Best Camping Axe & Hatchet – Guide And Reviews (2022)
Nothing better than to go camping to escape monotonous daily routines. But sometimes the camping may be unpleasant rather than to be enjoyable as it is expected to be due to a wrong camping tool.
If the best camping axe and hatchet you have chosen is not suited for your needs, it will be cumbersome and seem to be overkill.
To help you make your camping trip rejuvenating, here are our best picks that we chose from plenty of brands, designs, and sizes, considering camping needs.
Table Of Contents
- Best Camping Axe And Hatchet Reviews (Top 11)
- 1. Yeacool Multi-Tool Kit Camping Axe For Survival
- 2. Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
- 3. council tools hudson bay axe
- 4. Estwing Sportsman Axe 14 Inch Camping Hatchet
- 5. Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
- 6. Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch
- 7. Gerber Gator Combo axe – best for backpacking
- 8. TABOR Camp Hatchet for Splitting Kindling and Chopping Branches
- 9. SOG Axe Camping Hatchet
- 10. CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe
- 11. Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe
- how to choose best camping axe and hatchet?
- What aspects you should look for in the camping axes And Hatchet reviews?
- Basic camping skills every camper should know
- Our Final Verdict
Best Camping Axe And Hatchet Reviews (Top 11)
1. Yeacool Multi-Tool Kit Camping Axe For Survival
Key features
- Adjustable handle length.
- Solid steel strong head.
- The handle made of high-quality aluminum alloy.
- Multipurpose and versatile axe.
- Includes a sheath.
Maybe you wished you would have an axe with an adjustable handle length meeting your all camping needs.
If you own this camping yeacool hatchet, your dream is going to come true for its handle length can be changed by adjusting the extension bars the handle comes with. The strong and sturdy head of this multi-tool is made of solid steel that can be used for even tough works.
Not only does the handle come with the extension bars but with many survival tools such as fire starter, fish scaler, compass, and whistle.
That means you will have a package of survival tools in one. Camper, survivalists, outdoor enthusiast, and adventurers must love this camp ax thanks its portability and versatility.
2. Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
Key features
- Overall weight 1.3-pound.
- 13.5 inches hickory handle.
- Suitable for camping and traditional scouting.
- Comes with a protective sheath.
If you are looking for a traditional style camping ax having a longer handle with the same head as the hand hatchet.
Then Gransfors Bruks 13.5-inch hatchet is for you because the longer handle provides the hatchet more power, meaning that you can even fell trees with this camping axe.
No worries about the quality when it comes to cutting tools made by Gransofors Bruks.
Made in Sweden, the axe is designed with a 13.5-inch hickory handle and 1 pound head made from hand-forged steel sourced from Ovako, one of the largest steelworks in Europe.
I would recommend you to have this practical and small ax with plenty of power into your backpack while going camping. And don’t get worried about the damage of your rucksack by the edge when walking because it includes a sheath covering the edge of the ax head.
3. council tools hudson bay axe
Key features
- council tools hudson bay axe.
- Drop forged and heat treated head.
- 24 inches American hickory handle.
- A premium leather sheath included.
It doesn’t matter what your needs are, Hudson Bay 24-inch carved axe works beyond your requirements. Its perfect shape and size make it ideal for camping, shelter building, making kindling, feeding the campfire, hunting and trail cleaning.
The head crafted from 5160 alloy steel of the axe is drop-forged and heat treated to enhance the strength. Be assured that the edge of the head is hand honed by the expert craftsmen that means you are not afraid of glancing the edge out of the cut, thus ensuring the safety. The 24-inch long hickory handle lends the more power to cut more on every swing.
If you are in search of a camping axe which is small enough to pack but yet big enough to get your jobs done, there is no better option than the Hudson Bay.
4. Estwing Sportsman Axe 14 Inch Camping Hatchet
Key features
- Most durable and longest lasting tool.
- Forged into one piece.
- Hand sanded genuine leather grip.
- Crafted in The USA using American steel.
- Comes with a ballistic nylon sheath.
Are you tired of replacing your axe handle? If yes, don’t look for any other options rather than choosing Estwing Sportsman’s Axe.
