If you use paper or similar at the bottom, plenty of kindling and then your log(s) there's absolutely no need for firelighters.
We conciously keep envelopes, scrap paper, loo / kitchen roll tubes and they are ideal.
Get the temperature up then use your companion set to break the log into embers and just sit a bigger log ontop and close the vents a little the flames will roll and the logs burn slower and hot.
If it is very cold then you can sit some paper or a sheet of newspaper on top of your logs and light that it will help to warm the cold air in the burner / flue.