Have you ever crouched next to a struggling campfire, waving a hand or hat at it to try and coax it to life? We’ve all done that a time or two, I’m sure. What if I told you there was a better way? The fire bellows deserves a place in your kit.
What is a Fire Bellows?
Not every fire will start easily. Sometimes, even if they do start quickly, they falter after a short while. The point is that you may need to help it along. Just pushing air toward the fire with your hand or something isn’t effective. Most of that air will be blocked by the fire lay itself. A fire bellows lets you direct that air exactly where it’s needed most.
Fire Bellows Origin
I first learned about this tool from John McCann, author of Build the Perfect Survival Kit (2nd edition). Back in the day, you’d use the antenna from an old portable radio. Take the antenna off the radio, snip both ends, and you can create a hollow tube that you can expand and retract.
Over time, a few companies began producing purpose-built fire bellows. They were often longer and wider than a radio antenna, allowing for greatly increased air flow.
Fire Bellows Use
These are very simple to use. You just extend the bellows to its full length, then point the narrow end at the base of the fire. That’s where the air is really needed. Then, blow into the larger end. You may be surprised at just how effective this method of fire lighting can be.
When you’re using it, the length will help keep your face a short distance from the fire. But be wary of flare-ups anyway. In some cases, it doesn’t take much for the fire to come roaring to life.
Part of the beauty of a fire bellows like this is that it shrinks back down to an easily packable size when you’re done. The one I currently use is made by Epiphany Outdoor Gear. Closed, it measures just 3.75 inches long. But it extends to a full 19 inches.
Survival Resources Modification
Until he recently retired, McCann owned and ran a company called Survival Resources. They were an online supplier of a wide range of gear, some of it designed by him. One of them was an innovative twist on the fire bellows, which he called a Fire Blowing Tube. It consisted of the standard sort of expandable metal tube, but with a length of flexible rubber tubing attached to the large end.
What this did was increase the distance between the fire and your face. You’d blow into the rubber tube while pointing the bellows at the fire.
Unfortunately, I’m not aware of any other companies selling this modified sort of setup. But I’m sure you could source a length of tubing yourself to add to the fire bellows. Just measure the bellows so you get the right diameter tubing. While the product itself is no longer available, a video he did showcasing the Fire Blowing Tube is still available.
The fire bellows is a valued piece of my fire kit. I use it quite often when we’re camping or even just roasting marshmallows in the backyard.
