Best camping fire starters according to redditors
We found 146 Reddit comments discussing the best camping fire starters. We ranked the 76 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 146 Reddit comments discussing the best camping fire starters. We ranked the 76 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
It's Light My Fire, who produce the Swedish Fire Steel, which has been said to be one of the best ferrocerium fire starters out there.
From their website:
>Our Tinder starters are made of stumps from cultivated pine (fatwood) from the highlands of Honduras. With their 80% resin content, our Tinder starters are extremely easy to light and work even when wet since it is the resin (oil) that burns not the wood.
I cannot stress the importance of a good multi-tool enough. I love the whole line of multi-tools by SOG. This one is particularly nice because it has some gearing to give you mechanical advantage. http://sogknives.com/store/S67.html
Also instead of water, try to get your hands on some Lifestraws. Much more efficient use of space. http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw
Matches are nice but something like a Swedish fire steel or a fire piston would last longer. http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Solutions-Scout-Fire-Piston/dp/B002WVC0FI
It was a top post from a few months back. The video can explain it better than I can.
Basically, he was a streamer playing with a metal match (something like this), and through a sequence of mindblowing stupidity and lack of common-sense, he burnt down his apartment complex. IIRC, people posted that no one was hurt, but coincidentally, there was another fire somewhere else that that killed someone that same day.
Swedish Firesteel.
I don't know if these are the same item but MEC frequently has products for 25-50% less than Canadian Tire:
http://www.mec.ca/product/5046-753/light-my-fire-tinder-on-a-rope/
I used to love CTC; they're really disappointing these days. They engaged in the race for the bottom and have turned into a crappy second to Walmart. (for our American friends: Walmart Canada sucks compared to Walmart USA)
EDIT - Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Light-My-Fire-TinderSticks-180g-220g/dp/B000CS44ZW/
Yeah, we get royally boned on prices up here.
A good ferro rod: Light My Fire Firesteel Army. Works reliably for me and is fairly beefy. Delivers a nice big spark.
"Best" fire starter: A Bic lighter or two with the child guard removed for using in general, with (stormproof matches](https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B004PIBWW8/) and some kind of prepared/chemical longer (like WetFire, cotton balls and vaseline, etc) as a backup.
I haven't ever had a bic lighter fail on me. Even if it gets wet, blowing on it to dry it out usually will get it working in under a minute. Remove the child safety thing to make it a bit easier to use.
The matches are a backup because it takes less fine motor skills to use them - you can clench them in a fist and sort of stab them against the striker and it'll usually get them lit. The stormproof one's burn a pretty long time and are hard to extinguish. The engineered tinder should be dry when nothing else is and save you some time prepping the finer tinder when you need a fire quickly. Both of these factors matter when you're wet and hypothermic and you're shaking too hard to use the lighter and it was just pouring rain so fine tinder isn't available quickly and easily.
If it's light my fire, it's the most resinous fatwood I have ever seen. I got a pack of something similar thrown in once when I bought a fire steel and a mess kit from a light my fire stand at a Scout Jamboree, and it was something amazing. I would shave off a couple a curls of the stick, and it would blaze like nothing else. I don't know if it's really worth spending money on, but the quality of the timber is not in question to me at all.
:)
I am a serious fan of home crafted equipment. I think these ferro rods are actually pretty good quality, and to make 6 was less than a light my fire or Bear Grylls ferro rod.
With that said, if you are willing to get outside, light some fires, play with it, and share your experiences here, sure I'll send you one. If you are game, PM me your info and I'll throw one in the mail.
I don't make these to sell, etc, so for others if you want, this rod is from Amazon, they are not bad size wise, good spark, but I would like a slightly thicker personally, so I have ordered both 6.5mm and 8mm rods in the same length. Don't know if they will spark as well, but no harm playing.
I would have a P-38 or P-51 military style can opener. They are small, and can also be used as a small blade or box cutter in case of emergency. I keep one on key ring. I also have this tiny flashlight which you could make smaller by removing the clip that hooks to a keychain. It is tiny and bright. A universal handcuff key, a tiny firesteel you can scrape with the P-38 can opener, and a tiny compass. Those are nice places to start.
