When you’re out in the wilderness camping, trekking, or backpacking, a backpacking axe might be a useful tool.
A backpacking hatchet has several purposes: it may be used to cut wood, remove brush, and even as a hammer to assist set up camp.
A hiking axe may also be used as a weapon in self-defense, making solo hikes a little less terrifying.
The question is, then, what model of camping axe you should get. If you’ve shopped around, you know there are many of options when it comes to backpacking hatchets.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the top five axes available online to assist you in your search for the finest hatchet for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Checklist for Choosing the Right Backpacking Axe
There are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for an axe for camping and hiking trips.
Weight
In most situations, a lightweight hiking axe will be preferable.
It’s far more pleasant to hike with a lightweight axe since it’s easier to carry and swing.
In contrast, while swinging a lighter axe, greater strength and effort are required.
Therefore, choose an axe that is light yet nevertheless effective, depending on the situation.
Size of the Handle
The length of the handle is a crucial factor in determining the axe’s usefulness; you may not know it.
In this regard, a trekking axe with a shorter handle is preferable since it is both more portable and more manageable in use while shaping wood. However, you could have trouble using it to down a tree.
However, the increased swing speed that comes with using a long-handled axe makes it ideal for chopping wood.
However, if the handle is too lengthy, it will take up too much room in your bag.
In light of this, it is important to think about how you want to use your axe before settling on the handle length.
Material
It’s common for trekking axes to have hardwood or carbon fiber handles (hard plastic). In most cases, carbon fiber handles are more long-lasting and effective at absorbing stress.
They’re also quite easy on the pocketbook, however quality varies widely. Wooden handles, on the other hand, are more pleasant and effective in regulating temperature.
Additional Functions
As was before noted, axes designed for use in hiking are not limited to a single function. The addition of a hammerhead to the rear of the blade is one of the more popular upgrades.
Some of them will also have a pointed end that may be used as a pick or to puncture food cans.
You shouldn’t skimp on size and weight only to get a few more features.
So, think about what extra tools and gadgets could be useful, and then seek for an axe that has just those characteristics. The resulting axe will be both lightweight and compact.
Safety
Finally, don’t forget to include an axe sheath on your list of priorities. Axe blades are incredibly sharp and may cause serious injury if not handled properly, thus a sheath is a must.
A modest first aid kit is something else you may consider bringing along. If you happen to cut yourself, you may use the bandage to keep the wound clean and healthy.
1. Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
Gerber Gear’s hatchet is a good choice if you’re looking for a compact, durable axe that can fit in a bag’s side pocket.
It measures 9.46 inches overall with a 2.5-inch blade length. It comes with a nylon sheath that can be fastened to a belt or backpack, and it weighs a total of 1.3 pounds. Moreover, the mobility is excellent, and the build quality is superb.
The tall stainless steel blade grind maintains optimum sharpness for quick cutting, and the full tang construction provides the power to swat through weeds or branches. Besides, finger grooves that are etched exaggeratedly into the rubber covering of the handle. Due to the ergonomic shape of the handle, you can cut with incredible precision.
2. SOG Camp Axe
The SOG camp axe, at about 1 pound, is among the lightest trekking axes available. It has a very short blade size of 3.1 inches and a total length of 11.5 inches, making it a very portable tool. It’s also surprisingly sturdy for how compact and lightweight it is. The satin-polished 2Cr13 stainless steel blade is built to last through the toughest treatment and is corrosion-resistant in any climate.
Further, the beard of the blade is lowered, exposing more of the cutting edge and requiring less effort while chopping wood. The nylon handle is just as sturdy and provides a great grip for delivering powerful blows.
In addition, the hammerhead of this SOG axe has a wide surface area, allowing for an effective application of force. For added protection, it has a nylon safety sheath that resembles a glass to keep the blade covered.
3. CASAVIDA Survival Camping Axe
A multi-purpose axe like the CASAVIDA would be well appreciated if you’re in the market for a camping hatchet. This multi-tool axe for the trail comes with a knife, hammer, flint, whistle, compass, scabbard, safety hammer, and extension bars. Additionally, the axe may now be used for more than just chopping firewood; it can also be used to construct a shelter, kindle fires, and even find your way back to camp. That’s why it’s the best survival gear money can buy for whatever trip you take into the wilderness.
Moreover, the axe’s safety features are likewise top-notch. It’s designed to provide maximum safety for the user by including features like a sheath and nonslip grips on the handles. This makes it a great multi-tool for campers and backpackers who are just starting out.
The axe has some added features, but it’s still not too heavy at slightly over 2 pounds. Nonetheless, I discovered that this weight provided the finest balance while throwing. In addition, the bag’s dimensions of 17″ x 6.5″ make it suitable for the side pouch of almost any backpack or daypack.
The blade is very sharp and composed of sturdy stainless steel. Furthermore, the extension bars and handle are both made of a strong aluminum alloy for a robust, reliable feel.
4. Estwing 14-inch Camper’s Hatchet
This Estwing axe is 14 inches long and is the toughest trekking hatchet available. It is made of the finest tool-grade steel and is precisely forged in one piece before being tempered for maximum strength and durability. Besides, its unique shock absorption grip reduces vibration from impacts by as much as 70%, extending its useful life.
Other than that, you can tell the hatchet is good quality by the care taken in sharpening and polishing it by hand. The triangular depression on the axe’s head makes it possible to yank up even the sturdiest tent posts. The blade is protected by a tough sheath. However, the axe is not the most portable or lightweight choice at 2 pounds and 4.5 by 14.25 inches.
Still, if you’re looking for the strongest and most dependable axe for hiking and you have room in your pack or vehicle, this is the one for you.
5. Edward Tools Harden Camping Axe
The Edward Tools Harden camping axe is a great option if you’re looking for a cheap but high-quality alternative to more costly hiking axes. It has a blade made of high-quality carbon steel that has been forged to keep its edge.
On top of that, the fiberglass handle is protected by a rubber sheath that prevents it from slipping or bending. Cushioned handles and an ergonomic shape make it pleasant to hold and prevent accidental dropping. It has a rubber shaft for extra protection. It’s not the lightest axe, weighing in at 2.2 pounds. This, however, is the optimal weight distribution for me, since it provides the necessary swing momentum with little physical exertion.
In addition, its 15.47 x 5.91-inch dimensions make it well-suited for cutting medium-sized logs. If you’re looking for a cheap hatchet for hiking, look no further than this axe, which costs less than $15.
