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Best Fire Starter for Backpacking
In this article I take a look at the best fire starter for backpacking. Lighters and matches can be OK for starting fires, but they are not always reliable, which is where the good old fire starter comes into play.
With that being said, finding the best fire starters can be a bit of a challenge; after all, there are many of them to choose from.
When you go to buy a fire starter, there are some important things to look out for, such as:
- Composition
- Size
- Cone area and spark
- Handle and grip
- Quality
Whether it has multiple uses, and more. Let’s delve right in now and take a look at some of the most popular fire starters on the market currently.
Last update on 2024-02-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Last update on 2024-02-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Campfirepiston Hickory Fire Piston
The Campfirepiston Hickory Fire Piston is made in the US. It features a non-slip wooden handle for good gripping ability, even when wet. It even comes with a wooden sheath to keep it dry and protected at all times.
It’s a really efficient fire starter, because the way it works is actually by ramming the metal piston into the sheath, which then makes it hot enough to ignite the char cloth which is included. This fire starter is very easy to use, much easier than most others.
Bayite 1/2 x 6 Inch Survival Drilled Flint Steel Fire Starter
This is a flint and striker fire starter. You do need to have very dry and quick-to-ignite materials on hand, but other than that, it is very simple and straightforward. The striker to create the sparks is attached to the extra-large flint rod, so you never lose the striker.
The flint rod is very large and is good for up to 12,000 strikes, which is quite impressive, not to mention that the sparks reach temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees Celsius. This thing is also windproof and weather resistant, not to mention very durable overall.
Last update on 2024-02-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
überleben Zünden Fire Starter
überleben are known for their quality ferro rods. This example has a hand crafted hardwood handle with a smooth natural grip. It’s designed to be carried around your neck as well as a backpack.
There is multiple size options to choose, from 5/16″ to the largest at 1/2″ diameter.
It is made mostly of ferrocerium and it creates a shower of molten sparks that reach up to 5,500° Fahrenheit. This fire starter can easily produce up to 20,000 strikes or more in the 1/2″ size.
The striker is also included, and it is attached to the rod with a shock cord.
Last update on 2024-02-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Glide ASE Adventurer Survival Fire Starter
This is the Nato fire starter that is put into Nato survival and fire kits. It’s a no frills low cost magnesium ferro rod that works for up to 1000 times.
If you don’t want to spent a lot of money then this makes a great choice. it’s small in size, so if you’re counting every ounce of weight on a long backpacking trip this is one of the most compact ferro rods to consider taking with you into the wilderness.
Last update on 2024-02-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Arcadia Gear 3/4" x 6" Large Diameter Ferro Rod Fat Boy
This item comes with a nice wooden grip which makes it easy to use even when wet; it is called a wooden “suregrip.” This is a very large fire starter, larger than most others, and it is good for up to 35,000 strikes, which is quite impressive.
It is made out of highly effective ferrocerium metal with a high magnesium content for sparks over 5,500 degrees. It’s a great fire starter that will spark even when wet; it lasts a very long time, has no moving parts, and is easy to hold on to as well.
Last update on 2024-02-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
Choosing a quality fire steel as your main source of fire starting is essential to add to your kit for long backpacking tours.
All of the ferro rod type fire starters here are reliable and have great durability. It really is down to the individual on how much you want to spend on a fire starter.
Personally I’d choose between the überleben and the bayite fire starter. Both offer great value for money and perform well in all temperatures and altitudes.
Last update on 2024-02-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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