These Fire Starters Work

I bring these fire starters on every camping trip. They give me a more dependable way to get a campfire going when conditions are less than ideal, including when some of the wood or other materials are damp.

My preferred method is to crumble one into smaller pieces and place them in a few small piles. Spreading the starter helps me work it into the kindling instead of keeping it all in one spot. The pieces burn long enough to give the smaller wood a chance to catch.

They can help in damp conditions, but they are not a substitute for dry kindling or good fire preparation. Damp wood may still take extra time and additional starter. I also need to arrange the wood so the fire has enough airflow.

Once the kindling is burning well, I add larger pieces gradually. The starters handle the initial flame, while the small wood does the work of building the fire.

What I Like

• They are dependable for getting a campfire started.
• They can still help when conditions are damp.
• They burn long enough for small kindling to catch.
• They can be crumbled and spread among several small piles.
• They have earned a permanent place in my camping kit.

What to Keep in Mind

• They do not replace good kindling or proper fire preparation.
• Damp wood may require more starter and extra patience.
• Breaking them into smaller pieces adds a step before lighting.

Final Thoughts

These fire starters are a practical backup when I want a campfire to catch without relying entirely on dry tinder. I especially appreciate them when the wood is slightly damp or the fire is being stubborn.

They are not magic, and I still need plenty of small kindling and good airflow. Used that way, though, they do what I need: they provide a sustained starting flame and make the first part of building a campfire less frustrating.

See these fire starters on Amazon

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