Tested: The Best Fire Starters To Keep You Warm

The discovery and use of fire could reasonably be argued as mankind’s greatest achievement. It can also be largely credited for bringing us out of the animal kingdom and putting us on a path toward the global civilization we know and live in today. Not to mention, to this day, it’s still one of the most useful tools at our disposal — helping with everything from keeping us warm to cooking our food and everything in between.

However, your ability to utilize fire as a tool is also dependent upon your ability to cultivate it. While our modern homes are typically equipped with appliances that can elicit a flame on demand, making fire out in the wilderness is a different story altogether. And while it’s probably a good idea to add a lighter to your EDC or outdoor kit, you might not want to put all your faith in one. As a backup, primary survivalist tool, or something in the middle, we suggest picking up one of the best fire starters — which we’ve gathered up and tested for you in the following guide.

How We Tested

While there are different types of fire starters out there, we stuck with ones that didn’t require liquid or electric charge to use, ruling out lighters and battery-powered fire starters. As such, we scoured the space as best as possible, coming up with a list of mostly ferro rods, with some exceptions. We looked at size, weight, brand reputation, and overall design. Also, if there were any extra features, that was a bonus.

We then sourced our units for testing, getting hands-on with each and every fire starter. For testing, we essentially used each unit in tandem with dry tinder, like grass and/or wood chips. Each unit was successful in igniting and lighting the tinder, and so the focus was on how easy each unit was to light, as well as how effective their other features were and how well they felt when using them. For the fire starters that claimed they operated when wet, we tested that out as well. All of our results are detailed below.

What to Look For

Type: Be it a ferro rod, a magnesium bar, or flint & steel, your fire starter of choice will vary in efficiency. A ferro rod will burn hotter and be more reliable, which is why it’s favored compared to others. However, if you’re used to another type of fire starter, you might be inclined to stick with it.

Longevity: Most fire starters will give you an estimate of how many strikes they will produce over their lifetime. For instance, the Morakniv below gets you 3,000 total strikes, while the UST Blastmatch gets you 4,000.

Water Resistance: It goes without saying that water and fire don’t mix. But some ferro rods and match kits can actually be resistant to water, so that when you go to use them, you don’t get an error message.

Other Features: We chose some of our fire starters below for what other features they bring to the table. This includes an integrated steel blade, a carabiner, and/or an emergency whistle. However, with extra features typically comes an increased price tag.

UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit

Best Match Kit: Ferro rods are awesome, but sometimes old-fashioned matches are a nice, reliable change of pace as well. UCO’s Titan Stormproof Match Kit is nothing like the free matchbooks they hand out at your favorite steakhouse. This small 2.9-ounce cylinder comes equipped with a dozen 4-inch matches that can light in harsh conditions and even after getting wet, with a burn time of around 25 seconds. Included with three replaceable strikers, the capsule itself is waterproof, floats, and has a lanyard attached.

The Good

There’s no wonder why the UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit is a popular choice for survival kits. These are incredibly lightweight and durable. Likewise, the twist-on cap stays tightly fastened to the container and can be tightened pretty hard if you desire, although it’s not necessary. At just $12, this kit is highly affordable, and you can also buy 25 replacement matches for just $6.

I initially thought the striker was going to be too easy to take out but it actually stays intact well. However, it’s not tricky to remove either. And when it was time to put a new one inside, the strip fit inside the allotted space easily. In terms of using the matches, they are so much easier to use than standard matchbooks that I would actually prefer these even if I weren’t in an adventure situation. Likewise, the flames here burn incredibly bright and lasted 34 seconds, which is even better than the quoted time. However, when turned upside-down, it lasted a few seconds less. The one aspect of the UCO that kinda blew my mind is how water-resistant it is. I lit a match, let it burn about halfway, and then dipped it into a cup of water. About 10 seconds later, I pulled the match back out and the fire came back to life. It was a literal magic trick.

The Not So Good

The obvious downside of the Titan Stormproof is its transience. However, both the cheap price of the container and the replacement matches make this a non-issue. Even if you used all 12 matches per camping trip, that’s only an additional $12 per outing. Not bad!

I will say that the matches produce a LOT of smoke, which is something to keep in mind. Also, make sure the flames are completely extinguished before disposing of the matches in any sort of trash receptacle.

