During the Winter months of 2019, I started exploring all sorts of fire starting options & containers. I had used the cheap orange containers for matches a few times with very little success or satisfaction…So, I kind of discarded matches out of my mind for my fire kit.
That was until I decided to put one of the Exotac matchCAP XL’s in my kit and give it a try. This match safe is night & day different from any others on the market. Right off the bat, the matchCAP XL has a rock-solid anodized aluminum body. And the threads lock up nicely with a tight O-Ring seal. There is absolutely zero chance of water coming into this.
Exotac matchCAP Strikers
Moving on to the strikers for the Exotac matchCAP XL…
There are two strikers on the matchCAP XL. One is very course, while the other is smoother. This allows you to use regular kitchen matches, strike-anywhere matches, and UCO Stormproof Matches (my personal preference).
Both of these strikers work well and are replaceable with Exotac’s refill kit should you wear them out. I really like that Exotac offers these replaceable components. Because that means this product is built to last and made to be a sustainable part of our kit, rather than being thrown away after a season or two.
20% Off Exotac Gear with coupon “AnthonyAwaken” →
Shown with the Exotac matchCAP above is the newly released Tops Mini Tanimbocca Puukko (more on that later)
Exotac EDC Gear
Exotac, in my opinion, make the best EDC fire gear on the market. Their gear is sleek, has clean lines, and absolutely no sharp edges to speak of. All of this, paired with how well they perform, make them perfect to slip into a pocket, EDC bag, or on a keychain even.
Get 20% Off Exotac Gear with coupon “AnthonyAwaken” →
Exotac matchCAP Kit
You know it wouldn’t be an AnthonyAwaken article without a kit being mentioned! Here’s what I built out of my Exotac matchCAP XL for Everyday Pocket Carry. And yes, all of this fits inside of my matchCAP with ease.
- A couple of safety pins + large repair needles
- A carbon steel spike/awl
- mini BIC Lighter wrapped in Gorilla Tape (be careful how much tape you add as this portion can get too thick & not fit)
- (x4) quickLIGHT Tinder Tabs
- Mini no-name magnesium bar + ferro rod
- September 2020 Update:
I have since removed the hank of bank line and added a metal sewing machine bobbin with 15lb braided fishing line. This gives me more cordage and takes up the same amount of room.
This mini kit gives me the ability to have sure-fire on my person at all times and make repairs to my gear.
Get 20% Off Exotac Gear with coupon “AnthonyAwaken” →
See this kit in action…
2021 Update: Watch the video above to see this kit in real-time as I show you through everything that I’m carrying in my matchCAP XL.
Wanna buy an Exotac matchCAP XL?
I would absolutely recommend and stand behind this product from Exotac. In fact, the kit you saw above is part of my EDC and in my pocket as I’m typing this.
Use code “AnthonyAwaken” for 20% Off matchCAP XL →
