Camping Panda
Nothing can compare to warming up near a campfire after you’ve been caught by a storm while exploring the outdoors. But what if your whole equipment – including matches – got soaked? If you don’t want to catch a cold, you’d better invest in weather-proof matches. These matches are easy to light up, even if they’re wet.
However, not all live up to expectations. To prevent disappointment, check out our rundown to find the best waterproof matches for you.
Waterproof
Is it submersible?
Weatherproof
is it wind resistant?
Burning time
Is it long burning?
Packaging
Is it well protected?
Usability
Is it easy to use?
Portability
Is it easy to carry?
Safety
Is it safe to use?
Striking surface
Is it durable?
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Hours Researched
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UCO is known for its quality matches, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the best waterproof matches around come from this brand. The Titan Stormproof Matches withstand all elements and diligently light up even under heavy rain.
Truly waterproof, they come in a box of 25 matches. Each match is over 4 inches long, providing sufficient burn time to light up wet leaves or tinder. The only downside is the packaging, but choosing a cardboard box keeps the cost low. Overall, an excellent choice for car camping as well as hiking or backpacking.
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The Waterproof & Windproof Matches by UCO come as an alternative to our best overall, catering to hikers and campers on a budget. They come in a pack of four, and are perfect for easy lighting of a campfire or wood camping stove.
Like the Titan, they come in boxes of 25. Each match has a burn time of 15 seconds, which is usually enough to start a fire. As you can expect, they work in all environments. Additional strikers are included in the pack, and overall, they are the best bet of those who don’t want to break the bank.
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Carrying sufficient matches for an extended backpacking adventure could be inconvenient sometimes. If that’s the case, you should check out the Swiss Safe Fire Starter. This 5-in-1 camping and survival tool does much more than lighting up a fire whenever needed.
The magnesium rod produces bright sparks for your fire, while the tool also boasts an emergency whistle and compass. A paracord keeps the striker and rod together, but it can also be used for other purposes. The fire starter comes in a pack of two, providing years of dependable use.
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If you like the Waterproof & Windproof Matches above, but would rather keep them in a waterproof case, then you’ll surely like the UCO Stormproof Match Kit. The matches included are the same as our best value, but they come in a solid plastic case.
Not only will they stay dry even in the heaviest rain, but the case also protects them from being crushed under the gear when thrown in a camping backpack.
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The Titan matches from UCO are an excellent choice for avid campers. Longer than the stormproof matches above, they are a great choice for bonfires or starting big campfires for larger gangs.
Like the Stormproof, they come in a convenient waterproof case. The kit includes 12 matches, three strikers, as well as the floatable plastic case with lanyard. You’ll have to pay for them, but they are undeniably worth every dime.
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The Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter is a great choice for avid campers who love to spend several days into the wilderness. The flint rod produces bright sparks, boasting a lifespan of around 15,000 strikes.
Fire starter apart, we also like that it’s multifunctional. The striker doubles as ruler, map scale, bottle opener, hex wrench, and tinder scraper. Furthermore, the rod and striker are held together by 48 inches of paracord.
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The Coghlan’s matches are not truly waterproof, but they are water resistant. You can use them even if damp, but their greatest strength is the fact that they have the size and functionality of the common matches.
They come in standard-sized boxes, fitting easily in a pants or shirt pocket. Each box contains 40 matches, and they come in a 4-box package 2-pack. These matches are portable and easy to store. No bells and whistles, yet a great choice for most camping and BBQ expeditions.
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If you have mixed feelings about the Stormproof matches by UCO, then you can opt for this 1-pack survival and emergency kit, rather than the 2-pack featured above. The matches are the same and bring the same performance, but at a more attractive price point.
The kit consists of a case of 25 matches that are easy to light even when wet. The box also contains three strikers, and comes with a watertight screw cap. Like we already said, the case floats and is easy to spot even in the dark. No doubt, a great choice if you want to give these matches a try without breaking the bank.
