One of the most awaited highlights of traveling outdoors would be the campfire. From storytelling over s'mores down to trying to stay warm during cold nights, a campfire is as useful as it is enjoyable. But how can you create the glowing campfire you need? That's where the best fire starter comes along.
If you're looking for the best fire starter you can invest in for survival during camping trips today, then read on!
What Is A Fire Starter?
Instead of depending on sticks or matches that may get wet, a fire starter is an essential camping tool that can quickly start a fire without the use of force or work.
These fire starters usually take a form of a small metal pole, where you strike it on the place of your campfire to start up the flames for heat and protection.
The tool is versatile and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It's one of the necessities to add to your survival kit, just in case you can't start a fire under the cold or rainy weather.
Benefits Of Keeping A Fire Starter
Isn't it cheaper and less of a hassle for packing by using small matches or sticks found in the campsite? The answer is NO! A fire starter has many benefits, especially for survival and camping:)
Lightweight Body
Many fire starters are small and compact enough to fit into small survival packs, making it less hassle to bring around but very useful.
Starts Fire Quickly
Instead of using force or always falling when using lighters and matches, a fire starter will quickly start up the flames without the hassle or multiple failed tries.
Long-Lasting
What makes a fire starter a sound investment is the fact that they can last for many camping trips, usually having thousands of strikes available until it wears out.
Multipurpose
Besides a fire starter, many manufacturers have added more features to it to make the tool more practical, such as a whistle, blades, compass, or any other useful tool needed for survival.
In a nutshell, the fire starter is an affordable investment made to lessen the hassle of your camping experience!
How To Use A Fire Starter
Wondering how to use a fire starter for a quick campfire? Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Find the appropriate area to start a campfire, one that is less susceptible to wind and rain. Clean it and remove any dry grass or twice.
2. Prepare the tinder, collecting pine cones, twigs, or wooden shreds and leaves. You can also use paper. Ensure that the tinder you use is dry. Build the tinder in such a way that it looks like a teepee.
3. Create a bundle around the teepee to make it easier to ignite the fire and protect it from the elements, leaving a hole for you to put the fire starter in.
4. To use the fire starter, make sure you put it near the bundle at a 45-degree angle and then start shaving it with the backside of a knife or the block that the fire starter comes with.
5. Once you have struck a significant amount of spark and created a fire, gently blow into in and let the fire spread.
Last update on 2023-02-18 at 21:03 PST - Details
How To Purchase The Best Fire Starter
Now that you know what a fire starter can do and how to use it, the next question is: How do you know what the best fire starter is for you? Here are some tips you can follow:
Body
Make sure that you get the right block or metal pole made out of the durable materials to last for a few thousand strikes. It's best to get a small and compact body that easily fits into your survival kit.
Features
Choose a versatile fire starter with other uses, such as a compass or knife, will be better to use as a survival tool worth the price.
Ease Of Use
A fire starter should make your campfires easier to do, so look up on reputable customer reviews to see how easy it is to use the fire starter in real campsites. It's important to know how it works and if the results are positive. Choosing reputable brand names such as Survival Spark and Light My Fire will help as well.
The Top Five Best Fire Starters
Based on our reviews, testing, and customer reputation, here are the top five best fire starters to choose from:
1. Uberleben Zunden Traditional Bushcraft Fire Steel with Wood Handle, Ferro Rod Fire Starter
Via: Amazon.com
- AS TIMELESS AS FIRE - Our Zünden Fire Starter is a ferro rod that is as timeless as fire and will help get your flames lit. Made from ferrocerium, a sparking metal used with steel, our igniters will remind you nothing feels better than natural wood
- BEST FERRO BLEND, PERIOD — Our trademark Sånft-korr ferrocerium blend is a perfect balance that boasts both softness & durability. Ignite any fire with ease at any altitude you find yourself at or in any weather you get caught in, even when wet
- HANDCRAFTED HARDWOOD HANDLE - The handle of our fire starter is handmade from premium 100% hardwood to provide a natural textured grip while you rain down molten spark showers of up to 5,500F/3,000C and turn that natural finish into a seasoned one
- WITH LANYARD & MULTI-TOOL - Each fire rod comes with an included mil-spec 550 paracord lanyard and a 6-function multi-tool that serves as a straight-edge striker, tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench, and most importantly - a bottle opener
- AVAILABLE IN 3 DIFFERENT SIZES - The Zünden Fire Starter comes available in 3 thickness options for your preference: The Trad at 5/16" / 8mm(12,000 strikes), The Pro at 3/8" / 10mm(15,000 strikes), and the Fatty at 1/2" / 12.5mm(20,000 strikes)
Last update on 2023-02-18 at 21:03 PST - Details
A traditional Bushcraft offers quality sparks of up to 3,000 Celsius for starting ANY fire no matter the weather and altitude. It also has the textured and smooth grip, with the fire rod, scraper, and even a lanyard to easily carry it around.
