We may be long past the days of candlelight and handmade fires for survival, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come prepared for the unexpected. Field-tested fire starters not only provide you and your loved ones with safety and assurance in times of duress, but are practically effortless to carry in a bag or car, or likewise stash in a knapsack.

Outdoor enthusiasts and wilderness experts will no doubt stress the importance of a reliable fire starter. A sturdy and dependable magnesium or ferrocerium fire starter can withstand the elements and guarantee a much longer span of performance than basic matches or plastic pocket lighters. Ideal for starting fires to provide warmth and cooking, fire starters can also be used to signal for help in the event of an emergency.

Basic but compact, fire starters are available in tough-tested materials that carry as light as a keychain, all the while providing up to 12,000 strikes. Other fire starters come equipped with built-in rescue whistles, survival guides, and various utilities. Most fire starters boast corrosion-resistant components, allowing them to stand up against rain, sleet, snow, and extreme humidity.

Whether you are a frequent hiker, camper, or all-around explorer of unknown terrain, or simply wish to reinforce your household against unwitting disaster, a superior quality fire starter is sure to keep you in good stead for years to come. After all, the man who holds the means to produce fire at any given moment is nothing short of superhuman.

Best Fire Starters

Best Buy

1. Bayite Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Steel Fire Starter Ferro Rod

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For people who like to take one thing that can perform multiple tasks, this is an ideal tool. This Bayite 4 inch drilled ferro rod fire starter is small and portable, measuring at only four inches in length, great for putting in a pocket or bag to take anywhere. Attached to it is a 9 foot paracord, providing a handle for the fire starter and an emergency paracord if the need arises to cut it off the fire starter.