Lighting a fire: ignition methods compared

How do I light a fire reliably?

Matches, lighter and ferro rod compared. Preparation almost always matters more than the ignition method: dry, fine tinder and kindling in several thicknesses. Ratings describe typical products used correctly; individual models may differ. Friction fire methods are not compared here.

Starting situation

Legend
Method	Works after getting wet	Little practice needed	Many ignitions	Lights coarser tinder too	Copes with wind	Copes with cold
Lighting with matches – including in wind and rain	Depends	Yes	No	Yes	Depends	Partly
Lighting with a lighter – including in wind, wet and cold	Partly	Yes	Yes	Yes	Depends	Partly
Lighting a fire with a ferro rod	Yes	No	Yes	No	Partly	Yes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Lighting with matches – including in wind and rain

Effort:: Low
Needs:: Dry matches and striker in a waterproof case, tinder

Works after getting wetDepends
Regular matches no; waterproof or storm matches partly, per manufacturer. The striker must be dry.
Little practice neededYes
Many ignitionsNo
Only as many ignitions as matches.
Lights coarser tinder tooYes
Open flame for a few seconds.
Copes with windDepends
Regular matches poor; storm matches good.
Copes with coldPartly
Works in the cold; hard to handle with stiff fingers.

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Lighting with a lighter – including in wind, wet and cold

Effort:: Low
Needs:: Filled lighter carried body-warm, tinder

Works after getting wetPartly
The wheel must be dried first; piezo igniters may fail.
Little practice neededYes
Many ignitionsYes
Many ignitions until the gas runs out.
Lights coarser tinder tooYes
Open flame for as long as pressed.
Copes with windDepends
Simple lighters poor; windproof or jet lighters good.
Copes with coldPartly
Gas lighters struggle in frost; keep body-warm. Wheel is awkward with cold fingers.

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Lighting a fire with a ferro rod

Effort:: Moderate; practice and tinder preparation
Needs:: Ferro rod with striker, very fine dry tinder

Works after getting wetYes
After wiping; the tinder still has to be dry.
Little practice neededNo
Requires practice – train at home beforehand.
Many ignitionsYes
Very many ignitions, depending on size.
Lights coarser tinder tooNo
Sparks only – needs very fine, dry tinder.
Copes with windPartly
Sparks are not affected by wind, but the young tinder flame is – shield it.
Copes with coldYes
No gas to fail; can be operated with large movements even wearing gloves.

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