Going off the grid does not mean that you have to skip your favorite hot brew in the morning! With the best campfire starter, you can enjoy a hot breakfast and a warm hug in a mug.
Using standard matchsticks may be the norm, but you can easily run out of it. And it will not serve you well during wet conditions. And try to light a matchstick on a windy afternoon, bet you can’t.
That’s why we have listed the top camping fire starters that will allow you to enjoy barbecues, and a hot cup of choco with roasted marshmallows.
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Our Top Picks for the Best Campfire Starter: A Product Review
Overview:
- UST BlastMatch Fire Starter is very easy to use. It boasts of a single-handed operation. And it can also spark big fires.
- Gerber Bear Grylls offers great value for your money. It also has a perfect size making it easy to use.
- Light my Fire is perfect for EDC carry.
- Wolf and Grizzly fire starter is simple and straightforward. It also has the longest life span of 20000 strikes
- If you want to go old school, then the UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit will suit you best. And they are beyond your regular matches. These are the matches with more muscles so to speak
Brand | Dimensions | Weight in ounces | Inclusions | Lifespan | Shops |
UST BlastMatch Fire Starter | 4.1” L x 1.4” W x 1” D | 2.3 | Flint bar | 4000+ strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
Gerber Bear Grylls | 9.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches | 3.5 | Ferrocerium rod and metal striker | 8000+ strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
Light My Fire | 8.62 inches x 4.37 inches x 0.71 inches | 1.44 | Flint striker and ferrocerium rod, paracord | 1000+ strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
Wolf and Grizzly | 3.94 x 0.43 x 0.45 inches | 2.23 | Ferro Rod, paracord with jute tinder inserted | 20,000 strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit | 1.5 x 1.5 x 4.5 inches | .16 | Matches, Container, and Strikers | 5 years | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
Survival Spark | 5.6 x 3 x 1 inches | 1.6 | Magnesium fire starter stick, large scraper, compass, whistle & lanyard | 15,000 strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
MSR Strike Igniter | 8.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches | .35 | Storage case, built-in bottle opener, Ferro rod | 3,000 to 12,000 strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
Exotac PolyStriker | LxWxH 4 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches | 1.44 | Strike the Ferro rod with the provided tungsten carbide tool | 1000 strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
Coghlan’s Flint Striker | L x W x H 6.22 x 3.74 x 1.3 inches | 1.92 | Ferrocerium fire starter, paracord loop head, and a steel striker | 1000 strikes | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
ZIPPO Fire Kit | 1.15 x 1.15 x 3.95 inches | 2.24 | 5 lightweight paraffin wax-coated cotton spark tinder | One kit lights 5 fires | Check Price On Amazon Read Full Review |
While it is exciting and nostalgic to start a fire without gas, you don’t want anything that will take forever, do you? These camp fire starters can make your time in the woods more convenient.
01. UST BlastMatch Fire Starter– Best One-Handed firestarter
This one-handed fire starter is so easy to use. Even those who are injured or with one arm will find it easy to use.
This camping firestarter works in all types of weather. You need not worry if it suddenly rains at your campsite. This firestarter can ignite even in wet conditions.
Though some have complaints that this involves a learning curve. It does take some practice before you will be able to seamlessly spark a fire from it. It works best with a fluff-type fire tinder, but it also works okay with dry tinder.
It also has a safety feature so you will not unintentionally ignite it. The flint bar pulls down into the cap. Thus, preventing unintentional sparks that may lead to fire accidents.
Also, it has a compact and lightweight design that will not eat up space in your camping bag.
Pros
- Can survive wear and tear, this fire starter is pretty durable
- It can be used even in wet conditions
- The single-handed operation makes it accessible even to those with arm injury or with one hand
- Compact and a good option for EDC carry
- Has a good amount of spark with every throw
- It’s versatile and can be used even without a dry tinder
Cons
- It has a learning curve
- Some had issues with quality control
02. Gerber Bear Grylls – Great Value for your Money
This lightweight camping fire starter kit is easy to wear around your neck for emergencies.
This is a 3 piece fire starter kit that comes with a ferrocerium rod, metal striker, and it has a lanyard with an emergency whistle.
And for a solid ferrocerium fire starter, this is light and compact. Thus, it will not be a pain to wear around your neck. So in case something untoward happens, you will not be caught off guard. And since it comes with its lanyard, you don’t have to purchase it separately.
Pros
- The shape of the firestarter is not too small nor too big, thus you’ll have better motor control over it. So it’s also easy to grasp in wet situations.
- You can conveniently hang it around your neck since it has a lanyard. And the emergency whistles are a plus too.
- It’s easy to spark, and the flames get large too
- Comes with a morse code distress signals and the survival guide is very informative too
- It has an affordable price for its worth
Cons
- The storage compartment at the end is too small
- The orange paint scratches off easily
03. Light My Fire– Best EDC Carry
Light my fire is a magnesium fire starter kit that is unobtrusive and you can bring it anywhere.
It is also reliable as you can use it in any weather situation. It also comes with a cord and an emergency whistle.
This camping fire starter may not look premium. But it is made of quality material and it’s made in Sweden. The plastic round handle is made of a BPA plastic material.
It’s compact so it’s so easy to hold and grasp for those with small to average-sized hands. And you can even teach kids how to use it, their little hands will be able to grasp the handle very well. So this is a perfect teaching tool if you want to teach your kids about survival and preparedness when in the wild outdoors.
And despite the small size, this can spark rather well. And even if it’s smaller than its competition, it doesn’t feel flimsy.
Pros
- It’s made in Sweden so you can be sure of the quality
- It comes with extras such as a cord and emergency whistle
- Great training tool for kids and younger adults
- Sparks rather well
- Has an inexpensive price
Cons
- The size may be too small for adults with large hands
- The cord is a bit short. Adding a longer lanyard will make it more of use
04. Wolf and Grizzly Fireset– Best Easy to Use
If you need a campfire starter kit that doesn’t take much practice to perfect. This is it.
It has a wider and longer rod, so starting a spark is easier compared to the competition. It also has a longer lifespan, it can last up to 2000 strikes. And you don’t have to pay a lot for that, it had a very decent price tag.
And you don’t have to worry if you run out of tinder. The cord that it comes with has a dry jute tinder embedded in it. That’s plus points for thinking ahead, not a lot of brands offer that convenience.
Also, you can even light this with your gloves on. So your hands will stay warm no matter what
Pros
- Cord comes with a dry tinder in case you ran out
- It’s very easy to use, it doesn’t require practice
- Has longer lifespan
- The size is perfect, not too small nor too big
Cons
- Can be time-consuming to light, needs more than one strike
- Some encountered issues receiving an incomplete package
05. UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit– Best Old School Approach
If you want to go old school, this match kit is perfect for you
Not everyone wants to use a flint-base starter. Sometimes, matches are still one of the best ways to light a fire. If this is you, then you need this for your next camping trip.
The matches are reusable. But they are not waterproof so you have to be careful to keep them dry. Sometimes it’s hard to, especially if there is too much moisture in the air. And the lifespan is 5 years but then again you have to ensure that it stays dry, otherwise it will not light up.
The matches are also huge and have a nice look to them. But you have to be mindful when using it. Once it lights you cannot put it out by blowing it. You’ll only have to pull it out with water. So never drop this match on the forest floors hoping that stomping on it will put the fire out.
Pros
- It’s a great alternative to flint firestarters
- Matches are durable and fire easily.
- The matches are of quality and are huge, thus they are easier to use than standard matched
Cons
- The case is not good, it could have been made better
- There can be an effort to keep the matches dry, which can be hard if there is too much moisture in the air.
06. SURVIVAL SPARK – Best Multitool Firestarter
So out of all the options on our list, this is a complete multitool. It has more inclusions than the competition.
And these inclusions are not just for display, they work well. The whistle is pretty loud and the compass works well. So if you get lost, you’ll not be surprised that the whistle blows like a baby.
It’s also perfect for EDC carry since it’s small and lightweight.
And despite the compact size, it is ergonomic and easy to handle. It does give out a lot of sparks, but you have to hold it at the right angle. So it needs some bit of getting used to.
Pros
- It has more inclusions and all seems to work well
- Gives off high-intensity sparks with proper use
- It is well made and doesn’t feel flimsy
- It has a longer life /strikes than more expensive counterparts
Cons
- The rope that comes with it is a bit cheap
- Takes a bit of time to get used to
07. MSR Strike Igniter– Best Firestarter for Wet Weather
This flint-base fire starter can efficiently light a fire even in wet conditions.
It is also ultra-light. It gives a whole different meaning to the term packing light.
So if you are looking for the most compact and the smallest camping firestarter, this is it. But do not be fooled by its size, it has way more strikes than other expensive brands.
It has a long tether between the striker and the stick. So if you are looking for a design like that you’ve come to the right spot.
Pros
- It’s made of quality materials and it sparks well
- Can be used in wet conditions, it also works great in windy conditions
- It works great as long as you figure out how to use it since it may have a learning curve
Cons
- It might be too small for those with large hands
- And because it’s small, it may need a few strikes before it lights up
- The design could be better. It is somewhat hard to push and grasp, so it’s not for young adults or those with a beginner’s skill level
08. Exotac PolyStriker – Best for Ultralight Camping
This is a very lightweight and decent fire starter for ultralight backpacking.
