Customer Reviews:
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 Very waterproof, April 21, 2010
By M. Cornell
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These things work as advertised. I soaked five matches for two minutes, and held another two under running water for two minutes. All seven lit on the first strike. I'm going to try to soak the whole package next, as I wonder about how the box might hold up while soaked. I have to wait on this, though. I'm on my second to last box (as I gifted a few to close friends for survival kits), and I'm camping this weekend, so I'll want these intact--just in case. :)
EDIT: stuck a box in a glass of water for 20 minutes, and the first two matches lit perfectly. :)
I'll be buying one or two more bricks of these to keep in the car, home, and in my bike pouch.
Be redundant, and know several ways to light a fire in emergencies. Having a flint stick, magnesium, matches, lighters, and good tinder can go a long way toward comfort and safety. Never depend on just one tool, and don't wait until something bad happens before thinking about survival. Be prepared!
54 of 56 people found the above review helpful.
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Don't be caught wet without something to light your FIRE!, October 18, 2009
By TheGordo (Republic of Texas)
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Here in Central TX it is "well nigh impossible" to find a specialty item like this--no hardware store in sight has them. So...I went to good ole Amazon.
You really don't want to be without waterproof matches in any kind of outdoor setting/activity. On very humid days here it has proven impossible to get a decent flame (or even a flame al all) from normal small matches...this because of moisture absorption by the tip and moist/worn strike surface.
Coghlan's fires up every time. Try a comparison yourself: soak a Coghlan's and a garden-variety match in water for a few seconds and do the deed--you'll wonder why you ever were without waterproof matches around.
35 of 38 people found the above review helpful.
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They Work Great, October 13, 2009
By R. Richardson (illinois)
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Received these waterproof matches in a couple of days. Took a package apart from the brick to test them out, better now than at a time of emergency. I dipped 3 of the matches in water and all 3 lit. great product at a great amazon price.
20 of 23 people found the above review helpful.
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 If you want to be sure to be able to start a fire in an emergency, don't rely on this product!, November 28, 2010
By Artie
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So what if the matches are waterproof, these matches are useless for starting a fire if the striker on the box gets wet. These matches depend on the striker on the box to be bone dry. If you dump your pack into a stream by accident and your stuff is soaked, you may end up spending a very cold and miserable night because you can't start a fire to dry out. Or something simple like your water bottle in your pack leaks and gets your box of matches wet. You have a big problem. These matches compromise the safety of anyone who relies on them. I really think someone should go to the trouble to make a formal complaint to the Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission for false advertising, especially because people buy them for use in an emergency. About a year ago I called the customer service department of the company to tell them they should make the striker waterproof, but it did no good. I can't believe that other reviewers have given them such high ratings, these "emergency" matches are strictly pretend. Don't buy them.
11 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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 Expectations too high?, January 20, 2010
By Bill D (Phoenix, AZ)
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I dipped the matches in water and they lit, but when I soaked the matches in water (for several hours) and then tried lighting them they didn't work. I let them dry for several hours and still didn't work. I expected these to be completely water proof. Perhaps the tests I put them against were too severe. I wanted to be prepared for my pack getting soaked and having these still work. Guess not...
11 of 18 people found the above review helpful.
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Don't get the box wet, September 27, 2010
By AE
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I noticed that a wet box made for difficult striking. The matches work fine when wet, but they are not 'strike anywhere' matches and the striking tab on the side of the box is nearly useless when wet.
Don't substitute these for a lighter or an "emergency" fire starter.
Interestingly, using about 5 of the matches that I couldn't get to light on the wet box came in very handy wadded in some tinder that I lit with my lighter.
Wooosh!
7 of 8 people found the above review helpful.
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grate, March 1, 2009
By S. L. Sacchetti (ny)
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thes r grte i diped them in water and they still lit good for any time
7 of 14 people found the above review helpful.
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Great deal, quantity is misleading... in a good way, August 10, 2010
By W. L. Holder (Phoenix, AZ, USA)
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The quantity here is misleading in a way, a good way. This is NOT a pack of 10 matches, or even 10 packs of 20 matches. This is 10 packages containing 45 matches, for a total of 450 WATERPROOF MATCHES.