I keep a neck knife kit on me at all times when backpacking, even if I'm just going 50ft away from my gear. It's barely noticeable. Around the sheath I keep a ranger band that holds a miniature firesteel, a good amount of duct tape (medical, gear repair, fire starting, and so much more!), and a small fenix light. Notice that all of these items are dirt cheap yet make all the difference in the world if you get stuck. I could make fire and shelter easily if there is any wood debris around.
About a month ago I climbed Mt Baden-Powell. I was planning on spending the night but weather would not permit it so I had to hike back in the dark. TWO of my lights failed that night. Fortunately they were not my headlamp but just a lil lantern and penlight, but still it shows that stuff can happen. Regardless, even if my headlamp had failed I still would have at least had SOME light to hike back with.
In My Bag:
Survival Tins --
--Medical--
--Fire--
Other --
I'm referring to other fire steels here, like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Relefree-Ferrocerium-Magnesium-Survival-4-5mmx75mm/dp/B00UKZE6AA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1480561555&sr=8-5&keywords=relefree
Much better deal
http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Products-9910-Fatwood-Pounds/dp/B000HHO4W6
The vape: https://vaporgenie.com/stainless-steel-coil-vaporizer
The glass: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QYLYZ52 (J-hook link lost. Add your own 14mm mouthpiece)
The cooling beads: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074C4FPWK
The heat/shock protection wrap: https://www.amazon.com/Homgaty-Sealing-Insulation-Silicone-Waterproof/dp/B0779MCF6V
The torch: https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Torch-Lighter-Windproof-Refillable/dp/B01IROKNMA
All in all a super smooth, easy-to-control experience that can deliver huge hits with tons of flavor. I love this rig.
Eagle torches are cheap and have a lock that will keep the torch on. You can light it using your index and lock it with your thumb then set it down on the table. They make a large model that has a cylinder shaped tank that I have two of and they work great.
The ones I have look like this
Appears to be a new model Can't speak for the quality of the new model.
Not a big deal, I'm always happy to help
It seems like they're popular with the outdoor/survival crowd? I've skimmed through some amazon reviews of one model and there are apparently some benefits, but I'm everything else than well informed when it comes to lighters
EDIT: I'm still not sure how they are called(in English) though
Nichtraucher machen das mit einem Feuerstahl Ü
I often bring a firesteel striker - it can be fun to start your campfire "old school". (That said, I still bring a lighter as a backup.)
Nah, firesteel.com don't make that plastic-nub handle thing on the bottom and use a different striker. That looks more like a 'classic' Light-My-Fire Army model.
Edit: That seems to be the generic Coghlan's copy of it actually, based on the striker. I've found Coghlan's products to be hit-or-miss. Mostly miss with critical equipment. I wouldn't recommend getting one.
OP should still get the Firesteel.com one. Superior product in my opinion. I recommend the Gobspark Armageddon as it has a nice handle and optional palm scraper (Get it, worth the money). Makes lighting fire with cold hands easier and you don't scrape the skin off your thumbs with the striker.
Went on a few hikes to up my endurance. Climbed upriver at a river gorge up a few small waterfalls.
Learned how to locate and identify possible fatwood sources and how to harvest them. Also bought 10 lbs of it just to have an ample supply while I continue learning how to buy some more. FYI, I bought this one from Amazon at just about $2.30/lb, though if you prefer a sack (I didn't, I want stackability) you can get it cheaper from this listing here. Both are 10 lbs worth, which is a lot. Quality will most likely be much worse than what you could potentially find out in the woods yourself, but it's the cheapest you'll find online, as long as you have Prime.
Picked up a bunch of antibiotics and tinctures for medicine, got a bunch of matches and other fire starting paraphernalia. Basically lots of small stuff for potential trading, or just to have on hand. Also bought a ton of industrial grade bulk AA and AAA batteries (basically off-brand Duracell batteries). After having read up on bartering, I'm going to start purchasing bulk/surplus lighters, keeping all our spare knives and box cutters in a 'surplus' box, hoarding matches, batteries, etc.
