I keep a fire starter kit in a Ziploc bag in each of my various ‘bags’ (72-hour kit, my Versipack’s for hiking or outdoor adventures, etc..).
The ability to make fire is one of the essentials of survivability, and having more than one way to make a fire is just good preparedness.
Within my fire-starter (Ziploc) kit, I generally keep the following items:
BIC Lighter
While a BIC type lighter won’t work reliably under all conditions, it is by far the simplest and quickest way to get a fire started.
Strike Anywhere Matches
I fill one of those small stick-match holders (waterproof) with ‘strike-anywhere matches’ as a backup to my lighter.
Diamond Match (Strike anywhere)
FireSteel Rod
This ‘magical’ rod will shed sparks onto a pile of tinder while firmly scraping down its edge with the metal striker that comes with it, or your knife, etc..
FireSteel.com
Magnesium Fire Starter
Emergency 2-IN-1 Fire Starter & Magnesium Fuel Bar
A Tea Light Candle
This little candle will burn for several hours and could be lit first under wet conditions to help with a consistent flame to get a tinder / kindling pile burning.
Tealight Candles, 6 to 7 Hour Extended Burn Time,(Pack of 200)
Vaseline Coated Cotton Balls
Simply smear some vaseline on a few cotton balls for a nice little ball of fire when lit. I keep pre-smeared cotton balls in a small sandwich bag (to keep the goo from getting on everything else) and I keep that bag within the Fire-starter kit Ziploc bag.
Firestarter Stick / Square / Puck
They sell various types and sizes of ‘fire sticks’ that when lit will burn for awhile, plenty of time to get some kindling going.
Fire Starter w/ 30-min. Burn-time
UPDATE: Paraffin Candle & Standard Road Flare for Fire Starter Kit
Related Article: Tinder For Building A Fire
What’s in your fire starter kit?
More fire-starter ideas:
-Roadside Flares
-Magnifying Glass
-Torch Lighter
-Char Cloth
-Magnesium Firestarter
Ken
Diamond matches (strike anywhere) are not as good as they use to be. 5-6 years ago I think the EPA made Diamond change their formula and now they won’t strike anywhere very good. Check out Red Bird matches made in USA but can’t be sold in the States. They ship out of Canada. Bought 5000 matches a few months ago.
I am a very practical outdoors man with 50 years experience. I have lived outside everywhere from the deserts of Baja Mexico to the High Sierras to the soaking tundra of Alaska. The nonsense I hear about starting fires with flints and burning metal chips is just that. It all works under ideal conditions; in which case just use your Bic lighter.
I chime in here because of this: Emergency fire starting does not take place under ideal conditions! When you are so cold and wet your fingers don’t work anymore and your own thoughts betray you, you don’t need gimmicks. You need a way to get a roaring fire burning when everything in your environment has been dampened by rain and fog for weeks on end.
When the best tinder you can find is damp, you must sustain a flame for several minutes to ignite it. Sparks or a flash from magnesium chips won’t get it done.
A paraffin candle on its side, dripping into your tinder has been successfully used since the days of the mountain men. I still carry one in my kit but I have found the standard road flare is the best bet now. If weight is a concern, break it off, down to 5 minutes worth. Keep the end with the striker and cap of course. If it gets wet, light the striker end with your trusty Bic lighter or waterproof matches and you are still in business. The 3800 degree blasting flame will ignite the most stubborn tinder and in fact, you really don’t need tinder.
Take it from me; all of the imaginary scenarios under which “survival experts” build their fires pale in comparison to the misery of hypothermia setting in because you slipped crossing a creek, fell through the ice or simply because you have been rain soaked for days and are starting to wear out. Keep it simple!
Excellent advice. Thank you.
My “Fire Starter Kit” contains fairly the same with the exceptions of the Matches, I use those big hunken ones that are soaked in wax and will burn for 14 hours. Also I like the firesteel that is in a screw case
My List;
Bic Lighters, BIC Lighter Plain 50ct
Fire Steel, Rothco Black Aurora Fire Starter
Matches, Coghlans-0150-20-Pack-Fire-Lighters
Fire Stick, Duraflame 2444 Firestart Firelighters, 24-Pack
Candles/Wax, D’light 10 Hour Votive Candles (Box of 72)
I also carry a small “well sealed” container (aluminum) of Boy-Scout-Juice, yes I cheat, but when I want a fire, I want a fire.
