Have you ever been out in the wilderness and needed to start a fire but couldn’t find matches? Well, worry no more — because today we’re diving into the wonderful world of survival fire starting kits! These handy tools will make sure you never have to miss out on cozy campfires in remote locations. So let’s get started!
What is a Fire Starter?
A fire starter is a convenient tool used to quickly and easily start a campfire by creating a spark or flame. Fire starters come in various forms and can be made from different materials, depending on their type. It can be a simple item like a match or a lighter, or a more advanced tool such as a ferrocerium rod (also known as a “ferro rod”), magnesium rod, or a flint and steel kit.
It’s important to always use caution when using your fire making kit. You should always keep the spark kit out of reach of children, as well as pets and wildlife since it could cause injuries if used improperly. Make sure that you always ensure your area is safe before attempting to start a fire with your fire survival kit.
How to Choose the Right Fire Starter Kit
There are several types of fire starters, including ferrocerium rods, lighters, matches, and magnesium blocks. Consider the pros and cons of each type and choose the one that suits your needs.
To choose the right spark kit, it’s important to consider the type of environment you will be using it in. For example, if you will be camping or hiking in wet or humid conditions, you may want to opt for a waterproof or weather-resistant fire starter. Additionally, you want to make sure it is easy to use and durable enough to last for multiple uses in case of emergency situations.
A Fire Starter Kit by The Atomic Bear is an ideal way of starting a campfire under adverse conditions such as strong winds, or in areas where there is no access to natural combustible material. It refers to a specific type of fire starter known as a ferro rod fire starter. They are an excellent alternative to matches or lighters. A ferrocerium rod is a man-made metallic alloy that includes iron and cerium, which produces hot sparks when scraped with a rough surface.
You can choose sticks that contain materials known to ignite quickly and reliably, such as magnesium and sawdust, or wax-based materials like paraffin waxes, resoymers, or beeswax-based formulations.
Choose a product that is specifically designed for igniting fires. Avoid using products from big box stores, such as matches, or combustible liquids like lighter fluid. These products may be hazardous or dangerous when used outside of their intended purposes.
When possible select a fire starter with added items like tinder bundles which help generate extra heat to speed up the process further. Once you’ve chosen the right fire starter shape and size, the rest is easy!
A Step by Step Guide to Lighting a Fire with a Ferro Rod Fire Starter
1. Prepare the materials needed: Make sure that you have an area cleared of potentially flammable items, such as dead leaves or combustible materials, and ensure that you have plenty of kindling material available. Have everything you need nearby so that you can quickly light the fire.
2. Prepare the area: Find some dry, fluffy material that will ignite easily, such as dryer lint, cotton balls, or birch bark. Position the kindling in a “teepee” shape around the found tinder with some space at the base for air circulation. You can also build a small ring of rocks to contain the fire.
3. Light the kindling: Take the ferro rod and hold it in your non-dominant hand. Hold the striker or scraper in your dominant hand. Position the ferro rod so that the striker is at a 45-degree angle to the rod. Use the striker to strike the ferro rod with a quick, firm motion. The rod will produce a shower of sparks that will ignite the tinder. The flames will then ignite the kindling placed around it which in turn should set off enough heat to keep your fire going without requiring regular refueling from additional burnables.
4. Keep fanning your flame: Gently blow on the kindling to help it catch fire. To keep it alight, feed oxygen into your bonfire using kindling as fuel and by using a small bellow if necessary. Additionally, fanning more air into it helps produce bigger flames which can easily burn items faster than non-fanned fires do; hence why larger items like logs or branches come in handy when trying to start fires quickly though inevitably they will still need oxygenation via bellows or fanning for extended periods of use after being lit up initially.
5. Keep safety in mind at all times: It goes without saying but make sure that you are cautious with open flames and remember that sparks could travel and create dangerous situations if any combustible objects are lying close by unsupervised — supervise any open flames at all times!
What Are the Benefits?
Ferro rod fire starters are a reliable, lightweight, and safe tool that can help you start a fire in any outdoor setting. The advantages of using it include:
- Lightweight: Ferro rod fire starters are lightweight and easy to carry. They do not take up much space in your backpack, making them a convenient tool to have on outdoor trips.
- Easy to use: Ferro rod fire starters are easy to use and require minimal effort to produce sparks. Even someone who has never used one before can quickly learn how to use it to start a fire.
- Fire safety approved: Since this type of fire starter does not produce flames or sparks that can start a fire accidentally, they are deemed by most nature departments as being safe enough for transporting and using in most wooded areas where open fires are permitted.
- Versatility: Starters work with both campfires at ground level or even large bonfires that may be built on higher surfaces like small logs or large pieces of wood. They will also work on ice surface fires as well. This versatility helps when building winter fires outdoors or when stuck on the side of an icy mountain during a blizzardy day hike!
Conclusion
Fire starters are a must-have tool for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are camping, hiking, or simply enjoying a day in the wilderness, these convenient tools will ensure that you can have a campfire burning in no time! Just remember to always exercise caution and keep safety in mind.