They are basic wooden stick matches, coated in a varnish of some sort to prevent water or moisture from ruining them. They must be struck on the sandpaper sides of the box to light, they are not strike anywhere.
I have messed around with a bunch of them. They all work, and they are all waterproof so far.
The boxes are even nice, made of a thin balsa wood vernier of some sort. They are not as easily crushed and mangled as your typical cardboard box of 25 stick matches.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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DON'T BUY FROM THIS SELLER, January 18, 2011
By barngirldw (USA)
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After sending numerous emails regarding not receiving this item and receiving no response - I had to ask for a refund. This was a very small amount of money for a seller to risk a bad review. I would not buy from this seller again and encourage you to not buy from him either. As far as the matches - I can't tell you anything about them.
4 of 12 people found the above review helpful.
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Keep The Box Dry..., February 7, 2011
By Cristen L. Whalen (Colorado Springs, CO USA)
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Just received during a nice downpour so thought I'd try them out. Worked great the first time, with the match plenty wet, but as soon as the box and striker strip got wet = nothing. The matches themselves work great even when dunked in water, but get the box wet and you're out of luck. Seems kind of silly to have these for emergency wet conditions when the box will be the first thing to get wet and ruin your chance for lighting the matches. Will stick to other fire starters for a real weatherproof emergency solution.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Waterproof Matches, January 17, 2011
By bookman (Seattle, WA USA)
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I bought these for a survival kit i was putting together. I tried them when i got them to make sure they worked. I ran water over about a half dozen of them and let them set for 5 minutes. They still lit. I then ran water over another half dozen and tried lighting them right away. Still no problem. i have to admit that I haven't tried to light them outside yet, though.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Don't know why Amazon chose to list waterproof matches, as a "toy". . ., February 2, 2011
By Thomas J. Chin (New York, NY United States)
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The matches arrived on time and in pristine condition. . . What more need be said ??
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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These will let you down !, June 5, 2011
By T.M. Tackett (Kentucky)
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My title and a couple of other reviews say it all, especially Artie's. The rave reviews by others here are short sighted. Do not bet your life on these or even you comfort. You will be very disappointed. Look for genuine life boat matches in the sealed containers which are resealable with a screw on/off cap. They work.
2 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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 Nice buy, June 10, 2010
By Wesexpress (KY, USA)
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I recently took these camping. I rated it a 4 star because they didn't seem to hold up to wind well at all. I would have liked it to have burned a little longer to help start a fire. Definately a good buy though. Other than that these do fine. There are 10 boxes with 45 matches in each box.
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Good Waterproof Matches, August 5, 2011
By Mr. Staack (Illinois)
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These are very good waterproof matches - as good as any other set I've ever used. Bear in mind, however, they aren't magical. It's still difficult to keep anything alight in a driving rain or heavy winds. And, yes, they will not light if the striking surface is ruined, if struck under water, or in the vacuum of space. For waterproof matches, they are very good. As a fire starter, matches - in general - are adequate. These should be kept in a nicer sealed matchbox with a protected striking surface (Coghlans makes a nice one that also includes a whistle and signal mirror), and you should have AT LEAST one other backup fire source that might mitigate the shortfalls of matches, if designated for a situation where fire starting is critical. I never have less than three, when I go off-trail - usually waterproof matches, a Swedish Firesteel, usually a lighter or two, and sometimes a fire piston along with some good emergency tinder. I wouldn't feel right with just one of any of these firestarters.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Got a match?, December 22, 2010
By Chris (United States)
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I absolutely love these things. While they are made for emergency and survival purposes, I actually think they are a lot of fun too. Imagine the stunts and tricks you can pull using these things. I have amazed unsuspecting friends with these "water matches". I dropped one in an ice chest full of water and watched it float around and then plucked it and struck it. I also put one underneath a running faucet and then lit it with not problem. My next trick will involve tying several of these onto a trout line and sinking them in the bayou. I'm going to leave them for a week and see. And, during the next thunderstorm, I am going to line them up on the fence and then let them dry when the sun comes back out. Believe it or not, people who don't own these are very curious. Now I have not tried them in salt water yet, but that gives me lots of ideas. Have fun and be safe.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Water Proof Matches in Review, October 9, 2010
By mike mcclendon
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These matches certainly are advertised as water proof but the "proof" was in the pudding as they say... I used them last weekend at a campout to start a fire and it was a misty / light rain morning and afternoon... thankfully the rain had passed us by 4:00 pm.
