Editor & Article Writer for Outdoor Wilds
How to Light a Backpacking Stove
In this article I take a look at how to light a backpacking stove using 5 different methods of ignition.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a means to light a stove, which I’ll discuss for each of the 5 methods in this guide.
Reliability of course is the most important factor. You need to have the confidence you’ll be able to light your stove in any type of conditions, from high altitudes to strong winds.
Safety, ease of use, durability and cost are worth taking a note of. Weight to carry may play a part if you’re into ultra light backpacking.
The lighting methods in this article will focus on igniting the 3 most common types of backpacking stoves.
- Liquid fuel stoves.
- Gas canister stoves.
- Alcohol burners.
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Firebox Stoves
Firebox Stoves are slightly different in that they require additional materials to hold a flame until it catches onto the kindling sticks.
Fire starting materials such as cotton pads or four seasons Tinder-Quiks as an example of such materials.
I won’t be focusing on these more bushcraft type stoves. This I’ll leave for another article, although all the lighting methods here will work for fireboxes as well.
Matches
This is the oldest method of creating a flame in this roundup. The match has been around since John Walker invented the first friction match back in 1826.
Matches are tried and tested, it’s fair to say, and they’ll have no problem lighting liquid, gas or alcohol stoves.
The problem with your standard type of match is reliability and durability. If you’re going to choose matches as a means to light a stove on a backpacking trip, make sure they stay dry.
Placing the matches inside a small watertight container is a good idea.
There’s a number of these match containers on the market such as the UCO Match Case (left-hand picture) or the Coghlans Match Box. Both have a striker on the exterior which is replaceable.
Stormproof Matches
An alternative to carrying standard type matches inside of a waterproof container is to carry stormproof matches. UCO also has several options here.
Stormproof matches are both windproof and waterproof. They will even light after being submerged in water. They do come at a cost though compared to standard type matches.
Lighters
Probably the most popular method amongst backpackers is the disposable lighter to ignite a stove.
Lighters are readily available throughout the world and cheap to buy. They are also very reliable, weigh hardly anything and have a degree of water resistance.
Disposable lighters
Most popular of all the disposable lighters out there is the good old mini BIC lighter. The BIC will light any type of stove without too much problem unless it’s windy. In which case you’ll need to shield the flame with your hand.
Watch your fingers when lighting an alcohol stove. Alcohol stoves do tend to require the flame being held at an angle that can cause burns to fingers.
Clipper lighters
The Clipper is another popular disposable lighter for lighting stoves. It’s arguable which is best between the two.
The Clipper is slightly better in windy conditions, has more water resistance, but the flints do tend to wear more quickly. Replaceable flints are available though.
The biggest plus side to a Clipper over a BIC lighter is the fact they’re refillable, which is fairly easy to do, all you need is a butane gas canister.
Dedicated outdoor survival lighters
The BIC and Clipper lighters are more specifically aimed at lighting tobacco products.
There are also many other lighter options designed with outdoor survival in mind. This type of “outdoor” lighter is more windproof, durable and water resistant compared to the smokers choice.
Popular amongst outdoor survivalists are the UCO Stormproof lighter (left-hand picture) and the Tomolo Triple Jet Flame.
Pocket Torch Lighters
The pocket torch lighter has a flame that reaches temperatures around 1300 degrees Celsius, hence the name “pocket torch”.
They are more bulky to carry compared to a disposable lighter, the big advantage over a BIC / Clipper lighter is the fact they have a strong wind resistant burner.
The Soto Pocket Torch XT is a favorite. This pocket torch has an extendable burner head keeping your fingers away from the stove when lighting.
It’s possible to refill the Torch XT from a butane, isobutane or propane canister.
Although propane must be handled with caution. Always read the manufacturers refill instructions prior to refilling any pocket torch.
Firesteel
A firesteel also known as a ferro rod is just about the most reliable form of creating a spark to start a backpacking stove.
Firesteels work well in all conditions. High altitudes, rain, wind, snow you name it. The firesteel will always provide a means to start a fire, hence why they are so popular with bushcrafters and survivalists.
I always suggest carrying 2 different types of stove ignition with you on a backpacking trip. The firesteel is the one method I suggest as either your main form of ignition or as a backup to a lighter for example.
Firesteel technique
The only slight downside to the firesteel is having to learn the technique of using the ferro rod. This is not difficult to pick up but does require some thought.
When lighting an alcohol stove in particular. Hold the ferro rod close to the edge of the burner at around 45 degrees. Holding the striker near the top of the rod, pull the rod towards you.
Pulling the rod away from the burner ensures you don’t knock the fuel and burner over when striking.
The same technique applies to lighting both gas canisters and liquid gas stoves.
Remember to:
- Hold the ferro rod at around 45 degrees close to the gas or alcohol.
- Place the stricker at the top of the rod.
- Pull the ferro rod away from the burner quickly.
- Do not push the stricker towards the burner.
- Always light any stove at arm’s length.
Piezo Igniter
A piezo igniter is commonly found on garden grills and stoves. The name comes from the discovery of piezoelectricity by physicists in the late 19th century.
A small hammer strikes a quartz crystal creating a very small electrical spark. Quartz is far more durable than flint, so it lasts for many 1000s of strikes.
This technology has been implemented into small igniters which are very compact and reliable. Apart from at altitudes above 8000 feet where they work less well.
My favourite piezo lighter is the MSR Piezo Igniter. This is more suited to lighting both gas and liquid gas stoves.
Stoves with their own ignition system
You will find some stove types with their own built in ignition system. I have a gas canister stove that I use when car camping that has a built in piezo igniter. It works just fine without the hassle of having to find my lighter or fire steel.
When backpacking I would suggest using a stove without, this is my personal preference. The reason is, it’s just another part of the stove that could go wrong, plus the extra maintenance over time.
If you would like to know more about backpacking stove fuel types, Take a look at my article that goes in-depth on all things stove fuel related.
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