Struggling with getting a fire started outdoors is never a memorable experience, especially if you're camping and your warmth depends on the source of heat. Or, perhaps everyone is eager to start roasting marshmallows! With the addition of a fire starter, you can get a good flame going within minutes.
However, there are a ton of options to sort through. So, we've looked for the most reliable and camper-approved fire starter options and compiled a list for you to consider. Überleben's Zünden Fire Starter, for example, is compact, easy to hold, and releases sparks with each strike. There are nine more fire starters in the lineup, plus a buying guide reviewed by an outdoor guide to help you pick the right one for your needs.
Quick List - Top Fire Starters
Duraflame
Compact and Simple Wood Fire Lighter
My name is 박 (Pak). I am a first-generation Korean American who has worked in the outdoors for 6 years as a guide. Now I'm enjoying traveling around with my bicycle and spending time outdoors with my dog Gaara.
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Table of Contents
Depending on the particular use, you might be at a loss on which type of fire starter to get, such as for backyard grilling or camping. The following buying guide will expound on the fire starter types and their considerations.
There are many ways to create a fire. Each type relies on a form of physics, such as friction, to create enough combustion energy. The two main fire starters that feature a form of physics are flint and steel and fire pistons.
These options are perfect for survival kits or outdoor use due to their compact size and weather resistance.
The most common type of fire starter features the traditional flint and steel method. It relies on the super-heated friction between a rod and steel. More modern versions substitute flint with ferrocerium alloy or magnesium, which achieves longer burning sparks. This tool can work in wet or moist conditions and is light and portable.
You might need to check if the flint or ferro rod and steel come with recurring costs, such as replacing the flint rocks or rods when finished. The tool also has a learning curve, especially regarding getting enough sparks to ignite a fire.
Ferro and steel sets usually come attached together. Look for one that is easy to use and that its attachment string/mechanism is long enough where you can easily separate them to strike together. Many cheap sets are attached together with a cheap attachment, which makes them easy to lose.
Instead of friction, fire pistons rely on the first law of thermodynamics. This involves a rod that is rapidly pressed into a tube or cylinder. Tinder, usually char cloth, is placed inside the tube, and the rod pushes out all air when inserted. This forces the material to combust, becoming embers for starting a fire.
Fire pistons are very portable and are about the size of a pen, so they don’t take up too much space in a backpack. They are also easier to use.
One thing to note is the O-ring or seal of the piston, which can easily get compromised. When this is broken, the whole thing is useless. We recommend double-checking if replacements are accessible.
Much like how the butane in a lighter or matches in a box eventually run out, fire starters also have a limited lifespan. The rod of a ferro and steel starter can become too thin or the scraper too dull. Consider the lifespan or number of strikes to ensure that you have a source of fire ignition to meet your needs.
For example, if you rely on a ferro rod for hiking or camping, some manufacturers offer rods with different thicknesses. You can choose a thicker rod if you will be making fires often.
Furthermore, it’s best to read through reviews to confirm if the fire starter produced enough sparks with each strike or push or took more effort to get a fire going. Feedback on a particular product often includes performance and reliability so you can make an informed purchase.
Be sure to keep the fire starters away from moisture as much as possible as getting them wet can degrade the striker or steel, making them not have as long of a lifespan. I also recommend starting a fire before heading out into the wilderness.
When packing your survival kit, every inch of space counts. You also need your essentials to weigh as light as possible to make your backpack comfortable to carry on long hikes. With that in mind, check the fire starter’s dimensions and see if you need to compromise on space or weight when including it in your survival gear.
Fire pistons are often the most portable options, while friction types come in multiple pieces and are bulkier. Some fire starters come with a band and can be hung around your neck for extra convenience. This way, you can easily grab it and get a fire going.
Fire starters for survival often come with extra features, making them more functional, such as the striker having measurement markings or doubling as a blade or bottle opener.
Most fire starter kits are pretty small, so just be mindful of where you place them and avoid getting them separated. If your set has two separate tools, then it is recommended to find a way to tie them together with cordage.