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Another entry from UCO, these windproof and waterproof survival matches are very similar tot to the Stormproof, but they are slightly shorter; thus, they also have a shorter burn time. Apart from that, they work in a very similar fashion.
You can expect them to light easily even when wet, and once they burn, they relight after being immersed in water. The waterproof case adds further value, and as most kits from the brand, this one comes with additional strikers. Affordable and dependable, they are a great choice for scouters and campers.
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Ending our list of best waterproof matches, another entry from UCO. These matches are similar to the Coghlan’s, in that they have the size and looks of the standard kitchen matches. However, they are waterproof, and even come in a water resistant box.
Delivered in a set of four boxes, these matches bring true value for money. Like all UCO matches, they burn in all conditions, even after they’ve been soaked in water. The only downside is the striker, which won’t work unless dry. That said, these matches are a bargain. An excellent choice for the casual campers.
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Waterproof matches aren’t that much different than regular matches, except for the special coating on the head of the match that keeps them dry even in high humidity conditions. When a regular match gets wet, the water interferes with the striking solution, making it difficult, if not impossible, to ignite. On the contrary, a waterproof match can be ignite even under a downpour.
Choosing the best waterproof match can be a hard task given the bountiful range of products on the market. Get a glimpse at what you should consider before buying, then find the right matches for you browsing our selection above.
One of the main questions campers ask before buying waterproof matches is what match length is best and what kind of storage container should they get.
As mentioned above, you can pick from mini matches, regular matches, and super-long matches. Long match sticks are more comfortable to use. Plus, it is also easy to start a fire with the longer type compared to shorter ones. For example, since some matches can burn up to 20 seconds, it is best to have a significant length to hold them for long, even without gloves.
Short Matches | Regular Matches | Extra-long Matches |
1 – 2 inches long | 2 – 2.5 inches long | 9 – 12 inches long |
EDC, lighting cigarettes | Starting camp fires, igniting camping stoves, etc. | Surviving situations, fire up grills and fireplaces, applications that need extra burning time |
When it comes to storage, you should consider those that come in hard cases made of plastic or resin rather than those in cardboard boxes. Although the matches are waterproof, keeping them into a watertight container ensure an extra layer of protection and usually gives you the ability to light up the match faster.
Waterproof matches do not automatically translate into windproof matches. Hence, you should look for this feature separately. If you are camping near a windy environment, look to buy a windproof fire starter or waterproof and windproof matches such as the UCO Windproof and Waterproof. If you don’t expect windy conditions but would still like the ability to light up a match if it rains, then you can stick with only the waterproof quality.
A sturdy striking surface will see you through a considerable number of match sticks without falling apart. However, sturdy doesn’t mean waterproof. One of the main mistakes campers make when buying waterproof matches is the striking surface’s ability to light a match if wet.
Although it would be logical to believe the striking surface is waterproof too, the reality often proves us wrong. Most waterproof matches come with striking surfaces that aren’t waterproof and that must be protected from moisture.
For this reason, we recommend that you look for surfaces concealed inside a storage case or that come in a separate waterproof bag.
Yes. Waterproof matches usually utilize a potassium chlorate tip that lights up even when it’s wet. This kind of tip also relights the match after immersion, as long as you don’t keep it underwater for more than a few seconds. However, most strikers are not waterproof, and have to be try to actually react with the tip and light up the match.
Waterproof matches work just like regular matches. The only difference between the two kinds is the composition of the tip. Waterproof matches are also covered in a thin, protective layer – usually wax, but not necessarily – that prevents water from damping them. Some brands also dip the matches in various chemicals that stay lit as long as they are in contact with oxygen.
Stormproof matches are made of wood, a coating, and a tip developed to light up and burn in strong wind and rain conditions.
No. Waterproof matches work like regular matches. You have to strike the tip against a striker to light them up. On the contrary, strike anywhere matches light up from friction against any rugged surface.
You can make waterproof matches at home by simply melting some wax and dipping regular matches in it. Let it drain, so you remain with a thin layer of wax on the matches, then store them away in a watertight box. Keep the striker away from water, and use these matches to start a fire in damp conditions.
