The ability to create fire is perhaps the oldest and most fundamental skill in the wilderness. It is the core of comfort, cooking, and, most importantly, survival. That’s why a reliable fire starter is permanently etched on the list of the Ten Essentials of Hiking—a set of non-negotiable items for anyone who steps onto the trail.
On one recent early winter backpacking trip, my boots became wet, temps were dropping quickly, and my feet were already cold. The first order of business was to get a fire started so I could dry out my socks and boots or the next couple days were going to be painful. Yes, I had extra dry socks, but my boots would be frozen solid in the morning if I didn’t get them dry. So, I pulled out my fire starting kit and had a fire going in no time. Within the hour my boots and socks were ready for another day. The adventure could continue without the drama of cold (and possibly frost bitten) feet.
Fire is the heart of your security system in the outdoors, especially as the temps dip, and actually for more reasons, as we’ll outline here. For us committed to a lifelong active outdoor lifestyle, being able to build a fire is the ultimate expression of self-reliance.
Here is a look at why a fire starter is vital, and the simple skills necessary to make sure it works when you need it most.
Why Fire is the Ultimate Essential
In an unexpected emergency, fire provides three critical things that can save a life or prevent a miserable night.
- Warmth and Shelter. Hypothermia is the biggest threat in the backcountry, especially for those who are wet. Fire is the most effective way to raise your core temperature, dry your clothes, and provide heat for a sustained period.
- Water Purification and Food. Fire allows you to boil water, making it safe to drink, and cook food, making it easier to digest and giving you the essential calories you need to keep moving.
- Signaling and Morale. Smoke and light are excellent ways to signal for help. On a psychological level, the simple act of creating fire in a hostile environment is a profound boost to morale, replacing panic with purpose.
Your Fire Starter Toolkit: Redundancy is Key
Never rely on a single source of fire. The wise hiker carries at least two different methods to ensure success, even if one gets wet or breaks.
1. Primary Source: The Waterproof Lighter
- Reliability. A simple butane lighter is the fastest and easiest way to start a fire. It produces a flame immediately and doesn't require advanced skills.
- Protection. Always store your lighter in a small, waterproof container or a zip-top bag. A lighter only fails when the flint wheel gets wet or the fuel runs out. Protect it from moisture.
2. Secondary Source: The Ferro Rod (Fire Steel)
- Survival Backup. A ferrocerium rod (or "ferro rod") is a long-term, fail-safe option. It creates a shower of sparks that burn at over 5,000°F (3,000°C).
- Weatherproof. It works when wet and never runs out of fuel. It requires practice, but once mastered, it is the most reliable tool in your kit.
3. The Fuel Source: Prepared Tinder
The biggest mistake I see hikers make is carrying a fire starter but having no prepared tinder. A lighter won't ignite a damp log. You must have material that ignites instantly.
- Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly. This classic is the gold standard. Store a handful of cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly in a small film canister or zip-top bag. They are cheap, waterproof, and burn for several minutes—enough time to ignite larger kindling.
- Fire Cubes/Tinder Tabs. Commercial fire starters are excellent backups. They are compact, lightweight, and engineered to burn for a sustained period, even in damp conditions.
The Essential Fire-Making Skills
Carrying the gear is only half the battle. You must know how to use it.
- The Tinder Nest. Gather tinder (your prepared material, dry grass, birch bark, etc.). Create a nest about the size of a bird’s nest where you will direct your spark or flame.
- Kindling First. Always have a pile of pencil-lead-sized twigs (kindling) ready to immediately feed your tinder once it catches fire. Only after the kindling is burning should you introduce the larger, thumb-sized pieces of wood. Fatwood (resin dense pine wood) is a great kindling source. It catches quickly and burns long enough to easily start larger pieces of wood.
- Practice the Ferro Rod. Before your trip, practice striking the ferro rod to create sparks. Hold the rod close to the tinder nest and scrape hard and fast with the spine of your knife or the dedicated striker. Get comfortable creating that intense shower of sparks.
Always, Safety First
And don't forget to follow campfire safety guidelines when building a fire in the wilderness. Clear dead and dry debris away from your fire ring, keep your fire small, don't leave your fire unattended, and extinguish completely before leaving camp.
Carrying and understanding your fire starter is a fundamental act of wisdom in the wilderness. It is the ultimate tool for controlling your environment and maintaining your well-being, ensuring that every cold evening is met with the quiet confidence that only preparedness can bring.