Going camping is one of the best ways of unwinding and reconnecting with yourself and nature. Whether you intend to go with friends or alone, prep well to get an alluring experience. An axe and hatchet should be on top of your to-carry list of camping accessories. These two versatile tools will come in when you need to chop wood to start a fire, clear branches around the camping site or even fall trees.
The Best Axes and Hatchets for Camping & Survival
Due to the many options available, most people find it challenging to decide which ones are the best. Not anymore; we scoured the internet, and here are the eight best axes and hatchets for camping in the market.
Sportsman’s Axe
Choosing between the hatchet and the axe? It can be hard to know which one to take with you, but there’s one that’s just right. The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe comes in two sizes at 14 inches and 24 inches and is a good option for most wood chopping tasks.
This one-piece, tool-grade steel construction is ultra-durable and holds the edge really well. The lacquered leather handle is our favorite, but it needs a little sanding when you get it. The included nylon sheath ensures the blade stays wrapped while you’re on the go.
Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
Gerber makes it easier to take your hatchet with you, thanks to the Pack Hatchet. This hatchet weighs just 1.3 pounds and measures 10 inches or less, so it’ll easily fit in any bug-out bag or backpack.
The stainless steel handle provides a secure grip and is extra durable. A fixed blade knife is a viable alternative to a hatchet for camping. However, we find the hatchet more practical for certain tasks. The fingers’ grip groove may seem strange initially, but it provides a stable base to cut wood.
Gränsfors Small Forest Axe
For over 100 years, Gränfors Bruks has been producing axes that have withstood the test of time. They are made with Swedish craftsmanship and hold a rich family history. Attention to detail, sustainability, and use of top-quality material are some of the highlights that give this axe an upper hand in the market.
Gränsfors Small Forest Axe is ideal for not only felling and trimming trees as you prepare your camping site. These axes from Gränfors Bruks were made with care and are guaranteed to last generations. The small forest axe features a carbon-steel head, a hickory handle, and a vegetable-tanned sheath.
Wood Chogan Tomahawk Axe
When you want a hefty tool but don’t need it for complex tasks, the CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe is precisely what you’re looking for. This 19-inch axe is surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry at just over two pounds.
The opposite-angled head lets you use the hammerhead side when cutting down trees and building shelters and the other blade for tasks that require more power like crushing rocks or finishing logs to make them easier to transport. Now you can get the best of both worlds with one functional axe.
Chogan Tomahawk axe’s forged carbon steel blade is tough and sharp. You can buy replacement handles directly from the company at a competitive price. The company also offers a lifetime warranty that covers all material defects.
Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Fiskars is best known for providing a whole range of hatchets (or axes) that are perfect for camping. They offer both medium and large tools, which have a lot of variation in size, so you’ll be able to find one to suit you. The Fiskars X7 is an excellent choice for a medium-sized tool sitting between the hatchet and axe.
It is only 16.5 inches long and ideal for both medium and light-duty tasks such as preparing to kindle and curling wood. Its power-to-weight ratio is unparalleled, making it suitable for camping and home use.
Hultan Trekking Outdoor Hatchet
With an 18th-century history and Swedish hand-forging, there’s no doubt that Hultafors produce some of the most functional, durable, and affordable camping hatchets.
The Hultan Trekking Outdoor Hatchet is an heirloom-quality hatchet with a sharp blade, and a hickory wood handle treated with linseed oil. It has a sturdy leather sheath to protect it from harsh outdoor conditions. The sheath enhances its aesthetic value and makes it ideal for camping and trekking expeditions.
You can use this hatchet for a wide array of tasks. It is nearly 15 inches long and has a weight of 1.1 pounds, making it perfect for light-duty jobs like splitting firewood or building shelters – all but the most intense work. It’s also a bit pricy compared to other hatchets on this list, but it does come with a lifetime warranty!
Shrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet
Shrade SCAXE10 is a middle-range hatchet with a compact and lightweight design. At only 11.1 inches long, you can count on it to make cutting trees and preparing firewood a breeze. The full tang design offers immense grip when chopping wood or felling trees.
The blade is firmly secured to the ergonomic black rubber grip, so rest assured that it won’t slip out when you’re chopping wood. This hatchet only weighs 5.9 ounces, so you can easily tug it in your backpack. The plastic blade sheath covers the entire blade, thus enhancing safety when on the go.
Adler 1919 Rheinland Hatchet
This little hatchet has a design reminiscent of the Harper’s Ferry models and is built in Germany. It features a traditional shape with a flared base, extended blade, and tapered blade profile. The
The head is very well seated on the handle, made from indestructible American hickory. The design is thoughtfully crafted, delivering a level of elegance, precision, and strength required for simple tasks such as chopping wood and climbing trees.
The head weighs around 1.35lbs (600g) and which is a major advantage when working with logs. It can chip away at small logs and branches while being able to spin through relatively thick logs and branches quickly.
Apart from splitting wood, you can use the back side of the head to harmer the tent pegs on the ground. This hatchet is compact and will easily fit anywhere. The head guard is made of high-quality leather and adequately covers the bit. The steel is high-quality and comes with a newly honed edge which sharpens up easily with a circular whetstone.
One key point to note when shopping for a camping hatchet is that the shorter the handle, the lower the cutting power. If you need more cutting power, consider the Canoe Axe from Rheinland. It has a more extended shift and the same sturdy stainless steel head.
What is the Difference between a Camping Axe and a Hatchet?
Most outdoor living enthusiasts use the words’ axe and hatchet interchangeably. There are glaring differences even though they are both ideal for chopping wood and climbing trees.
The axe has a longer shaft and offers more cutting power than the hatchet. This feature makes it ideal for splitting large logs and cutting thick-stemmed trees. On the other hand, the hatchet is a multi-tool with a shorter handle and you can use it with one hand.
In addition, most of the top axes in the market have a 5 -7 inches long head with a short cutting edge. Some are double-bladed. That is, each side has two blades. The hatchets have a wedge-shaped head that is relatively heavy. The weight boosts its ability to penetrate and split thick wood.
The third difference is weight. Since the axes are longer, they are heavier than the hatchets. Concisely, the heavier the axes, the stronger the striking power. Most people opt to carry a hatchet instead of an axe as it’s lightweight and multi-functional.
Is a Hatchet or Axe Better for Camping?
A quality camping axe has a longer shaft and provides more leverage than a hatchet, especially when doing tough jobs such as splitting large logs or cutting down trees. The hatchet is multi-functional with a compact design that makes it easy to tug in a backpack when going outdoors.
Due to the lightweight and compact design, the hatchet is only ideal for simple tasks such as splitting small logs or limbing branches. To be on the safe side, consider the tasks you may have to do at the camping site to decide whether to carry an axe or a hatchet.
What is the Best Size Axe for Camping?
As mentioned earlier, the axe’s weight often discourages campers from carrying it, but there are instances when you have to take it. The ideal camping axe should not be too heavy that you strain your muscles as you walk or split firewood.
The head should weigh anywhere between 1.5 and 2.25 pounds. If it’s too heavy, you will struggle to swing it when cutting wood.
Conclusion
The right axe and hatchet make your camping trip more exciting and memorable. Make sure that you check the warranty offered by the manufacturer to know the kind of damages covered. Compare the prices to find one that suits your budget and leverage discounts to save a few bucks. Good luck
