Fire lighting, the handful twig bundle

The twig bundle is nothing new and is well described in the book Northern Bushcraft written by the legendary Mors Kochanski.

The handful twig bundle can be made in different ways depending on the material at hand. It can also be held differently and lighted in different ways.

The method used in this video works fine in most weather conditions as you hold it in your hand you kan move it around and light it in the lee if needed or huddle over it if it rains. This way also allows you to see the flame clearly when you light the bundle and at the same time protect the flame from the wind.

The length should be at least elbow to fingertips. Break the spruce branches in equal lengths, 3 or 4 times depending on the length of the branches. You should be able to hold the bundle in one hand. Sort the twigs so you have the thinnest were you light it and the thickest on top when you put the twig bundle on the fireplace.

Decide were to put the flame when you light it and make sure the twigs are evenly spaced there so that the haet, fuel and oxygen (the fire triangle) is optimal. This twig bundle will burn for several minutes on its own giving it plenty of time to ignite the next dimension of fuel put on the fire.

Hope you enjoy.