Camping emergency fire starter is a must-have for any camper. It is very easy to use and can start a fire quickly even when it’s wet. Some of the renowned brands are Lifeboat, BlastMatch, and Swedish FireSteel.
Choosing the right camping emergency fire starter is difficult as there are many factors to consider such as how easy it is to use, how long the matches last, and how waterproof it is. To make it easier to find the exact camping emergency fire starter you’re looking for, we rounded up the best camping emergency fire starters on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.
Check out our favorite camping emergency fire starters in the list below, and keep reading for our buying guide.
Our Editor’s Best Camping Emergency Fire Starters Reviews
- Complete Fire Starter Kit – Includes magnesium ferro rod, fire sticks, waterproof tinder, and MOLLE-compatible bag for quick fire-starting in any environment.
- Built for Emergencies – Essential survival gear designed for camping, bushcraft, and emergency preparedness; perfect addition to any bug-out bag.
- Compact & Portable – Lightweight and compact; fits easily in backpacks, ensuring you’re always ready to make a fire on the go.
- Weatherproof & Durable – Waterproof components like compressed tinder ensure reliable ignition even in wet conditions.
- Trusted WEYLAND Quality – Crafted with high-quality materials, this fire-starting kit is backed by WEYLAND’s commitment to outdoor reliability.
- ALL WEATHER FIRE STARTERS: Rugged flint fire starter works in any weather conditions - rain, snow, high-altitude.
- FIRE STRIKER : Each box includes 2 Fire Starters can be used thousands of times.
- MULTI-PURPOSE FLINT FIRE STEEL:3"Unique design scraper, 5"Rod，Match Survival Ropes,Compass，Emergency Whistle.
- HELPFUL:The red waxed flax in Paracord waterproof fire tinder can make instant fire even in heavy rain.
- 100% SATISFACTION PROMISE: AOFAR provide 2 years limited warranty and lifetime customer support.
- All-in-One Survival Tool: The Hkoper fire starter kit includes a 4" ferro rod, a 6-in-1 multi-tool scraper, a durable paracord, and an emergency whistle. Essential tools combined for your survival needs.
- Efficient Ignition System: The 4*0.4 inch ferro rod generates 5,500°F (3,000°C) sparks, ensuring you can start a fire in any weather. Perfect for bushcraft, hiking, hunting, fishing, EDC, emergencies, BBQ, gas camp stoves, and more.
- Versatile Multi-Tool Scraper: The 6-in-1 scraper includes a straight-edge striker, tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench, and bottle opener, providing multiple functions for various survival situations.
- Durable and Waterproof: Built to withstand wet and harsh conditions, the Hkoper fire starter offers reliable use in all weather environments, ensuring you are always prepared.
- Ultra-Portable & Lightweight: Compact and lightweight, the Hkoper fire starter kit easily fits in your pocket or backpack, making it the perfect addition to your camping, hiking, or emergency gear. Trust Hkoper for high-quality, reliable outdoor tools.
- [ EXTRA HOT 5+ MINUTE BURN ] - Light your plugs with just a single spark for tall, hot flames.
- [ WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF ] - Rain or shine, wet or windy, fire plugs never quit when you need them most.
- [ NON-TOXIC FOOD SAFE ] - Made with no toxic ingredients and safe to use in your grill or wood stove.
- [ 10+ YEAR SHELF LIFE ] - Maintains peak performance for a minimum of 10+ years.
- [ MADE IN THE USA ] - Formulated and manufactured in Colorado, USA.
- LONG LASTING – Each Plugs burn for more than 5 minutes. They are odorless and non-toxic. These fire plugs fire starter are perfect for emergency situations that needs cooking or create a fire.
- WATERPROOF, WINDPROOF AND FAILPROOF – Withstands Extreme conditions, perfect for extreme backpackers & campers, everyday hikers, or anyone that wants to stay warm
- EASY TO START – Bend and break plug in half, light the exposed end with a ferro rod and it will quickly start burning allowing you to build a warm strong fire. Made with non toxic and foodgrade ingredients and safe to use in your grill or wood stove.