This is because the head and the handle of this axe are forged into one piece, making it more durable and indestructible, even you can hand it over to your next generation. And you need not worry about loosening the handle from the head thanks to forging feature. The handle comes with the genuine leather grip which is hand sanded and lacquered for durability but yet comfortable finish.
It is designed with perfect balance for chopping logs, small trees and branches, splitting and kindling. The ballistic nylon sheath this hatchet offers with it is more than enough to protect the cutting edge.
5. Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
Key features
- The whole steel construction.
- Easily portable.
- Non-slip rubber grip for secure grip.
- Includes a mildew resistant nylon sheath.
Despite weighing at only 1.4- pound, Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet works beyond its weight. The 3.5-inch blade makes it adept at limbing branches and helps cut more precisely. The head features a crosshatched surface on the opposite of the head which can be used as a hammer to do all kinds of camping duties.
Although the whole axe is constructed with high carbon steel for maximum durability, the handle has a non-slip rubber grip wrapped around it for comfort feel and secured grip even in wet condition.
Additionally, you will find a hole at the top of the handle to attach a rope for additional safety. To keep the blade safe and sharp, this tool comes with a mildew resistant sheath with loops to attach with your belt.
6. Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch
Key features
- Comes with perfect balance and weight ratio.
- Can chop deeper with every swing to get more done faster.
- Features proprietary blade grinding technique for better contact and cleaner cuts.
- Ideal for chopping small to medium-sized logs.
It is an- easy to carry tool from Fiskars, one of the leading global manufacturers of outdoor tools, which was founded in 1649 in Finland. Fiskars is very popular in the world for its quality products, which means to you that you are assured to have a quality axe with no confusion.
The X7 small hatchet comes with more power than your expectation because it allows you not only to chop small logs but medium sized logs too.
Unlike traditional axes, it combines perfected weight distribution, advanced blade geometry, and an ultra-sharp edge, making the blade powerful enough to penetrate through the wood on every swing with less effort and time.
Serious hikers and campers and outdoor enthusiasts must opt this super quality hatchet thanks to its durability and unbreakable composite fiber handle.
7. Gerber Gator Combo axe – best for backpacking
![Gerber Gator Combo Axe [31-001054]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319ipgjWFRL._SL160_.jpg)
Key features
- Gerber Gator Combo Axe.
- Forged steel durable head.
- Glass-filled nylon handle houses a blade saw for branches and brush.
- Gator grip handle material ensures secure grip in any conditions.
Sometimes, you think that a camping ax solely is not enough to survive in the wilderness. Don’t you? If you do, you must give a thought to Gerber Gator Combo Axe since it offers a coarse blade saw for brushing and cutting branches. The inserted saw measures 10.24 inches with the blade length of 6.1 inches and weighs 2.4 ounces.
The glass filled nylon handle offers more secure and comfortable grip whether it is wet or muddy conditions.
It can create more striking force thanks to longer length but is light enough for glass filled nylon used in it. The Gator has a 3-inch head made of forged steel which makes it ideal for camping, hunting and other outdoors or around-the-house applications.
8. TABOR Camp Hatchet for Splitting Kindling and Chopping Branches
Key features
- Strong fiberglass handle.
- The handle has an anti-slip grip.
- The head features a protective coating.
- Re-sharpenable blade.
Measuring at 14-inch in overall length, TABOR Camp Hatchet becomes perfect for campers, hikers and outdoor activities. It is a practical item that you can keep in the car or the boat.
The steelhead of the axe has a protective coating to resist erosion and tear, thus reducing frequent sharpening. But the blade can be resharpened easily with a file. Don’t get worried about the efficiency because it has a good balance between head and shaft.
Although the fiberglass handle is lightweight but yet sturdy and capable of providing more strength you need to get all the tasks done. The most important technical feature you must want is cushioned rubber shock absorbent grip to reduce hand strain. This anti-shock surface structure ensures a firm grip with maximum comfort.
9. SOG Axe Camping Hatchet
Key features
- 11.1-inch long stainless steel ax.
- Overall weigh only 16.1 oz.
