There are plenty of different techniques out there, but after extensive research and a bit of practice, we’ve become fans of the “Upside Down” fire-building technique. Made popular by efficiency hacking god Tim Ferriss, this technique flies in the face of traditional teepee-style methods and builds with the larger logs on the bottom and the starter on top. This method works well both indoors and out, and ultimately burns longer and with less smoke thanks to its inverted build. Here’s how to do it right.
- Start with the largest logs first on the bottom. Keep them as close together as possible.
- Add smaller or split logs on top.
- Next, add the kindling on top of your log pile.
- Top with crumpled newspaper strips or other tinder.
- Light your starter squares or tinder and place on top of the rest of your tinder.
- Let it burn baby!
Now it’s time to exercise a little patience, it will take about 20 minutes for the fire to get going. Check in every so often to make sure it’s burning, but don’t mess with it too much. Once it does get going, you can kick back, admire your handiwork and give yourself a self high-five, you crushed it. Hey, maybe even pour yourself a drink, you earned it.