Once the sun goes down, being able to light your surroundings sufficiently becomes a major challenge.

Homemade torches are an awesome way to light your area and they are quick and easy to make.

If possible, try and use one of these three materials to ensure you have critical light when darkness sets in.

Birch Bark

Birch bark is a fantastic material to use in torches because it is easy to cut and wrap, and the oils within the skin are an excellent source of fuel. All you need is a few strips of bark that are two to three feet long along with some cordage to hold it in place. If you can’t find fresh and moist bark, you can soften drier strips in water before wrapping it around the end of your handle. However, you will also need to let the material dry before using the torch.

Pine Resin

Pine resin is a fantastic fuel source that will produce a longer lasting burn than birch bark, but this method requires a little bit of preparation. The first step is to gather the sticky sap from pine trees, cook it until it liquefies and then add some sawdust, powdered charcoal, mulch or small pieces of dried grass. This material will fortify the resin, giving it the ability to be molded while also helping to extend the burn time.

Fabric

You can also wrap strips of fabric around the end of the handle and douse it in a flammable liquid to create a fast and easy torch. However, its burn time will not be as long as the pine resin option. The type of fuel you are using will play a big role with how long the torch will burn. Try to use oily fuels as opposed to alcohol because they burn longer and slower. Petroleum jelly, shortening or candle wax will provide the longest lasting fuel.

Lighting your space after dark is a major challenge, especially if you are on the move.

One great way to address that is to use homemade torches.

By using easy-to-find materials, you can build a torch that will last as long as you need it to and if you build several, you can ensure that your immediate vicinity is well lit through the night.

For other ideas on building torches, please visit 101 Ways to Survive.