Best Fire Starters That Defy Wet Conditions

Mastering fire in wet weather is a true test of outdoor skill. The right fire starter makes this challenging task achievable.

Conventional methods often fail when you need warmth and safety the most. Damp tinder and soaked wood require a more robust solution. A fire starter built for wet conditions provides that crucial initial spark and sustained heat. It can mean the difference between a comfortable camp and a potentially dangerous situation. Selecting gear designed for moisture resistance ensures you stay in control, turning a dismal, rainy day into a manageable experience with a welcoming flame.

The best fire starter for wet weather is an invaluable tool, as it can easily ignite even the most damp of materials. This type of fire starter is also incredibly safe and easy to use, making it the perfect choice for any outdoorsman or woman.

With the right fire starter, you can always be sure that you can get a fire burning quickly and safely, no matter what the conditions.

1. Melt Candle Company Fire Starter

Image & Product: Amazon

Light up your outdoor adventures with the Melt Candle Company Fire Starter! Perfect for wet weather, this natural and odourless fire starter is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your camping, grilling, and fireplace experiences. Water resistant and easy to use, it is the ideal addition to your camping essentials.

This fire starter will burn for up to 10 minutes, even in damp conditions, so you can enjoy your outdoor activities without worrying about the weather. With the Melt Candle Company Fire Starter, you can turn up the heat wherever you go and have a cozy fire setup indoors or outdoors.

Key Features/Advantages

• Burns even when wet
• Odourless & safe to use
• Compact & portable
• Quick & easy fire starter
• Ideal for camping, hiking & fireplaces
• Weather-resistant & long burning
• Essential for all outdoor activities

2. Sterno All- Weather Instant Flame Gel Fire Starter

This fuel gel is specially formulated to start all types of fires under wet conditions with ease. The environmentally preferred biodegradable formula burns clean, safe, and odorless.

Furthermore, the gel stays put and won’t run off or evaporate. Make sure to keep Sterno All-Weather Instant Flame Gel Fire Starter handy for outdoor cooking and heating, including charcoal grills, campfires, and fire pits.

Key Features/Advantages

• Quick & easy fire start in wet weather
• Specially formulated gel fuel
• Suitable for outdoor cooking/heat
• Environmentally preferred & biodegradable
• Burns clean, safe & odorless
• Stays where you put it
• Won’t run off or evaporate

3. FireFlame Quick Instant Fire Starter – 100% Waterproof All-Purpose Indoor & Outdoor

Be prepared for wet weather with FireFlame Quick Instant Fire Starter! This 100% waterproof, odorless, and non-toxic fire starter is perfect for any indoor or outdoor fire.

Quickly and safely light any fire in just 0.5 to 3 seconds, with no waste left behind. FireFlame fire starter is an all-natural blend of paraffin wax that produces an intense flame that can reach 8 to 13 inches in height and a continuous burn of up to 10 minutes.

Plus, with 20 pouches in a bag, you can always have enough fire starters on hand for any occasion.

Key Features/Advantages

• Fast fire lighting – 0.5 to 3 sec.
• Waterproof – all weather conditions
• Non-toxic & odorless – safe & efficient
• Long burning time – 10 min. & 750° heat
• Indoor & outdoor – fireplace, BBQ, camping, etc.
• Natural paraffin wax blend
• Eco-friendly – no waste left behind

4. Pull Start Fire Matchfree Pull String Firestarter | Great for Firepits and Campfires

This Pull Start Fire Matchfree Pull String Firestarter is the perfect solution for your firepit and campfire needs. With no matchsticks or kindling required, it’s easy to use and lights up in seconds!

Plus, it’s food-safe and weather resistant, so you can be confident in your fire no matter the weather.

Enjoy campfires, BBQs, s’mores, and more with this 3-pack Fire Starter for Wet Weather.

Key Features/Advantages

• QUICK & EASY FIRE STARTER
• QUALITY FIRE & BURN
• WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF
• SAFETY SMOKE & FLAME
• BURNS FOR 30 MINUTES
• USE IN ANY WEATHER
• PERFECT FOR ANY CAMPER

5. Billy Buckskin Co. 10 lb. Fatwood Fire Starter Sticks | Easy & Safe Fire Starter

Combining rich lighter pine and high resin content, these sticks will burn even in wet weather. Plus, they are eco-friendly, made from dead tree stumps in the jungles of Mexico, and are not altered by any manmade chemicals.

All you need is two to three sticks and you’re ready to light a fire! With a 10-pound box, you will have plenty of Fatwood Fire Starter Sticks to make sure you are never left in the dark.

