Recommended for Camping Survival Kit
Matches and lighters fail when they get wet or run out — a ferro rod keeps throwing hot sparks in wind and rain, for years. It's the fire source that always works.
Our picks are a proven pure ferro rod and an all-in-one tool with a built-in striker and whistle.
Ferrocerium rod that produces sparks over 3,000°C when struck. Works wet, lasts thousands of strikes.
Thicker rods (10mm+) produce bigger sparks and last longer.
A good metal striker is more important than the rod. Avoid plastic strikers.
Attach to your kit so you don’t lose it in the dark.
New fire steels have a black coating that must be scraped off before first use.
Hold the rod still against the tinder and pull the striker back. This prevents scattering your tinder pile.
A ferrocerium fire steel that throws a shower of hot sparks in any weather, even when wet. Works long after matches and lighters have failed, making it a reliable backup fire source.
A ferro rod fire starter with a metal striker, lanyard and built-in emergency whistle. An all-in-one fire-and-signal tool for a grab bag.