Verdict: Arguably the most unique fire starter on this list, the UCO Titan Stormproof Matches are pretty ubiquitous for a reason. Exhibiting real-life sorcery, the sticks can literally reignite even after spending a few seconds underwater. Likewise, they stay lit for upwards of 25 seconds and are very easy to strike. While the matches are disposable, they’re pretty affordable to replace and are significantly more effective than your standard matchbook.

Outdoor Element Firebiner

Best Multi-tool: One of the most clever fire starters to come out in recent times, the Outdoor Element Firebiner makes creating a spark a simpler affair on two fronts. First, the ferro element is actually a wheel built into the bottom of the carabiner — meaning you just give the wheel a quick and easy spin (like you might with a disposable Bic lighter) to spark it. Second, the carabiner design means you can use it as a keychain or attach it to just about any jacket, bag, etc. with a strap and/or attachment point. Likewise, it also comes with a small driver, bottle opener, and steel safety blade built-in. If ease of use and simplified carry are amongst your top concerns, this is the fire starter for you.

The Good

There’s no underestimating a handy contraption. The Firebiner from Outdoor Element is not only rated for 100lbs but it can do much more than just carry your keys. Equipped with a bottle opener, driver, and safety utility blade, the unit is not only TSA-approved but it’s incredibly lightweight at just 1oz, which is impressive considering its highly durable stainless steel construction. I particularly loved the two hang slots at the bottom, which can be used to delineate between different keys or pieces of gear. As the company says, “Get creative!”

As a fire starter, the lighter-style striking wheel is pretty easy to spark when using a striker you’re used to. While I noticed some cosmetic inconsistencies with the carabiner closure, it still felt pretty sturdy, yet wasn’t too difficult to open. I wouldn’t put anything highly important on here, however. Also, the ferro rod is replaceable. That is, if you can get it out to begin with…

The Not So Good

My biggest complaint here is that the ferro rod itself is not easy to access. You have to literally unscrew it from a side pocket. So if you don’t have a screwdriver small enough, you’ll be SOL when it comes to starting your fire. Likewise, the diminutive size of the ferro rod itself requires a bunch of practice to get the hang of. After many failed attempts, I ended up just using the striker on the Zippo instead. You can also use a knife blade, which is what many adventurers will likely use anyway.

Verdict: Perhaps better as a backup option, the Firebiner from Outdoor Element is nevertheless a worthy contraption for your waist while camping. Its other features are valuable, and at the very least, you can use it as a straightforward stainless steel carabiner or bottle opener. We had a difficult time getting the ferro rod deployed. And once we did, it was almost too small to effectively use, requiring us to use the rod on a different fire starter altogether. However, the price here makes this a fun gadget for those who appreciate it.

Zippo Mag Strike

Best Cheap Ferro Rod: It should come as no surprise that one of the best and most budget-friendly fire starters comes from none other than the beloved American lighter brand Zippo. Of course, even without the Zippo name, this particular device would still probably make our list. This fire starter comes with its own integrated housing, includes a ferro rod and striker, boasts a shielded internal chamber, and even has a lanyard hole for simple, handy attachment to your backpack or duffel bag.

The Good

For the most basic form of a ferro rid and striker set, the Zippo Mag Strike will get the job done, and for under $20. Despite the low price, this unit is incredibly sturdy. The long stainless steel striking blade hardly bends at all, despite being affixed with just a pair of screws. Likewise, the ferro rod itself is also made of stainless steel. The sturdiness of the fire starter is evident by the 3.52-ounce overall weight, which is among the largest here.

A bit difficult to open the first time around, the Mag Strike’s snap closure is actually pretty secure. I thought the snap closure would mean that the ferro rod would come open on its own, but this actually never happened, whether in my pockets or bag. I also loved that there are two lanyard holes here to give you options when attaching. Also, they’re large enough to accommodate different-sized loops.

The Not So Good

If you’re looking for something sleek and stylish to add to your EDC or camping loadout, the Zippo Mag Strike won’t be it. The plastic housing looks cheap (admittedly, it’s very affordable) and won’t be turning any heads. Also, it’s important to note that the unit is pretty hard to grip. The triangular shape helps but it’s also quite slick and smooth. Luckily, the ancillary molded lanyard holes create a sort of necessary lip for gripping in a way.

Upon using the ferro rod, it took a few strikes to finally ignite, which you will have to do in each spot. Zippo recommends rotating the rod to distribute the usage of the rod coating.

