Best Matches for Backpacking of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Matches are an essential item for any backpacker looking to start a fire quickly and easily. Whether it's for cooking or staying warm, matches can provide a reliable source of flame in any weather condition. There are a variety of matches available for backpackers, including waterproof and windproof options. Some matches even come with a built-in striker, making them even more convenient to use. It's important to always pack matches in a waterproof container to ensure they stay dry and usable in case of emergency. Overall, matches are a must-have item for any backpacker looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Coghlan's Windproof Storm Matches Cover #TOP 1
Coghlan's Windproof Storm Matches
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Black Beard Fire Weatherproof Matches Cover #TOP 2
Black Beard Fire Weatherproof Matches
ftb score rating icon 9.7
UCO Waterproof Safety Matches Cover #TOP 3
UCO Waterproof Safety Matches
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Matches for Backpacking

#TOP 1

Coghlan's Windproof Storm Matches

1170
Multi
One Size
Coghlan's Windproof Storm Matches Cover
Coghlan's Windproof Storm Matches, 20-Count

Coghlan's Windproof Storm Matches are essential gear for camping, backpacking, backcountry treks, and more. These matches burn in heavy wind and even while wet, which makes them NATO approved. The match head burns for 10 seconds, and they come in a waterproof tub with two striker surfaces.

What We Like
Burns in heavy wind and even while wet
NATO approved
Match head burns for 10 seconds
Waterproof tub with two striker surfaces
Affordable
#TOP 2

Black Beard Fire Weatherproof Matches

Black Beard Fire Weatherproof Matches Cover
Black Beard Fire Weatherproof Matches | 20 Matches, 3 Strikers, Waterproof Tube | Perfect for Hiking, Backpacking, Bushcraft, Campfires and Emergency Survival Kits

The Black Beard Fire Weatherproof Matches are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, bushcraft, campfires, and emergency survival kits. These matches are easy to start with a quick strike on the striker pad and provide 20 seconds of fire burning goodness. They are waterproof, windproof, and failproof, perfect for extreme backpackers and campers, everyday hikers or anyone who wants to stay warm. Additionally, they have a 5-year shelf life when stored in their waterproof container.

What We Like
Easy to start with a quick strike on the striker pad
Each match provides 20 seconds of fire burning goodness
Waterproof, windproof, and failproof, perfect for extreme outdoor activities
#TOP 3

UCO Waterproof Safety Matches

UCO
MT-WAT-4PK
Multi-Color
One Size
UCO Waterproof Safety Matches Cover
UCO Waterproof Safety Matches with Water-Resistant Box and Striker (Pack of 4)

This pack of 4 UCO Waterproof Safety Matches is perfect for outdoor activities and emergency situations. With 40 premium waterproof matches per box, you can start a fire even after being soaked in water. The carbonized match stick ensures safer fire starting. The matches come with a water-resistant box and strikers, making them ideal for camping, backpacking, outdoor bbqs, marine use, and more.

What We Like
Premium waterproof coating ensures matches can burn even after being soaked in water.
Carbonized match stick provides safer fire starting.
Comes with a water-resistant box and strikers.
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the use of matches in camping?

Matches Have Built-In Kindling But even if you don't, it's reassuring to know that each match offers its own small stick of built-in kindling. The wood each matchstick is made of actually adds a small amount of wood to your fire. That can be crucial in its early stages when the flame is just getting going.

2. Why are matches important for survival?

However, for general use in normal conditions, a lighter is superior. If possible, both types should be carried in a survival pack. While a lighter is an essential part of your gear when traversing the wilderness, matches have their niche in a survivalist pack as they fill a need when a lighter can fail.

3. Is there such thing as waterproof matches?

Stormproof Matches are windproof, waterproof, light up quickly and consistently in driving rain, heavy winds, and falling snow with a burn time of up to 15 seconds-plus they will relight after being submerged in water.

4. How long do waterproof matches last?

Storing safety matches in a waterproof container will extend their useable life to about 2 to 3 years. Stormproof matches will last much longer than this if stored unprotected, more like 2 to 3 years, but if they are stored correctly in a waterproof container, they can last for decades.

Editor's Notes

During our match for backpacking research, we found 24 match for backpacking products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,918 customer reviews through our big data system to write the matches for backpacking list. We found that most customers choose matches for backpacking with an average price of $10.66.

The matches for backpacking are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of matches for backpacking, including Coghlan's, Black Beard Fire Starter, UCO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 416 consumers with an average rating of 2.8.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.