When it comes to resourceful outdoor gear, fire starters are the unsung heroes. These devices are designed to spark a flame and keep the fire burning while traveling in areas where the traditional matchbox may be inaccessible or highly unreliable.
Unlike primitive fire-making tools, which only help you ignite a fire, modern fire starters are equipped with additional conveniences. Notably, these devices produce intense flames, reducing the need for kindling. They also burn for longer and are reliable when camping in windy conditions.
But since fire starters aren’t made equal, in-depth research is imperative when shopping for the best tool for your needs. We’ve taken the liberty of reviewing the top five fire-starters for the ultimate outdoor experience.
1. Exotac Nanostriker
The Exotac Nanostriker is designed for the ultimate outdoor experience. The fire starter’s striker features a stainless steel + tungsten carbide combo, making it remarkably durable and corrosion-resistant. It also comes with a quarter-inch waterproof Ferrocerium rod that produces one of the most ferocious sparks for its size.
Whether camping in wet or windy weather, you can trust this fire starter to deliver.
Another thing that makes the Exotac Nanostriker one of the top-rated fire starters is its replaceable Ferro rod. You don’t need to invest in a new fire starter if the rod is worn out. Simply unthread it from the rest of the tool and thread it in your replacement rod.
The Exotac Nanostriker is difficult to misplace, thanks to a handy lanyard. More exciting is that the cord is flammable, allowing the tool to burn even without kindling. To access the flammable part, strip the outer cover to reveal an inner strand. Now, ignite the strands, and you will have a flame that burns smoothly like a candle.
2. Pull Start Fire Starter
When it comes to ease of use, few fire starters compare to this device. The Pull Start Fire Starter lets you create a fire without matches, lighters, flames, or even kindling.
Simply pull at the string, and the tool will produce safety smoke, indicating it has begun igniting. About three seconds later, a flame will emerge from an ignition pack. The flame lights the brick, which burns for up to thirty minutes.
Besides its ease of use, the Pull Start Fire Starter’s flame is blistering hot and wind-proof.
The tool can make light work of wet wood, making it excellent when camping in damp or snowy weather. It also delivers wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour (mph).
3. SE-FS374 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter
The SE-FS374 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter is an excellent pick when you’re searching for the most durable firestarter. The device’s business end features a three-inch solid magnesium bar and flint, which can provide hundreds of strikes before the bar runs out.
Besides, the package includes a single-sided serrated striker designed with user-friendliness in mind.
To deploy this fire starter, hold the magnesium body in your non-dominant hand, ensuring the flint is well-exposed. Direct the flint into the magnesium pile and touch the striker edge to the flint’s rear end. Now, generate a spark by applying considerable pressure between the flint and striker while swiftly pushing the striker towards the magnesium pile.
Like other fire starters on this list, the SE-FS374 All-Weather Magnesium Firestarter is reliable for all weather conditions.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
4. Bigfoot Bushcraft Mini Fire Starter
Although fire starters are synonymous with off-grid vacations, the Bigfoot Bushcraft Mini Fire Starter can be equally resourceful in everyday outdoor experiences. From igniting your backyard BBQ grill to making large campfires to scare away wild animals, there’s no limit to the tool’s functionality.
Bigfoot Bushcraft Mini Fire Starter is incredibly reliable, generating an intense flame with the first strike.
The device is constructed from a mini ferro rod and a steel striker, lending credence to its superior durability and efficiency. It’s non-greasy and waterproof, making it ideal in all weather conditions.
The package comes with 16 fire plugs and burns five minutes longer than regular fire starters. Moreover, you get a lanyard for enhanced portability.
5. CHYI-GOGO 3-Piece Fire Starter
Many fire starters derive their durability primarily from their higher number of strikes. However, the CHYI-GOGO 3-Piece Fire Starter does you one better.
This fire starter comes in a package of three, each containing a magnesium rod connected to a versatile metal scrapper via a braided cord. The rope terminates in a buckle, which you can open to remove the metal scraper or adjust the cord’s length.
In the interest of durability, each magnesium rod has its outer surface fortified with a black protective covering. To use the device, swiftly rub the magnesium rod with a scraper.
While the CHYI-GOGO 3-Piece Fire Starter works in different conditions, some kindling is required to keep the fire burning.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Summary
A fire starter is a resourceful tool that can help you make a fire to prepare a meal or boil drinking water during a remote outdoor expedition. The device can also be instrumental in keeping warm during frigid conditions, saving you from winter’s perils like hypothermia and frostbite.
However, due diligence is paramount when looking for the best fire starter for your outdoor needs.
Insist on a tool that delivers in all weather, including wet and windy conditions. The fire starter should also ignite quickly and come with a maximum number of strikes. Better yet, you can begin your search for a high-performance fire starter by sampling the above collection.