When fire time came, I whipped out the matches to discover the box was damp... but the matches lit up first strike and I was able to start a fire in no time.
Looks like a winner to me!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Great match, September 10, 2010
By Chris
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I keep them in my car in case of emergency. They do light event when damp.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Good quality and quantity for the price, July 25, 2010
By donpedro
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Matches worked great. I submerged 5 of them in water for about a minute and then attempted to light them. All five lit! I like how they come packaged in the small boxes that are easy to stash in glove boxes, pockets, backpacks and the like. The only drawback that I see is that they must be struck on the box itself, but other than that they are great. Definetly recommend as an item for an emergency kit along with a firesteel device.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Work well, May 22, 2010
By Sleepless in Seattle (Seattle, WA)
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These matches work very well, unlike the waterproof matches purchased at Wally World. These matches light the first time you strike them. I'll be ordering them again.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great!, April 7, 2010
By Marie (Marie)
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These matches work great and come in waterproof containers! I love it! I put some in our 96-hour emergency packs and use some to light candles in our house. Everything was in perfect condition when it came.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great service, January 31, 2010
By P. F. Connolly (New Hampshire)
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These will be useful if ever needed...keep some handy with some plumbers candles in
various places...home, car, and work etc
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Good Waterproof Matches, August 5, 2011
By Big Boss (Outer Heaven)
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These are very good waterproof matches - as good as any other set I've ever used. Bear in mind, however, they aren't magical. It's still difficult to keep anything alight in a driving rain or heavy winds. And, yes, they will not light if the striking surface is ruined, if struck under water, or in the vacuum of space. For waterproof matches, they are very good. As a fire starter, matches - in general - are adequate. These should be kept in a nicer sealed matchbox with a protected striking surface (Coghlans makes a nice one that also includes a whistle and signal mirror), and you should have AT LEAST one other backup fire source that might mitigate the shortfalls of matches, if designated for a situation where fire starting is critical. I never have less than three, when I go off-trail - usually waterproof matches, a Swedish Firesteel, usually a lighter or two, and sometimes a fire piston along with some good emergency tinder. I wouldn't feel right with just one of any of these firestarters.
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cheap machbox...good match, July 28, 2011
By Ian T
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the matches work! they look bright as if covered with some wax or something..that makes them waterproof...but the match box really looks cheap (even for a match box, yes)it looks like it will fall apart in seconds and your matches will be on the floor....plus it is super packed with matches, in a way that you can barely open it, take one out and close it again...you have to take a few out so it can close properly...but, because they are super packed in eacha box...most of the boxes of the pack were already kind of in bad shape...
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Works as promised, October 28, 2011
By JR
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They simply work. I've tried other brands and these always light when i use them. These matches have saved me in a pinch more than once. Great product.
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Test of waterproof Matches, September 27, 2011
By CosmoStarMan
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Product is as described: Package contains 10 boxs of Coghlans waterproof matches. Container box is 2"L x 1.5"W x .75"H containing 40 matches per box. Test #1: strike dry match on side of box w/ succesful light. Test #2: Held match head under water for 3 sec. Checked match head for moisture and it seemed dry. Struck match on side of box w/ succesful light. Product is small in size, easy to pack and performs as advertised. I plan to keep a good supply of these on hand.
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NOT a good bet if life is on the line!!!, September 26, 2011
By Ummmmm.....
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These matches work well if not exposed to the elements for any length of time. The sticks are VERY brittle and break easily. The sulfur material flakes away easily, and if it's during a strike and it lands in a bad place - you've just made your problems much worse. The striker faces are good for three to five matches and then they've had it. Boxes fall apart easily. Bottom line, if you are considering placing these in a kit of any kind where reality or life is at stake - DON'T. Get a good, high quality firesteel and look around for tinder. That you can bet on.
