Hollywood makes torch-making look incredibly easy. A hero grabs an old bone, wraps it in a rag, lights it up, and suddenly has a blazing beacon that lasts for the entire movie.
In reality, making a torch that is safe, bright, and long-lasting is much harder than it looks. Primitive torches made from bark strips or rope often fail dangerously, dropping chunks of burning debris that leave a fiery trail behind you. If you don't have the right wick, you risk burning down the woods rather than lighting your way.
However, there is a foolproof recipe for a high-quality survival torch, and the secret ingredient is likely sitting in your bathroom right now.
The Secret Ingredient: Toilet Paper
While primitive survivalists often struggle to find natural plant fibers that hold a flame without disintegrating, modern toilet paper is the perfect wick. It absorbs fuel efficiently and burns steadily when compacted. Combined with cooking oil and a green stick, you can create a torch that is safer and brighter than traditional primitive methods.
Materials You Will Need
- One Green Stick: Approximately 1 inch in diameter and 2 feet long.
- Toilet Paper: About 50 feet (any brand will do).
- Cooking Oil: 4 ounces of any vegetable, canola, or olive oil.
- Container: A cup or bowl to hold the oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Select the Right Stick
Safety starts with your handle. You must use "green wood"—a stick cut from a living tree that still has moisture in it. If you use dead, dry wood, the handle itself will catch fire. This can cause the burning head of the torch to snap off, roll away, and start a wildfire. A green stick resists burning and keeps the fire contained to the head.
2. Wrap the "Wick"
Take your toilet paper and begin winding it around one end of the green stick. Don't just wrap it flat; spin the paper as you wrap so that it resembles a rope. This tight winding creates a dense fuel source. Continue wrapping until you have used about 50 feet of paper. Tuck the loose end into the bundle to secure it.
- Visual Check: When finished, your torch should look like a giant Q-tip.
3. Soak in Fuel
Dip the paper-covered end of your torch into the cup of cooking oil. Let it soak for a solid 1 to 2 minutes. You want the oil to saturate the paper thoroughly, as it is the oil that burns, not just the paper.
4. Light It Up
Using a lighter or a campfire, ignite the oiled head. Because the oil is dense, it won't catch aggressively like gasoline. It will take about 30 seconds of steady flame to get the torch going. Once lit, the entire head will be engulfed in a stable, bright flame.
Expected Burn Time
This simple design is surprisingly efficient. On average, this torch will burn for about 20 minutes, giving you ample time to explore a cave, signal for help, or light up a campsite luau.
Safety Warning
Torches are open flames and inherently dangerous. Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Drop Hazard: Unlike flashlights, torches drop ash and can drip hot oil. Keep it away from dry leaves and gear.
- Extinguish: Have a plan to put the fire out immediately if needed (a bucket of water or loose dirt/sand).
Final Thoughts
Survival skills aren't always about using primitive tools; sometimes they are about using what you have available in a smart way. This toilet paper torch is a perfect example of improvisation—turning everyday waste and kitchen supplies into a functional, life-saving tool.