Lighting a fire has been an essential part of outdoors survival throughout history. From early humans discovering fire through natural sources like lightning strikes to learning how to harness and control it, fire has been crucial for warmth, cooking, protection and even socialising around the campfire. It has meant the difference between survival and peril, whether used for cooking meals, warding off wildlife or simply staying warm during long nights in the wilderness.

Starting a fire, however, wasn’t always an easy feat. Early methods included rubbing sticks together or striking rocks to create sparks. Over time, fire-starting techniques evolved – friction-based methods, fire drills, and tools like flint and steel made it more efficient. These advancements allowed early humans to adapt to harsher environments, ensuring they could keep warm, forge tools and thrive in the wild.

In today’s world, fire still plays a vital role in camping, hunting and other outdoor activities. Whether you’re trekking through the wilderness or back in camp, being able to start a fire quickly and reliably is key. Enter the Zippo Firefast Torch, a modern tool that combines convenience and performance. Whether in rainy, windy conditions or during a tough stretch in the bush, this butane-powered torch stands as a reliable fire-starting solution for hunters and adventurers alike.

We’ve tested the Firefast Torch during several trips in some challenging environments – wind, rain and cold. Where traditional methods might fail, the Firefast Torch never let us down. The compact design (weighing only 136g) makes it easy to carry in a backpack or survival kit, yet its reliability ensures that you’ll always have a flame when needed. Unlike regular lighters or matches, the Firefast Torch is windproof, making it a top choice for unpredictable weather conditions.

Another notable feature is the adjustable flame. Whether you’re starting a campfire, lighting a stove or needing a focused flame for a specific task, the ability to control the flame’s intensity comes in handy. The butane fuel also offers a longer burn time, so you won’t run out of fuel during extended trips.

Safety is also a key consideration. The Firefast Torch comes with a palm lock ignition to prevent accidental activation, which is especially important in a hunting environment where the last thing you want is a flame igniting in your bag. While this requires some effort to activate, it’s a necessary safety feature, also preventing activation from children.

When it comes to power and performance, the Zippo Firefast Torch excels. With its patented ignition system, it lights quickly and burns intensely, reaching temperatures of up to 1300C. It’s perfect for lighting fires, soldering or even thawing frozen gear. The only thing to note is that it doesn’t come pre-filled with butane, but you can easily find it at hardware stores for about $6. The Zippo Firefast Torch retails for $75.95, though you can often find it for around $40-$50 if you shop around – terrific value for such a reliable piece of gear.

Fuelling the fire back at camp after a long day out in the bush is just as important. When we were ready to cook, we used Zippo Tinder Shreds to get our fire going faster. These water-resistant, quick-lighting starters burn strong for up to eight minutes, making it easy to get a fire going even when conditions are less than ideal. We were impressed by how quickly they caught and how much heat they produced, allowing us to get our logs burning and our meal cooking in no time.

Zippo Tinder Shreds come in a resealable bag containing 15 natural pine and paraffin starters for around $20. They’re lightweight, wind-resistant, and won’t leave behind any unpleasant smells or smoke that could ruin your food or campsite. For those in the great outdoors who want to make fire-starting as easy as possible, these are a must-have addition to any pack.

Whether you’re looking to start a fire for warmth, cooking or safety, the Zippo Firefast Torch and Tinder Shreds offer the reliability and efficiency needed in the toughest conditions.

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