Verdict: Expectedly reliable, Zippo’s Mag Strike is a surprisingly sturdy ferro rod unit that’s quite simple to use, despite features like molded lanyard holes and a stainless steel striker. While the grip could be better, as could the visual aesthetic of the fire starter, its $17 price tag is hard to beat if you’re looking for something essential for your next camping trip.

Überleben Zünden Fire Starter

Best Overall: Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel in order to make the Platonic Ideal of a given product. Take, for instance, the Überleben Zünden, which became its flagship item upon the company’s founding in 2016. The Idaho-based brand specializes in fire-related gear and has really perfected things with this straightforward Sånft-korr, a proprietary ferro rod designed to work when wet and at any altitude. Weighing just 2.5oz and stretching 4.5″ in length, the set pairs a wood-handled striking rod with a striker that doubles as a steel multi-tool with a scraper and 5-centimeter ruler.

The Good

Good for a whopping 15,000 strikes, the Zünden dwarfs most other ferro rods that can offer only 3,000 or 4,000 strikes. What initially attracted me to the product was its visual aesthetic, which combines stealthy EDC with outdoor utility, punctuated with the wooden handle. Subtle details include the flat sides of the wooden handle, which allow the multi-tool striker to rest flush against it. The striker and rod are separate but attached on a single paracord necklace so that you can use them without taking the cord apart. I love how the serrated edge is used as the striking blade, and it’s placed in a concave fashion so that you won’t accidentally cut yourself; you can keep this around your neck without any real fear of accident.

Plain and simple, the Zünden was the most consistently-sparking ferro rod I tested, and I never had an issue, especially once the coating was taken off. I quickly found the right angle for the striking edge, which was easy to replicate each time. Überleben also claimed that this rod can work well when wet, and after testing, I found this to be true, although with mixed results.

The Not So Good

With a sub-$20 price tag, a lightweight design, and reliable striking, the Überleben Zünden hardly has any downsides. I suppose if you don’t want your striking edge out in the open, you may want to check out a different option. By the way, the brand has a bunch of very cool options if you don’t think the Zünden is right for you.

Verdict: Certainly the most stylish fire starter on this list, the Überleben Zünden also boasts the easiest functionality packed in a super lightweight unit. Leveling up your standard ferro rod with proprietary tech that lets you use this in different weather and conditions, the tool blends form and function in a way that wasn’t necessary but is totally welcomed.

UST BlastMatch Fire Starter

Best One-Handed: Typically, ferro rod-style fire starters require two hands to use: one to hold the rod and the other to scrape a spark from it. However, the folks at UST have simplified that process by making a one-handed fire starter in the BlastMatch. With this one, all you have to do is aim it at your kindling and, with just one hand, give it a quick strike and you’ll have a roaring campfire going in no time. Better still, it can pack down into its own cap for easier, safer carry and it will work for up to 4,000 strikes — even when wet.

The Good

Not only is the UST BlastMatch an accomplishment in innovation and design, but there are some small details I was simply impressed by. Everything gets thought of here, including the 360-degree rotation of the ferro rod itself, which allows for even wearing on all sides. Likewise, the unit can be opened and closed with a single hand. And best of all, you won’t accidentally open this unless you intend to. The lever requires you to pull it back, after which it springs open. There’s also a very wide lanyard hole in the back that doesn’t allow the unit to be much longer than it needs to be. Designed to be used in all weather, the ferro rod performed well when wet too.

The Not So Good

After some practice, I could get the hang of the UST BlastMatch. As such, make sure you practice well before you head out, just in case. However, I don’t think I’d ever prefer the UST BlastMatch over, say, the Überleben Zünden or Zippo Mag Strike. But as an emergency fire starter, this is your best option. Unfortunately, there are events where you might have one of your hands incapacitated. If so, you’ll need this for starting fires. For me though, I’d keep it as my secondary option for its difficulty alone. Also, if you’re not into the highlighter yellow color, there aren’t any other options.

Verdict: Unique in that it can be opened and sparked with a single hand, the UST BlastMatch is one of the most notable units we tested. While it won’t be as easy to use as your standard ferro rod, its utility almost necessitates its presence in your emergency kit just in case you’re ever hurt out in the field. Easy enough to use after some practice, the ferro rod can rotate 360 degrees for even wear and can be lit in wet conditions too.

Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL

Most Durable: Measuring up at about the same size as an everyday carry pen, the Exotac NanoSTRIKER XL is sturdy, handsome, and ergonomic. It also boasts a self-contained design that comes apart to reveal the ferro rod and striker parts, making it ideal for those with limited space. Furthermore, the ferro rod itself is water-resistant and good for at least 3,000 strikes — meaning you can depend on this device potentially for years to come. As a cherry on top of that fantastic cake, it was also crafted here in the USA.