HomeSaver Gelled Firestarter, case Of Twelve 8 oz. Bottles
I also make darn sure there is a “Head Lamp” within reach or in the fire kit, hard to make a GREAT fire in pitch black dark,
Best 120 Lumen Waterproof LED Headlamp with 4-Modes
Note; about the Cotton Balls, do not put too much Vas on the Cotton, you still need for the fibers of the Cotton to ignite.
I have one of these “kits” in each “Bag”…. Don’t leave home without it.
NRP
PS; I wish I have the “Zip-Lock Bag” concession where Ken lives; he sure uses a LOT of them… HAHAHA
When I was in the Boy Scouts, we called it “girl scout water”. Also had the joke about best way to build a fire with two sticks is to make sure one of them is a match….
My husband calls it “instant boy scout”. There is more than one reason that everything (Coleman 2 burner, lanterns, backpacking stove, etc) use white gas instead of bottled fuel.
I agree with juiceman about the strike anywhere matches. They are not as reliable as advertized. Performance has always been hit or miss and they do not age well. I carry the bic lighter most of the time.
The matches I do carry that has lead to short term jobs or dates when I was single was the paper books of safety matches. They were everywhere at bars restaurants and convenience stores for free and/ or I bought a box and carried my own when out networking. The inside cover has just enough space for a name and address or phone number. I do not smoke but I did work as a cook in my younger years. Among blue collar occupations, networking takes place on smoke breaks they way Managers and CEO’s network on the golf course. When it rains, smokers always have dry, new matches. I never had trouble finding room mates when I worked as a cook.
Fire steel: Yeah I got several of them scattered in my truck and backpacks. You cannot light a cigarette with one but they work all the time. I pack some very fine steel wool with my fire steels. (0000 – sized)
I take corrugated card board and tear one side of the paper off to expose the inside then roll it up, stick some strike anywhere matches in the end, then soak the whole thing in melted wax. You can make these as large or small as you want to fit anywhere. The wax makes them water proof and makes them burn long and hot. Another good thing about these is they are cheap to make.
Half gallon milk cartons work well too.
All ways kept cut down highway flares in my crash bag, never had one not work, dipped in hot wax, good fire fast.
In Surviving a Wilderness Emergency (2006) by Peter Kummerfeldt. who was a survival training instructor for the Air Force Survival Training School (Basic, Arctic and Jungle survival schools in addition to being Survival Training Director for 12 years at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs) he says he carries the following in his Get-Away-Bag (this is the most basic of the basics when you’ve lost or have had to abandoned everything else you have with you:
1 heavy duty, 4 mil., orange plastic bag (38″ x 65″) for shelter*
1 metal match with scraper*
2 match cases* – fill one with REI Stormproof matches and the other
with Vaseline saturated cotton balls
1 glass signal mirror*
1 plastic whistle*
1 small folding knife
1 orienteering compass
1 plastic water bag
small stick of pitch wood for fire starting
1 small LED light with a head band
nylon line
chemical hand warmers
The first six items come in a orange Cordura zippered pouch with belt
loops which I ordered from outdoorsafe.com a couple of years ago.
I have added all the remaining items except the hand warmers.
If you have room for the kitchen sink, by all means take it. If you don’t
the above list will provide you with waterproof, windproof shelter,
reliable fire starting tools and “the means to signal your distress.”
Mr. Kummerfeldt has this to say about Strike Anywhere Matches:
“These once readily available matches are becoming more difficult
to find. They can be identified by their two tone heads – usually
blue and white, green and white or red and white. Both chemicals
needed for combustion are combined on the head of the match. The
term ‘strike anywhere’ would lead you to believe that they could
literally be ‘struck anywhere’. Nothing could be further from the
truth! These matches must be struck on the striking pad or on
material that is just abrasive enough to light the match and yet
not so abrasive that the match head is ripped off. Such a surface
can be difficult to find when the ground is covered with snow! While
some people have developed the skill to ignite strike anywhere
matches on the seat of their pants or by flicking the match head with
a thumbnail or even using their teeth. These methods of igniting strike
anywhere matches are not reliable in an emergency. Always have a piece
of the striking pad with you”.
He has this to say about BIC Style lighters:
These are pressure sensitive (the higher the altitude the less
the fuel will vaporize), and temperature sensitive (the colder
the temperature the less the fuel will vaporize). They will
explode if accidentally dropped into a fire and they require good
hand dexterity to operate, which isn’t a problem when it’s warm but
quickly becomes a problem in cold conditions.
