The best firestarter for camping is an item with a pretty simple structure. You can find hundreds of them on the Internet; each one seems to be fine. But do you know the differences between fire starter types? What pitfalls can you face while using them? Let’s dive into the topic and find out, so you won’t find yourself freezing while staring at a pile of wood, which just doesn’t seem to be able to catch fire.
Best Firestarter for Camping 2021 – Reviews and Top Picks
- Fire Fast Trekker
- Weight (gr): 127
- Number of strikes: N/A
- Dimensions (mm): 165 long
- Materials: ferro and magnesium
- Exotac Nano Striker XL Ferrocerium Fire Starter
- Weight (gr): 17
- Number of strikes: 3000
- Dimensions (mm): 91 x 10 x 10
- Materials: ferrocerium and aluminum
- Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
- Weight (gr): 99
- Number of strikes: 8000
- Dimensions (mm): 241 x 139 x 25 long
- Materials: ferrocerium and metal striker
Name
Weight (gr):
Number of strikes:
Dimensions (mm):
Materials:
Price
Name
Weight (gr):
Number of strikes:
Dimensions (mm):
Materials:
Price
This fire starter works with damp wood or leaves. It consists of a magnesium and steel ferro rod. It might be a good choice for people who often have to work in wet weather conditions. A ferro rod is 9/5 mm and 76 mm long. The item won’t break or rot.
We like
No matter what kind of weather caught you in the middle of nowhere, you can rely on this fire starter. Even if you have only damp wood or leaves – don’t worry. The steel ferro rod is top quality. The most wonderful feature is that you can use the handle as a tinder. Just scrape it off. The handle is made of wood, which is handy if you have to travel in freezing cold.
we dont like
Actually, it’s hard to say what is wrong with this fire starter. It is a simple and reliable tool. The only thing which we didn’t like about it is the fact that you can’t replace the magnesium and flint. They are not the most durable, compared to more expensive items. If you don’t want to realize that you can’t make a fire at night in the middle of the forest, you have to take care of the fire starter properly. Check it thoroughly before setting off.
PROS
- light;
- creates an impressive shower of sparks;
- wooden handle
- small and easy to carry.
Cons
- the magnesium and flint are irreplaceable.
This might be a good choice for those who prefer to have their fire starters around the neck. The item is pretty light and easy to carry. You may not be afraid to lose it in the worst possible moment. Moreover, the fire starter is waterproof. That means it will work even after unexpected swimming or if you accidentally left it under rain or in the grass for a night.
We like
You can replace ferrocerium. The fire starter will work in wet weather conditions and provide you with up to 3,000 strikes.Â
we dont like
It works perfectly only on tinder with a large surface, so it can be tricky for a beginner to start a fire.
PROS
- Has a key ring
- replaceable ferroceriumÂ
- waterproof
Cons
- hard to generate sparks;
- the price is quite high
A nice choice for those who like to combine two tools into one. The fire starter has a whistle. We hope that you will never need it, but it is better to have it, just in case of an emergency – or for fun. The fire starter is waterproof and has storage for tinder.
We like
More than 8,000 strikes allow you to be able to set fire in any weather conditions. The package consists of a lanyard and a survival guide. This item has a 4.5-star rating based on 4,600 reviews.
we dont like
The rod is irreplaceable. You will have to buy a new fire starter. You can’t replace it whenever you need it, which can be a huge problem at some point. Be careful. We recommend taking an extra firestarter, just to be calm. Â
PROS
- compact
- has a lanyard
- has an emergency whistle
- waterproof
Cons
- heavy
- price
Do I Have to Be Skilled to Use a Fire Starter?
The best way is to practice. Of course, it would be slightly lightheaded of you to set off into the unknown without any idea of how to use a fire starter. Still, it isn’t hard to learn how to do it. Just put some wet or dry wood, paper or leaves in front of you and try to scrape off. After several attempts, you will intuitively understand the angle and the amount of force you should apply.
What is the Optimal Weight?
There is no such thing as an optimal weight in this matter. Even heavy fire starters are light enough not to bother you while camping. It is good to have a lanyard, so you can wear your fire starter on the neck or tie it to your backpack. If you prefer to wear it on the neck, naturally, you should pay attention to lighter items.
Which Should I Choose – a Magnesium, a Flint, or A Ferroceruim One?
A ferro rod fire starter is one of the best for an average camper. Whatever firestarter you choose, if it is of the best quality, you won’t experience any difficulties. Pay attention to the durability, reviews from real users, and the reputation of the seller.
How Did We Test a Fire Starter?
Of course, any fire starter should be tested outdoors. So we set off to the woods to have fun and cook some meat. What we didn’t expect was that our friend would accidentally fall into a small river and drop all the firestarters into water. So one thing is absolutely proved now – all the three fire starters are waterproof. All three of them worked perfectly afterward. Most of all we enjoyed a Gerber fire starter as it was very convenient – plus, the whistle is a cool idea. Besides, the survival guide book which comes with it is very well written, without any unnecessary information.
Conclusion
You should choose the best firestarter for camping according to the way you plan to use it and the number of times you might find it handy. It is useless to buy an expensive one, with thousands of strikes, if you go camping just once or twice a year, not far from civilization. On the contrary, if you enjoy boondocking, you should consider buying a strong one, resistant to any damage, and with long durability.
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