In the outdoors, matches should not be regarded as a mere convenience. They can become an important survival tool. We'll return to show you how to protect your matches. High-personally recommend good quality strike anywhere wooden matches for outdoor use. Keep your matches in a waterproof container. You can waterproof matches by coating them with clear fingernail polish or by dunking them in hot wax. Be sure to coat the stick because it can absorb water that can destroy the head. When you light a match, shield it with your hand until the stick catches fire to prevent the breeze from blowing it out. Remember, matches don't stop fires. People do.