- 30+ YEAR SHELF-LIFE – The fire starter has a long lasting expiration date opened or unopened and will not evaporate, deteriorate, or dissipate, designed to light up every time. Need to be keep in a dry storage to extand the life. So they will always be your best companion for emergency situations!
- NON-TOXIC FOOD SAFE - Made with no toxic ingredients and safe to use in your grill or wood stove.
- 6-in-1 Emergency Multi-Tool – The new Extremus 6-in-1 Emergency Multi-Tool is a must have for every camper, hiker, hunter and anyone who spends time in the outdoors. This two pack set includes the high-temperature magnesium rod (2), Steel Striker (2), Built in Compass (2), Emergency Whistle (2) and two lengths of paracord. Fire Starter with Carabiner Survival Tool included one Fire Starter and our patent pending Paracord Carabiner tool.
- High-Temp Magnesium Rods – The magnesium rods will provide thousands of strikes to start fires in almost any condition. They provide sparks as hot as 5,500 Degrees F to easily start fires in extreme conditions. Sharply strike the included steel strikers against the rod to generate sparks in the direction of kindling and fire-starting material. There are two magnesium rods included in this kit so you can always have one handy while in the outdoors.
- Emergency Signaling – Built into the handle of magnesium rod is a loud emergency whistle that can be used for signaling or calling for help if you should become lost or injured while in the outdoors. You can also warn others of dangerous conditions with the loud, piercing sound generated by the whistle.
- Built In Compass – Most hikers/hunters use a GPS for navigation while in the outdoors. However, if batteries fail or if you are in heavy timber, a GPS can be ineffective. It’s always a good idea to have a simple compass with you in case of emergencies which is why we included this in handle.
- Carabiner Multi-Tool – This handy tool includes a slotted and Phillips screwdriver, different Hex Head wrenches, a serrated cutting/shredding edge and the unique paracord tie down option for use with any size paracord. Emergency survival tools must be easy to find and easy to use. You will love this tool.
- HIGH QUALITY FERROCERIUM RODS: The fire steel rod is the perfect balance between softness & durability, consistently outperforming the leading fire starters. Will ignite a 5,500º F shower of sparks, light a fire instantly when you need.
- EASILY GRIP: black and orange paracord tied to the fire starter allow use by even the most frozen of fingers!
- Ferro Rod Length: 4"(10cm). Diameter: 3/8"(10mm), the ferrocerium rod is a compact and convenient emergency fire starter.
- Magnesium rod is easily scraped off with striker,and is ignited by sparks from the flint,start fires in any weather conditions.
- FIRE STARTERS : Each box includes 2 Magnesium Fire Starters can be used thousands of times.
- Waterproof Fire Steel：Solid magnesium fuel bar with flint 3'' x1'',steel scraper3'',Fire Paracord Outdoor Survival Ropes.
- The red waxed flax in Paracord waterproof fire tinder can make instant fire even in heavy rain.
- 100% Satisfaction Promise: AOFAR provide 2 years limited warranty and lifetime customer support.
- [ 5+ MINUTE BURN ] - Light your plugs with just a single spark or lighter.
- [ WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF ] - Rain or shine, wet or windy, fire plugs are invaluable when it comes to easily starting a fire in inclement weather.
- [ 28 QUANTITY ] - Includes 28 with a durable aluminum tin can for storage
- [ NON-TOXIC FOOD SAFE ] - Made with no toxic materials and safe to use in your grill or wood stove.
- [ 30+ YEAR SHELF LIFE ] - Maintains peak performance almost indefinitely. Do not store in extreme heat like the windshield dash of a vehicle. Try to keep at room temprature or out of direct heat.
- Waterproof and Weather-Resistant: Our fire starter remains flammable even after 24 hours underwater, making it ideal for any outdoor adventure, no matter the weather; perfect for any survival kit or emergency situation
- Compact and Convenient: Our fire starters for campfires are pre-packaged in neat craft boxes, making them easy to carry in your camping gear or outdoor kitchen setup; fit perfectly in backpacks
- Versatile Use: Ideal for various outdoor scenarios such as camping, hiking, fishing, survival situations and outdoor adventures
- Simple and Clean: Made from pure materials, these fire starters are ideal for cooking and leave nothing behind after burning
- Long-Lasting: Each fire starter burns for up to 10 minutes, making it a reliable and cost-effective solution for your camping supplies; you only need one fire starter stick to get your fire going
Best Camping Emergency Fire Starters Buying Guide
Before choosing the best camping emergency fire starters you should consider following options:
1. Waterproof Matchboxes: Although water-resistant matches are available in the market, you can use good quality waterproof matchboxes instead.
