to build a fire, appropriate wood to use and potential burn bans.
View all UCO Matches

Technical Specs

Best Use

Backpacking

Material(s)

Plastic

Dimensions

1.75 x 3 inches

Waterproof

Yes

Weight

0.5 ounce

Reviews
57 reviews with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

25 out of 40 (63%) reviewers recommend this product

Review this Product

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Average Customer Ratings

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Match
Boundary waters camper
12 years ago
My son and I just tested these matches along with two other brands including the long time military brand known for being very reliable. We tested how easy they were to light, how long and intense they burned, how well they stayed lit after being submerged, how well they light after being submerged, and how well the striker worked after being submerged. This match actually beat the military brand in all tests. Unfortunately it was a slight letdown when compared to the old REI brand storm matches I bought several years ago. I don't see the REI brand on the website anymore so it appears they are no longer made. That being the case these would be the best matches I can find to date. I'm giving four stars because they did not burn well after being completely submerged and because they REI brand performed much better.
Boundary waters camper
Bloomington, MN
36 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 1.0 out of 5 stars
Failed in the Field
GrayMatter
8 years ago
I have used the UCO Stormproof Match Kit REI sells with no issues but these were a completely different experience. The matches would not light on the striker, matches repeatedly broke and the striker was used up within 1-2 failed match attempts. Very glad I had a pack of 50 cheapie strike anywhere matches to get my stove going. Get a different kit from UCO.
GrayMatter
13 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

Boundary waters camper
Bloomington, MN
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Good Match

12 years ago

My son and I just tested these matches along with two other brands including the long time military brand known for being very reliable. We tested how easy they were to light, how long and intense they burned, how well they stayed lit after being submerged, how well they light after being submerged, and how well the striker worked after being submerged. This match actually beat the military brand in all tests. Unfortunately it was a slight letdown when compared to the old REI brand storm matches I bought several years ago. I don't see the REI brand on the website anymore so it appears they are no longer made. That being the case these would be the best matches I can find to date. I'm giving four stars because they did not burn well after being completely submerged and because they REI brand performed much better.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
George
San Luis Obispo, California
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

About as good as it gets.

4 years ago

The strikers and matches need to be kept dry for ignition. Once ignited they are excellent. Burn time is not long, I use vaseline coated cotton balls as an extender. I use them for practice and to rotate fresh stock. I had one set that did not seal properly and matches got wet and ruined.

Age:65–74
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
GrayMatter
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Failed in the Field

8 years ago

I have used the UCO Stormproof Match Kit REI sells with no issues but these were a completely different experience. The matches would not light on the striker, matches repeatedly broke and the striker was used up within 1-2 failed match attempts. Very glad I had a pack of 50 cheapie strike anywhere matches to get my stove going. Get a different kit from UCO.

No, I do not recommend this product
Helpful?
Boonerelli
New York, NY
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

An Essential

8 years ago

Matches and a fire starter are among the ten essentials and this waterproof container of survival matches fits the bill. I carry them all the time. I recently used them a couple for the first time when I left my regular matches and lighter at home. A month later they helped me light a fire using wet wood. I would not use them instead of regular matches or a lighter, but they are great when you need more fire than a normal match or lighter can provide. The packaging does not say this, but I found a small wad of cotton to use to help start a fire in the top of the container.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
ryanjl10
Oakland, CA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Can't go wrong with these matches.

5 years ago

Reliable matches, great addition to have juuuuust in case. I always bring a lighter with me, but I also like to carry these matches in case the lighter fails. They are light and compact, so they go unnoticed in my backpack. I've used them a few times and they light easily and have a nice burn time for getting the stove going and starting fires. Only con - there's not that many in a package, so if you need to use them often, you'll run out quickly.

Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
big D
Phoenix
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Works as stated

5 years ago

I bought this product despite some bad reviews saying it doesn’t work when wet. Well as soon as it showed up I tested it, lighting a match dipping it in water for a few second and pulling it out. The match was still lit. Amazing product in a small package.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Christian
Salem, Oregon
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Saved my butt!

4 years ago

Backpacker for 50+ yrs. and used these matches as a “last resort” during a cold, very windy and wet trip into the Jefferson Wilderness. They worked very well.

Age:65–74
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Blue Ridge Rider
Pisgah Forest, NC
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Come on baby, LIGHT my FIRE.

7 years ago

Water proof container and matches that are as close to sure burn as you can get. The matches are a FAST burn. I say that because you need to have your tinder bundle together and ready to light before striking a match.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Anonymous
Berkeley, CA
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Beware--don't rely on in wilderness

3 years ago

The matches worked fine. The flints do not! Each flint would work to light on average two matches. The next match would rip apart without lighting. Repeat with the next flint. There were more than a few flints in the package, but if I didn't have a flint from an old box of matches, I likely would have had no way to light camp stove after 3 days.

Age:45–54
No, I do not recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Soorma
Michigan
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Barely works

4 years ago

We took them on our backpacking trip to GC. They were a pain to work with. Luckily we also had a small lighter with us. The regular stormproof matches are much better than these ones.

Age:35–44
No, I do not recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
1 - 10 of 57 Reviews

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