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Very useful to have!, August 28, 2010
By S.H.M.
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I soaked a few of them for 5 minutes and a couple of them broke in two when I tried to light them. They also burned only about half the stick before dying out (and this was without any wind). But given the fact that you get 450 matches for less than $4.50, I'd definitely recommend these matches.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Product does not work as advertised, May 8, 2012
By Adam Raines Swonke (Houston, TX United States)
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Two cases of these matches got soaked. The water jug in my hurricane box collapsed and leaked, and two cases of these "waterproof" matches sat in water for at least a few days. When I discovered the leak, I laid everything out in the sun on a wooden table to dry. After they were dried, the match heads were brittle to the point of falling apart while attempting to strike. They may be waterproof if they are exposed to water for a few minutes, I won't ever know, because I won't be buying them again; they certainly were not waterproof after being exposed to water for a few days.
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 Match Good. Striker Box Bad., April 6, 2012
By Calamity Jane
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These matches work fine if you're careful. They break easily while striking. Once lit, if the stem doesn't break, the stick holds the flame fairly well. The matches really aren't the problem. It's the box they come in - the box with the striker pad on the side. If that box gets damp or soaked with water, it falls apart and you can't light the matches. What sense does that make? The purpose of waterproof matches is to use them outdoors in wet and damp conditions.
They aren't worth the money.
Want inexpensive waterproof matches? Make your own. It's easy. Go to any dollar store and buy a box of STRIKE ANYWHERE matches. You don't need the strip on the box to light them. You strike them on any rock or rough surface. Also buy a $1 bottle of clear nail polish. Spread the nail polish over the blue and red tip of each match. For better results spread the nail polish over the entire length of the match, including the open end. Dry thoroughly on a grate or screen. The nail polish seals out water and helps the match stay lit until you blow it out. Store them in an empty plastic spice jar and keep the jar packed in with your camping equipment. If you can find a watertight container it is better yet. The heavier, thicker wood stem on these larger matches greatly reduces the chance of breakage while striking.
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Small match heads, they don't age well, March 6, 2012
By Andrew James Riemer (Winsted, MN United States)
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I love all things survival, and I love canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Given those two interests, I thought these Coughlans Waterproof Matches would be a great addition to my pack and ditch kits.
Sure, they do the job, and they are water resistant. However, they don't seem to age well. I had some packed away for over a year (in a water/air-tight container), and when I pulled them out to use the, the match heads crumbled away as I tried to strike many of them. The failure rate was close to 50% on those older matches. That's not something I wanted to risk, so I stopped buying them. I also didn't like the tiny match heads.
Now I use strike anywhere matches, kept in a waterproof container (even if only a zipper bag in another water resistant container). I typically have them in three or four different locations when I canoe (main pack, food barrel, day pack, ditch kit/survival kit), but I now also carry a credit card size Fresnel lens and a firesteel. An old film cannister is perfect for keeping matches, though you may need to cut down the match sticks a bit.
So, these are fine for your short term needs. Just be sure to buy them fresh before each outing. For me, I'll stick with other matches.
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Works exactly as advertised!, November 10, 2011
By USMC Battlemaster (Plano, Texas USA)
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Wow, this product should be in every persons car, truck, boat, camper, garage, deck box and bail out bag; the 10 pack gives you enough to spread around for the time in need.
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Matches them self are water proof, but dont wet the box!, June 17, 2011
By Frankie
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If you get the striker wet, you will be out of luck trying to ignite these. If you get the match wet, then strike, then the striker will be wet and may become difficult to light. So, I suggest you use 1 box for test purposes only, and see what your result is.
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great matches, June 5, 2011
By jrgmz
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These matches worked as advertised. I held a match under water for a minute and then lit it. It had no problems whatsoever.
I even noticed after it lit up that there was still a bit of water on the shaft and the match managed to stay lit. Next I want to try them outside when it's raining.
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FANTASTIC, October 9, 2010
By Roxanne Roark (Monterey, CA, US)
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i ran water over these matches and struck them while there was still water droplets on them and boy was i impressed.
they worked flawlessly definite purchase
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