Am researching and saving up money for a potential gas piston air rifle, as 22LR is impossible to get my hands on here, and I could easily purchase several thousand pellets at a fraction of the price. (For example, 10,000 rounds of 22LR at $0.13/round (this was the cost for the only 22LR I can find), I would be able to purchase 50 rounds a day if I wanted to drive 20 miles round trip every day. Total cost would be $1300+gas+tax. Purchasing an air rifle ($~250 tops) + 10,000 rounds of .22 caliber pellets ($150) would give me a quiet, reliable small game rifle with ample amounts of ammunition at less than half the cost.
I also plan on purchasing a used Keltec PF9. I already own a Bodyguard 380 for concealed carry, but I want a higher caliber that can still be concealed if SHTF. Would love to get a UMP 9mm but that's just dreaming and way too flashy for a civilian to lug around :P
Right now I'm planning out how to reorganize my garage to give me one centralized space in storing all my prep materials. I'll be doing that this weekend. Will also put together a kit for bugging-in defense. Tape for reinforcing windows, sheets of plywood cut to fit over window covers (or maybe not, space is super limited still :/ ) buying extra door locks that protect from people kicking in doors (still a moot point if I can't cover up our massive ground-level window)
And, I admit, I keep it in my bugout bag, just in case. I find a magnesium firestarter to be perfect. Lightweight, and very similar effects.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is a classic
Light My Fire makes reasonably good fire starters
Storm proof matches are fun
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You can definitely gather the tinder from outside, don't buy this. Just get a handful of pencil sized sticks and wrap it up with some twine. Just make sure it's dry (not green / wet).
Zippo's are okay, but torches and even bic lighters are more valuable for actual fire starting.
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Maybe a map for your local area. It would go well with the compass and maybe encourage you all to get out and hike a trail.
National Geographic has many options.
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Headlamp is valuable. 'to see your love' or whatever.
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Duct tape is fun. It comes in lots of different colors and is versatile for all sorts of adventures.
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First Aid Kit is more practical - but if you are being corny - you could say 'in case of broken heart' or something.
I've been slowly buying things for a Z.B.O.B. (Zombie Bug Out Bag)
No bag yet, but what I have collected so far:
Weapons
Remington 870 Tactical shot gun
Glock 19
Ruger GP100
Ka-Bar 1282 D2 Extreme
Tools
Crovel
Wrecking Bar 18"
200 ft Climbing rope
Hand powered radio
Swedish Firesteel
Supplies
1st aid kit
Water purifier
I have a whole laundry list. Every payday I buy something new. Next up the Razel SS7!
Edit: for format and links
That gives me the following tools: camera, phone, flashlight (phone's LED flash - surprisingly bright), emergency phone charger, 8Gb USB stick / flash card, phone data cable (phone has an additional 32Gb microSD card), knife, file, wire stripper / cutter, pliers, philips / flathead screwdrivers, bottle opener, scissors, marker, corkscrew, fire starter, and keys.
I also generally carry my ID and debit card, not pictured.
It's neither flint, magnesium, nor a sharpener. You my friend are now the owner of a Swedish Fire-steel (though it IS Bear Gryllis branded)
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Fire-Original-Swedish-FireSteel/dp/B0013L8D9K
Make a pile of tinder and stroke the tab firmly down the steel (the striker tab should be more squared on one edge) and watch the rain of sparks!
They work magnificently for starting fires!
A magnesium bar would be much shinier and softer for easy shaving.
I dunno, after searching the entire internet the closest thing I could find that supported your statement were some survival matches: http://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Wind-Waterproof-Survival-Matches/dp/B007CP6UK0
Basically you got a kit that is a GearWhores dream, what you don't have is a kit that will keep you alive for more than a few days.
A) the ability to clean and carry water.
B) the ability to make fire.
C) shelter to keep dry/warm (a simple poncho and Mylar Blankets at first)
At this point you could live for a couple weeks, and you've spent $40+ cost of pack
D) food, start with compact shelf stable foods, like the dry emergency rations or these.
A couple weeks worth is like $20, now if you ration you could live for over a month.
3)Now throw away everything else left on the floor.
