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Guide to the Best Backpacking Axe and Hatchet
The process of choosing the best backpacking hatchet or axe can be a challenging task especially for those who are beginners in outdoor camping, woodcutting or chopping and for those who have had bad experiences in purchasing the wrong axe or hatchet.
In this post, we’ve compiled the list of the top best seven backpacking axes and hatchets you will find in 2020. This is targeted at helping you make the best choice. You will get a better understanding of the best backpacking axes and hatchets available, their features, pros, cons and which is going to be more suitable for you to use.
Quick Picks
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whether you are searching for an axe or hatchet for your outdoor camping activities, backpacking, trekking, DIY projects or your everyday yard work, we are fully convinced that you will find the perfect one to suit your need. You must ensure that you have a legitimate and legal reason/backing for seeking to buy a backpacking axe or hatchet.
There are different brands, models and designs out there and choosing the right one can be a bit challenging. This is where this guide comes to play. We have taken so many factors into consideration; hence all the products featured here are streamlined to fit into your choices and preferences.
The basis of selection differs, but we’ve tried as much as possible to keep everything simple and straightforward. There are different designs and specific features that make each product different from the other. All of these factors guided our selection. Furthermore, we also included a buyer’s guide at the end to help you know the factors to consider before making your choice.
Sit back, relax and continue reading till the end.
The 7 Best Backpacking Axes and Hatchets of 2020
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. SOG Outdoor Survival Hatchet and Tactical Tomahawk
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This classic tactical Tomahawk and survival Hatchet has a cool design that makes it attractive and appealing to the eyes. It is lightweight (19.5 ounces), thus making it a perfect choice as a high-performance backpacking hatchet. It comes with a 3-inch blade that is razor-sharp and chops both small & medium sized logs perfectly. The versatility of this backpacking hatchet is what makes it stand out; the multifunctional head has both a hammering head and a nail puller. It also comes with a ferro rod fire starter. This hatchet is a perfect blend of solid performance and robust construction.
Pros
- Very sharp blade
- It is very versatile.
- Portable and lightweight
- It is durable (of stainless steel construction)
Cons
- The fire starter rod breaks easily.
2. Zippo Axe Saw
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Zippo Axe Saw is the best when it comes to backcountry versatility. The brand is well-known for its top-notch lighters and outdoor gears. The Zippo 4-in-1 Axe Saw is 20 inches long and its the largest backpacking axe on this list. Its versatility is second to none. It comes with a 5- inch stainless steel blade embedded in a long-lasting polymer handle that also houses a 15-inch bow saw blade. The axe saw has a simple design that consists of a heavy-duty tent stake mallet and tent stake puller, which makes it a perfect choice for campsite tasks.
Pros
- It has a dual function safety sheath and handle
- Self-adjusting and camp tension compensation
- It is quite portable
Cons
- It doesn’t spark
3. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This backpacking hatchet is one of the lightest hatchets for outdoor camping and wood chopping. It has a super-sharp blade with low friction coating giving you cleaner cuts with less energy. The hatchet has a firm and robust construction. The fibre handle is indestructible, and the axe head fits into the shaft firmly (there is no way the axe head can be separated from the shaft during use)
Pros
- Very portable and lightweight
- Two-handed operation with the 14-inch handle
- The blade is very sharp
- It is well balanced for maximum power to weight ratio
- The bottom of the axe head can be used as a hammer
Cons
- It is not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- It is not full tang
4. SOG Camp Axe
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The SOG Camp Axe is one of the best camping axes that comes with a Hatchet Hammerhead. It is suitable for all categories of camp woodworks. It is one of the best for hiking and camping. It also has a sheath and overstrike protector made of stainless steel which makes it highly durable. The camp axe also comes with a nylon blade cover that prevents it from cutting through your backpack.
Pros
- It comes with its own sheath
- It is both a hammer axe and wood hatchet
- The axe is durable and portable
Cons
- The sheath does not last long.
5. iunio Camping Axe, Hatchet with Sheath
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is another awesome backpacking axe we cannot help but mention. It is a collection of multi-tools that can be used for different tasks like breaking windows/glass, wilderness navigation, building shelters, and lots more. The usefulness cannot be overemphasized; it is only limited by your imagination. The beautiful part is that you do not need to be a pro to benefit from its multiple uses.
Pros
- It is a perfect gift idea
- The tool comes with a protective sheath
- The hatchet is durable
- Adjustable length handle
Cons
- Not suitable for survival environment
6. Schrade SCAXE2 Stainless Steel Small Axe
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Schrade SCAXE2 is a perfect choice for those looking for an excellent small hatchet that is both reliable and dependable for breaking rocks, wooden stakes, or pummelling nails. It comes with a ferro rod which makes it one of the most shock-absorbing axes on this list. One of the most significant features that customer’s comment is the splitting and chopping power of the blade. If you are searching for an easy-to-use axe that will chop your wood in one blow, then you need to get the Schrade SCAXE2 Axe.
Pros
- Durable
- Safe & Secure
- Highly Dependable
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- It cannot be used as a hammer.
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This excellent survival axe is a perfect choice for folks who want a reliable and dependable backpacking axe. The Bear Grylls brand is known for high-quality products. The compact and lightweight construction of this camp axe are commendable. To be frank, this survival camp axe is one of the best you can find out there. It is portable and weighs up to 20.8 ounces and has a length of 9.46”. You can always rely on the super sharp blade for splitting smaller pieces of woods.
Pros
- Assures excellent grip with the rubber handle
- Razor-sharp blade
- Durable (full-tang stainless steel construction)
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- It is not perfect for chopping thicker logs.
Best Backpacking Hatchet and Axe Buyer’s Guide and FAQ
Buying the best backpacking axe can be a tough decision to make. Once you place an order, it may be hard to return it even if you don’t like it in the long run. Therefore, you must take your time to make the best selection. Here are some of the factors you need to consider to help you select the best backpacking hatchet that will suit your need.
Balance
The way/manner the weight of the head balances with the shaft and handle affects the way the hatchet will feel in your hand. You must ensure that you purchase a well-balanced hatchet. This is because it will guarantee maximum force and good speed. A curved shaft will help to produce a maximum effect by positioning your hand below the cutting edge.
Length
In choosing the best backpacking hatchet, size matters. Shorter and single hand hatchets are more suitable for chopping smaller pieces of wood. Hatchets with longer shafts are mostly heavier and are generally not easy to pack.
Sharpness
This is one factor you need to consider before choosing any backpacking axe. The sharper the blade, the easier your work. Go for the ones with a stainless-steel blade. They have been proven to be more durable.
Weight/Size
While you might prefer a hatchet that is lightweight and easy to carry, you must know that it comes with a cost. The lighter the head of the hatchet is, the more force and energy you must apply to get the work done. Similarly, a reduced handle length means a reduced axe head power and speed. This means you will also need to apply more energy to chop off the wood. The best thing to do is to target a hatchet within the 9” to 12” range.
Multi-Use
Most of the best backpacking hatchets are designed with additional features, offering other uses than just chopping wood. Some come with a hammering surface or fire starter incorporated in the hatchet to provide versatility. A sharp hatchet can be used for precise carving too. Some others have finger cut-outs that can be used as a big knife. Consider these features before making a purchase, they might come in handy in the future.
Conclusion
Backpacking axes and hatchets come in different designs and are well suited for various applications. The one you get to choose depends on your need, choice and preference. With the information we have provided about each product, we believe you will make the right choice.
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