REVIEW: Bushcraft Essentials Fire Pump

Bushcraft Essentials (BE) has a fire pump. What is that? First of all, a strange word. With the fire pump, air is heated so strongly by pressure that it ignites tinder. Although, the principle is not entirely new. The pneumatic lighter was invented in the 18th century. However, it did not become very popular among the population, as there were simpler methods for making fire in daily life.

The fire pump consists roughly of a dense hollow cylinder and a piston that is driven into the pump by hand pressure. A piece of tinder attached to the front of the piston starts to glow through the compressed, heated air. Carefully ignite a larger nest of loosened tinder and the fire is ready!

However, the pros at BE have thought even further: an absolutely waterproof tinder container and a fire steel for emergencies have been integrated into the pump. So nothing can go wrong on the tour anymore.
BE has already left a little surprise in the tinder container: Char Cord. Char Cord? This is charred cotton cord that starts to glow again at the slightest spark. So to speak, the charcoal among the tinder and perfect for the fire pump. So you can start making fire right away.

Three test strokes were enough for us to ignite the Char Cord. So the principle works immediately. If something should still break on this very robust piece, it can only be a seal of the piston, for which 4 spare seals were included.

CONCLUSION: A cool, classy gadget with practical added value from Bushcraft Essentials. CNC-milled, black aluminum upgrades every outdoor set. A cool alternative to the fire steel.

You can find the Bushcraft Essentials Fire Pump at ASMC for Euro 39.90.

BUSHCRAFT ESSENTIALS on the Internet: www.bushcraft-essentials.com