Hello, fellow adventurers, it’s Ben Jackson here. Today, we’re venturing into a crucial topic in our outdoor explorations – fire starters. As a longtime lover of the great outdoors, I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of trying my hand at various fire starters under diverse weather conditions. From the traditional matches to the rugged flint and steel, each has its unique charm and functionality. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Simple Yet Mighty Match
Matches: Our journey begins with a time-honored classic – the matchstick. This fire starter comes as a small wooden stick, one end of which is coated with a material that bursts into flames upon striking a rough surface. ‘Strike anywhere’ matches offer a slightly more flexible option, as they can ignite upon striking any abrasive surface.
Pros: Compact, lightweight, and easy to use, these are a staple in any adventurer’s pack.
Cons: However, they struggle in wet or windy conditions, and the flame is rather fleeting.
Weathering the Storm: Stormproof Matches
Stormproof Matches: For those tougher, stormy days, I rely on stormproof matches. Similar to standard matches, these versions boast added elements to make them wind and waterproof. They’re a beacon of hope in even the most challenging weather.
Pros: These matches are the epitome of resilience and work reliably in almost all weather conditions.
Cons: On the downside, they’re a bit bulkier and costlier than their simple counterparts.
The Handy Lighter
Lighters: This everyday item takes a deserving spot in our fire starter lineup. Housing pressurized flammable gas encased in plastic or metal, lighters have often been my go-to fire starter.
Pros: Reusable, lightweight, and very reliable, lighters make starting a fire a breeze.
Cons: However, their performance can falter in cold, windy conditions, and the fuel tends to evaporate over time.
Back to Basics: Flint and Steel
Flint and Steel: This method takes us back to our roots. Striking a hardened steel striker against a piece of flint generates sparks to ignite your tinder. It’s as raw and as real as it gets.
Pros: Flint and steel are waterproof, windproof, and near-indestructible, making them a rugged companion for any outdoor adventure.
Cons: This method does require some practice to master.
The Ferrocerium Rod: A Survivor’s Choice
Ferrocerium Rods: Also known as “ferro rods,” these have found favor amongst survivalists. Scraping these rods with a steel scraper or knife produces hot sparks that can ignite even in adverse weather.
Pros: Compact, lightweight, and unfailingly reliable, ferro rods have earned their place in any survival kit.
Cons: However, directing the sparks onto your tinder calls for a certain skill level.
Fire Starter Squares: The Modern Take
Fire Starter Squares: These squares are composed of flammable materials like wood chips, wax, or paper. They’re a modern convenience that many outdoor enthusiasts appreciate.
Pros: They’re easy to use, burn for an extended duration, and can resist moderate wind and moisture.
Cons: However, their bulkier size can take up a bit more space in your pack, and they do need an initial spark or flame to ignite.
Safety First: Fire Starter Usage and Precautions
Regardless of the fire starter you choose, safety should always be a priority. Ensure you’re away from flammable material when you strike your fire, and keep your fire controlled at all times. Extinguish it thoroughly before you leave your site.
Also, remember to check the local regulations about fire-making, as some areas may have restrictions, especially during dry seasons. Having alternatives such as a camping stove can be handy for these situations.
Amazon Best Sellers
If you’re eager to start experimenting, here are some of the best-selling fire starters on Amazon that you might consider trying out.
- One 4-pack of BIC Multi-purpose utility lighters, with assorted colors
- The long durable metal wand on this multi purpose lighter helps keep fingers away from flame - great for candles, grills and fireplaces
- Each stick lighter is child-resistant*, safe, reliable and 100% quality inspected
- Every BIC pack of lighters undergoes more than 50 separate, automatic quality checks during the manufacturing process
- Retractable hook for convenient storage, so you know exactly where to find your long lighters
- 【WINDPROOF JET TORCH LIGHTERS】: This Turbo JET Flame Torch Lighter has a Big Burner Nozzle, Which Produce Powerful Jet Flame. The Turbo Jet Nozzle Makes the Jet Flame Up to 2.5 inch in Length and...
- 【SAFE AND DURABLE】: This Butane Lighter Nozzle with Copper Material was Designed for Supporting Continuously Flame and Longer Using Times, Cooling Hole and Ceramic Port Was Designed For Maximum...
- 【REFILLABLE&ADJUSTABLE TORCH LIGHTERS】: This Pen Torch Lighter is Refillable. Easily Adjust the Flame by Turning the Flame Adjustment Knob Under the Lighter, You can Use your Hand to Adjust the...
- 【VISIBLE FUEL LEVEL WINDOW】: TOPKAY Torch Lighters has 2.8g Capacity Gas to Ensure Long Last Using. With Visible Fuel Level Window, Which Will Remind you When your Lighter Needs to Refill and...
- 【MULTIPURPOSE BUTANE LIGHTER】: 6 inch Mini Jet Torch Butane Lighter, Compact and Portable, Perfect for your Indoor and Outdoor Activities. Suitable for Lighting Candles, Barbecue, Fireworks,...
- WHAT YOU CAN GET - Package included: 1 usb ARC lighter + 1 butane torch lighter, 1 usb cable and 2 Lanyards. The usb chargeable lighter is a perfect outdoor adventure tool. The refillable butane torch...
- WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF - These 2 lighters are also built with metal-ring sealed cover and locking clasp. IP56 Waterproof System allows them work well in rainy day and windy day. The arc lighter's...
- USB RECHARGABLE LIGHTER - The flameless dual-arc lighter is powered by a rechargeable battery that can be used up to 300 times on a single charge. Includes USB charging cord, this quick charge battery...
