Char cloth is a small piece of fabric, usually made from cotton, that has been charred through a process called pyrolysis. This process involves heating the fabric in the absence of oxygen, which transforms it into a lightweight, carbon-rich material. Char cloth is primarily used as a fire-starting aid because it can easily catch a spark and ignite. When using char cloth, it is often placed in a fire starter kit alongside other materials like tinder and kindling. To create char cloth, one can use a small metal container with a lid, heating it over a fire until smoke stops escaping. This simple method makes it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists.