When you are in the wilderness or on a camping trip, you want to have something with you that will allow you to make a fire when you need to. With many different options for starting a fire, like a flint and steel, a bow drill kit, a fire plough, or a ferro rod, you have lots of choices to choose from. The goal is ultimately to find the most reliable option that will work every time.
You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where the method you have chosen will fail, like when the weather is wet or damp, which could affect the ability to start a fire with some of the more ‘old school’ methods – flint and steel or bow drill aren’t going to get you very far if it’s windy or wet. Depending on what kind of lighter you have, the same could be true – not all lighters work that well in adverse conditions. Ferro rods on the other hand are pretty damn reliable – you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a spark. Obviously you’ll need to be able to keep your tinder dry, but the rod itself won’t fail you regardless of the conditions.
Ferro rods, (short for ferrocerium) are often mistaken for steel and flint but actually work in the opposite way of the more ‘traditional’ method of making fire. Ferrocerium is a substance that was invented in 1903 by an Austrian scientist called Carl Auer von Welsbach. It’s primarily a combination of cerium and iron (along with a bunch of other rare metals), hence the name ferro (iron) cerium, although when it comes to making fires, we often shorten the word ferrocerium to just “ferro” these days. Another common name used for ferrocerium is fire steel, and you’ll also often hear people referring to it as flint even though chemically it has nothing to do with flint. Practically speaking, the primary benefit that ferrocerium has over flint is that it ignites at much lower temperatures – meaning it’s easier to produce sparks.
Some of the other benefits of using ferro rods are that they’re easy to use even for first timers. The sparks are also super high temperature, meaning your fire is more likely to catch. Also, ferro rods last for an exceedingly long time – most can be struck in excess of 10,000 times, meaning that you don’t really have to worry about your ferro rod ‘running out’ of sparks very often.These advantages make ferro rods a great choice as either your primary or your backup firestarting option.
Now that we have discussed what a ferro rod is and why they are beneficial to have with you, here are our recommendations for the best ferro rod firestarter that you should bring with you on your next wilderness or camping trip.
The Best Ferro Rod Firestarters for Starting Survival Fires
Features:
- Starts fires really fast
- Works in wet conditions
- Paracord handle
- Includes whistle
The Titan SurvivorSteel Firestarter is a top pick because it is made with high-quality materials and is designed to be able to start fires even in the rain. To use this item, you scrape your knife against the ferro rod to produce a 3,000-degree spark that will light your debris, wood, or nest of twigs to get a fire roaring in any weather.
This Firestarter gets the job done quickly because the spark happens without much effort and can be done again and again to get a larger fire in colder weather. This ferro rod will work for a long time as it is guaranteed to spark up to 12,000 times. This will allow you to take this rod with you anywhere you go for the next few years without needing anything else with you to start a fire.
The Titan SurvivorSteel ferro rod also includes a whistle that can be useful in emergencies whenever you need help. The whistle is a lightweight and compact addition that can be kept in a safety kit, or an emergency survival kit. The whistle is attached to the paracord so you don’t need to worry about losing it while you are traveling.
This item is ideal for a camping, hiking, boating, or fishing trip when you will be in the wilderness and need a way to start a fire. It is also a great idea to take this type of emergency equipment with you on any solo trips to ensure that you have all you need to cook food and keep yourself warm throughout your trip.
Check price of the Titan SurvivorSteel Ferrocerium Fire-Starter
- Easy to use
- Will start fire in inclement weather
- Whistle is lightweight and high-pitched
- Ideal emergency tool
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- The whistle could be higher quality
Features:
- 1/2-inch rod
- Wooden handle
- Waterproof
- 5 inches in length
- Neck carry option
The überleben Zünden Firestarter is a premium choice that is made with high-quality materials and is a traditional model that features a natural wooden handle and a larger ferro rod attached so that it lasts longer. The ferro rod is made with a great balance of durability and softness that gives it a better overall performance than many other options.
This is also another option that will work even when it’s raining so that it won’t fail on you when you need it the most. Other options might not be able to stand up to the weather when it is raining or snowing, and this is when starting a fire to cook and keep warm is most important, so this is ideal for any survival situation.
This ferro rod also comes with a paracord that you can use for neck carry that keeps your hands free to do other tasks. The rod, although it is a thicker option, still only weighs 3 ounces in total and will not weigh you down by carrying it around your neck. This rod also comes with a multi-tool that works as a striker, scraper, map scale, hex wrench, bottle opener, and ruler for whenever you need them.
Check price of the überleben Zünden FireStarter Bushcraft Fire Steel
- Doesn’t get affected by water
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Long rod for better control
- Paracord for hanging around neck
- Comes with multi-tool
- Higher price that not all customers could afford
- The handle could be better made
Features:
- Over 16,000 strikes
- Weatherproof
- Pack of two
- Under 2 ounces
- 5-inches long
The Swiss Safe 5-in-1 fire starter is a multi-tool that comes with five different ones in a single product. The compass, whistle, fire starter, steel scraper, and paracord can all be useful when in survival mode and each will provide safety when you are in the wild.