- Lightweight but yet durable glass reinforced the handle.
- Features a chunky hammer on the opposite end.
- Includes a hard molded nylon sheath.
This is the most packable and portable sog camping axe at less than 1 foot. It doesn’t matter what the size of your backpack is, SOG occupies a little space thanks to its smaller size and lightweight.
It weighs only 16.1 oz but provides more strength than a traditional heavy one does. The blade of the hatchet is 3.1-inch which thankfully comes with a nylon molded sheath to protect itself.
The stainless steel survival hatchet features a heavy duty handle made of glass reinforced nylon.
And the handle has a lanyard hole to carry it easily as like as a tactical axe. Additionally, the meaty hammer on the other end of the head allows you to get all camping duties done. It can be used for pounding stakes, crushing cans and straightening anything bent.
10. CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe
Key features
- CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe
- Made from hot forged 1055 carbon steel.
- Comes with a Tennessee hickory handle.
- Designed for outdoor use.
Although looks very simple one, CRTK Nobo Tomahawk was designed by Ryan Johnson, a specialist in applying modern engineering to old tool and weapon concept. You have more powers and strengths in the wilderness if this tactical hatchet is on your hand. This molded two-handed tomahawk ax makes your outdoor life easier with its Tennessee hickory handle and hot forged blade.
The handle is comfortable in hand and is sealed with lacquering coat for protection from moisture.
As the technical part of making the unique head, a solid chunk of 1055 carbon steel is hot forged into a rocket solid head provided with hammered finish. The hammering surface of the opposite end of the head works more than a light sledge. I would suggest you to use it as a multipurpose tool because it is an axe, a hatchet and a tactical tomahawk at the same time.
11. Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe
Key features
- Steel construction.
- Forged into one piece for durability.
- Hand sanded genuine leather grip.
- A versatile outdoor tool.
Unlike most of the traditional axes that come with metal head and wooden handle, Estwing Camper’s Axe is fully constructed with steel.
The head and handle are forged into one piece to increase the durability and longevity. The most common problem that happens with the traditional axe is the handle coming loose from the head. Estwing alleviated this major problem by forging the head and handle into one piece.
You may think of the comfort feeling due to steel construction. Don’t get worried because the hand sanded handle has a genuine leather grip for a comfortable finish. Most importantly, this classic ax features the patented shock reduction grip capable of minimizing impact variation by 70%.
Proudly made in the USA using American fine steel, the 4-inch tempered cutting edge allows campers and outdoorsman to chop logs, small trees, and branches, split woods and make kindling.
how to choose best camping axe and hatchet?
What is a camping axe?
Camping axes are smaller hatchets designed for outdoor uses with lightweight. They are versatile enough to do all camping duties.
Some come with metal head and wooden handle in traditional style while few are designed with full steel construction forged into one piece. Sometimes, camping axes feature hammering surface on another end of the head.
What is the axe meant for?
There are many types of axes available on the market but they all are not made for the same task. Some of them are designed for felling trees while few are meant for splitting woods. You find some axes intended for multitasks rather being specific.
Which one to buy for camping? Definitely go with one which is versatile enough because camping involves a wide range of actions needed to survive in the wilderness. Camping also involves a lot of walking through the wilderness. So you cannot carry different tools for different jobs.
What aspects you should look for in the camping axes And Hatchet reviews?
Have you ever given a thought of what makes a good camping axe or hatchet? Maybe not, but you should consider this if you want to make your money worth spent on your camping tool. This article will guide you to the things you should consider to choose the best camping hatchet.
Overall Quality
It does not matter what the axe is made for but no excuse with the quality. A quality ax is fit for all kinds of jobs except few different situations. What makes a quality hatchet or axe? This is nothing but the material used to build an axe.
A good quality ax comes with a finished handle made from either hickory wood or composite materials and has a stainless hand forged carbon steel head with a sharp blade.
Easily Portable and Packable?
It is the portability which the suitability of a camping tool depends on to be the best one. When it comes to camping, the size and weight of the hatchet become the important factor.
Even the tool you have taken with you is the quality one, but it cannot serve you well if it is longer and overweight than your needs. Select one that is easily suitable and packable in your backpack.
