Trail Tip Friday: How to Start a Fire in Damp Weather

The Situation

You’ve hiked into camp and the rain hasn’t let up. A fire isn’t just cozy now—it’s warmth, morale, and hot food. Here’s how to make it happen in damp conditions.

Four Steps to a Reliable Fire in the Wet

1) Start Smart with Waterproof Tinder

• Cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly (pack in a tiny zip bag).
• Dryer lint stored in a waterproof pouch.
• Natural birch bark (high in oils, catches even when damp).

Pro move: Pre-pack a few tinder starters before you leave. They weigh almost nothing and save the day when weather turns.

2) Make Feather Sticks

Use a knife to shave thin curls from damp sticks until you reach dry inner wood. The curls ignite quickly and help your kindling catch.

3) Build a Raised Fire Base

Wet ground will kill a weak flame. Stack a small lattice of dry sticks to lift your fire off the soil. Add kindling above it, then your tinder.

4) Shield and Feed

Use your body, pack, or a rock as a windbreak. Start small, then feed dry(ish) pencil-thick twigs. Keep bigger fuel warming near (not in) the flame so moisture flashes off before you add it.

Gear That Helps When It’s Wet

• Camp Kitchen Collection — kettles, pots, and windshields that make hot meals fast once the fire’s going.
• Trailblazer-Ready Bundles — pre-built kits that pair fire starting with cook gear to save time and weight.

Safety Reminders

• Use existing fire rings where possible. Clear leaves and duff to mineral soil.
• Keep water nearby. Never leave a fire unattended.
• Cold-out test: drown, stir, and feel—no heat, no smoke, no embers.

Quick Checklist (Copy & Save)

• Waterproof tinder (pre-made)
• Ferro rod or stormproof matches
• Pocket saw/knife for feather sticks
• Fire base sticks (dry) + windbreak plan