Torches have been used for centuries so we've been able to perfect the art of torch-building by utilizing things found in nature. Depending on what's around you, any of the below 3 methods will show you how to construct a torch that is both long-lasting and reliable.
How To Make A Primitive Torch
The most straightforward torch design is composed of a stick featuring a bundle of rags bound to one end, then soaked in tree sap, pitch, oil, or animal fat. In case you don’t have rags or clothes to spare, you can wrap bark around the stick’s end and stuff it with dry grass, moss, small bits of wood or leaves.
You’ll still need to soak some flammable material on the end (animal fat, pitch) to prevent your improvised torch from burning too fast or blowing out when you least expect it.
To get more specific, the most primitive torch that will last you for a while can be improvised from a freshly picked cattail. If you can get your hands on some grease or animal fat, not to mention lamp oil, this incredibly simple survival torch may last you for hours and hours.
How To Make A Minimalistic Torch
Provided you can’t get any cattail, you will have to use the good old method of using a frayed branch along with some method for improvising your torch. As I already told you, the idea is to add a slow-burning fuel at the end of the branch, so the torch will burn for a longer period of time.
The idea is to create a proper torch that wicks and burns very much like a candle.
It would be ideal to carry some fire accelerants in your EDC survival kit, the likes of paraffin or cooking oil. If you don’t have them at your disposal, you’ll have to settle for animal fat or tree sap.
The torch will require a wick of sorts, which can be DIY-ed from strips of cloth. Alternatively, you can go for soft barks such as birch; i.e. find a tree and peel off a strip that’s about 2 feet long and 6 inches wide.
The wick must be attached firmly to the torch then soaked thoroughly with the flame accelerant before you light it up. A birch wick already contains natural resins that will burn for a long period of time, so you don’t have to soak it.
How To Make A Tree Resin Torch
Even if you don’t have access to fuels, pine pitch, also known as pine sap, is an outstanding fuel and also readily available. All you have to do is to find a pine tree then to cut off a branch.
Afterwards, you’ll have to split one end of the stick 4-5 times then jam a handful of thin pine shaving into the gaps of the split end. Upon lighting it, the fire will wick the sap from the branch and it will burn for at least an hour.
If you’re lucky enough to have some toilet paper with you, you can DIY a nice torch with this humble material.
The trick is to wrap the toilet paper around the end of the stick while spinning it, so it will end up looking like rope. The loose ends of the paper must be tucked into the torch head, so it resembles a huge Q-tip. In the next step, you’ll have to stick the wick into the oil and let it soak properly for 2 minutes or so. This one will last you for up to thirty minutes.
What other advice do you have to making a torch in the wilderness?
Article and Photo Source: Survivopedia
