Most of the time, you won’t need firestarters to get your campfire going. However, they’re good for those days when it’s raining or all the wood is wet, or you need to start a warming fire quickly.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at today’s best firestarters. As vital pieces of survival gear, firestarters can make the difference between being found and being found alive. A blazing campfire can keep you warm, help you purify water, cook food, and even scare away predators.
The best firestarter
Best survival fire starting kit: Survival SPARK Magnesium Survival Fire Starter
- Wind-proof, waterproof, and cold-resistant properties
- Up to 15,000 strikes
- Integrated compass and whistle
- Lanyard included
Pros
- Multiple tools in one
- Lasts a very long time
- Durable construction
Cons
- Some users had issues removing the outer coating before finding sparks
Start a fire with your Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter by shaving a bit of magnesium from the rod onto your kindling or other tinder and then dragging the striker along the rod to send sparks onto the shavings. It’s small enough to fit in any backpack and take along on any adventure.
The Survival Spark has a little more up its sleeve. If you look closely at the handle, you’ll see a fully functioning compass. It also includes an emergency whistle and the rod is good for 15,000 strikes.
See Survival SPARK Magnesium Survival Fire Starter on Amazon
See Survival SPARK Magnesium Survival Fire Starter on Walmart
Easy to use fire starter: Bayite Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter
- Quality ferrocerium rods
- Steel striker
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- 5ft paracord included
Pros
- Large size is easy to use
- Quick and easy to ignite
- Works in any weather and altitude
Cons
- Can be hard to use with wet wood
Having a firestarter isn’t all about preparing for an unforeseen situation. You can also use it for your outdoor barbecue or for lighting a campfire. The Bayite Ferrocerium Drilled Firestarter includes a four-inch ferrocerium that’s easy to use once the outer coat has been peeled off to expose the striking surface. Simply position the steel striker/scraper at an angle to the rod, then push the striker forward towards the tinder.
The rod and striker are weather-resistant. Come rain, shine, snow, wind, or high altitude, this firestarter is a sure companion. It is also very affordable.
See Bayite Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter on Amazon
See Bayite Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter on Walmart
Best wooden handle fire starter: überleben Zünden Fire Starter
- Handcrafted wooden handle
- Six-function multi-tool
- 12,000 to 20,000 strikes
- Money-back guarantee policy
Pros
- Simple and quick to use
- Versatile, can even be used as a bottle opener
- Wooden handle is comfortable to hold
Cons
- Adhesive issues for some users
A notable feature that distinguishes the Überleben Zünden Fire Starter from others on this list is the wooden handgrip, which makes it easy and comfortable to hold. It features a quick and easy fire lighting process. Strike the ferro stick with the steel scraper to produce sparks of up to 5,500°F. That’s more than enough to start a fire, even in cold or windy environments. The steel tool can also be used as a surface scraper, ruler, and bottle opener. Note that you have to remove the protective coating before you can make a fire.
With a weight of a mere three ounces, you can easily hang it around your neck with the included lanyard. Depending on the thickness of your starter, you can get between 12,000 and 15,000 strikes out of this fire starter.
See überleben Zünden Fire Starter on Amazon
Best fire-starting knife: SE Fixed Blade Outdoor Tanto Knife
- 440 stainless steel construction
- Ferro fire rod included
- Comes with a sheath
Pros
- Versatile survival kit
- Durable construction
- Great value for money
Cons
- Nylon cord and sheath are not the highest quality
- Knife needs sharpening for best use
The SE Fixed Blade Outdoor Tanto Knife is a survival knife and a magnesium alloy fire starter in one. The 7in knife is complemented by a 1.5in ferrocerium rod for a complete survival kit. Outdoor enthusiasts love the versatility and durability of this little blade for both emergency situations and weekend car camping trips.
Use the blade to shave kindling off of a larger branch to get your fire started. Then slide the knife down the ferrocerium to create sparks. Use the back of the knife to scrape the ferro stick to keep the blade sharp. Keep your sparks burning, add more wood, and you’ll have a blazing fire in no time. If you’re a fan of all-in-one gear, this is the best fire-starting kit for you.
