A good backpacking axe can definitely save you a lot of effort when you are trying to acquire some firewood. There are lots of axes available but since weight matters a lot in backpacking, your choices or options are actually limited. Luckily, there are some nice backpacking axes that you can get for very affordable and inexpensive price. I have listed a few amazing backpacking axes down below. Hopefully, one of them will be to your liking.
Best Backpacking Axes – Quick Chart
| Backpacking Axes | Weight | Length | Handle | Powerful |
| 1. Estwing Special Edition Sportsman’s Axe | 1.9 lbs | 14″ | Leather grip with shock reduction which reduces impact virbation by 70% | Yes |
| 2. Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch | 1.38 lbs | 14″ | Stronger-than-steel FiberComp handles | Yes |
| 3. Helko Classic Journeyman Pack Axe | 2 lbs | 19″ | Grade A American hickory | Yes |
| 4. Cold Steel Trail Boss Hickory Handle | 2.70 lbs | 23″ | American Hickory | Yes |
| 5. Schrade SCAXE2L Survival Axe Black Handle | 2.2 lbs | 15.7″ | Ergonomic black rubber grip | Yes |
| 6. Gerber Gator Combo Axe II | 26 oz. | 10.24″ | glass-filled nylon and covered in Gerber’s Gator texture | Yes |
| 7. WatchFire Camper’s Hatchet | 0.8 lbs | 10″ | Skid proof handles | Yes |
| 8. MTech USA Camping Axe, Two-Tone Blade, Black Rubberized Handle | 2 lbs | 11″ | Rubber handle with a comfortable grip | Yes |
| 9. CRKT Woods Tomahawk Axe | 2lb, 1.4oz | 19″ | 100% Tennessee Hickory handle | Yes |
| 10. Stansport Emergency/Campers Multi Tool | 13.6 oz | 7″ | Durable wood handle | Yes |
| 11. Gerber Myth Hatchet | 1.05 lbs | 9″ | Non-slip rubber grip is secure in wet/dry conditions | Yes |
| 12. Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch Axe Handmade In Sweden | 1.3 lbs | 13.5″ | Wood | Yes |
| 13. BladeMate Survival Hatchet | 1 lbs | 12.6″ | Comfort grip handle | Yes |
| 14. Coghlan’s Axe | 1.1 lbs | 10″ | Non-slip rubber grip | Yes |
| 15. Estwing Tomahawk Axe | 28 oz | 16″ | Leather | Yes |
How To Choose A Backpacking Axe
Types Of Head Shapes Found In Axes
Chopping Or Cutting
Cutting axes have a thin blade or thin head. This type of axe uses the force that the user generates. The force and the thin head will cut through the wood rather easily. These axes are often used to cut or fell trees, cut logs, or cut firewood. These axes are not that hard to use and they tend to be easy to swing. The force generated by these axes are very powerful as well.
Splitting
The head of splitting axes is wider and bigger. These are axes are used to split logs or wood. The wide or big head will force the wood fibers apart along the grain. The fatter head of the splitting axe allows the item to have a less chance of getting stuck on the wood. Splitting axes tend to be heavy and big. You will often require two hands to wield one. These axes are generally way too heavy to be used for backpacking and camping.
Types Of Axes For Camping
Felling Axes
Felling axes have a long handle. The axe will often have a total length of 32 inches or more. These axes are 3 pounds heavy and can also have a double head for versatility. They are used to fell trees which means the movement is often horizontal rather than vertical. You will often have to use both hands to use this axe.
Hatchets
Hatchets are small axes that are often used in camping and backpacking. You often only need to use one hand in order to use this type of axe. This type of axe does not generate a lot of force but they are great for cutting up small branches and creating firewood while backpacking or camping. They are also lightweight which makes them ideal for the outdoors.
Tomahawks
Tomahawks were invented by the Algonquians but now, we used these items as a multipurpose tool. This type of axe can be used as a weapon for protection or a tool to cut up wood or small branches. I like to bring hatchets rather than tomahawks but tomahawks are pretty good for backpacking and camping purposes also.
