Fire making is without a doubt one of my favorite parts of the outdoor experience. Nothing requires as much patience and work as making a fire. From processing tinder to collecting the right kind of kindling, to getting enough hearty firewood to sustain your fire.
All of this takes time and ample effort. And quite frankly, sometimes, we fight an uphill battle when we need a fire the most. I can attest to this based on my experiences on several rainy days and a couple of Zero Degree days & nights. For this reason, I always carry a well-rounded Bushcraft Fire Kit.
Shown above: My Bushcraft Fire Kit with Helle Bleja Folding Knife and Spyderco Bushcraft G10
A Mix of Traditional & Modern
While a ferrocerium rod is my preferred method of fire starting, I make sure to carry a mix of modern equipment such as a lighter or matches (“surefire”). As well as older and more traditional methods, like flint & steel. I’m still learning traditional methods, but it sure is a lot of fun. Starting at the most modern form of fire making, leading to the most traditional, here is what I carry:
I have always had great results with UCO Matches. They are indeed windproof and waterproof as their packaging suggests. I’ve literally run these matches underwater while lit and they still work.
As a form of “Surefire”, I like carrying a lighter. The titanLIGHT from Exotac has proven itself reliable in a lot of conditions, it’s very well made and waterproof. In my experience, all lighters start to suffer in performance when subjected to freezing temperatures and high-wind. But, with that said, the titanLIGHT is a great option and my preferred lighter. Just be mindful that all lighters have restrictions.
Available at Exotac.com (use coupon “anthonyawaken” for 20% off)
Speaking of waterproof gear – The Waterproof Tinder Tins from ExoTac are a great thing to add into your kit. These contain enough material to start several fires. And the tins are reusable for future projects.
Available at Exotac.com (use coupon “anthonyawaken” for 20% off)
As of late, I’ve been using the 8″ Kräftig and Zünden Pro fire steels from Überleben. These are fantastic, highly reliable, throw very hot sparks and have great strikers.
I don’t have a preferred source for buying fatwood, as I find it on the properties that I explore & utilize for my outdoor ventures. You can, however, buy it online and in some stores. With that said, I really like to have 4-6 sticks of fatwood with me in a ziplock bag. Fatwood is invaluable for wet days when you need a slight edge to keep your fire alive (or get it started).
Flint & Steel
A buddy recently gave me a flint & steel kit, which I’m still learning. I carry char cloth along with it as my ignition source.
Vaseline Soaked Cotton Balls
You see vaseline soaked cotton balls mentioned in every fire kit on the internet. That’s because they work very well and they’re extremely cheap to make. They take a spark from a ferro rod very easily and stay burning for a decent amount of time. If you pair these with fatwood, you should have zero issues getting a fire going.
Bushcraft Fire Tins
I am a huge fan of tins in my kit. Particularly ones with a tight seal or O-Rings. Not only do tins keep your gear neatly organized and dry, but they also double as a container to make char cloth.
I love the Exotac Tinder Tins – But I also make it a point to buy certain products that I need, with reusable tins when possible. Like my beard oil seen above.
Make it Your Own
Fire kits are as personal as anything else in your outdoor kit. Pick what you are comfortable carrying and knowledgeable with. I would not personally walk into the woods with just a flint & steel at this point, with my skill set.
But I do walk into the woods with exactly what you see here. I am comfortable with this kit and I hope it gives you some great ideas to Build Your Own Bushcraft Fire Kit.
Dig what I’m doing here?
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Read Next: ExoTac Reviews | Überleben Reviews | UCO Reviews | All Bushcraft Gear Reviews
Ethics Statement: ExoTac, UCO and Überleben have sent products for the purpose of unbiased reviews & content. None of the companies herein have previously proof-read or influenced this article in any way. All opinions, statements, and content are my own.