- REFILLABLE GAS LIGHTER - The torch lighter can be filled with butane gas repeatedly. The refillable butane lighter can create a single jet flame up to 1.8 inches with a temperature of 2800°F. You can...
- PORTABLE SIZE& DURABLE - The compact size of both lighters (1.9''*2.7''*0.7''/ 0.15 lb) is perfect for on-the-go use. Easy to carry as a survival kits and small enough to put in your pocket, handbag....
- Every BIC lighter has passed more than 50 individual safety inspections to safely light all indoor and outdoor lighting needs
- These utility lighters have a long durable metal wand keeps hands away from fire
- Candle lighters with a retractable hook for convenient storage
- High performing, long lasting flame great for candles, grills and fireplaces
- Pack of 4 multipurpose candle lighters includes 3 classic wands and 1 flex wand in assorted colors
- Offers a safer way to light: barbecues (charcoal or gas grills), pilot lights, hurricane lamps, fireplaces, candles and camping equipment
- Visible fuel supply
- Child resistant
- [Safe and Efficient] Say goodbye to traditional lighters and switch to our plasma arc electric lighter. Its non-flammable and weather-resistant design lets you safely light candles, cigarettes,...
- [Flexible Design] Enjoy unmatched convenience with a 10-inch long candle lighter that features a 4-inch,360° rotatable elbow. Combining reach, flexibility and ease of use, it is the perfect tool for...
- [Use-Friendly and Cost Effective] Toss those disposable lighters in the trash and switch to our rechargeable electric lighter. Using a USB charging cable, you can recharge the lighter and enjoy...
- [Compact and Portable] Measuring just 0.6" in diameter and 6.5" in length when folded, our electric lighter is compact and lightweight, making it the perfect travel companion. Tuck it into your pocket...
- [Versatile and Reliable] Our plasma arc electric lighter is built to withstand the elements. It is not affected by rain, snow, wind or other adverse weather. Ideal for outdoor, home, camping, or BBQ...
- Upgraded 360°Flexible Neck Lighter: The electric lighter has an extended length to light from a distance, reducing burn risk. The 360°reach gives you the freedom to adjust the angle as needed.
- Weatherproof Arc Lighter: The electric rechargeable lighter has a windproof, silent spark. Extremus Blaze 360 Flex Lighter is convenient for lighting a variety of objects.
- IP56 Dustproof & Waterproof Lighter: Tactical and technical features make the plasma lighter dust and water-resistant up to IP56 level, ensuring the internal components are safe from the elements.
- USB-C Rechargeable Lighter: This electronic lighter contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers 300 uses per charge. With a Type C charging port, the lighter charges conveniently on your...
- Outdoor Survival Lighter: Included paracord lanyard and emergency whistle make this camping lighter a must-have for lightweight backpacking, bug-out, and get-home bags. Paracord is thin, lightweight,...
- ☔【Waterproof & Windproof Lighter】IP56 waterproof system, the arc of plasma lighter and the jet flame of torch lighter both are windproof, which makes these lighters work well in strong wind or...
- 🔋【USB Rechargeable Lighter】This flameless dual arc lighter has a built -in 220 mAh lithium battery, which can be used more than 300 times on a single charge. With a Type-C charging port, the...
- 🔥【Refillable Butane Lighter】The torch lighter is upgrade with visible fuel tank and adjustable flame. The flame regulator is at the bottom of the insert, You can adjust the flame size with your...
- 🏞️【Survival Lighter With Whistles】These electric torch lighters all come with a lanyard with emergency whistles, compact and lightweight, perfect for your Bug Out Bag, go bag, and...
- 🎁【What You’ll Get】You will receive a nice box include: Dual arc plasma Lighter*1, butane torch lighter*1, usb cable*1, lanyard with whistle *2, user manual*2. And 6 month hassle-free warranty...
- NOTE : In Order to Comply with USPS Safety Regulations, All the Lighter Will Not Be Filled with Butane when You Receive.
- LONG FLEXIBLE NECK LIGHTER: This Windproof Torch Lighter Features a 4.5 inch 360 Flexible Neck. It Can be Rotated to Different Angles to Meet your Different Needs and Long Flexible Neck Keeps a Safe...
- UTILITY TORCH LIGHTER: This Butane Torch Lighter has a 2300F Flame, Strong Enough for any Task. Great for Lighting your Candles, Fireworks, Fireplace, Grill, BBQ. Pilot Lights, Also Suitable for...
- VISIBLE FUEL LEVEL WINDOW: This Refillable Butane Lighter has 2.8g Capacity Fuel to Ensure Long Last Using. With Visible Fuel Level Window, Which Will Remind you When your Lighter Needs to Refill and...
- REFILLABLE&ADJUSTABLE TORCH LIGHTER: Our Butane Lighter is Refillable, Refill the Torch Lighter with any Brand of Butane(Long Nozzle Stem). An Adjustable Flame Wheel on the End of the Lighter Lets you...
My Personal Recommendations
From my numerous encounters with nature’s unpredictability, I’ve grown fond of two fire starters: stormproof matches and the ferrocerium rod. The matches offer swift and reliable results, especially in inclement weather. The ferrocerium rod, on the other hand, impresses with its durability and reliability under any circumstances.
However, the best fire starter for you may vary depending on your adventure, your skill level, and the weather conditions you anticipate. I encourage you to test a variety of fire starters. After all, part of the adventure is in the learning!
Let the sparks of knowledge lead you to warm, safe, and sustainable fires on your journeys. See you on the trails, friends!