Designed with standard balance?
A quality axe comes with a standard balance between the head and the handle. The weight of the head should be more than the rest of part of the axe, resulting in blowing the head down towards the target while swung; and this will maximize the efficiency in cutting.
Besides, the shape of the handle also impacts the balance. Generally, curved handles bring more balance than the straight one. But how can you understand the hatchet has a nice weight balance? This is nothing but a feeling like the axe is moving through the air. Beginners may not sense it easily because this feeling is related to your experience.
Does it come with a secured grip?
When it comes to camping, it is the handle grip that you must consider. This is because a camper experiences different situations. A good quality camping tool serves regardless of the conditions.
If your hatchet comes with a secured grip, it allows you to work in dry or wet condition. A good grip protects the hand from getting slipped the handle, thus preventing both the tool itself and its user.
Basic camping skills every camper should know
Camping is not as easier as you think. There are many things to do that you cannot realize until you are on camping. Do you want to return home once you have gone camping? Of course not, if so, learn the 6 basic skills I stated below to make your camping efficient and much easier.
Backpacking
If you are planning for camping, exploring or backpacking a trip, you just need a backpack and know how to pack it. A random arrangement of different items occupies more spaces and makes you feel more burdens while walking.
When packing stuff, make a balanced arrangement of your goods in accordance with your needs. You can divide the backpack into three layers, top, middle and bottom.
Try to put bulky items, not needed on the way, into the bottom layer, heaviest goods into the middle, and often necessary stuff into TH top closer to your hands. This will get you to feel balanced and help hoist the pack easily, even if it is fully loaded.
Building a campsite
All you need to set a campsite is find a flat surface where no rocks, sticks, and metals. Avoid choosing the low ground because if it rains, you may be in danger of flooding.
It is better to choose a shady place to get relaxed during the fierce heat of the sun on mid-day. To set up the tent, throw any trashes away from the ground.
You may face difficulties to erect tent frames, drive the corners into the ground and fix the tent poles. So, epractise them as much as possible before astart for camping.
Making fire
Learning how to make fire is the most important skill a camper must master. Making fire will save you under a wide variety of dangerous situations, including heavy snowfall and rain, cold breeze and threats from animals.
It is not only a skill but a lifesaving technique for the survivalists. But what mistake most campers make when making fire is collecting a small amount of firewood. Before making fire, collect enough kindling with a perfect size suitable for the fireplace.
Make sure that kindling is seasoned enough to make fire easily. Choosing a wet ground as the fireplace causes difficulty to start a fire.
Learning how to use cutting tools
Having a cutting weapon on your hand for camping is very crucial. Many choose a camping knife while others prefer a small ax or hatchet.
A knife is suitable for many small tasks including cutting rope, hunting fish, opening different packages and cutting small branches. But a small camping axe or hatchet is more useful thanks to its versatility.
Whichever you take depends on your needs, but you must learn how to use them before going camping.
Crossing rivers
Camping requires a lot of hiking, and you don’t know where to build the campsite. You need to keep walking through the wilderness and cross rivers until you explore the suitable place to set up the campsite.
Crossing river is not easy, and it may be a dangerous adventure. The most common mistake people make while crossing the river is barefoot. Don’t forget to wear the boot during cross the river.
This will protect you from the danger of poisonous algae and animals living on the river bed. Having a stick on your hand is very convenient and will help you assume what else in your next step beneath the water.
Tying knots
The last but foremost, the tying knot is a handcrafted art, but it becomes a great skill when you are in outdoors. There are many types of knots to learn. Of all, I would recommend you to learn only the taut line pitch knot.
This special kind knot allows you to loosen and tighten a straight line without untying the knot, which is very essential when rigging a tarp or setting up a tent. Besides, you need to tie knots to bundle firewood and different sticks needed to build a campsite.
Our Final Verdict
You are assured that whichever you choose from these best camping hatchets, you are going to make your money worth spent and own a tool what you were looking for.
This is because we only picked bests of bests which are made from high-quality materials. All you need to do is to find one from these top rated camping tools that fit for your needs.