submitted by Ed Jelley
When putting together your EDC, you’ll want a kit that covers all the bases. For most of you, that means something to cut with, a way to light things up, and a multitool for everything else. But to be truly prepared, especially in some emergency or survival situations, you can’t forget about having access to a flame. Fire is one of those primitive tools that even your state-of-the-art smartphone can’t replace. And you don’t have to start a full-on fire out in the woods to find a lighter useful. It can come in handy during your day-to-day for things like melting paracord or firing up the grill. In this guide, we’re highlighting a ten of our favorite tools for starting a fire.
Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter
The Survival Spark fire starter has everything you need to get a fire going. It’s a magnesium-based rod that you strike with the included scraper. The resulting sparks are white-hot, enough to get your kindling lit. This tool also includes a compass and emergency whistle, making it great for survival situations. It’s compact, convenient, and weatherproof so you can use it and store it in a variety of conditions.
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0
Originally developed for the Swedish Military, this compact fire starter won’t take up much room in your kit. The special alloy fire rod can start fires at high altitudes and low temperatures, ideal if you find yourself hiking and camping in the mountains. The rod will work for over 12,000 strikes in both wet and dry conditions.
Exotac nanoSTRIKER Ferrocerium Fire Starter
Exotac’s nanoSTRIKER is a fully contained ferrocerium (commonly referred to as “ferro”) rod starter. The rod unscrews from the anodized 6061 aluminum body. The result is a fire starter with plenty of grip, making it both comfortable to hold and easy to use. Exotac makes their products in the USA with high quality control standards—exactly what you’d want in the gear you depend on most.
Sahara Sailor 2 in 1 Magnesium Fire Starter Survival Kit
You can carry this fire-starting multitool on your keychain or hooked to the outside of your bag. Not only do you get a fire rod, but you also have a tungsten window breaker, a sturdy scraper, and an internal compartment for keeping some kindling (a cotton ball works great). This all-in-one tool is great for both EDC and emergency use.
Zippo Matte Orange
The classic Zippo is carried by hundreds of readers on our site, whether they smoke or not. It’s windproof, easy to fill, and produces a large flame at a moment’s notice. The Zippo is great for working with paracord, or any other task where you need both of your hands, as it can stay lit without keeping your finger on the gas button. We like this scratch-resistant, high-vis matte orange because it’s both tough and easy to spot in the bottom of a bag.
Bic Mini Lighters
Don’t overlook the damn near iconic Bic lighter. It’s small, simple, and most importantly, reliable. The mini version is small enough to keep in your coin pocket or bag while taking up hardly any space. They come with enough fuel for plenty of uses, too. At just over a dollar a piece, it won’t break the bank to get one for carrying, keeping in your bag, glove compartment, and tool drawer at home.
Soto Pocket Torch
Soto’s Pocket Torch is an interesting take on a fire starter. It puts out a high temperature (1300ºC to be exact) flame that gets kindling lit up in mere seconds. The Pocket Torch is conveniently powered by the fuel from a standard lighter too. Simply pop a rectangular Bic-style lighter into the head, and you’re good to go. It features an electronic ignition that emits a highly wind-resistant flame.
Exotac Firesleeve Floating Case for Bic Classic
Spruce up your standard lighter with the Exotac Firesleeve. This resin case packs in a few useful features that provide a welcomed upgrade. The case is fully waterproof, and even floats – ensuring that your lighter will always work. There’s also a “gas lock” that allows the flame to stay lit completely hands-free.
Peanut Lighter
The Peanut Lighter is one of the smallest ways you can carry a full-on lighter. At just over 1.5” long, it’s great for attaching to your keychain. We like this kit that comes with additional flints, wicks, and o-rings. It’s powered by standard liquid lighter fuel that you can even get a container to carry some extra with you.
UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit
Stormproof matches are a great option for emergency fire starting because there’s no fuel to worry about. This kit by UCO includes 12 matches that will light in high winds and wet conditions. They’ll even stay lit underwater. This all-inclusive kit has everything you need in case of an emergency – a waterproof case, extra strikers, room for tinder, and enough matches to get several fires going.
Do you carry a fire starter in your EDC? Let us know your favorite in the comments below!
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The Eclectic Mind of Ryan 