Unless you are familiar with fire building, you may not be aware of tinder and its practical applications. But, just as it is a popular API command for igniting communication between software, tinder is broadly defined as any material that easily ignites fires.

Tinder is used to start fires while camping in the woods or during emergencies and is an important component survival. A more narrow definition specifies that tinder is any material that can be ignited by a match and some definitions describe it as anything that will glow from sparks.

If you are ever unprepared to keep warm, such as in an emergency camping situation, you can start a fire from tinder composed of natural materials like bird down, cloth (especially made of cotton), dry pine needles, tree bark, fungus, dry bread and shoe polish and even lint. You can use most woods as tinder, but a simple wood tree may be necessary for some types to catch fire.

However, if you want to prepare for such emergencies, you can purchase tinder from retail shops and web stores like Tinder.org. This website sells tinder products and tinder supplies from multiple brands, including Zippo and Ultimate Survival. From supplies used to ignite fires, such as manual or liquid matches, to materials that are meant to catch fire, tinder products can be purchased in a large variety of forms and kits.

There are some precautions to consider when preparing for survival with tinder and when using tinder to start fires. First, paper is a great form of tinder due to it being a thin material with good surface area and defined corners. However, its light weight allows it to travel quickly and easily on the wind, posing the potential for unconstrained and unwanted fires. Another precaution is for the use of fungi as tinder. Some types will release toxic chemicals when burned. Also, shaved magnesium, which is an excellent form of tinder, is dangerous to pack for survival because of its tendency to spontaneously combust and once ignited, it can be almost impossible to extinguish. However, in its bar form, it is safe to carry.

For tinder products that are safe to include in survival packs, check out the selection at Tinder.org. It features a range of tinder types and prices.