I live in the Mountains and spend alot of time above 8000ft and I carry multiple methods to build a fire, but unless I’m just practicing, my go to method is my Bic lighter. I carry a Bic in my pants pocket and in all of my coats and/or jacket pockets as well as in all of my packs. It is true that if the weather is really cold a Bic in your coat or backpack may not work but the one in your pocket next to your body usually will. If really cold you may have to put the Bic under your arm pit or in a inside shirt pocket to warmup. Trekker Out.
I prefer a torch lighter to start my fires. We do a lot of camping and it always seems easier to use a wind proof, torch lighter rather than a Bic. I found the Spark lighter at Walmart and love it. It comes with a useless knife, corkscrew and bottle opener attached to it, but the lighter works great. And for 6 bucks, it’s refillable and fits perfectly in that little ‘watch pocket’ in your blue jeans.
I keep a bic, NATO matches, fat wood, fire steel in various bags. I recently bought a flint and steel set up to try. It takes practice, but with a little char cloth it can make fire. The only thing I don’t like are the tiny flint chards that go everywhere! I had flakes of flint in my eyebrows trying to get in my eyes! Guess I need safety goggles in my pack too!
I think I will try Oldhomesteader’s cut down flare next!
I carry a fire kit inside of an Altoids tin- you can use those tins to make char cloth.
Speaking of fire- – a good solstice day to everyone…
I also carry a small magnifying glass. You can start a fire with one during a sunny day. It is better than nothing.
Spending a lot of time in the north woods, I know the value of getting a fire started. I half froze a few times when I was young before I realized it. I now carry a Zippo lighter, enclosed in several Ziploc bags in case of a leak and to keep the smell of lighter fluid at bay. Also a Bic lighter, windproof/waterproof matches, a magnesium fire starter and some strike anywhere matches in a round metal case. I also carry a few fire cubes, the kind designed for the military. They burn in any weather for 10 to 12 minutes at 1300 degrees. Long enough to pile on some kindling and wood for a good fire. Also a small chunk of one of those waxy fire logs.
Keep a couple of good old fashioned road flares in your car/home etc. Best thing around to start a good sized fire going wet or dry…..
To all that read this post please take what I’m going to say and don’t get offended. I HAVE LIVED THE LIFE. I have cut the trail. I was the one that found the dead and some times saved the living in the Bush of Alaska winter and summer. Flint and steel or even matches or a cig lighter are NOT good enough when you have hypothermia setting in, you need fire and you need it NOW !!!!!!
You most likely will not be able to get the fire you need started. Your hands and fingers will not work!!!!!! And you will die. I have worked to keep people alive that fell through the ice. Yes, I know that’s extreme but it’s real life and death, we are not 19th century mountain men. You can get hypothermia in 60 degree weather and in two days your dead. Put your hands in a bucket of ice water for half an hour then try to start a fire with a match. Bet you can’t. Now try to light the highway flare, bet you can, been there done that. Guess I’m a little opinionated, just tend to get that way from watching some one die. Enough rant on my part.
Best to all and merry Christmas.
@Oldhomesteader, added road flares to my buy now list, thanks.
@ 0ldhomesteader
Ya grumpy old fart…. LOLOL Good Rant, 8.7 on the Rant-O-Meter
I would tend to agree with you to the point of starting a fire for life-saving, and yes Road Flares are probably best. That and a gallon or two of diesel.
Fortunately most of us are not talking Search and Rescue, life-saving scenarios, I know I’m thinking good old ways to get a fire going.
I do carry a tin of road flares in each vehicle and are always accessible. Thanks for the reminder to cut a few up and put in the Fire Bag.
NRP
Merry Christmas
Worst year did 12 recovery 2 rescued ,,,,part of reason for leaving Alaska,,some time you see to much ,,,,volunteer EMT work takes it’s toll in time
It’s synchronistic that you posted this article today. I just made some vaseline cotton ball fire starters. Will be testing one tomorrow to make sure that I got it right.
@ Oldhomesteader,
Thanks!
Merry Christmas to you.
