The Best Fire Starters: Ferro Rods, Stormproof Matches and Tinder That Work When It's Wet

UCO Stormproof Match Kit

For: anyone, and the first fire starter for a beginner

• Matches25, case holds 40
• BurnUp to 15 seconds
• Strikers3
• Weight1.7 oz

The easiest reliable way to light a fire in bad weather. Per UCO, each match burns for up to 15 seconds, long enough to catch damp kindling, and relights after being dunked in water. The waterproof case floats and has a replaceable striker on the outside.

Matches run out, so pair the kit with a ferro rod.

Überleben Hexå Ferro Rod (1/2 inch)

For: a rod that will outlast every other piece of gear

• Size6" × 1/2", hexagonal
• RatedUp to 20,000 strikes
• Striker6-function
• Lanyard550 paracord

A big, thick, six-sided rod that Überleben rates for up to 20,000 strikes; the flat faces give a better grip and, per the maker, more spark per strike. The striker doubles as a tinder scraper, ruler, map scale, hex wrench and bottle opener. It's a lifetime's supply of fire in one piece.

bayite 4-Inch Ferro Rod with Striker

For: a ferro rod in every kit at a low price

• Size4" × 3/8"
• StrikerHSS, 6 edges
• Lanyard5 ft paracord

The most-reviewed ferro rod we found, and a good one: a 3/8-inch rod with a hardened steel striker on five feet of paracord, which you can unpick for cordage. It's cheap enough to put one in every go-bag, car kit and tackle box.

Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel Scout

For: beginners and children learning fire skills

• StrikesUp to 3,000
• ExtrasBuilt-in whistle
• Made inSweden

A small rod with a grippy handle and a built-in emergency whistle, designed, the maker says, to be easy enough for a child. It throws fewer strikes than the big rods, but it's the friendliest way to learn.

Überleben Zünden Ferro Rod with Wood Handle

For: a rod with a handle that fits the hand

• Size3/8"
• RatedUp to 15,000 strikes
• HandleHardwood

The Hexå's smaller sibling, on a hardwood handle, rated for up to 15,000 strikes and with the same six-function striker. A comfortable, handsome rod for a bushcraft kit.

Billy Buckskin Fatwood Fire Starter Sticks (10 lb)

For: the home fireplace and stove, and a few sticks in each kit

• Amount10 lb box
• MaterialResin-rich pine
• AdditivesNone

Fatwood is pine heartwood saturated with resin: it catches a spark or a match and burns hot even when damp. A 10-pound box covers a winter of fireplace fires with plenty left to shave into tinder for your go-bags.

Melt Candle Fire Starter Squares (160)

For: lighting a fire fast with damp wood, at home or camp

• Count160 squares
• BurnAbout 6 minutes
• Made ofWax and sawdust

Wax-and-sawdust squares that the maker says burn for about six minutes, wet or dry, which is long enough to get damp kindling going. Odourless, so they're fine in a grill too. A handful in a zip bag is good insurance in any kit.