Best Backpacking Hatchet | One Tool To Save Your Life!
I love spending time outdoors in nature. One of the things that I always bring with me is a good hatchet in case of an emergency.
Are you looking for a new hatchet to take on your next hike?
We've got you covered.
In this article, we will discuss the 5 best hatchets for backpacking on the market today. These hatchets are all compact and lightweight, making them perfect for carrying with you on your next trek.
We'll go over the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Stay safe out there!
How We Picked
Choosing the right hatchet for your next backpacking trip can be tough. With all of the different brands and models on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
Not only is it hard to choose the right hatchet, but it's also difficult to know what features to look for when purchasing one.
Do you need a hatchet that is lightweight and easy to carry?
Or do you need one that is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear?
We've done the research for you. We've read thousands of reviews and compared different brands and models to bring you the best backpacking hatchets on the market.
Whether you're new to backpacking or an experienced outdoorsman, we are sure that you will find one of these tools useful on your next adventure.
Disclosure: We only recommend things we’ve personally used or come highly recommended by trusted peers. Using one of our referral links might give us a small commission which helps support this website at no additional cost to you. If you’d like to learn more check out our disclaimer page.
ESTWING Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Genuine Leather Grip
Best hatchet for splitting wood
Why We Chose
Technically this is more of an axe than a hatchet, but if you are planning to split a lot of wood this is the ideal tool. The ESTWING Sportsman's Axe is an essential tool for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful axe.
Not only is this axe tough and dependable, but it looks good too.
Very close to a traditional wooden handle axe. But instead, it's a lacquered leather handle providing superior grip and durability.
When it comes to a backpacking axe, you won't be disappointed by the quality and performance. This is an axe you can rely on to get the job done in a safe and efficient manner.
The Rundown
For over nine decades, Estwing has been dedicated to crafting superior American-made tools for the outdoorsman.
- The forged steel axe head is crafted from a single piece – guaranteed for extra durability and dependability.
- Ideal for chopping logs, pruning small trees and branches, or splitting firewood kindling.
- Keep your cutting-edge safe and secure with the included ballistic nylon sheath.
- The genuine leather grip will provide a durable, yet comfortable finish thanks to its hand-sanded and lacquered design.
Dimensions: 12.5 x 4.75 x 1.13 inches | Weight: 22.08 oz (1.38 lbs)
✔ Made in the USA
✔ Leather grip
✔ Forged in one piece
✖️ Heavy
Why We Chose
A reliable, lightweight survival hatchet is a must-have for any avid backpacker or prepper.
This budget-friendly tool meets the requirements of both amateurs and experienced outdoorsmen with its sturdy construction and easy-to-maintain edge.
Plus, it's perfectly balanced between being heavy enough to break through tough terrain yet light enough that you don't get worn out from swinging it too often!
The Rundown
The Gerber Hatchet provides the stability and strength you need to take on any chopping task.
- Full tang construction (blade extends the full length of the knife from tip to grip) gives it a steady hold in your hand.
- Keep organized with the nylon sheath thanks to its secure belt or pack mounting capabilities.
- Comfortable grip is enhanced by a rubber over-mold for added ergonomics.
Dimensions: 3.5 x 1 x 9.46 in | Weight: 20.8 oz (1.3 lbs)
✔ Inexpensive
✔ Sharp blade
✔ Blade extends the full length of the handle
✖️ Small grip not the best for large hands
Why We Chose
The SOG FastHawk is the perfect outdoor companion for any camping or backpacking trip. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry while its well-crafted design ensures long-term durability, even after multiple days of use.
This versatile tool can be used as a survival axe, tomahawk, or camp knife — so you'll never be without the right tool for your job!
This axe is great for getting wood processed quickly and easily — no need to take along a larger bow saw or knife. And when you're done chopping wood, you can keep yourself entertained by trying out your throwing skills!
The Rundown
Established in 1986, SOG honors the military heritage of Vietnam's MACV-SOG - a covert ops unit that was renowned for its ingenuity and efficiency.
Since then, SOG has created premium tools and knives tailored to those who demand quick yet reliable solutions.
- Crafted with 420 stainless steel, this razor-sharp hatchet blade provides an impressive combination of speed and precision for you to master your throws.
- Heavy-duty ballistic nylon sheath. It is even designed to fit on 1.5-inch belts, allowing you to take it anywhere.
Dimensions: 12.5 x 6.5 x 0.75 in | Weight: 19 oz (1.19 lbs)
✔ Lightweight
✔ Sharp
✔ Versatile
✖️ Not the best for large pieces of wood
Why We Chose
The Fiskars Camping Axe is an essential resource for any outdoor adventurer.
It’s lightweight and easy to carry, plus it features a bright orange hue that makes it hard to misplace.
When in use, the axe has high-performance sharpness with powerful cutting capabilities that make it reliable for camping tasks such as preparing firewood.
What’s more, this axe comes with a premium leather sheath that offers multiple tethering/hanging options – ideal for hanging onto your backpack or other carrying solution while on the go.