Not a Bic salesman but you know that old saying “A Bic in the pocket is worth more than ten flares in the truck” When we just go out for an ocassional outing or a specific trek we may carry everything up to and including the kitchen sink, but when we’re out and about on a regular basis what you have on you, is what you have. The more we’re out the more we tend to keep lightening the load, as it is it seems like all of my coats still weigh 20 pounds, but you can bet on one thing, I’m going to have a multi purpose tool on my belt and a pocket knife and a Bic lighter in my pocket. Trekker Out. Leatherman a Kershaw and a Bic!
When I was a ranger working at backcountry stations, I left the fire wood in rather large chunks to split later. Though the wood is covered and is protected from snow and rain, the outside wood will still absorb ambient moisture from outside. My pack always had a small “boy’s axe” (small light head) even though each station had axes and saws in the locked tack shed.
I would split wood to expose the dry stuff prior to striking up whatever firestarter I used. Some co-workers thought I was being lazy for not pre-splitting kindling for them. Most rangers were raised in the city. A few of us worked on farms and ranches as kids.
Saw this cool video on a fire starting DIY kit that makes a lot of sense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d_jbm6iCTE&feature=youtu.be
I know this works, as I’ve made these paraffin wax impregnated curtain sash fire lighters for quite a while. These cords, cut into 1 1/4″ lengths (fit film cannisters quite well) will burn for at least 4 minutes before they go out.
anonymous,
Thanks for the video. I could have used this on my last camp fire which was a little stubborn. The simplicity and low cost of it makes it a must for any BOB or camping bag. I will gather the wax and rope today.
Hi all,
I just received the Fire Steels I ordered for Christmas Presents. The rods and the inside of the container are coated with a petroleum jelly looking product. Does anyone know why? Should I remove it? Should I leave it? No instructions about what to do were sent. The Fire Steels look fantastic, I’m just befuzzled by the goo on them. Thanks! Appreciate any advice ya’ll, Beach’n
@ Beach’N
Just leave it on, it won’t harm nada. Or Wipe it off, Up-To-You.
Fire Steel really does make a GREAT product.
NRP
Hi ol’ buddy NRP 🙂
Do you know what it is? I’m thinking about wiping it off, just because it’s getting on my hands. If it’s petroleum jelly, I’ll use cotton balls! Luv ya’ll, Beach’n
P.s. Yes! Great Products! I’m excited! That’s why everyone is getting one, including a magnesium bar in their stocking 😀
Hi NRP,
I’m reposting this question in case you missed it.
Do you know what the goo on the firesteel is?
luv ya’ll, Beach’n
@ Beach’N
Sorry I missed it on the first go-around, No I don’t know exactly what the goo is, I would defiantly guess an anti corrosive of some type. If giving for presents wipe it off, I also would just toss the rag/cloth in the trash of burn it, not use it for fire starters.
NRP
When I received my FireSteel’s (awhile ago since I’ve ordered), they were not covered with ‘goo’.
@NRP and Ken J.,
I also sent e-mail to Fire Steel. Ron’s response (paraphrased) was
that the substance is rust prohibitor like “cosmoline”. He said that
it would wipe off with a paper towel or it could be used as a fire-starter
on tinder, similar to vaseline. Fire Steel recommends keeping them coated
with oil, so they don’t rust. The rusting properties of the Fire Steel
is what makes them spark so nicely!
Another day, another learning experience! luv ya’ll, Beach’n
@ Beach’N
Cool, good info to add to the brain archive.
Thanks
NRP
Note to self, add road flares to car kit. Nail polish remover pads or adhesive tape remover pads come in little foil envelopes like alcohol pads and will burn for a couple of minutes. Trioxane fuel bars are what we used to use to heat our C rations with in the army and are readily available from numerous eBay sellers. they burn hot and last a couple of minutes. I don’t think they’d be easy to start with a fire steel though.
me
Dh used a pinch of C four to light the fire so he could have a hot cup of coffee. First time he told me I thought are you kidding me??!! Then ok what ever worked for you.
Snake eaters are a totally different breed.
We did too. The thing to know was not to step on it to put out the fire. You could lose your foot! Or so I was told, I never knew anyone that stepped on it.
I guess that the idea is to not leave home w/o some form of combustion. Even something like a Wazoo survival bracelet or belt buckle with a fire starter on it. 9v battery and 0000 steel wool. Definitely going to ask. Santa for some road flairs!
Well he didn’t bring the road flares yet, maybe next year 🙁 Not a bad idea to be sure to know how to start a fire in 5 minutes(as per Dave Canterbury). Also those trick birthday candles that don’t go out may be beneficial to have.