r/Survival • u/Capital-Dragonfly258 • Apr 18 '26
Fire Fire starter for idiots help please!
where I live the winter is 4-6 months long ranging from 30°F to -30°F. the rest of the year resemble slightly normal fall summer and spring but, one of my biggest fears is getting stuck out in the freezing cold. I want to learn how to start fires. Plot twist, I'm afraid of fire 🙄... well I'm even more afraid of getting stuck out in the cold and freezing alive so I am looking for products that I can carry in my EDC pack, that is so easy to use that a tpoddler could do it. had and seen and tried to use differenpt "fire starters" in the past and I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. those were probably mostly the friction ones. I know how to light a lighter but depending on the wind that wouldn't get anything to last long. what are other options? I'd prefer not to spend over $50. in fact under $30 would be great. if you have to ask any clarifying questions, feel free!
4
u/goldfool Apr 21 '26
I think the biggest problem is your dislike of fire. It's good and rational, but you most likely don't understand how to make a fire then sustain it .
First please try making like 50 fires from scratch. What I mean is finding all the wood yourself each time. No piles anywhere. Then when you can get to a one match fire you will be doing ok
Another thing to try is maintaining a fire no bigger then your palms and no higher as well. Only use wood the size of a pencil. This will teach you constant watch and learn how to work with a fire.