As the other person pointed out you have 60+ pounds of junk. That fact is a kit to keep you alive for over a month should cost $60 and fit in a shoe box.
galaxy
the only problems i see are 1: only 10 purification tablets? 2:knife looks pretty terrible. 3: firesteel is too short to get a really good spark out of. but these can all be handled. replace the tablets with household bleach. 2-3 drops in a pint will purify it. take out the tablets and knife to replace with the bleach. then just get [a better firesteel] (http://www.amazon.com/Light-my-Fire-Swedish-Firesteel/dp/B0013L8D9K/ref=pd_sim_sg_77) and put it in there, too. also, the tree saw looks kinda wimpy.
Managed it in two!
Here with shipping is 3.68 PLUS 0.39 for moustache is $4.07!
Edit: link fail
Edit 2: raffle phrase! Oh no, don't do that, don't do that. If you shoot him, you'll just make him mad.
Here's one on Amazon. It's about the most complicated way of making fire I can think of but it's apparently been in use for thousands of years.
I will go ahead and be honest here. I am really not much of an outdoorsy person. I would much rather stay inside in my clean, dry, air conditioned, safe home than be out in the dirty/dusty, humid and sometimes rainy, fucking hot as hell, filled with bugs and evil wild animals Arizona desert. But the thing is, my SO is a HUGE outdoors person. So I am trying really hard to overcome my aversion to these activities and get out and do some fun stuff with her.
We have planned a little camping trip for ourselves, but we're waiting on the weather. The middle of Phoenix summer is no time to go out into the desert. So when things cool down a bit and get stable (monsoon season is so unpredictable) we will take a friends truck out to the middle of nowhere. Hike a couple miles up to one of SO's favorite spots. Set up a tent and stuff and rough it for a couple nights.
So, obviously being out in the middle of nowhere with little to no resources could be a problem. Fire is necessary. So I would really like to have either this really cool lighter or this striker set.
Thanks for the contest! :)
the best you can have in your backpack is a firesteel starter, for example this one (very durable, 12000 strikes, usable in every condition): amazon link
They are also cheap.
Check Amazon and/or google around, there are lots out there.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Solutions-Scout-Fire-Piston/dp/B002WVC0FI
I got the 5 for $5.00 pack off amazon.
First they are made of plastic which cracked and leaked. Also the lighter fluid eats away at the o ring in the "cap" or "match" and you can't replace the wicking material.
I still keep one as a zipper pull on one of my bags but wouldn't bet my life on it
well maybe a firestarter or even a compass
Or maybe flint & steel? It wouldn't work directly, but it would let you start a flame if you even had some paper or something.
Like this or smth:
http://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Firesteel-Model-Black-Handle/dp/B0013L2DKU/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_ex
I have this item and it's really sturdy and handy. It's the TARDIS Emergency Fund Keychain
I would love the Dalek Exterminate!!! pattern
This is not war...this is pest control!
Handy Camping Matches
I think the difference is the quantity. The bag I used had instructions that's said to use 1/4 of it as a fire starter and the whole bag as an emergency fire if you had absolutely nothing to burn. I needed it to light wet wood so I split a big wet log down the middle and poured an entire bag into a small pile right on top of a flat part of the log. It got it going quickly and I realized I could have probably used less. I've used it since then in way smaller portions to start dry wood and it works great. Pretty much set it and forget it. Thus is the stuff I bought. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008Y5AAKS/ it WA recommended to me by an eod tech in the marine corps
The most minimal kit I'll bring on trips is a CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5 in its Altoids-style tin, packed with a single WetFire tinder cube, a P51 can opener, a small ferro rod, 75ft of #36 Bank Line, and a button compass. Additionally I bring along some bottled water, blankets and canned food.
I know it's more than $20, but with all of that I know I can make a fire, open canned food, use the cans to boil water, lash branches together to make a lean-to shelter and generally keep warm.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IROKNMA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Simple Eagle Flame torch
Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Y5AAKS/
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
I've looked them up. I actually that the come in more than one color! teehee
You can have it shipped to your door.
this song is great. and this is the most useful thing i could think of.
I always have my paracord bracelet on me for some cordage, as well as a mini fire steel on my key chain that I can get through security. In my luggage I have my knives, but I'd be very surprised if I could get to my luggage after a crash.
