There are many situations where one might need some glue while in the bush. Obvious "sticky" things include the sap from many conifers. This sap, gum, or pitch can be used directly, but oftentimes needs to be "tuned" for a specific application. The pitch can be too runny, or on the other hand it may crack too easily. Various materials can be added to the pitch to adjust the properties. Lard or fat has historically been used to soften pitch and this was often used in sealing birch bark canoes. Materials like charcoal and herbivore scat can be mixed with the pitch to create a more or less universal glue. The charcoal and scat modify the pitch so that it's not too runny or too brittle. When this mixture is stored on a stick we have what is "commonly" referred to as a "pitch stick." ("Common" in some circles anyway :-) )

This photo shows some of the raw ingredients.

The tin on the left is where raw pitch was heated to separate out bits of bark, wood etc.

The jar on the right contains the "purified" pitch.

At the front of the photo are a few pieces of charcoal.

No scat was used in this instance.

The charcoal was powdered by rolling a stick on it.

This picture shows some melted pitch mixed with the powdered charcoal.

This shows the finished pitch stick.

A stick is repeatedly dipped into the pitch-charcoal mixture.

The stick can be put into cool water to speed up the cooling process, then another layer of pitch can be added.

To use the pitch stick, the end of the stick is placed near a heat source - a fire, candle etc. When the pitch has melted, a dab can be place where it is needed. To have the pitch adhere better, the parts that are to be "glued" can be pre-heated.

Survival Pitch & Glue Fire Containers

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