Key Features/Advantages

• Contains highly resinous pine trees
• Eco-friendly & all-natural
• Easy to use – just 2-3 sticks
• Burns even in wet weather
• 10 lb. boxes of sticks (8″ long/ 0.3-1.25″ thick)
• No man-made chemicals are used
• Perfect for any weather condition

6. Procamptek Fire Plugs 50 Count – Camping & Emergency Fire Starter Tinder

These wax-infused cotton plugs are easy to fluff and provide an extremely ignitable source of flame that can last up to 5 minutes.

The small size of the plugs makes them convenient to carry and add to various kits, making them perfect for camping and emergency situations.

Don’t let wet weather keep you from your adventures, get Procamptek Fire Plugs and be ready to light up the night!

Key Features/Advantages

• All-weather wax-infused cotton plugs
• Easily fluffs and ignites
• Long burn times of up to 5 minutes
• Portable and adds to kits
• Non-toxic, odorless and smokeless
• Windproof and waterproof
• Lights in wet weather conditions

7. Phone Skope PYRO Putty Winter, Summer, Eco Blend, Emergency Survival Fire Starter

This non-toxic fire starter is designed to burn through rain, wind, sleet, and a wide range of temperatures, making it a great addition to any 72-hour kit or survival supplies.

With a single quarter-sized dab, you can create a fire that continues to burn for up to 15 minutes. Plus, it comes in a 2 oz. can that will light many fires in all conditions.

Prepare for any emergency with the PYRO Putty Emergency Fire Starter – the perfect addition to any outdoor lover’s survival kit, camping supplies, or recreation gear.

Key Features/Advantages

• Emergency fire starter for wet weather
• Waterproof & weather-resistant
• Quick ignition & 15 min burn time
• Disaster preparedness: 72-hr kits
• Fire in a can: 2 oz.
• Burns in all conditions & temperatures
• Essential for outdoorsmen & BBQers

8. GOFIRE: Ultimate All Purpose Fire Starter- Non-Toxic

GoFire is the ultimate fire starter for wet weather. With its proprietary formula engineered to sustain an intense flame that can reach over one foot in height and its continuous burn time of up to ten minutes, you can light a fire in any weather condition.

GoFire is non-toxic, earth-friendly, weather-proof, and easy to use. Plus, it is food-safe and safe to use inside, leaving virtually no smoke.

With a shelf life of 30 years and its ability to be stacked in your RV, ATV, or snowmobile, you can take GoFire with you on your next adventure.

Key Features/Advantages

• Non-toxic & Earth-friendly
• Lights 1st Time, Every Time
• Up to 10min Burn Time
• No Smell, No Waste, No Smoke
• Quick & Easy to Use Indoors & Outdoors
• Pack & Go: Take Anywhere
• Shelf Life of 30 Years

9. UST WetFire Tinder, 5-Pack

Stay prepared and be ready for any outdoor adventure with UST WetFire Tinder. This 5-pack of cubes is guaranteed to light in wind, water, or other adverse weather conditions, making them an essential piece of any outdoor kit.

Each cube is lightweight, 0.16 oz, and just .75″ x .75″ x .5″ small, making them perfect for storing in backpacks and other outdoor gear.

The cubes can be broken off for multiple uses and can be used with any sparking device including UST’s StrikeForce, SparkForce, BlastMatch, or Sparkie.

With a 5-year shelf life, you’ll be ready for any emergency situation and only a small amount of the tinder is needed to start a fire, burning for up to 5 minutes each. Don’t let wet weather stop you, trust UST WetFire Tinder to help you stay prepared.

Key Features/Advantages

• Dimensions: .75” H x .75” W x .5” D
• Versatile: Can be used with any sparking device
• Reliable: Guaranteed to light in adverse weather
• Durable: Individually packed with 5-year shelf life
• Prepared: Burns for up to 5 minutes each
• Lightweight: Perfect for storing in backpacks
• Small Amount: Only a small amount needed to start a fire

How to Choose the Right Fire Starter for Wet Weather?

Choosing the right fire starter for wet weather can be a challenging task, especially for outdoor adventurers. To ensure a successful fire is made, here are some tips to consider.

Materials: Different types of fire starters have various materials, including cotton balls, sawdust, wax, and petroleum jelly. Certain materials like wax, cotton balls, and sawdust can be ignited easily with a spark, while petroleum jelly requires a longer burn time to properly ignite.

Size: The size of the fire starter should be based on the expected size of the fire. For example, for a small campfire, a small fire starter will be sufficient. For larger fires, a larger fire starter should be used.

Weather: The weather conditions should be taken into account when selecting a fire starter. For wet weather, fire starters with wax or petroleum jelly are ideal as they will burn longer and will help protect the fire from the rain.