I think we're thinking of two different things https://www.amazon.com/West-Ferrocerium-Flint-Starter-Magnesium/dp/B01M5JKHP1/
A good [http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004172IG2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1464050829&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=lite+my+fire+firesteel&dpPl=1&dpID=41K92tB3CZL&ref=plSrch] (fire steel) is always useful. Waterproof, extremely reliable, and light weight. This one has a survival whistle built in too.
Never seen them before bust very interesting... just watched a video on Youtube They use char clothe with the fire piston
They have them on amazon but they are a bit pricey...
What's to understand? It's a lighter.
419
Thanks for the contest!
Here
Don't forget your windproof matches! The dryer lint works well as kindling but you still need matches or some other source of fire. Don't rely on liquid lighters to function, especially if they get wet.
Most of the time I use one of these but matches do the trick, too!
I have looked a these, but still prefer a Light My Fire [Firesteel] (http://www.amazon.com/Light-Fire-Original-Swedish-FireSteel/dp/B0013L2DKU/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1412084534&sr=1-2&keywords=light+my+fire+firesteel) for about the same price. Makes sparks whether it is wet or dry and fewer moving parts or things to break. Took me about 4-5 years to wear out my first one.
IIRC drinks can are aluminium, so I don't think it will spark unfortunately. If you wanted something that will spark look for steel or iron... or go to a camping store and pick up a cheap flint and steel like this and believe me you will get ridiculous sparks
> LMF firesteel,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5JKHP1/ 8, 8mm ferro rods for almost half the cost of the single LMF one, with free Prime shipping.
I haven't seen a good reason yet to buy a brand name ferro rod. One of these with the coating intact underneath the paracord whipping on the Mora sheath, plus two to play with, plus 3 more you can mount on handles and give away as gifts and two extra to stash away for a rainy day.
Have thought about a Solo Campfire? I love mine. Doesn't need a lot of wood and looks really cool. Cook anything.
https://www.amazon.com/Solo-Stove-Campfire-Backpacking-Survival/dp/B00LLH515A
Why not just buy this instead?
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Fire-TinderSticks-Building-Approximately/dp/B000CS44ZW/ref=pd_sim_sg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0821KT8WAGNDH8CBKPVP
Three times the amount of fat wood for only 50% more.
Looks OK but I'm just going to buy the Solo Stove Campfire http://www.amazon.com/Solo-Stove-Campfire-Super-efficient-Preparation/dp/B00LLH515A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421704954&sr=8-1&keywords=solo+stove+campfire
I also want to get the wood fired USB charger just because of how cool it is! http://www.amazon.com/BioLite-BL-CSA-Wood-Burning-Campstove/dp/B00BQHET9O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421705115&sr=8-2&keywords=wood+fire+usb+charger
It was recommended to my by a couple of very experienced members of the sub. I was initially confused as well by the number of options. The exact one that I purchased was https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IROKNMA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
Also have an Aomai like this one that works very well.
https://www.amazon.com/Piioket-Cigarette-Lighter-Windproof-Refillable/dp/B017UV66KY/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=aomai+lighter&qid=1573244213&sr=8-16
ok here's one random one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013L2DKU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2PMA0MWVQ27ZZ&coliid=INY2OPVM6JTUO&psc=1
The matches if anyone is interested.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QF3TW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_auwxyb6ZHA3TA
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Army 12,000 Strike Fire Starter with Emergency Whistle - Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00440VIYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8vwxybMH94DCD
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival https://www.amazon.com/dp/1440579776/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zwwxyb6W5HFFH
A water purifier, fire maker, and a book on how to do outdoor stuff. All under $40 :)
If you're going to be camping, I'd recommend something like this
It's basically a flint and steel on a keyring
I'll add to the diversity of opinion here and say that I don't like Bic lighters because they tend to fail in windy conditions. In my experience even mild wind can be a problem and a strong wind makes them unusable.
The firesteels are my favorite. I like the ones with the magnesium block. If you learn to use the magnesium properly that is a guaranteed fire in absolutely any conditions. Waterproof matches are probably fine almost any conditions as well.
So there's nothing wrong with the Bic, but like /u/greggorievich said, you should have a backup.