Fire Starters

Brand

User

Price

Recent Fire Starter Reviews

Coghlan's Flint Striker

Looks good, but as supplied does not perform. I bought this Ferro fire steel online from a very reliable survival training centre with their recommendation from students' field use where they said that it was good for over 4,000 strikes. I was therefor most surprised to find it didn't produce a spark at all with the pressed steel striker supplied. With the Light My Fire striker it was a very different story—massive spark every time. I filed and ground the Coghlan's striker to give a good 90-degree… Full review

UCO Stormproof Matches

Dependable flame, every time. At one point in my life I was a professional pyrotechnician and owned my own business. We shot professional shows and designed electronic firing systems. After having to ignite fireworks in practically every weather condition imaginable (and after having just about every failure you can think of!) the one thing that always worked for us was Orion road flares. These matches are just like emergency road flares. They strike when wet. They burn reliably and predictably… Full review

Light My Fire Tinder-on-a-Rope

Nothing fancy, but reliably useful. Tinder on a Rope is precisely what the name suggests and is nice to have as a backup for fire starting. Conditions: I’ve used the Tinder on a Rope several times this past year, in a variety of conditions ranging from cold, damp spring to hot, humid summer, with success each time. The worst (i.e. wettest) conditions I used it in was after a seemingly out-of-nowhere summer rainstorm snuck up on us in the latter part of the afternoon while on a three-day canoeing… Full review

FireSteel GobSpark Armageddon

This is the only firesteel I recommend now. It's never let me down and throws very hot sparks. This rod is great for survival training, bushcrafting, and as an emergency combustion source in your pack. I teach survival programs here on the West Coast of Canada. It's cold and wet a large part of the year. I have tried over a dozen different brands of ferro rods over the years and nothing beats my Gobspark Armageddon.  It's very well made. In the first model I used, I broke the handle off and the… Full review

Soto Pocket Torch XT

Awesome telescope feature on a jet type lighter. They do burn down gases in between the trigger and burner. It is a fact of life. I have enjoyed the distance between my fingers and the other fuel's ignition immensely! Like my propane BBQ. Had two and used them up over a year each!. I have enjoyed the distance between my fingers and the other fuel's ignition immensely! Like my propane BBQ or the rustic pine shavings to start my fire pit. "in my front yard" "Tennessee style!" About to step out of… Full review

Primus PowerLighter

The outdoor lighter optimized for lighting the stoves and campfires. Supports refilling from standard gas canisters via optional quite expensive adapter. Very convenient for outdoor use. During more than 10 years in backpacking and camping I tried numerous ways for lighting the stoves and campfires. None of them were perfect though: the matches are expendable and prone to getting wet, consumer lighters are exhausted quickly and may drain gas into your gear. I’d used the fire stone for couple of… Full review

Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter

I love this firestarter. It really does the job each and every time! Overall I think this is a great product and I am quite happy with my purchase!! Full review

UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit

These are some of the biggest matches that you'll ever find and that for the most part meet the manufacturer's claim of being waterproof and windproof. While the weight and size of the matches may be more than most backpackers would want to carry, these matches would be a great addition to someone's camping, emergency, or survival gear. First off I would like to say that I received these matches as a gift from Trailspace for being a past Reviewer of the Month. When I first received these matches… Full review

Exotac NanoStriker XL

It is a great fire starter if you do not put it on a chain or neck loop. Mine came unscrewed while hiking and that was that. You'll only find out it was lost when you need it at the end of the day. Full review