I’ve loved camping for as long as I can remember, just after the time there was a black widow on my tent while my five-year-old boy scout self was inside it and decided he hated camping and would never do it again. A few months later, I went to Yosemite with my family and a bear broke into our 1988 Toyota Corolla and stole ate all our food. From then on, I was in love with camping because I loved bears and animals (not spiders).
Since then, I have gone camping with my loved ones: family, friends, and my dear wife, and I go whenever I can. I became particularly good at starting campfires with one match or lighter strike because I would challenge myself to do so and have friendly competition with my camping partners; today, I feel confident wielding a single match.
Here are my five steps to staring a campfire with just one match or lighter. Also, be sure to check out my video demonstrating the process.
Starting Your 1 Match Campfire
- Using a sharp pocketknife, begin whittling away at a log by cutting about 20 small and thin slices off of it.
2. Arrange the longest pieces to resemble a tic-tac-toe grid or a square. Continue arranging the slices on top of one another, stacking them on top of each other until your square is about 3-4 layers tall.
3. Take the smallest and thinnest shavings and place them in the center of the square.
4. Arrange larger logs in a rectangular or triangular fashion surrounding the smaller shavings setup.
5. Light & enjoy!
Troubleshooting tips :
- If your fire remains small, you may need to add additional shavings to your original pile.
- Be sure to place progressively larger pieces of wood around the mini fire to help contain warmth in the center and to prevent wind from cooling the fire. Once there is enough warmth and coals, but no flames, use a paper plate to fan the fire, adding more oxygen.
- Make sure you firewood is dry. Damp wood does not burn as easily.
My favorite pocket knives
A must have for camping, this Stainless Steel Folding Knife from Opinel is simple, sharp and durable. Since 1890, Opinel has been making beautiful knives made to last for generations. It’s made of anti-corrosive stainless steel and is made from sustainably sourced wood in France. It’s also very easy to maintain!
A well built, solid construction knife with no play in the blade. The secure triad lock will not break on you.
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