With its lifespan of up to 12,000 strikes and sleek design, Uberleben Zunden does not disappoint and makes it well worth the price tag.
Pros:
Reasonably priced
Sleek design
Excellent wooden grip
Can ignite fires anytime, anywhere
Takes a bit more effort to create sparks
Via: Amazon.com
- Compact fire starter designed to light fires in any conditions; includes built-in emergency whistle
- Provides 2,980-degree C spark in any weather, at any altitude
- Durable, lasts for approximately 12,000 strikes
- Army 2.0 model features improved stainless steel striker and ergonomic handle
- Bright spark - can be used as emergency signal
Last update on 2023-02-18 at 21:03 PST - Details
Light My Fire is a small Army Strike Fire Starter, with the durability and strength of your basic military survival tool. Though it comes at a slightly high price, it can light fires no matter where you are and for a very long time (12,000 strikes!) It even comes with a whistle and steel striker to easily use during emergencies.
With its bright spark and durable body, it's worth the investment for bonafide campers.
Pros:
Quickly creates a spark and fire
One of the most durable and strongest quality fire starters
Many colors to choose from
Great striker for easy starting of fire
Small whistle
Via: Amazon.com
- NEVER BE CAUGHT IN THE COLD: High quality all weather fire starter is windproof & weather resistant
- LIGHTS UP TIME & TIME AGAIN: Strikes up to 15,000 times to make a fire when you want or need it most
- ALL IN ONE EMERGENCY TOOLS: Magnesium fire starter stick, large scraper, compass, whistle & lanyard
- COMPACT & CONVENIENT: Fire starter rod is 5.5” to easily fit in cars, survival kits & camping gear
- CUSTOMERS SAY: Must have emergency tool for campers & hikers! | 3 essentials in one purchase!
Last update on 2023-02-18 at 21:03 PST - Details
What makes Survival Spark one of the coolest fire starters to date would be the fact that it comes with both a compass and whistle, ideal for emergency situations. The fire starter itself is also windproof and weather resistant, able to withstand any cold climate.
It has the 15,000 strike lifespan and the compact body to make it easier for storing while going up to the campsite. It's the ideal investment!
Pros:
Very affordable price
Long rod for an easier time starting a fire
Compass and whistle included
Good scraper and lanyard for efficient striking
Need to learn how to blow the whistle loudly
Via: Amazon.com
Last update on 2023-02-18 at 21:03 PST - Details
What I love about the Sahara Sailor is its sleek and modern design, coming with a flint rod, striker, and scraper. The whole tool is made out of high-quality and durable material built to last for a long time, despite the inclement weather or surroundings. It's lightweight and portable; you can even use it as a keychain.
Small, slim, efficient and affordable, what more do you need?
Pros:
Compact and modern design
Works under any weather
Effective in igniting fires without hassle
Solid construction at an affordable price
Keychain breaks quickly
Via: Amazon.com
- Compact pocket size
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- 3" x 1" solid magnesium fuel bar with flint
- Single-sided serrated striker
- Includes detachable ball chain
Last update on 2023-02-18 at 21:03 PST - Details
The SE is the straightforward and compact fire starter that does the necessary job in starting fires without hassle. It's both water and weatherproof, coming with a flint and striker. You can use this as a lightweight and useful keychain, making it very easy to travel with for emergencies and camping.
It's affordable, efficient, and for those who want a straightforward and small fire starter.
Pros:
Tiny and used as a keychain
Waterproof and weatherproof
Starts fire efficiently
Very affordable price
Takes trial and error to create consistent sparks
Last update on 2023-02-18 at 21:03 PST - Details
Conclusion
When it comes to camping, you'll need to make sure that you're fully prepared for anything that can happen. This entails you to invest in the right survival tools to make your outdoor experience enjoyable and safe. One of the tools you should invest in would be a fire starter, known to have many purposes and create the fire you need, either for signaling, warmth, or wholesome fun with our loved ones!
Out of all the fire starters reviewed, I believe that the Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter with Compass and Whistle takes home the name as the best fire starter. It doesn't only come with the fire starting feature, but a compass, whistle, scraper, and lanyard as well! It's small and compact, fitting into many types of bags. It's also very lightweight and easy to carry.
With its practical uses and a lifespan of up to 15,000 strikes for starting fires, it's an investment that would last for many camping trips to come. It's a must have for all camping enthusiasts!
I hope that this article on the best fire starter helped you become more knowledgeable with what you need to invest in for safety and comfort. So what are you waiting for? Get the best fire starter today and pack it in your survival kit for your next camping trip to come!
If you have any questions or would like to share your reviews on the best fire starter, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
I’m glad I came across this site. I had forgotten how satisfying it is to start a fire with a spark. Used to do it in my scouting days. I’ll have to try it again soon.