Ease of Use: Fire starters should be easy to use and light quickly. Fire starters with wax or petroleum jelly will be easier to ignite than those with sawdust or cotton balls.

Some Relevant Specific Products

Best Fire Starters for Camping

We recommend the Fire Starter 2-Pack for Emergency Survival Kits. This fire starter is made of pure magnesium rod and comes with a mil-spec 550 paracord lanyard and a 6-function multi-tool that serves as a straight-edge striker, tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench, and bottle opener. It provides a higher purity and larger spark, making it safer and easier to use.

Best Emergency Fire Starter

We recommend the bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter. It comes with a 5ft paracord and a bayite Striker-Pro striker attached to the paracord. The Striker-Pro is made from tool grade HSS steel and has a distinct hardness, maximizing a shower of hot sparks. This fire starter is waterproof and weatherproof, fits all weather, and sparks at 5,500 F (3,000 C).

Best Waterproof Fire Starter

We recommend the QUICKSURVIVE All-Purpose Waterproof Fire Starters. This fire starter provides a long and hot fire and is 100% waterproof both inside and outside the pack. It has a long-lasting 30-year shelf-life, making it perfect for travelers, campers, outdoor enthusiasts, survival situations, and emergency kits. The fire starter is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and is the most cost-effective fire-starting solution.

Pros and Cons of Different Fire Starters for Wet Weather

Fire starters are an essential tool to have on hand in wet weather. It is important to know the pros and cons of different types of fire starters so one can make an informed decision as to which type is best for them.

Lighter Fluid

Lighter fluid is commonly used as a fire starter and is great for getting a fire going quickly. It is easy to ignite and has an even burning flame.

However, the fumes it produces can be quite strong and unpleasant.

Dryer Lint

Dryer lint is a great fire starter and is easy to come by. It is lightweight and inexpensive, but it will not burn as long as other options.

Cotton Balls with Petroleum Jelly

Cotton balls with petroleum jelly are a popular choice for fire starters because they are simple to make and burn for a long time. The downside is that the petroleum jelly can be messy and make the fire difficult to control.

Wax: Wax is another popular fire starter that is long-lasting and easy to use. It creates a slow-burning flame and is smokeless. However, wax can be difficult to light and can be messy.

Fatwood

Fatwood is a great fire starter and is easy to ignite. It burns quickly and is smokeless. However, it is not as long-lasting as some other types of fire starters.

Learn More: Have a Fun Fire Pit Party: What to Bring Along

Tips for Using Fire Starters in Wet Weather

Starting a fire in wet weather can be a tricky task. Nonetheless, with the right fire starter and the right technique, it can be done.

1. Gather your materials before starting. Make sure you have your fire starter, tinder, and kindling all in one place.

2. Shield your fire from the rain. Use a tarp or some other form of waterproof material to keep the rain away.

3. Choose the right fire starter. Look for fire starters that are specifically designed for wet weather. They should be waterproof and long-lasting.

4. Use a fire starter in conjunction with other materials. Fire starters are great for getting a campfire going, but you’ll still need other materials such as tinder and kindling.

5. Build a proper fire. Build the fire in a way that allows air to flow and catches quickly.

6. Don’t give up. Building a fire in wet weather can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Keep trying until you get it right.

Some Important Tips

Using Dry Materials: Opt for dry materials such as dry leaves, bark, small twigs, and pine needles. These materials are easier to ignite and burn for longer periods.

Creating a Platform: Place the dry materials on a platform such as a flat rock or a layer of dry wood shavings. This will help isolate the materials from the wet ground and make them easier to ignite.

Using Fire Starters: Fire starters such as lint, wax-coated paper, and dryer lint can help get the fire going. Lighting the fire starter and placing it on top of the dry materials can help get the fire going more easily.

Using a Lighter: A lighter or a match can be used to ignite the fire starter. To keep the lighter or match dry, use a plastic bag or waterproof container to store it until ready to use.

Using a Fire Pit: If possible, use a fire pit to make the fire easier to control. The fire pit can help keep the fire away from the wet ground and can make the fire easier to control.

Using a Wind Break: If the wind is blowing, make sure to create a wind break around the fire. This will help keep the fire burning and make it easier to control.

Conclusion

We can all agree that wet weather can put a damper on outdoor activities. But with a fire starter for wet weather, you can still enjoy the warmth and light of a campfire even when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Investing in a good fire starter will have you prepared for any situation, and you’ll be able to start a fire quickly and easily no matter the conditions.

Now you can confidently take on the outdoors and have a great time with family and friends, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.