When it comes to fire starters for home use, such as fireplaces, grills, smokers, and fire pits, you can find specially designed products that assist in building a fire by holding a flame.
Whether it's blocks of sawdust with a coat of wax, a putty material, or treated rope, these products stay lit long enough for a fire to spread to wood or charcoal.
They're also often weatherproofed, so strong winds or contact with liquids won't render them useless. Although these fire starters need a source to ignite, they are convenient alternatives to traditional kindle or tinder.
There are many different types of home starters, from pellets, blocks, and logs. Pick the appropriate amount of fire starter depending on how big and how fast you are trying to make the fire.
The other traditional methods of starting a fire include using matches, a lighter, or magnifying glass. The first is an economical, albeit limited, option. On the other hand, lighters are very easy to use, although they can get easily damaged due to the moving parts and susceptibility to moisture.
Lastly, you can find magnifying lenses made for survival featuring a convex glass with heightened magnification. You don’t need anything besides the sun to get this to work, making it a great backup fire starter.
There are many things you probably have around the house that can make for a great fire starter. People who have a dryer in their home: take out the lint and save it in a bag for future firestarter. Also, dipping cotton balls in Vaseline is another great method for creating your own firestarter.
If you want to get a grill going, then a lighter or match would do the trick. However, if you’re looking for something that will go into a survival tool kit, learning how to use the fire starter is necessary. If you plan on hiking in unpredictable weather, check that your fuel source and ignition type aren’t rendered useless when wet or windy.
You can go for flint and steel, ferro rods, or fire pistons since they are weatherproof and more reliable for outdoor use. We also recommend taking the time to get the hang of the tool and study its usage precautions to be prepared.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | überleben Zünden Fire Starter (Pro 3/8") | ![]() | Portable and Ergonomic Starter With Multiple Rod Thickness | |
2 | Duraflame Firestart | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Compact and Simple Wood Fire Lighter |
3 | Black Beard Fire Starter Rope | ![]() | Weatherproof Fire Starter Rope | |
4 | Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter | ![]() | A Multi-Tool Fire Starter Kit | |
5 | Bayite Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter | ![]() | A Ferro Rod With a Good Grip | |
6 | Steve Kaeser Wilderness Supply | ![]() | Everything You Need in a Fire Starter Kit | |
7 | Phone Skope PYRO Putty | ![]() | A Clean-Burning Fire Starter Putty | |
8 | SE Full Magnesium Body Fire Starter|FS374 | ![]() | Weatherproof Magnesium Fire Starter | |
9 | überleben Tindår Wick + Bellow | ![]() | Easily Make a Mobile Flame | |
10 | Melt Candle Company Fire Starters (160 pack) | ![]() | Must-Have Fire Starter for Home Use |
If you're looking for a traditional yet weatherproof approach to starting a fire outdoors, this Ferro rod has got your back. It has a natural unfinished wooden handle, three rod thickness options, and a multi-purpose striker. You can also conveniently hang the fire starter around your neck.
Although the Ferro-steel combo produces sparks well, some users had a problem with the handle, noting it disconnects easily. Meanwhile, many were amazed that it creates fire quickly, saying each stroke releases sparks. Users also liked that this tool can withstand wet weather conditions.
This wood fire starter doesn't require any skill to get a fire going. Just light the wrapper, and it will ignite. It burns for half an hour, which is enough time for the flame to spread across a wood fire. The wrappers are also water-resistant!
While this fire starter works as expected when lit, some found it difficult to get the wrapper to hold a flame. On a positive note, users said these work reliably and can get a fire going within minutes once you get the hang of it. Many also liked this portable option for camping purposes.
This kindle rope provides you with a reliable source of ember as it won't deteriorate. Each cord allows you to light over 50 fires. Simply cut off a bit of rope, light it, and you're good to go. The material is also weatherproof and will work in windy or wet conditions.
A few reviewers noted that the product has a learning curve, and others said it doesn't burn as long as advertised. Meanwhile, many reviewers confirmed that it is reliable when you get the fire going. They added that it works well in any conditions, including windy or wet weather.
