Starting a fire with damp wood after a rain shower separates people who know what they're doing from people who go hungry. Fire starters bridge that gap.
I test fire starters in conditions most people would avoid: wind, rain, cold hands, and wood that's been sitting in the morning dew. If it lights consistently when conditions are bad, it'll work every time when conditions are good. The best ones are waterproof, odorless, and light reliably without chemical smells near your food.
1. Fire Starter Squares 64
These squares light easily even after getting wet in my pack. I've used them in rain without issue. The odorless formula means no chemical smell near cooking food, which matters more than people think.
Sixty-four squares last through multiple camping trips. Each square burns long enough to catch kindling without needing a second one. Water resistance is real, not just marketing.
Pros:
- Lights consistently in wet conditions
- No chemical odor around food
- Burns long enough to catch marginal kindling
- Compact squares pack efficiently
- Sixty-four count provides good value
Cons:
- Brown color makes them easy to lose in the dirt
- Not suitable for lighting large fires directly
2. Hgd Fire Starter
Natural materials mean these work well for cooking fires. No chemical residue that might affect food taste. The small square shape fits easily in fire pits or under grill grates.
Burns hot enough to light charcoal, which not all fire starters manage. I've used them to start both wood fires and charcoal grills with equal success. Reliable and simple.
Pros:
- Natural formula won't taint food
- Works for both wood and charcoal
- Small size fits in tight spaces
- Burns hot and steady
- Versatile for multiple fire types
Cons:
- Single-use only
- Square shape might not fit all fire starters
3. Melt Candle Company Fire Starter Squares
The 160-piece count makes this a good value for frequent campers. I keep a container in my truck and another in my camping bin. Water resistance has held up through multiple seasons.
Odorless formula is consistent with other quality starters. Lights easily with a match or lighter. Burns for several minutes, enough to establish a fire before it goes out.
Pros:
- Large quantity handles many trips
- Water-resistant storage keeps them dry
- Odorless for cooking fires
- Burns consistently for several minutes
- Good value for the count
Cons:
- Bulk packaging takes up more space
- Brown color isn't ideal for visibility
4. Hosoote 70 Pcs Fire Starter
Natural wood materials burn clean without chemicals. I've used these for pizza oven fires where chemical residue would be a problem. They work equally well for campfires and grills.
Seventy pieces is a sweet spot between value and storage space. Each piece ignites quickly with minimal flame. Compact size means they stack efficiently in a fire starter container.
Pros:
- Natural materials for chemical-free burning
- Works across different fire applications
- Seventy-piece count lasts through a season
- Ignites quickly with small flame
- Compact for efficient storage
Cons:
- Single-use limits long-term economy
- Performance varies with humidity
5. Nvkrvks Fire Starter
Mini squares are perfect for smaller fires or when you're short on storage space. Waterproof claim is accurate based on my testing. They burn clean without smoke or odor that would affect food.
Easy-burning formula catches with minimal flame exposure. Natural ingredients mean safer use around cooking. Sixty-four squares provide enough for multiple trips without taking up much room.
Pros:
- Mini size saves pack space
- Waterproof for wet conditions
- Burns clean near food
- Catches easily with small flame
- Natural formula is safer
Cons:
- Small size means shorter burn time
- Not reusable
6. Fibvaxm Fire-starter
One hundred count provides excellent value for frequent users. Quick-light formula catches faster than standard starters. Works well for both wood and charcoal, which is convenient when you're using different fuel types.
Natural and waterproof combination makes these reliable in varied conditions. Wood color helps them blend in at campsites but makes them easy to lose. Compact dimensions pack well.
Pros:
- High count provides long-term value
- Quick-light formula saves time
- Works with wood or charcoal
- Waterproof for reliability
- Natural ingredients burn clean
Cons:
- Wood color makes them hard to spot
- May produce slight odor when igniting
7. Inflame Fire Starters
Weather-resistant formula works in conditions that stop other starters. Natural wood composition burns without chemical smell. Twenty-four pieces is manageable for pack space while providing enough for several trips.
Waterproof rating has held up in my testing. These light consistently regardless of ambient moisture. Good for woodstoves and fireplaces in addition to outdoor fires. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof matches. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof lighter.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant for challenging conditions
- Natural wood burns clean
- Waterproof is reliable
- Works for indoor and outdoor fires
- Twenty-four count balances value and space
Cons:
- May need multiple pieces for large fires
- Lower count than some alternatives
How to Pick the Right One
- For cooking fires: Choose natural, odorless options that won't affect food taste.
- For wet conditions: Waterproof starters eliminate frustration with damp wood.
- For charcoal grills: Pick starters that burn hot enough to light briquettes.
- For frequent use: Higher count packages provide better value over time.
- For backpacking: Mini squares save space without sacrificing performance.
Bottom Line
Fire starters remove uncertainty from lighting fires. I keep waterproof squares in my camping kit and don't worry about whether my kindling is bone-dry. They're light enough to carry extras and cheap enough to use without guilt. Pick natural options for cooking fires and waterproof varieties for unpredictable weather. For related gear, check out our cast iron skillet.