See SE Fixed Blade Outdoor Tanto Knife on Amazon
Longest-lasting fire starter: überleben Kraftig Fire Starter
- Lasts for up to 20,000 strikes
- Six-function multi-tool included
- 1/2 inch thick
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Long-lasting
- Tough construction but easy to use
Cons
- Bigger and heavier than most
The Uberleben fire starter is a beast. At half an inch thick and with a choice of five or eight inches long, this stick of ferrocerium will be reliable for years. The Uberbelen ferro blend is designed to balance durability and softness, making it incredibly easy to light a fire — even in wet or windy conditions.
The rod throws sparks at temperatures up to 5,500°F, plus the stick comes with a multi-tool that serves as a tinder scraper, map scale, hex wrench, and bottle opener. It also comes with a cord lanyard to keep it close at hand. However, as some reviewers mention, this thing isn’t light, so you might just want to keep it in a backpack.
See überleben Kraftig Fire Starter on Amazon
See überleben Kraftig Fire Starter on BladeHQ
Simplest fire starter: Bayite Ferrocerium Rod Flint
- Simple ferro stick
- 4in rod
- Hole for paracord
- Up to 12,000 strikes
Pros
- Reliable and durable
- Easy to hold onto
Cons
- No scraper included
If you’re just looking for a simple no-nonsense ferrocerium rod to do the trick, this is a great option. However, it doesn’t come with any scraper so make sure you have something with you. Bayite recommends using the back of a box cutter blade, or any other high-quality steel. But bear in mind that a bad-quality blade will not produce sufficient sparks from the fire stick.
This stick produces hot sparks up to 5,500°F and has a lifespan of up to 12,000 strikes.
See Bayite Ferrocerium Rod Flint on Amazon
See Bayite Ferrocerium Rod Flint on Walmart
Best multiuse fire starter: BlizeTec Fire Starter 6-In-1 Fire Starter Device
- Six-in-one fire kit
- Magnesium flint bar
- Scraper included
- Last up to 12,000 strikes
Pros
- Easy to use even when wet
- Versatile little camping kit
- Completely weatherproof
Cons
- Some had issues with the durability of the plastic handle
BlizeTec presents an awesome six-in-one fire kit that provides several essential pieces of survival gear in a package no bigger than a keychain. There’s the Ferro rod that’s good for up to 12,000 strikes, the luminous handle that provides a modicum of light for your night survival efforts (or just helps you locate it in the dark), an emergency whistle that will wake the dead, and a ruler/bottle opener with a cerated edge that can cut a rope.
The fire steel itself is completely weatherproof and will continue to light your fire when your BIC lighter gives out in the rain. The measurements carved out of the side of the multi-tool will help you plot distances.
See BlizeTec Fire Starter 6-In-1 Fire Starter Device on Amazon
Best two-pack fire starter & survival kit: Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass
- Multi-tool design
- 16,000 strikes per firestarter
- Includes compass, whistle, and steel scraper
- Wind, water, and cold resistance
Pros
- Versatile survival kit
- Reliable compass included
- Good size for striking
- Lasts a long time
Cons
- Can be slippery and hard to hold onto
No one ever plans to get lost in the wilderness, but with the Swiss Safe five-in-one fire starter, any wrong turns or lost-map shenanigans will be a little easier to deal with. This handy kit comes with two of the best fire starters, with a unique design with multiple uses. Each rod is good for 16,000 strikes and works no matter the weather. The magnesium ferrocerium rod creates sparks instantly at a temperature of up to 5,500°F.
This fire-starting tool includes a compass, whistle, scraper, and paracord — all great things to have in a survival situation. Furthermore, the compact and lightweight design means it won’t take up much room in your day pack.
See Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass on Amazon
See Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass on Walmart
Best lightweight fire starter: Light My Fire FireSteel Scout Magnesium Firestarter
- Magnesium Ferro rod
- Bioplastic grips
- Integrated whistle
- Weatherproof
Pros
- Easy to use
- Super-lightweight
- Starts a fire even when wet
Cons
- Some find it too small
- Doesn’t last as long as other options
The Light My Fire FireSteel Scout Magnesium Firestarter is the perfect option for someone worried about the weight of their fire-starting kit but needing a reliable fire-starting method – this bad boy is tiny! The Light My Fire FireSteel Scout is made up of two components: the fire steel, which is a rod fitted with a colored plastic grip made out of bioplastics, and the metal striker which also includes its own grip. Both of these can be kept on a paracord lanyard, so they won’t be misplaced.
