For many people, one of the most integral parts of camping is the campfire. The campfire is almost always where people gather to warm their bones or cook up something yummy, most likely on a stick.
But there are campers for whom the campfire is a dreaded chore, because they can never seem to get the darned thing lit, and when they do, chances are low that it will turn into the crackling scene you always see on TV. While it’s true that the way you construct your fire will have much to do with its success, there are ways to instigate the campfire of all campfires safely and without a series of attempts: fire starters.
Fire starters can be purchased commercially, but they are insanely easy to do on your own. The best part about making your own is that it gives you the opportunity to repurpose items that would otherwise end up in the trash, recycling, or thrift store box. Here are some of our favorite simple techniques for creating that fiery magic that is so beloved by campers everywhere.
Tea Bag Fire Starters
You’ll need:
- used tea bags
- candle wax
- waxed paper
You could use new tea bags for this, but we think that using spent ones is a better use of the tea bag’s potential, since you can enjoy your tea and have a valuable use for the leftover bags! As for the candle wax, you’ll want to melt it in a double boiler pan, which means a pan over a pan that is filled with water. The indirect heat allows for the wax to melt slowly without scorching or burning. We recommend using candles from around the house that are no longer usable but still have wax, so again, you’re getting the most out of a multi-use item. Once the wax is melted to a liquid, you simply dip the tea bag into the wax exactly like you would in a cup of tea. Let it drip for a few seconds in between dips. When the bag is thoroughly coated, place them on the wax paper to dry. Store in an airtight glass or plastic container and keep with your camp gear.
Egg Carton Fire Starters
You’ll need:
- empty egg cartons (not plastic or styrofoam)
- candle wax
- sawdust
- pouring cup with spout
Put a large pinch of sawdust into each hole of the egg carton. Heat your wax in the double boiler pan until it is a liquid, and carefully pour into your pouring cup with spout. Pour slowly into each carton hole, filling to the brim. When the wax is firmly set, cut each hole into its own piece with a pair of shears. Store in an airtight plastic or glass container and keep with your camp gear.
Pine Cone Fire Starters
You’ll need:
- pine cones
- candle wax
- string
- waxed paper
Gather a number of small to medium sized pine cones. Cut a 3-4 inch length of string, and tie it around one end of the pine cone. Melt your wax to a liquid over the double boiler pan, and dip each pine cone in the same manner as the tea bag method. When sufficiently coated, place the pine cones on the waxed paper to dry, and then store in an airtight plastic container or bag.
Cotton Cleanser Pad Fire Starters
You’ll need:
- cotton cleanser pads
- candle wax
- tongs
- waxed paper
Practically every woman has cotton cleanser pads in her bathroom, making this an easy project for a lazy afternoon. Melt the wax to a liquid in the double boiling pan, and using the tongs, dip each cleanser pad in several times. When it becomes stiff like a wafer, it is probably sufficiently coated. Place on the waxed paper to dry, and store in an airtight plastic or glass container, or in a zip lock bag.
Related articles: Handy Tricks for Starting a Fire in the Outdoors, Get a Campfire Started in Seconds with Char Cloth, 3 Weird Ways to Start a Campfire
Featured Image from Gareth Hubbard/Unsplash
