This thing wins big points for its futuristic feel and simple versatility. Pop open a waterproof safety cap on the butt end of the flashlight to reveal a small dual-arc plasma emitter. Opening the cap flips the flashlight button to an igniter switch, and deep purple arcs of electricity buzz to life when pressed. A safety button and latch ensure the emitter is not exposed until you want it to be.

When choosing a fire starter, consider first your skill level, how and why you intend to use it and the general specs and makeup of your various options. Skill Level Each round, we counted the number of strikes it took to successfully light a 1-inch x 1-inch ball of dryer lint. To qualify as a successful light, the ball of lint had to ignite into a full flame without the help of fanning or blowing on the sparks. We also calculated the average number of strikes in each testing condition after the completion of the three rounds. Finally, we also factored in non-standardized considerations as they relate to the function of each fire starter, including comfort, extra features, fire rod material and more. Though it’s certainly not for ultralighters, the Strikeforce is incredibly easy to use and makes great use of space. You absolutely must bring a first aid kit camping. Here are our thoughts on how to make the perfect one for camping Just as with every piece of gear, price matters. Determining a budget before even browsing your options is important to help you get the best firestarter for your particular use.This 5.5-inch fire starter rod is compact and easy to carry in your camping or hiking gear, survival kit, etc. Well-designed and built, the Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter is a popular product among hikers, campers and survivalists. It is definitely a must-have. Against wind and damp paper: How do you spell frustration? Oh yeah, F-E-R-R-O … you get the picture? In our simulated 20 MPH wind, it was impossible to contain the fine shavings of magnesium needed to start a fire. We tried. And tried. And tried. In real wind, with damp materials, you won’t start a fire.

BIC and other lighters usually aren’t considered “survival” firestarters because they will eventually run out of fuel. In a survival situation, you won’t always have a way to refill them. By contrast, rod-and-striker-based fire starters can deliver thousands of sparks before they wear down. 5. Durability Verdict: While paper matches are super cheap and plentiful, they are not a great fire starting option for outdoors use. Stormproof matches are a must-have part of any emergency fire starter kit. They’re easy to light, and the longer burn time is great for lighting tinder or any DIY fire starter you’ve created. The UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit includes 12 four-inch matches, three strikers, a waterproof case and a lanyard. This is a popular fire starter that will help you start countless fires with a flame source of 5400 1/4 F.Lifespan Five pine tinder shreds burn up to 8 minutes each; the lifespan of ferro rod and striker depends on the frequency of use

There are only 25 matches in the case. However, it’s refillable and can hold up to 40 matches. I’d recommend getting a lot of these and keeping them in your Bug Out Bag and your hunker-down kit. Fire rods and other devices that create sparks, while fun, are very hard to use in wind, or any other non-ideal situation. Use them for entertainment, but carry other means of fire starting for emergency use. The Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel is a well-designed, easy-to-use product that is magnificent for all kinds of weather conditions. This is a reliable product that will not let you down when you are out in the wilderness. Choose the best survival fire starter and make sure that you always have the fire you need to survive when you are out in the wilderness, desert, forest, or open savannah.The WetFire tinder compartment is pretty handy, although you may be disappointed by the fact that it is not completely watertight. BIC lighters are pretty reliable too. They advertise they can give about 3,000 lights (realistically, it’s more like 1,000 to 2,000). Even though BIC lighters are meant to be disposable, you can refill them.

The Aspen Ridge Sports “Alpha Encender” comes with a ferro rod that provides 15,000 strikes. This is a well-made fire starter that you can rely on under any condition. I’d recommend this starter for beginners or as a holiday gift for the camper who already owns everything. Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 I like that the UST Ferro rod comes in a self-contained case. To use, you open it up to reveal the striker and the rod. The case acts as a handle for the striker, making it easier to use with gloves. Another advantage of the case is that it holds tinder and keeps it dry.

2. The best ferro rod

Arguably the most intuitive fire starter of the bunch, this flint-based firestarter makes intense sparks with minimal effort. Unlike many of the other fire starters we tested, you only need one hand to use the UST BlastMatch. In fact, the UST BlastMatch is so easy to use that even a kindergartener can make sparks with it. I also brought this fire starter to a group campout and my friend bought it within 5 minutes of trying it out because he loved it so much. The FlashTorch’s housing is anodized aluminum that will withstand any brutal work you put it through. There are three different settings — high, medium, and low — on the FlashTorch. Use it to light the trail with a wide floodlight or concentrate the beam to start a fire for cooking dinner. Unlike standard flame lighters, plasma lighters won’t blow out in windy conditions. Since they light by pushing a button, they are easy to use even with gloves, arthritis, or hand injuries. The Rothco Aurora Fire Starter is a high-quality survival starter that is quality tested and ensured to give you maximum durability.