These not only help you start the fire, but also supply you with enough fuel to keep the flame going. Keep one in your backpack, especially if you are hiking in wet conditions.
2. Waterproof Matches: These matches are a better alternative to the traditional ones. They light up easily, even if they get wet.
3. Magnesium Striking Bar: This is a metal alloy strip. Striking it with a knife or sharp object creates enough heat to light up the stick.
Using a magnesium striking bar is easy and quick. However, you need to be careful while using it.
4. Stormproof Matches: These matches are waterproof, windproof, and work in all conditions. They are a good option for your camping gear.
5. Emergency Fire Starter: This is a small, credit card-sized strip of waxed paper. Tearing or scratching it creates enough heat to light up a tinder.
6. Waterproof Lighters: These lighters are useful in wet conditions. Pay attention to the windproof feature, as it is important to keep the flame alive.
7. Strike-a-Light Striking Knives: This is a knife with a sharp edge. Striking it against a rock creates enough heat for lighting a tinder.
8. Fire Steel: This is a metal rod that produces an intense spark when scraped against a piece of metal.
You can use the spark to light tinder or kindling to start a fire. However, you need to learn how to use it properly.
9. Ferrocerium Fire Sticks: These sticks generate sparks when scraped against a rough edge. They are a good option for your camping gear.
10. Waterproof Lighter Cases: These cases are useful to protect your lighter from the elements. They can keep your device dry even if it gets dropped in water.
11. Waterproof Matches in a Waterproof container: Store waterproof matches, like stormproof and strike-on-box types, in a waterproof container.
The container should have a cap to keep the moisture out. This will keep your matches dry and ready for use.
12. Waterproof Lighter and Tinder: Ensure you have a lighter and a piece of tinder together in your pocket or backpack.
Keep the lighter dry by storing it in a waterproof container. You can use the tinder to start a fire, even if the lighter gets wet.
13. Waterproof Matches and Striking Bar: This is an ideal combination to have in your backpack or pocket.
Starting a fire with a striking bar is easy, but you must be careful while using it.
14. Waterproof Matches and Magnesium Striking Bar: This is another combination to have in your backpack or pocket.
It is ideal for wet conditions. If you have both, you have options to start a fire even if one of them gets wet.
15. Waterproof Matches and Fire Steel: This is a good combination to have in your backpack or pocket.
Using a fire steel is easy, but you must learn how to use it properly.
16. Magnesium Striking Bar and Fire Steel: This is another combination to have in your backpack or pocket.
You can use the fire steel to light up the magnesium striking
What else you should know about camping emergency fire starters
1. What are some of the best camping emergency fire starters?
Some of the best camping emergency fire starters are lighters, matches, and flint and steel.
2. What are some of the best ways to use them?
There are many ways to use essential oils, depending on the type of oil and the desired effect. Some common ways to use essential oils include:
-Diffusing: Diffusing essential oils into the air is a great way to enjoy their benefits and aroma.
-Topically: Applying essential oils to the skin can be very beneficial. Be sure to dilute the oil first and test on a small area of skin before applying to a larger area.
-Internally: Certain essential oils can be taken internally, either in a capsule or diluted in water. This is a great way to get the most potent benefits from the oil.
3. What are some of the best ways to store them?
Some of the best ways to store them are in a cool, dark place, in an airtight container, and in a moisture-proof container.
4. What are some of the best ways to keep them dry?
Some of the best ways to keep your feet dry are to wear socks that wick away moisture, to wear shoes that are made of breathable materials, and to avoid walking in wet grass or puddles.
5. What are some of the best ways to keep them away from children and pets?
Some of the best ways to keep them away from children and pets are to keep them in a separate room, in a cage, or in a aquarium.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best camping emergency fire starters. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best camping emergency fire starters will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.