This unobtrusive fire starter is made up of high-quality materials. The handle is made of abs plastic and it boasts of a minimalist design. All of the above qualities also make it a great EDC option.
And though it only has 1000 strikes, this is a suitable option for beginners or those with low skill levels.
Pros
- Its minimalistic design makes it the best choice if you want to pack light, it’s also a great EDC option
- It has a very affordable price tag
- It’s made in the US and not too cheap looking for its price
Cons
- It’s too small for big hands, so grown men will find it hard to use
- Some find that the rod might break because it is thinner than usual
09. Coghlan’s Flint Striker– Best Budget
This affordable flint camping firestarter is decent and waterproof too. And it only cost a fraction.
Also, we have several firestarters that can be used in wet conditions, but when it comes to being waterproof, this is one of the best.
Though like all flint firestarters, you have to practice to be able to use it smoothly. And for its price, this is the cheapest that you can get on the market with the inclusions it has.
It’s also perfect for EDC carry since it’s small and lightweight.
Pros
- For the inclusions, it’s the cheapest of the lot
- It is decently durable for the price you’re going to pay for it
- Sparks all right
Cons
- It’s pretty small and not that ergonomic, thus it may be hard to use
- Requires a learning curve
10. ZIPPO Fire Kit– Best CampFire Starter for Beginners
ZIPPO fire kit boasts a rather different design and method. But a lot of campers swear by it.
It is synthetic and has waterproof waxed tinder that you put on the rod to catch the spark. What sets it apart is not only the design but how easy it is to create big fires with this little kit.
It also keeps well and dry with the canister that comes with it. And it doesn’t look shabby either. So even if there is too much moisture in the air, it will stay nice and dry,
Pros
- It’s easy to use
- It can create big fires
- It has a waterproof canister that comes with it, this makes up for easy and efficient storage
Cons
- It can feel a bit flimsy and cheap
- You can only make 5 fires for one kit, so you need to buy more or use another type of tinder.
What to Consider when Buying the Best Campfire Starter
We have the best products for everybody. But there are things you have to consider when buying a campfire starter.
Skill level:
Are you a master camper who has used different types of firestarters? Are you a beginner who is just transitioning from matches?
Match your skill level with the right product.
Some fire starters such as those with flint rods will require a higher skill level. You need more practice to be able to use the Survival Spark or the MSR Firestarter for instance.
While the UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit is foolproof. Even beginners will have not have a hard time using it
Weight and size:
For those embarking on an ultralight backpacking trip, the lighter the firestarter, the better. So a mini firestarter such as the Light My Fire or the MSR is a good option. You’ll be able to use it as EDC too.
Ease of use:
You have to weigh the weight and the size versus the ease of use. Most compact firestarters can be hard to use and require advanced skills.
The type of fire starters:
There are several types of firestarters. And the ease of use, longevity, and the product also rely on this. We have dedicated a section below.
Wind resistant or waterproof capabilities:
Our best list contains firestarters that can be used in wet conditions. But there are those exceptional ones that stand out in every windy condition or strong rain. Coghlan’s Flint Striker, Light My Fire, and MSR Igniter are great options
And flint-based fire starters are the most waterproof. They will serve you better in wet conditions.
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Types of Camping Firestarters
And to help you make the best choice for your circumstances, here are the different types of camp fire starters.
Ferrocerium rod:
This material boasts of a strong file steel. And typically, ferrocerium rods have a longer lifespan or strikes compared to other types of firestarters.
Flint and steel:
These are two metals that can be scratched against one another to create fire. And this is perfect for an array of wet and windy conditions.
A side note, flint and steel is perhaps the first fire starter humans have ever used. It was used by our ancestors even before the 1800s.
Lighters:
These are flint base firestarters, but unlike number 3, these are the more convenient type. It has a rather different design but the mechanism is the same.
Matches:
Yes, you can still go old school. But these are more than your regular matches. These are heavy-duty matches that can create big fires.
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FAQs
Which fire starters for camping are the easiest to use?
Matches are easiest to use but they might not be applicable in windy situations.
Are compact camp fire starters okay?
While it’s best to pack light, some compact fire starters are not for everybody. For instance, if you have large hands, you might find it difficult to grasp the handle of a mini fire starter.
Which fire starters for camping can spark better during inclement weather?
Ferro rods are the best option. But it might be harder to make a fire since it needs to strike it more than twice.
Final thought
The best campfire starter can make your stay in the woods more convenient. You can use it to create warmth, to cook food, and heat coffee. There are a lot of camping fire starters in the market, choose the brand that is guaranteed to bring out decent to powerful sparks.