Although the Zippo Outdoors Emergency Fire Starter is something we would usually write about during September, as that’s National Preparedness Month, it’s also a handy way to start a fire while camping or even just hanging out around the backyard fire pit. So we’re covering it as summer is really getting going.
This handy little fire starter kit will be pretty familiar to anyone that’s used a Zippo lighter. Roughly the same size as their famous lighters, it’s made from bright orange plastic instead of metal. But it hinges on the edge, and has the familiar wheel and flint. In place of fuel, there are four waxed tinder sticks inside. From what we can tell, earlier models had an o-ring to seal them shut, which the current unit does not have. We don’t feel this affects the performance, as is still seals up pretty tight, plus the flint and the tinder are not likely to be affected, should they get wet.
Operation is simple enough. Once open, spin the wheel with your thumb, and a burst of hot sparks will appear. If you’ve got some tinder handy, getting a fire going should only take a few tries. Don’t have any tinder? Not a problem. Use one of the included tinder sticks. After giving them a couple of twists, they’ll start to fray, providing you with more surface area to catch some sparks. And they light easily too. Flints are easily replaced as well.
Not really much to this review. The Fire Starter does what it was designed to do. It’s easy for anyone to throw some sparks with it, and you can use it with “bring your own” tinder, or the included tinder sticks. Replacement flints and tinder sticks are available, or if you are the DIY kind of person, you can probably make your own tinder sticks. Either way, this is great product for camping or your emergency kit. As a backup way to get a fire going, it’s not expensive (MSRP of $9.95), and has the advantages of being light in weight, bright in color, and easy to use. It even floats! It’s also made in the USA, which earns it some extra points in our book. zippo.com
-Brian
Disclosure of Material Connection: We received the Zippo Outdoors Emergency Fire Starter for free from Zippo Outdoors in consideration for review publication.