Ferro Rods and Fire Starters

Fire starters are tools or materials used to ignite a fire when camping, hiking, or spending time outdoors. The most common types of camping fire starters include matches, lighters, fire starters made from compressed sawdust or wax, and magnesium fire starters that produce sparks when scraped with a metal striker. Camping fire starters are essential for outdoor enthusiasts, as they provide a reliable way to start a fire for warmth, cooking, and entertainment. It’s important to choose a camping fire starter that is reliable, waterproof, and easy to use, and to always follow proper fire safety guidelines when starting and maintaining a fire in the outdoors. By bringing along a camping fire starter, campers can ensure that they are prepared for any outdoor adventure and can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a fire even in remote and rugged locations.

Primary Fire Starters

Butane Lighters, Zippo Lighters

Rechargeable Plasma Lighters

I prefer to use a rechargeable multi-function lighter as my first choice. Such as a lighter / flashlight. You can use a solar charger to keep it charged. This takes up less space and adds less weight to your pack compared to gas lighters require you to pack extra fuel, takes up more space, and adds extra weight. A solar charger is a can be used to keep rechargeable lighters charged and eliminate the need to carry extra fuel or batteries.

Secondary Fire Starters

Matches, Windproof Matches, Waterproof Matches

Redundancy is key in survival or camping & trekking packs. It is extremely beneficial to have more than one option of fire starters in your pack as long as they don’t add too much weight or take up too much space. Matches are a great secondary fire starter for your pack. They are light weight and take up little space but what are some good choices for matches? Waterproof or windproof, long burning matches like the ones shown below.

Ferro-rods

Survival Tools with Fire Starters

As a last resort and final option for a fire starter, you will want to have a ferro rod. Ferro rods can produce sparks over 5000 F degrees when struck with the striker. Some ferro rods can last many years but require a little more skill to use, however, they are not that difficult to use, and they don’t take up too much space or add too much weight to a pack. There are also multi use tools which include ferro rods. Take a look below at some great options.

When packing all your gear, you are limited to how many items will fit in your pack. Having a good packing plan will aid in making the best use of the limited space. You may like to have different items packed in kits such as a fire starter kit or cooking kits. Smaller items will fit inside larger items freeing up much needed space. Pouches or survival knives like the ones below are a great idea to keep all your fire starter tools in one pouch.

Disclosures: All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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