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Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel BIO Scout 2-in-1 Review

I have been a fan of the Swedish Fire Steels for a while and with very rare exceptions I will take this on all my overnight hikes. The Light My Fire Fire Steel uses a reasonably simple action, very much like lighting a match but in this case you strike the two components together to generate a high temperature spark when the stainless steel striker strikes the magnesium alloy bar. The Light My Fire FireSteel 2.0 Scout is the smaller of the two versions available from this company with the larger being the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel BIO Army 2-in-1. The only difference between the two is the size and weight. The larger Army version will last for around 12,000 strikes while the Scout version will last for around 3,000 strikes. For most hikers both these models are likely to last a lifetime, or as close as it gets.

A stereotype male here but I only tend to read the instructions when I really have to preferring to work it out by trial and error. And I must admit that it took a bit of fiddling to work out how best to create a spark. Once I did work it out I now manage to get a spark with 1-2 strikes even after a number of months without use. When I am doing a multi day trip and when I’m using it regularly I usually manage to get it on the first go. Having said that two strikes is often what it will take me to using a small cigarette lighter.

This smaller Scout version is getting well and truely into the ultralight category weighing in at 38 grams which is getting very close to the weight of a compact Bic lighter sitting at around 22 grams; however weight is not the only consideration here. This unit will create a spark in just about any environment or for that matter altitude. The FireSteel will also start when wet so you aren’t going to have to keep it dry in sopping wet conditions like you would if using matches. As an added bonus there is also a whistle built into the handle of this unit but I find that these days just about everything has a whistle so while it’s handy its not something that will entice me to purchase an item.

Now any product will have its negatives and the only one I can identify with the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel BIO Scout 2-in-1 (or the larger Army version for that matter) is that the spark direction (through user error) may go astray so if you are in an area that has a high fire danger you will need to ensure that you clear away any flammable material from your stove. In fact if I am still camping during period of high fire danger (providing there is not a Total Fire Ban) I will leave the fire steel at home and take a lighter with me as it’s easier to control.

We Like

• Not reliant on a fuel source, will last most hikers for many years
• Works in all weather
• Emergency whistle for those safety conscious hikers
• Not classed as dangerous goods so won’t be a problem when travelling

We Don't Like

• Make sure you clear the area around your stove before you generate a spark because if your aim is off you may unintentionally set something alight

Best Uses

• A weatherproof fire starter that will last for years

Buy One

You can purchase the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel BIO Scout 2-in-1 from from Wildfire Sports

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $27.90 RRP

Other Versions

• Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Army
  • The ‘Army’ is the larger version and has a life expectancy four times that of the Scout model

 

Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel BIO Scout 2-in-1 as purchased

Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel BIO Scout 2-in-1 out of the packet

Whistle in the handle

Multi purpose whistle in use

 

Tim starting his integrated gas stove with a fire steel. This video shows the the previous model (Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Army) which is the larger version but the technique is just the same

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased by Australian Hiker

Last updated

17 March 2024

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