Knowing how to build a fire is only 50% of the battle. Knowing the correct equipment to have on hand and readily available is the other 50%. Simply speaking, knowing what gear you will need
That is why, today we will be going into great detail on all the equipment you should have at the ready before starting a campfire. On that same note, we will be going into specific detail on
Anyway, As you already know fire is not something to play with. Fire can do extensive damage, and will typically harm anything in its path. For this reason it is vitally important you take extra precautions when it comes to preparing the fire pit and the area around before you go about igniting the fire.
- Random gusts of wind
- Irresponsible parties near the fire
- Accidental misfortune
- Embers floating from the pit
Really there are a number of accidental and irresponsible occurrences that could occur around the campfire, and in most cases these occurrences will put those in the vicinity of the fire at risk of harm. As well as, put the land at risk of complete destruction. This is why taking the proper measures, and having the right gear on hand before the fire starts is so vital! Simply a lighter is not all you need In order to have a safe fire…
Now, of course there’s equipment that can make starting, maintaining, and extinguishing the fire much easier as well. Having fail safes in place incase the worst happens is only a part of having a top notch campfire. Any equipment that makes the process of building, and maintaining a fire easier is going to be listed off today as well.
- Fuel
- Oxygen
- Heat
Without one, or any of these elements the possibility of having a fire is going to be virtually none. Fuel, Oxygen, & Heat are the basic elements required for a fire to burn.
Everything You Need To Start, Maintain & Extinguish A Fire!
Depending on your knowledge base around building fires, as well as your skill level when it comes to the process. You may or may not require some of the equipment below. Given that the
That is exactly what I am going to do. However, The “Complete Campfire Equipment List” as seen below is rather a complete list of everything you may need dependent on your skill and knowledge level when it comes to building fires. The more you know about building campfires, its likely, the less gear you will need in order to do so.
Example: If you have spent some time studying the art of starting a fire with friction, then odds are you won’t require a Lighter Or Matches in order to ignite your fire. Though it is handy to have a lighter or matches available. Building a friction fire is rather more of a last resort, survival tactic. But if you’d like to practice your craft, I totally support that!
Complete Natural Elements List:
Like we discussed above, there are 3 elements required in order to have a proper burning campfire (Heat, Oxygen, & Fuel). Below is a list of natural elements you will need to
You Are Going To Need:
- Tinder
- Wood
- Water
| Natural Elements To Start The Fire: |
| Small (Thin) Twigs / Sticks |
| Bark |
| Dry Grass |
| Dry Leaves |
| Natural Elements To Maintain The Fire: |
| Sticks |
| Wood / Logs |
| Natural Elements To Extinguish The Fire: |
| Water (Best) |
| Dirt |
| Sand |
Once you get the fire burning. In most cases the only element that needs to be reapplied at durational intervals is Fuel. You need to provide the fire with enough fuel in order to maintain the
For this reason it is a good idea to have a surplus of firewood available so you can simply refuel the fire each time it begins to show signs of fuel starvation.
Complete Campfire Equipment List
Here is a list of the gear you may need in order to safely start, maintain, and put out your campfire. You are going to need:
- A Fire Starter
- A Shovel (Preferably A Foldable Shovel) (Or Similar)
- A Water Storage Container
| Fire Starters | Difficulty Rating (1=Easy, 5=Hard) |
| Lighter (Link To Amazon) | 1 |
| Matches (Link To Amazon | 2 |
| Flint & Steel (Link To Amazon) | 3 |
| Fire Piston (Link To Amazon) | 4 |
| Fire Management |
| Folding Travel Shovel (Link To Amazon) |
| Sturdy Stick |
| Fire Extinguishing |
| 5 Gallon Bucket |
| Water Jug With Spigot (Link To Amazon) – Great For Carrying Water To Campsite |
| Folding Travel Shovel (Link To Amazon) |
The Beginners Complete Fire Starting Kit
Whether your going camping for the first time with the intentions of having a campfire, or your simply in a hurry and you need everything to have a fire?? Below is a list of what I would take with me to a campsite.
| Fire Starter: | Lighter (Link To Amazon) |
| Fire Management: | Foldable Shovel (Link To Amazon |
| Fire Extinguishing: | Water Jug With Spigot (Link To Amazon) – Easy To Carry Water |
Pre Fire Checklist:
Before you go about simply building a fire it is important that you are prepared accordingly. You must start with selecting the correct location to place the fire. In most cases, a pre build fire pit will be available. However, In more remote locations you will be required to build your own. 1st we will go over location selection (Simply find a good, safe place to build your fire.
