If you plan to camp outside in the winter, or if you just want to have a cold-weather bonfire, then you’ll definitely want to invest in a quality fire starter. Modern fire starters are built to work in even the harshest conditions.
Of the many available models, I recommend choosing from these five:
StrikeForce Fire Starter ($24.95)
This premium model uses a flint bar and steel striker that never fails to ignite. And since it uses StrikeForce’s Wet Fire Tinder technology, this starter will still operate in wet or slushy conditions. As a bonus, it weighs less than 4 ounces and is highly compact. If there is a downside, it’s that this model is more expensive than most.
Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter ($12.99)
If legendary survivalist Bear Grylls is lending his name to this product, you know it has to be good. Indeed, this fire starter’s ferrocerium rod and metal striker combine to create a large burst of sparks that makes lighting fires a breeze. Other advantages of this starter are its emergency whistle, lanyard, and watertight construction.
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel Mini ($8.95)
I would suggest this starter to anyone who wants to spend less than $10. It is extremely compact at 1 ounce, and the magnesium starter is guaranteed to last for at least 1,500 strikes. Furthermore, it boasts approval by the International Survival Instructors Association. However, it isn’t the easiest starter to operate, and sometimes it takes multiple attempts to start a fire.
BlastMatch Fire Starter ($19.99)
When you need a high-powered fire starter, this BlastMatch one will do the trick. It works in even the most unforgiving conditions, including wet and windy weather, thanks to a spring-loading, flint-based system. In addition, it can be operated with one hand, as is easy to pack at a compact 2.6 ounces.
REI Stormproof Matches ($6.50)
Who says you need a high-tech fire starter when winter camping? These REI Stormproof matches work fine for those who want an old-fashioned, authentic outdoor experience. They use a special chemical coating so that they will still ignite in slightly wet condition. Although these matches are a well-made product, they are somewhat more difficult to operate than other fire starting systems, so I’d only recommend them to advanced campers.
Floyd Saunders is a native of snowy Minnesota. He has been a downhill and cross-country skier since childhood, and he has dabbled in snowboarding, snowshoeing, camping, and cold weather running and cycling.