This is a pack of two that comes with one low price that makes it a great value for those looking for multiple fire starters. The added cost of the tools that are included makes this an even better deal. Plus, it is a lightweight option that will not weigh you down as you hike or travel.
The compass included is built into the fire starter and is a small size, but will work in a pinch. If you are on a solo hiking or wilderness trip, you want to know where you are and how to get back at all times. This will be able to do the job when you need to figure out which way to go.
Check price of the Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass
- Works in all weather
- Two in one pack
- Paracord for around neck
- Includes a compass
- Includes a whistle
- Whistle is not as well made as the ferro rod
- The compass is a bit on the smaller side and difficult to see
Features:
- 12,000 strikes
- Built-in whistle
- Weather-resistant
- 3-inch ferro rod
The Light My Fire FireSteel is a fire starter that is a compact option for those who do not want to neck carry. It has a cord that allows you to hang it on the outside of your pack so you have it with you at all times for emergencies.
This ferro rod is resistant to rain and water so you will be able to use it even in inclement weather to start a fire when you really need it. With the ability to make 2,980-degree sparks with every strike, you can make a fire quickly and easily.
This ferro rod is durable and can last more than 12,000 strikes so you can take it with you to all your hiking and camping trips and make good use out of it before it loses its effectiveness. Also, with the bright orange handle that fits your fingers within its indentation, it also is easy to see even in dim light so it will be easy to find when you need it.
Check price of the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel
- Works in any weather conditions
- Orange handle that’s easy to see
- String for hanging on pack
- Ergonomic handle
- Stainless-steel striker
- The striker does not work as well
- Shorter rod than many other options
Features:
- 6-inches long
- 1/2-inch wide
- Windproof
- Waterproof
The Bayite Large Ferro Rod is a fire starter that is ideal for those who just want the rod by itself and don’t need the other tools that often accompany it. The large size of the ferro rod makes it a durable, long-lasting option that can be used many times to create a blanket of sparks to start a fire.
This ferro rod is made to be resistant to water and wind so that it will still work for you when the weather is rough. In the wilderness, you often have a higher wind rate and lots of rain without covering, so this is particularly important for those who travel alone.
This option does not come with any accessories but offers the same brand of striker and lanyard for purchase separately if you need it. However, this rod is strong and durable, so if you have a box cutter or knife, you can use the back of the blade to strike the rod if you need to.
Check price of the Bayite 1/2 Inch X 6 Inch Large Ferro Rods
- Extra thick rod
- Weather-resistant
- Longer ferro rod
- 12,000 strikes
- Doesn’t include a striker
- Doesn’t come with a paracord or lanyard
Features:
- 8-pack of rods
- 5/16-inch width
- 1 ounce each
- 12,000 strikes each
- 5,500-degree sparks
The West Lake Tactical ferro rods are a high-quantity option that is ideal for a family going on a trip together so everyone can make their own fire when they want to cook or boil water. This pack comes with eight separate ferro rods, so even a large family will likely have an extra or two.
These ferro rods are sold by themselves and don’t have a string attached, or a striker, so you can use what you have to carry and strike it. These are also small enough that you could one in your pocket for safe-keeping. These rods can handle over 12,000 strikes and will last a long time with consistent use.
These ferro rods are made from quality material magnesium and can be struck in bad weather and will still work to start a fire. When the weather is bad, this is when you really need your fire starter to come through for you, and this one will always get the job done. With the high-temperature spark, you will be able to start a fire even in colder conditions without having to strike multiple times.
Check price of the West Lake Tactical Pack of Eight DIY Ferrocerium
- Large size pack
- Compact for travel
- Lightweight option
- High-temperature spark
- Doesn’t include any accessories
- Can’t purchase them individually
Features:
- Portable flame
- 60-minute burn time
- Less than 1-ounce
- 3-inches in length
The überleben Tindår wick and bellow is a ferro rod that comes with a wick that the hollow rod slides over. The end of the wick is tied and fluffed for easy lighting and allows you to take the flame and use it as a torch when needed to light your way as you hike or fish in the evening or early mornings.
The wick is made from hemp and can be replaced with another once it is used up. The wick will last for 60 minutes before going out and offers a light that you can take with you when you need to move in the dark. You can control the burn rate by sliding the rod up or down to allow the flame to burn faster or slower.
With a three-inch ferro rod, you have enough forced air to keep the flame going without having to relight it over again. Also, the wick is longer than the rod, so if you are having trouble holding the rod itself, you can use the extra wick end to help stabilize the flame as you hold it.
Check price of the überleben Tindår Wick + Bellow
- 3-inches long
- Hemp fluff at end for portable flame
- Rod slide laterally to control flame
- Wick doesn’t come with extra wicks
- On the shorter side, not great for larger hands
Conclusion
Taking a hike or wilderness trip can be a way to connect with nature and have a peaceful time alone or with your family. Getting away from technology can be tough, but with the help of a simple tool like a ferro rod fire starter, you can have you fire made whenever you need it and make your trip a success.
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