2nd we will go over preparation for If something unexpected is to occur such as a sudden gust of wind, or simply the fire getting out of the pit… 3rd we will go over having the proper equipment for managing the fire, if say, a log rolls off the top of the fire…
1st: Select A Good Location To Build The Fire
Now, in most cared for recreational parks a pre built fire pit will likely be available to you. If this is the case,
So if you haven’t got access to a pre built fire pit / or fire ring. You are going to have to build one before having a fire. Fire pits help keep the fire maintained where you want it. Without a pit, you run a larger risk of starting an uncontrollable forest fire…
When selecting your own place to build a campfire It is vitally important that you select a good, safe location. Selecting a good spot simply entails finding an open area with limited to
If you go the rout of building your own fire pit I suggest you take a look at my “Fire Pit Building Guide”. But in simple terms, the best way to go about doing this is to dig a small hole about 8 inches deep, and 1.5 feet in diameter. Then line the rim of the hole with football sized rocks. Ensure no vegetation is near the fire before ignition.
2nd: Have Water Or other fire retardant On hand
It is important that you have water on hand, and easily accessible in case of an emergency. You can never know exactly how a scenario will play out, and in the case of having a simple campfire you never know what natural, or unnatural occurrences could come along and disrupt your fire. A few examples of possible occurrences that could put you, and the land at risk of danger are:
- Unexpected Gusts Of Wind (Most Common)
- Accidental Propulsion of Flaming Objects (Frantically Trying To Put Out A Flaming marshmallow)
- Someone Mis-evaluating Their Footing & Falling Into The Pit
Many more accidents like this can occur when around a campfire. Accidents around a campfire can poses a massive danger on those around it, and the land to which it resides on. Simply having a large bucket of water readily available, and a shovel could be the difference of igniting a massive forest fire, or simply a close call…
For this reason It’s important that you have safety strategies in place before you even start the fire.
3rd: Have Fire Management Tools readily available
I don’t know about you, but once wood has sat in a campfire for a period of time it gets so hot that I wouldn’t comfortably be able to touch even the non burnt section of the wood, let alone the flaming end… Because of this it can be quite handy to have access to a shovel (or similar tool) that is able to withstand the heat.
Every time I have a fire, I always have my trusty shovel propped up next to me. Shovels basically give you the ability to control that fire almost to a “T”. I rarely have a campfire if I don’t
Why you need to manage a fire as it burns: If you have spent much time around a fire whether it be a bonfire, or campfire? You likely know that as the wood burns it becomes weaker, and
Now, using your hands to readjust that log so it burns better would likely result in you being burned… Which is something that needs to be avoided. But simply having a shovel, stick, or similar tool. You essentially have an extended hand that is much more resilient to heat then that of your hand…
Now You Can Ignite The Campfire
Now that you have all your “Ducks in a row” so to say, you can ignite the fire. Just keep your shovel, and water at the ready “Just in case”. If you’d like some help building your campfire, be
Conclusion
Simply having everything you need to build, maintain, and extinguish a fire can both, make the process much easier, as well as, much safer for yourself, and those around the fire. Though the list of needed items is quite small. It is important that you have the tools necessary to make the job both, easier and safer.
Now, I know, some who read this will likely not be able to carry some of the items listed above. Simply for the fact that they will be traveling by foot, with limited space, and weight capacity. If you fall into a group like this or
However you choose to go about building your fire, simply ensure you have the tools necessary to Start, Maintain, And extinguish the fire at a moments notice. Both for safety purposes, as
I hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any further questions regarding campfires be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez “Making Fire: Everything Campfires” Section of the site. There we go over Tips, and techniques when handling fire, as well as safety concerns and so forth…
This Is Colt Signing Off!