To use, simply rake the metal striker on the side of the rod. This action will produce showers of sparks to direct onto any fuel source or tinder. For example, when lighting a stove to cook food that does not come with a built-in igniter, turn on the gas and then strike this fire starter and direct the showers of sparks to ignite the stove. It’s that simple! This tool does not require the use of any flint, battery or lighting fluid. So you don’t have to spend extra money on replacements. This is one of the best fire starters for everyday use because of its size and ease of use.
See Light My Fire FireSteel Scout Magnesium Firestarter on Amazon
Why trust us
We have a team that loves being outside. We camp, hike, hunt, climb, and generally love to explore the outdoors. Fire can be vital and this guide to the best fire starters includes options that will reliably get one going every time.
Who this is for
This guide is for anyone who spends time outside and wants a reliable way to start a fire. You can use the options in this guide anywhere, from your backyard BBQ to a backcountry survival situation.
How we picked
Maybe flint and steel seem a little too Bear Grylls. Well, this guide gives you a lot of other options. We have mostly chosen ferrocerium-based fire-starting tools, as they are regarded as the most reliable and easiest to use. We wanted to provide options that will get you a roaring fire every single time.
Features to look for in firestarters
While firestarters aren’t as complex as some high-tech devices, there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy one.
Size
Fire-starting tools can range from just over an inch long to six inches or more. So does it matter what length fire starter you get? Truth be told, you can start a fire with anything, but it’s typically easier if your Ferro rod is five or six inches. You’ll get a more robust cascade of sparks that will increase your chances of getting the fire started quickly. Thickness also matters, thicker fire starters typically last longer.
Scraper
The scraper or striker is the device you use to scrape the ferro rod to create sparks. While just about any sharp object will do in a pinch, you should try to always use a hard steel scraper. Fortunately, most of the above-reviewed fire starters come with good-quality scrapers of their own.
Coating
Some folks take their new fire starters into the woods and are aghast when they won’t produce sparks. Most of the time it’s not the fire starter’s fault. It’s because the person has forgotten to remove the coating on the ferro rod. Don’t let that be you. Also, remember to hold the scraper at a 45° angle to the rod for best results.
Safety
As long as you use the fire starter as intended, all fire-starting tools are similar levels of safe — it’s once you get the fire going that you need to be careful. Of course, you will want to establish safety rules with the people in your group, and take safety measures as the person starting the fire. Wearing gloves and using tools can be a way to protect yourself from the flames.
Ease of use
Does the starter rod include an easy-to-hold grip? Is it hard to scrape? These are good things to research before purchasing a fire starter. In general, we recommend reading all you can and understanding how to best prepare your fire, firestarter, and tinder.
Portability
If you plan to travel long distances with your fire starter, you probably want something small and light. Some of the fire starter options on this list are great for portability but will sacrifice other things, like durability. Whereas the fire starter that lasts longer might be heavier or bulkier.
Weather resistance
If you’re worried about wet weather, you will want to make sure you have a fire starter that will work no matter what. That’s why lighters are not always the most reliable option. Pretty much all of the tools on this list will work in any weather condition because they don’t depend on lighter fluid or flammable materials. However, you also need dry tinder. If it’s wet, local wood might not be the best place to find tinder. Bringing dryer lint and keeping it dry can be a good option.
Fire starter FAQ
Q: How do firestarters work?
Some simply require that you scrape the ferro rod to send a shower of sparks into your tinder. Other fire starters require you to scrape a bit of magnesium off of the mag stick into your tinder and then light the tinder with sparks from a flint. A key skill is learning how to stack and prepare tinder for sparks to get the best result.
Q: What is the safest fire starter?
All fire starters are safe if you use them as directed. If you’re careless about where you direct the waterfall of white-hot sparks, someone may get hurt. Regardless of which fire-starting tool you use, it all comes down to being mindful of what you’re doing. The sparks from a ferro rod can burn hot — up to 5,500°F. So, make sure to take the proper precautions before starting a fire.
Q: Is there an age limit to buy and use a fire starter?
No. But for practical purposes, you probably don’t want your eight-year-old using a device that sends out sparks at 5,500°F unless they’ve been trained or are doing so under adult supervision.
Q: Do fire starters expire?
Pretty much all of the fire-starting tools on this list will never expire. But they can run out. BIC lighters will last for about 1,000 uses and many of the fire-starting options on this list will last from 3,000-20,000 uses.
Sources:
- Survival Fire Starters – Alderleaf Wilderness College
- How To Use A Fire Starter – WikiHow
