Fatwood, A Trusted Resource for Campfires and Survival
When it comes to survival camping and bushcraft, few natural resources are as reliable as fatwood. For centuries, outdoorsmen have prized this resin-rich wood for its ability to catch fire quickly and burn hot, even in the worst weather. Whether you’re in the backwoods after a storm or simply teaching campcraft skills, fatwood is one of those “always carry if you can” fire starters.
What is Fatwood?
Fatwood is the resin-saturated heartwood of pine trees, usually found in old stumps, roots, or at the base of fallen trunks where the tree’s natural pitch has pooled. The resin acts like nature’s kerosene—it’s water-resistant, sticky, and flammable. Unlike regular wood, which can be damp or stubborn to light, fatwood will catch a spark or flame with little effort and keep burning long enough to get your fire going strong.
Key Properties:
Water-Resistant: Resin protects it from moisture, so it lights even in wet conditions.
Highly Flammable: Ignites quickly from a spark or flame.
Hot and Long Burn: Burns hotter than most dry tinder, making it excellent for starting bigger logs.
Natural Resource: No need for chemical fire starters—this is 100% nature-made.
A Bit of History
Fatwood has been used for centuries around the world. Sailors kept sticks of it on ships to light lanterns and stoves at sea. In the Appalachian mountains, pioneers often called it “lighter knot” or “rich lighter.” Today, bushcrafters and survivalists value it for the same reason—it simply works when other options fail.
How to Collect Fatwood
You don’t need to cut down a healthy tree to find it. Instead, look for old pine stumps, deadfall, or roots:
Stumps and Roots: Resin gathers in these areas after a tree falls, saturating the wood.
Base of Trunks: Chop into the bottom of a dead pine—if the wood is golden, heavy, and smells like pine sap, you’ve struck fatwood.
Splitting and Shaving: Once collected, split small sticks or shave thin curls with your knife to create feather sticks that take a spark easily.
Using Fatwood in the Field
Shave Feather Sticks: Create thin curls and light them with a ferro rod.
Small Splinters: Break off pieces to use as kindling.
Torch Material: Larger sticks of fatwood can even be lit as torches.
Mix with Other Tinder: Combine with dry grass, birch bark, or cotton for a fast-starting fire bundle.
Why Every Outdoorsman Should Carry It
When conditions are wet, windy, or cold, having fatwood on hand can mean the difference between comfort and a dangerous night without fire. It’s a renewable, natural, and time-tested resource that turns any fire-starting challenge into a sure success.
Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.
