Fire Starters

Featured review by Kevin David

The UCO Stormproof Matches are great for all types of weather. No matter the conditions, you can count on getting a fire started with these matches.

These matches are amazing. They are definitely stormproof. I’ve taken these matches with me in all seasons in all sorts of weather conditions. They haven’t failed me once. I live in Washington where it’s wet and cold seven months out of the year. I’ve started a fire with these in the rain and snow as well as in the humid summer air. These matches have a long burn time too, so if something doesn’t catch right away, that’s okay! You have some time to adjust some things before the match burns up.

Read more: UCO Stormproof Matches reviews (2)

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

Okay, hopefully my final review of matches! These matches are amazing, and are now kept in our emergency kits, should we ever need to start a fire in extreme conditions. The matches are heavy duty, definitely waterproof, and the case and extra strikers make this a solid, though not expensive, addition to any emergency outdoor gear kit.

We purchased this set of 25 matches,as part of the UCO set which includes a waterproof case, 25 matches, and 2 extra striker strips. These guys are heavy duty! Strong wooden sticks, with a treated end which will stay lit for 15 seconds. They will even stay lit after being immersed in water (see video below).We did learn early on, though, that you cannot blow out these matches...we found that out when lighting a camp stove, and then found us with a burning match that we could not extinguish...thankfully, we were near the campfire, so tossed the match in there.

Read more: UCO Stormproof Match Kit review (1)

Reviewed by PhilNC

The Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter is a good idea and handy gadget that functions as a spark lighter with ferrocerium (ferro) rod and bellows. I would recommend it to folks who like wood stoves and building fires, but there are better options if all you need is a spark lighter to light a stove, as the dual function and convenience result in a couple of areas that could improve.

Vargo subtitles this device with “Just add fuel”, and that is fitting.  The Ultimate Fire Starter (hereafter called UFS for convenience) is a neat product that provides a spark light off a ferro rod in wind and rain, while nesting in an extendable bellows. I considered the bellows function a luxury on first use, but now would really miss it for starting or adjusting wood stoves and fires. The UFS comes in a pleasingly simple package—a small plastic bag (now being used to hold some odds and ends in my equipment box) and a recyclable cardboard backing.

Read more: Vargo Ultimate Fire Starter review (1)

Reviewed by Bentbrook

Excellent, effective, and affordable fire starter tinder that light easily with match or lighter as well as with a ferrocerium rod. Perfect for inclement weather or for those occasions when you don't want to wrestle with seeking dry natural tinder. Great for backpackers, car campers, hunters, and more.

Those who frequent backcountry areas with established campsites and fire rings often enjoy the classic thrill of being warmed by or even cooking over an evening camp fire, but adverse weather conditions, fatigue, or impatience may make it desirable to have a fire starter in one's pack. This product, Coghlan's Waterproof Fire Sticks, is just the sort of thing for these occasions. I received these after my mom picked them up for me on a whim while traveling. I've seen them listed at any price between $1.59 and $4.99—in other words, if you're interested after this review, shop around.

Read more: Coghlan's Waterproof Fire Sticks review (1)

Reviewed by G00se

The MSR Strike Igniter is a reliable fire starter that is not affected by wet conditions or high altitudes. Although it requires two hands to operate and weighs an ounce more than a Bic lighter, there are enough strikes in this unit to light a thru-hiker's stove and campfire as he/she conquers all three of the U.S. long trails. With this in your pack, you'll never fear of lighter failure.

When Trailspace assigned me the MSR Strike Igniter for Review Corps testing, they requested that I use it multiple time in a variety of settings, including cold and wet weather. In the month that I've had it, there has been nothing but cold, wet weather to test it in! I have used this in the flatlands of Illinois a few times, and I played around with it at 9,600' while snowshoeing in the Rocky Mountains (though I did not attempt an actual fire). In each and every attempt, the unit has functioned as it was designed to.

Read more: MSR Strike Igniter review (1)

Reviewed by Denis Evans

Tiny 118gm, 94x34x15mm, electric plasma (spark), fire starter. No messy chemical fuel, just a micro USB charged lithium-ion battery.

For years I have had to carry backup lighters for my gas camping stoves. I have tried to use piezo igniters from reputable brands but these have always failed—sometimes quickly. These failures required backup chemical (BBQ) lighters. My present best stove is a Soto Windmaster, which has its own, so far very reliable, piezo starter. However from past experiences I think it is possible that it will eventually fail? So I recently switched from my BIC BBQ liquid fuelled backup starter to this: the Lifesystems Plasma Lighter.

Read more: Lifesystems Plasma Lighter review (1)

Reviewed by Brent Mills

A great waterproof match case that can hold approximately 20 UCO Stormproof matches and includes both strike anywhere and red phosphorous striking surfaces.

I bought the Matchcap XL a few years ago as an upgrade from my Exotac Matchcap, which was a great match case, but a bit small for my taste. The Matchcap XL gave me another great waterproof match case, but extended the available striking surface and made it easier to carry both matches and tinder for wet day / emergency fires. After carrying this match case for the past few years, I can't imagine going off without it. It feels much sturdier in my hand than the old brass match cases we had in Boy Scouts, but is also lighter weight.

Read more: Exotac MatchCap XL review (1)

Reviewed by Mike Mineart

These are some of the biggest matches that you'll ever find and that for the most part meet the manufacturer's claim of being waterproof and windproof. While the weight and size of the matches may be more than most backpackers would want to carry, these matches would be a great addition to someone's camping, emergency, or survival gear.

First off I would like to say that I received these matches as a gift from Trailspace for being a past Reviewer of the Month. When I first received these matches I was intrigued as these are some of the biggest matches you'll find for use in the outdoors. The picture below is of the UCO Titan Stormproof match kit I received and the packaging claims that these are the longest burning match along with being windproof and waterproof. The package contains twelve matches, three cardboard backed strikers that come packaged in a plastic sleeve, some cotton (not pictured) that is in the green cap that I assume helps prevent damage to the matches while they are being carried and could possibly be used as fire starter, and a plastic storage container.

Read more: UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit review (1)

Reviewed by TJ1984

A great lightweight and dependable fire starting tool that takes up hardly any space and works in any weather. The flint is readily replaceable, making this a good long term investment.

From Vargo Outdoors: A trusty Titanium tool which gives a dependable spark even in the worst conditions. This spark lighter even works after being doused with water, this is a great choice if you want a reliable way of lighting a stove whilst still being super lightweight. A built-in clip lets you easily store this little gem while you're out on the trail. With the function to replace the flint this tough piece of kit will last a lifetime. Specifications: Weight: 10g Length: 63mm Design features: There isn't too much to say about this little item, but I think it is neat enough that it is worth mentioning in a review and bring it some extra attention.

Read more: Vargo Titanium Flint Lighter review (1)

Reviewed by Jiynx

Old reliable — it's been in pockets all over the world in all situations for nearly a century.

Zippo's wick lighters, the 'windproof' lighters, have been used around the world since the 1930s. The design has hardly changed, aside from updating materials, in all that time. Parts from a 1940s zippo will fit into a modern day Zippo. I carried WWII era Zippo for over a decade and the only time it let me down was when I forgot to fill it. I currently have a modern production Zippo and it's just as reliable.I 'If it's not broke, don't fix it' could be the end-sum definition of Zippo's design aesthetic.

Read more: Zippo Windproof Lighter review (1)