The Good

Measuring about 3.5″ in length and just under 0.5″ in diameter, the Exotac nanoSTIKER XL proves that big things can come in small packages. Also the lightest ferro rod here at just 0.9oz, the fire starter packs a big spark once you unpack the cleverly designed housing. Making impressive use of its space, both the rod and striker are built into one another and can be unscrewed easily for use. The aluminum housing feels expectedly sturdy and crush-proof, while the knurled handle helps this small tool stay in your grip when using it. Also, I’m partial to the warm metallic orange colorway, although a few others are available as well.

The Not So Good

As masterfully as the nanoSTRIKER is constructed, it also has its downsides. For one, its incredibly compact build allows it to get lost easily. Of course, this is mitigated by the high-vis color schemes, but you almost have to attach this to a lanyard (which is included) or keyring via the integrated loops on either end. Also, not for a lack of trying, the fire starter is still rather difficult to grip. The knurled handle is about as good as you can get, considering the size. However, the striker itself is insanely too small. I had some trouble here. Like the Outdoor Element Firebiner above, it would simply be easier to use a steel knife blade to do the trick here.

Verdict: Easy to lose and difficult to grip, the Exotac nanoSTRIKER is still a worthy fire starter to add to your camping loadout. Built from an insanely durable anodized aluminum housing, the unit needs a larger striking edge but this can be circumvented with a knife blade instead. You also need to keep this attached to some sort of ring or lanyard so you don’t lose it. Nevertheless, we loved this uber-compact and surprisingly attractive ferro rod.

Morakniv Companion Spark Knife + Firestarter

Best Knife Combo: A knifemaking legend over the past 15 years for its ability to churn out high-quality bushcraft fixed blades at unbelievable prices, Morakniv sets the bar pretty high with its renowned Companion model, which sports a 3.9-inch Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade and an integrated magnesium alloy fire starter that can work when wet and give you around 3,000 strikes in its lifetime. After that, you’ll still have arguably the finest budget-friendly fixed blade on the market.

The Good

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly knife brand, fire starter or otherwise, Morakniv isn’t too shabby. While it features a TPE rubber handle which gives you a solid grip, the blade steel is impressive for just around $40. While the steel straight-edge blade is very sharp, you could theoretically use any blade as a striking edge. However, the selling point here is the integrated ferro rod, which was easy enough to use, sparking rather quickly without too many extra hits. Likewise, the unit stayed firmly in the back without getting in the way or deploying too easily. I thought the unit would be too small to get a firm grip, but it actually surprised me in this regard, even if it’s not quite as good as some I tested.

The Not So Good

While the blade comes with an included sheath, it’s made of plastic and should quickly be substituted with something else, especially something with a sort of closure to prevent it from falling out. Mea culpa, I’m not as fluent in knives as some of our other editors here but I did notice that the inclusion of the ferro rod in the handle precluded a full tang construction, which could affect performance and stability when using the knife. Also, I know some might not love the finish on the blade here, which sort of cheapens the look. Likewise, it’s important to note that the ferro rod can get lost easily if you don’t secure it after each use.

Verdict: Perhaps more of a gimmick than anything else, the Morakniv Companion Spark gets you a solid ferro rod-knife combo for a very fair price, and with a solid knife steel to boot. We were surprised with how easy the rod was to grip, even though it could theoretically get lost easily. You can technically use most knife blades as a striking edge, but the integrated nature of this unit is a definite selling point. However, the inclusion of the ferro rod precludes a full tang blade construction, if that’s important to you.

Pyro Putty Kits

Best Flame Aid: Even the best fire starter will have some trouble in certain conditions. If the air is a little damp or windy, Pyro Putty can be of some assistance. Available in several different blends, this non-toxic putty sticks to logs or torches and can give you 15 minutes of burn at a time with just a pinch. The bags are easy to carry in your backpack in case of emergencies and are waterproof so they won’t get compromised in the event of an unexpected downpour. It works very well when windy or damp. Best of all, they have a shelf life of forever.