If you are an avid hiker or camper, this tool is a must for your survival kit. It includes a magnesium fire starter stick with over 15,000 strikes, steel scraper, compass, whistle, and lanyard. The rod is weatherproof, giving you a reliable source of ignition.
A few reviewers complained that the parts required extra effort to use, such as the rod needing more strikes, the compass not being accurate, or the whistle requiring more air to work. Still, many others said this tool gives them the fire they needed. They liked having multiple tools in one compact option for a survival kit.
This Ferro rod fire starter comes with a five-foot paracord handle for a better and more reliable grip. Meanwhile, the steel striker produces sparks with each strike. This product works in all weather conditions and situations. This brand also sells four other rod thicknesses depending on usage.
A few reviewers noted that while each strike produces sparks, it takes a while to get a fire started. On a positive note, many others said this is a must-have for survivalists. They liked that it takes little effort to use, adding that the durable paracord makes it convenient to carry around.
This tin can fits conveniently in a pocket and contains everything you need to get a fire started. It comes with a Ferro rod and striker that can create sparks in any weather. You also get fatwood chips, fatwood strips, and soy wax. Follow the included instructions, and you can start a fire quickly.
According to a few reviewers, the fatwood included in the kit is too small to create larger fires. They also had difficulty handling the smaller items when striking. Meanwhile, many others liked this kit, saying it's compact and lightweight. They also said it works reliably outdoors.
This putty burns clean and is an eco-friendly option for starting fires. It isn't affected by the weather, and the winter edition can even work in sub-zero temperatures.
It's is pliable and sticky, so it can attach to logs and torches for quick fire starting. A quarter-size bit of putty can burn for 15 minutes, which is enough time for it to spread to wood.
Although the putty works as intended, a few had trouble getting it to catch fire. On the other hand, many appreciated that it works in any weather. They especially liked that it's a compact option for survival kits. Users suggested pairing it with a ferro rod.
This fire starter kit comes with a solid block of magnesium, flint, and serrated striker. You don't need additional kindling because you shave off the magnesium bar. Direct your flint towards your shavings and strike. You'll get sparks leading to a steady fire with minimal tools and in any weather condition.
Some reviewers had difficulty using it, saying that it takes some practice. Meanwhile, many said this tool is great for creating fires with minimal tools. They said it's a must-have item for emergencies.
This wick and bellow combo uses paraffin wax-infused hemp to hold a flame reliably. Fluff the end and use it with überleben's Ferro rod or any other fire source to get a fire started.
The wick is weatherproof and long-lasting. The stick shape makes it easy for you to transport the flame. When done, store it in the compact steel case.
Some reviewers noted that it takes a few tries to get the rope lit. Still, many users liked using this for camping or survival kits. They paired it with a Ferro rod and got a fire going quickly. Reviewers also appreciated that it's very portable and works reliably.
These fire starter blocks are made of sawdust and wax. They are perfect for home use, such as grills, smokers, wood stoves, or fireplaces. The squares burn for over 10 minutes, which is enough time for your charcoal or wood to reach the right temperature. They're also weather-resistant and will work when wet.
A few reviewers said that these squares were slow to start. Meanwhile, many others loved that these don't have a bad smell as they burn. They also liked that these starters are easy to use, making grilling much easier.
The MSR Strike Igniter is a well-made Ferro and steel striker for the outdoors. It comes attached with appropriately spaced-out cordage for both attachments. Both attachments are also magnetic, so you can't lose just one. Not to mention there is a bottle opener attached as well.
Convenience and safety are key aspects of any outdoor excursion or survival kit. We've got a few suggestions that you can add to your gear to make your experience more comfortable.
No. 1: überleben |Zünden Fire Starter (Pro 3/8")
No. 2: Duraflame|Firestart
No. 3: Black Beard|Fire Starter Rope
No. 4: Survival Spark|Magnesium Survival Fire Starter
No. 5: Bayite|Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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