Fire Starter

Gerber Fire Starter is a camping and survival tool that puts a way to light a fire and a way to call for help on one lanyard. A ferrocerium rod and a metal striker clip together into a compact handle, the rod's body hides a water-resistant store for tinder, and an orange 100 decibel whistle hangs off the cord. At 74 g and 11.9 cm long, it clips to a pack strap or keyring and is ready when the matches are damp.

What it is

A ferro rod fire starter with a built-in tinder compartment and an emergency whistle, joined by a lanyard so the pieces stay together.

Who it's for

Bushwalkers, campers and anyone building a small emergency kit. It earns its place as the backup that does not run out of gas or go soggy, on a weekend in the Lamington rainforest as much as a long walk in Tasmania. Day walkers get the whistle as a signalling tool even if they never light a fire. If you already carry a ferro rod and a whistle separately, this simply combines them; if you carry neither, it is the place to start.

Key details

• Ferrocerium rod and metal striker: scrape the striker firmly down the rod to throw hot sparks into your tinder.
• Tinder storage: an IPX4 water-resistant compartment, rated against splashing water, keeps cotton wool or fine tinder dry in a wet pack.
• 100 decibel whistle: built into the lanyard cord for signalling.
• Lanyard: holds the rod, striker and whistle together for carrying and storage.
• Size: 11.9 cm long and 74 g.
• Warranty: 25 year limited warranty from Gerber.

Looking after it

Refill the tinder compartment after each use so it is never empty when you need it, and keep the lid closed so the seal stays clean. Wipe the rod and striker dry after a wet trip. Before you strike a spark anywhere, check local fire restrictions and total fire ban days.