When going into the wilderness, reliable gear that will not weigh you down is necessary. The fire starter is one of the essentials crucial for heating, cooking, and even boosting morale. This is why hikers and backpackers need to pick the right fire starter. You want a product that is lightweight and reliable under different weather conditions. After all, there’s nothing worse than struggling to start a fire when you are cold, tired, and hungry after a long day on the trail.
Photo by Roger Brown
So, grab your backpack, and off we go into the world of fire-starters. With these five options, you will be a modern-day version of a caveman (or cavewoman) in no time!
Pull Start Fire Starter
Pull Start Fire Starters are a truly unique product for every nature lover. It offers the perfect combination of convenience, strength, and reliability, which is not easy to come by. Designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind, this gully fire starter is compact (1″x2″x5″) and featherweight (4 oz.) which makes it a perfect companion on trips where every ounce certainly matters.
One of the many remarkable traits of the Pull Start fire starter is that it requires no kindling to light the fire. This is particularly useful in cases where dry kindling is unavailable or when dealing with wet conditions. It is a useful gadget for those who find themselves in unpredictable environments.
In a competitive field, the Pull Start Fire Starter outperforms others with its 2.5 times higher temperature burn, making it an absolute choice for challenging conditions. Such high temperatures mean that the logs ignite quickly, and you do not have to worry about nurturing a weak flame.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit
Remember when you tried lighting a match in the wind, and it went out right away? Well, say goodbye to these frustrating moments with the UCO Stormproof Match Kit.
These fire starters are not your everyday, ordinary matches. They are like the superheroes of regular versions of ordinary matches and can continue burning underwater. The burning time for each match is approximately 15 seconds, giving you ample time to light your tinder.
This kit comes with a waterproof case that floats, so you won’t have to worry about losing it if you accidentally drop it in a stream. Plus, it includes three striker strips, so if one wears out, you won’t be left high and dry- or should we say cold and wet?
Weighing 1.7 ounces, the UCO Stormproof Match Kit is a no-brainer addition to your backpacking gear. It’s so light and compact that you may even forget it’s there until you need it, of course!
Light Me FIRE Swedish Firesteel 2.0
Do you want a fire starter that is as tough as you? Then look no further than the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0. This little powerhouse was initially developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, so you know it means business. The FireSteel 2.0 produces a spark at 5,400°F, igniting everything from dry tinder to gas stoves. It works even when wet and at any altitude-perfect for those high-mountain adventures!
One of the most incredible things about this fire starter is its durability. With upwards of 12,000 strikes, it will last longer than any other piece of gear in your backpack. And weighing just 1 ounce, it’s so light you might even forget that you are carrying it.
But wait, there’s more! Tucked conveniently into the handle of the FireSteel 2.0 is an emergency whistle. Two survival tools at a price and weight of one. Now, that is what we call smart packing.
Zippo Emergency Fire Starter
You might know Zippo for its iconic lighters, but its Emergency Fire Starter is a whole different beast. This little marvel combines Zippo’s reliability with the practicality of a waterproof case and easy-to-use design. Inside the case, you’ll find four water-resistant waxed tinder sticks and a flint wheel ignition system. The tinder sticks are a real game-changer – they burn for about five minutes each, giving you plenty of time to get your kindling going.
The case is designed to float and keep everything dry, making it perfect for unexpected river crossings or sudden downpours. At just 1.6 ounces, it won’t weigh you down on the trail.
But here’s the real kicker – the Zippo Emergency Fire Starter is incredibly user-friendly. Even if you’ve never started a fire, you’ll find this tool easy to use. Just pull out a tinder stick, rough it up a bit, and use the flint wheel to send sparks flying. It’s so simple that you might find yourself looking for excuses to use it!
Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL
Last but certainly not least, we have the Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL. This fire starter is like the James Bond of the fire-starting world – sleek, compact, and incredibly effective. The nanoSTRIKER XL features a ferrocerium rod and a tungsten carbide striker neatly concealed within its aluminum body. When you need to use it, simply unscrew the casing, and you’re ready to start throwing sparks.
One of the standout features of this fire starter is its replaceable ferro rod. Once you’ve used up the included rod (which should take a while, given its 3,000-strike lifespan), you can easily swap in a new one. It’s like having a fire starter that never dies!
The nanoSTRIKER XL is the lightest option on our list, weighing just 0.6 ounces. It’s so small and light that you could easily attach it to your keychain and forget it’s there until you need it. But don’t let its size fool you—this little fire starter packs a serious punch. It produces hot, long-lasting sparks that can ignite damp tinder. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for starting a fire in tight spaces.
Bottom line
A good fire starter in your backpack can make all the difference between a cold, miserable night and a warm, cozy evening around the campfire. Each of these five options offers unique benefits – from the versatility of the Pull Start Fire Starter to the compact power of the Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL.
Remember, the best fire starter is the one with you when you want to build that fire. So choose the option that best fits your backpacking style and always keep it easily accessible. With one of these fire starters in your pack, you are ready for whatever the trail throws your way.