What is Char Cloth and Why is it Useful?
Char cloth is a type of tinder, made by heating organic material, usually pieces of old clothing, for a long period of time. This decomposes the stuff, and you’re left with black tinder that catches a spark easily and burns hot, for a long time. Of all the stuff you need to start a fire, tinder is the hardest to find in the wild so it’s always advisable to find or prepare it beforehand and to keep some on you. Making char cloth out of old clothing is also a good way to recycle it.
What You'll Need
- natural material
- metal tin with a small hole in the top
- a small campfire or burner
How to Make It
Step 1
Cut up your material and put it in the tin. Don’t pack it too lightly.
Step 2:
Build your fire or switch on your stove. Put the tin on it and, as your material decomposes, you’ll see steam coming out through the small hole you made in the top. This is the moisture and impurities escaping.
Step 3:
Build your fire or switch on your stove. Put the tin on it and, as your material decomposes, you’ll see steam coming out through the small hole you made in the top. This is the moisture and impurities escaping.
Step 4:
When the steam stops coming out, it should be done. Don’t open the tin until it’s cooled: the quick intake of oxygen might set your char cloth alight. Remember to keep your char cloth dry.