The Good

I know, I know, this isn’t a fire starter in the strictest sense. However, we figured it was good to include something that can be used along with the ferro rods and matches above. Pyro Putty is pretty awesome when you’re having trouble with sticks and regular tinder. The flames that come off of this are very large and last for a long time. Even when I tried extinguishing it with water, it didn’t go out right away. Likewise, the putty doesn’t produce a ton of smoke like firewood does, except for after you put it out.

The Not So Good

My main complaint when using Pyro Putty in my campfire was that it doesn’t have a standard campfire smell. However, you could theoretically use this in tandem with your logs if you want the best of both worlds. Admittedly, I had some trouble starting the fire right away. I tried the smaller “nickel-sized” amount they recommended but didn’t have luck until adding about half the bag. Also, when it came to lighting the putty, I had to physically stretch it out to expose the fibers. This really left an oily residue on my hands that didn’t smell too great. If I wasn’t near a bathroom, it would have just stayed on my hands the entire night.

Verdict: Despite the inherent lack of campfire smell, Pyro Putty is simply the best fire aid. While you do need an external fire source, these bags don’t add much weight to your camping bag, plus it has an infinite shelf life so you can always be sure to have a pack at the ready. We didn’t love the oily residue left on our hands, nor did we light it as simply as advertised. However, for a fire aid, this one is pretty darn helpful.

Fire Starter Comparison Chart

Why to Carry a Fire Starter

As mentioned, there are plenty of other ways to start a fire in the modern era. However, there are also a few strong arguments for carrying a fire starter as your primary method of creating a flame or even as a solid backup plan, which we’ve outlined for you below. Just remember: the fire starter you choose will depend largely on your own needs, desires, experience, space, and more.

Reliability: Lighters — especially weatherproof ones — are really spectacular about creating a flame. However, they all rely on some kind of fuel to function, be that lighter fluid, electricity, or otherwise. With a fire starter, your fire-starting fuel is actually found, well, everywhere around you. Since these devices, most often, hinge entirely on their ability to create a spark, they don’t require power or fuel. All you have to do is use one to create a spark and apply that spark to kindling, fabric, etc.

Space- & Weight-Saving: Even when accounting for how compact pocket lighters have become, fire starters are almost always lighter and more compact. In the case of survivalism and/or long-term hiking, every ounce saved can make a difference. A lighter could require you to carry fuel and, even if it doesn’t, it will still potentially weigh more than you’re willing to carry — making a fire starter one of your best alternatives.

Practice: Obviously, this metric is predicated on the idea that you already want to carry a fire starter. However, until you’re comfortable calling yourself a fire-starting expert, keeping one in your kit will allow you to practice at the drop of a hat. And this is essential, as you don’t want to be left figuring out how to light a campfire as the sun dips over the horizon or a storm rolls in out in the woods — especially if you don’t have any other options. Practice makes perfect, as they say.

Ferro Rod vs. Magnesium Bar vs. Flint & Steel

Ferro Rod: Made from a unique metal composition, ferro rods, or ferrocerium rods, are cylindrical rods that require a striker to use but work well with dryer tinder. They also produce significantly hotter sparks than other options and are generally the most reliable option.

Magnesium Bar: More time-consuming than a basic ferro rod, a magnesium bar works in a similar way, but utilizes a literal magnesium bar that you’ll need to shave off with a knife or even a ferro rod. The idea here is to start your fire with the magnesium shavings until you can add more tinder. However, the flames produced won’t be as sustainable.

Flint & Steel: Using a high-carbon steel striker and a rock (often quartzite or chert) as your flint, this method is about as old-school as you can get. If you have highly flammable tinder, this method may work for you, but flint & steel simply won’t produce as much or as hot of a spark as the other two ways.

Honorable Mentions

Dark Energy’s Plasma Lighter and Flashlight is an incredibly robust fire starter, but as a rule, we were trying to stay away from anything that needed to be recharged.

Knife and multi-tool brand Gerber has a cool albeit basic fire starter. While affordable, it also has some plastic-y components we don’t love.

Not as beloved or unique as the nanoSTRIKER above, Exotac’s fireROD is another popular fire starter from the brand.

Wolf & Grizzly’s Fire Set is a sleek, stealthy EDC ferro rod but, function- and cost-wise, isn’t too dissimilar to the Zippo Mag Strike, the Exotac nanoSTRIKER, or the Überleben Zünden in terms of uniqueness.

Tested: The Best Lighters For Everyday Carry

Fire starters are great for camping and emergencies. However, if you need to spark up a flame in your normal day-to-day life, you might be better off carrying one of the picks on our list of the best EDC lighters.