The Rundown
Since 1649, Fiskars has been crafting quality and innovative products that have stood the test of time.
- Ultra-lightweight, weatherproof fiberglass reinforced plastic handle not only provides durability but comfort.
- Innovative flared finger guard ensures maximum protection of your fingers and fits snugly against the tool head for optimum safety.
- With its extra sharp blade and ideal weight distribution, this axe makes splitting a breeze. Its perfect balance ensures that every chop is effortless and efficient.
Dimensions: 9.06 x 5.12 x 0.79 in | Weight: 19.36 oz (1.21 lbs)
✔ High visibility color
✔ Thick comfortable handle
✔ Made in Finland
✔ Compact
✖️ Handle too short for large pieces of wood
Why We Chose
Whether you’re setting up a campsite in the woods, enjoying a day at the beach, or having a backyard bonfire with family and friends, the SOG Camp Axe is ready to help with all of your outdoor needs.
Crafted from high-quality materials and durable enough to stand up to tough outdoor tasks such as splitting firewood or cutting branches, this axe has proved its reliability time and again in any environment.
Light enough to carry on long treks and with its ultra-sharp edge that stays sharp after continuous use, you can rely on this tool for years to come.
The Rundown
When the great outdoors beckons, equip yourself with this outdoor hatchet.
- From camping to backpacking, the 3.1-inch blade and 11.5-inch total length are just what you need to tackle the toughest jobs.
- Featuring a textured Glass Reinforced Nylon handle for comfort and durability.
- This axe offers an efficient design with a wider hammer head for more power during use.
- And the length of the axe gives you more velocity at the hatchet head.
Dimensions: 5 x 11.5 x 0.71 in | Weight: 16 oz (1.00 lb)
✔ Light compared to the competition
✔ Sharp blade
✔ Perfect length for a variety of tasks
✖️ Not the best for wood splitting
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you take a hatchet backpacking?
There isn't a definitive answer to this question since it depends on the specific situation and person.
However, in general, I would say that it's usually not necessary to take a hatchet backpacking.
There are a few reasons why you might want to bring a hatchet with you when camping or backpacking.
For example, if you plan on doing a lot of woodsy camping and need to chop down branches for firewood, then a hatchet would be helpful.
However, if you're just going on a short hike and don't anticipate needing any firewood, then there's no real need to bring a hatchet along with you.
Are hatchets good for camping?
Yes, hatchets are good for camping.
They can be used for a variety of tasks, such as chopping wood, breaking apart logs, and creating kindling.
In addition, hatchets are smaller and lighter than axes, making them easier to carry around in your camping gear.
What can you do with a hatchet in the wilderness?
- Chopping kindling for a fire
- Hammering tent stakes in the ground
- Clearing a path through dense undergrowth
- Splitting logs
- Making shelter from natural materials
- Hunting and skinning small game animals
- Processing food such as fish or game meat
Should I get an axe or hatchet for camping?
Whether you need an axe or hatchet for camping depends on the types of activities you'll be doing while camping.
An axe is more suitable for chopping down larger trees, while a hatchet is better suited for smaller tasks such as cutting branches or kindling.
If you're mostly interested in camping activities like hiking and fishing, then a hatchet will likely be all you need.
But if you're looking to do some serious wood chopping, then an axe is the better option.
Does the military use hatchets?
Yes, the military does use hatchets. In fact, they're a great tool for a variety of purposes, from clearing brush to chopping wood. They're also handy for self-defense in close-quarters combat (CQC).
How sharp should a camp hatchet be?
It depends on what you're using it for.
For general camp use, you'll want to keep it sharp enough to shave the hair off your arm, but not so sharp that it easily slips through the wood.
A dull hatchet will require more force to chop through a piece of wood, which can lead to accidents.
If you're only using your hatchet for splitting logs, then you can afford to let the edge get a little bit blunt, as long as it's still able to cut into the wood.
In this case, you would just need to sharpen the blade periodically so that it doesn't become too difficult to split logs with.
What should you not bring backpacking?
There are a few items that are typically not recommended for backpacking trips.
These include heavy items like cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens, as these will add weight to your pack and can be difficult to carry over long distances.
Another item to avoid is anything that takes up a lot of space, like large bottles of shampoo or conditioner. Instead, opt for smaller versions or travel-sized containers.
Finally, it's also a good idea to leave your electronics at home - unless you absolutely need them - as they can add weight and require extra care and protection while on the trail.
Can you fly with a hatchet in a checked bag?
Yes, you can fly with a hatchet in your checked bag.
However, it is important to check with your airline ahead of time to ensure that there are no restrictions on what type of items are allowed in checked bags.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, the best backpacking hatchets available on the market today.
After scouring the internet and reading thousands of reviews we believe to have uncovered the best ones for everyone's needs.
Whether you need something heavy-duty to split wood or something on the lighter side that won't weigh you down, we've got something on this list for you.
Check out our links to find the best backpacking hatchet available for your next outdoor adventure!
Before You Go...
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