Different Types Of Handle Material
Wood
Wood is the most traditional and classic type of handle. This is very stylish and I prefer it on my axe just for the classic look and feel. Wooden handles offer a good amount of protection and shock absorption. Unfortunately, you need to take care of this handle all the time. It is not the most durable handle and will likely get damaged in time.
Steel
Steel handles are very durable and this type of handle will often last for a very long time. The downside is that steel does not offer a lot of shock absorption. Your hand may end up getting hurt after continued use of the axe. A lot of companies would often add a rubber grip or tape on the handle to reduce the vibration that is generated by this handle.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most expensive handle that you can get. It is also very durable and has shock absorption features. Depending on the way fiberglass is made, it can be more durable than steel. This material is also not as heavy as most metals which makes it ideal for backpacking as well.
Types Of Wraps Available
Leather Wrap
There are a lot of wraps that are made out of leather. They reduce the shock and absorb the vibration generated by the item. Leather feels good on the hands as well and offer a good grip also. Leather wraps provide a lot of comfort, traction and protection from shocks and other types of vibrations.
Rubber wraps
Rubber wraps are the most common. They can be found in a lot of sports, tools, hiking poles and machinery as well. Rubber is not that expensive while offering a lot of benefits. Rubber provides a lot of traction which allows the user to have a strong grip on the item.
Tape
Tape is not that good. If you do not have a lot of options, then tape is not that bad. You can get tape in a store and wrap it around the item that you like to reduce the shock and vibration that it produces. The reduction is not a lot but it is still better than nothing.
Backpacking Considerations
Weight
The weight of the outdoor axe needs to be considered. Usually, a good axe weighs around 1 to 2 pound. I prefer the 1-pound axe because I do not like carrying a lot of weight but the heavier axe gives out more power. The heavier axe feels a lot better whenever I use them. It is up to you what you want to get, they are all pretty good.
Compact
Most of the time, I attached the axe on the outside of my backpack. Most backpacking packs that are very big have several ways to attach items on the outside like hiking poles, backpacking axes, and even backpacking mess kits. But at the same time, it is really much preferred to have everything inside the backpack. Compact or size of the axe is also important.
Sharpness
The sharpness of the axe needs to be considered. Some axes become very dull after 1 weekend of use. You really want a high quality axe that is very sharp so that you do not put a lot of effort chopping fire wood. If you end up with a dull axe in the middle of the wilderness, then you are going to use a lot of energy just to get fire wood. A sharp axe is a good axe.
Handle
The handle is also very important. There is a feedback loop or force that gets generated to the hand whenever you slam the axe to the wood or any item that you are chopping. This force will hit your hand. It is going to hurt or numb your hand. So a good handle lessens this vibration or ricochet so that your hands can keep using the axe for hours or more.
Power
Not all axes are created equal. Some axes do not have any power. You can keep chopping all day long and there will be no improvement or barely any woods chopped. A good axe can give the user a lot of power or can generate a lot of power. This has to do with the design. A good axe with a good design will be compact, lightweight and generate a lot of power.
Best Backpacking Axes
Here are some amazing backpacking axes that are very lightweight and easy to use. All product links are affiliate links.
1. Estwing Special Edition Sportsman’s Axe
Weight: 1.9 lbs
Length: 14″
Handle: Leather grip with shock reduction which reduces impact virbation by 70%
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Practically no effort to clean, perfect for chopping logs, small trees & branches, awesome and very compact, the edges are very sharp, finest American steel
Short Review: This backpacking axe is unbelievable that I am loving making use of it. This amazing axe is drop-forged in one piece, creating the most durable, long lasting outdoor tools on the market. This comes with a beautiful genuine leather grips are sanded and lacquered for durable, long lasting finish. This stands out from the crowd with its hand polished head and neck. This item is pretty sturdy and works well for chopping firewood, and branches. The leather grip feels good to hold and the axe itself does not produce a lot of shock on the hands. The item is light enough for backpacking trips and comes with a sheath so that people don’t accidentally hurt themselves. Very good item, very sharp and easy to use.
2. Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch
Weight: 1.38 lbs
Length: 14″
Handle: Stronger-than-steel FiberComp handles
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Feels like aluminum baseball bat, item is great for the outdoors, compact and amazing design, proprietary blade-grinding technique
Short Review: You certainly will like and use this outdoor axe constantly. This features perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat. Constructed with proprietary blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts. Fiskar makes pretty sharp and amazing outdoor gear. They have lots of other axes and hatchets available but I like this one the most. The cost of this item is quite low. The lightweight design makes this ideal for outdoor adventures. Amazing axe that is perfect for for chopping kindling and small- to medium-sized logs.
3. Helko Classic Journeyman Pack Axe
Weight: 2 lbs
Length: 19″
Handle: Grade A American hickory
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Space saver, C50 high grade carbon steel blade, vegetable tanned leather sheath
Short Review: There are a lot of men and women who like this backpacking axe. This features axe heads that are open-face drop forged individually by hand from German C50 high grade carbon steel. This is handmade and hand-forged with a highly polished Classic finish to prevent rust and reduce cutting friction. I always like wooden handles because they are more traditional and they look great also. This has all the characteristics that I wanted and it is exactly what I thought it to be. The length is about 19 inches and this generates a lot of power. The usefulness this brings for hiking purposes is amazing which is why this has lots of satisfied customers.
4. Cold Steel Trail Boss Hickory Handle
Weight: 2.70 lbs
Length: 23″
Handle: American Hickory
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: This is very high quality, drop forged 1055 carbon steel, very durable construction, amazing and durable item that will last for many years
Short Review: There are plenty of people who really like this axe for the outdoors. This high quality item exceeded my expectations and I will keep recommending it due to the fact it continues to do so. This is very durable. It cuts wood very well and it produces a lot of power. The length is a little bit big though but I love that it is made out of wood. All items in the Internet should be high quality like this one. The lightweight design makes this ideal for outdoor adventures. I recommend this amazing axe because this works well and I know lots of men and women really like it. The axe is pretty big though and pretty heavy. It is good for short hikes or backpacking trips.
5. Schrade SCAXE2L Survival Axe Black Handle
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Length: 15.7″
Handle: Ergonomic black rubber grip
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Thermoplastic belt sheath , company has lots of positive ratings, hammer pommel and has a full tang design, ergonomic black rubber grip, non-slipping blade
Short Review: I’m sure that you’re going to love this lightweight axe given that it is amazing. This is constructed out of reliable 3Cr13 Titanium Coated S.S. with a black, glass fiber filled PA & TPR material and cold resistance flexibilizer handle. This comes with a quick and easy access with the convenient polyester belt sheath and hammer pommel. This incredible hatchet is one of the finest and very durable as well. This item is popular for its gorgeous and versatile design. This is made out of lightweight material which makes it very easy to carry. Having a great item like this is great for the outdoors because this makes hiking, camping and backpacking a lot easier.
| Check Out My Other Reviews – backpacking face masks – backpacking signal mirrors – backpacking survival blankets – backpacking two person tents – backpacking pants |
6. Gerber Gator Combo Axe II
Weight: 26 oz.
Length: 10.24″
Handle: Glass-filled nylon and covered in Gerber’s Gator texture
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Compact and very good, razor sharp edge cuts easily, made to last for years to come
Short Review: You will be amazed at how excellent this backpacking axe is. This is a two for one item. The saw is hidden or rests in the handle of the hatchet. I really like that this is easy to use. The saw is pretty useful also. In case you forgot to bring a knife, you can just use the saw. This item is quite low-priced. There is a probability that the price tag will go up soon. Compact design is very useful for us people who need a lot of backpack space. It is easier and a lot more fun to have this for the outdoors because this is designed to specifically for camping and backpacking. The only drawback is that the weight does not feel right whenever I use the axe without the saw. It becomes a little lighter than what I want.
7. WatchFire Camper’s Hatchet
Weight: 0.8 lbs
Length: 10″
Handle: Skid proof handles
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Designed to be high quality, skid proof handle, comes with sheath, compact and easy to carry
Short Review: There are a number of axe for backpacking in the World Wide Web but this is amazing. This is constructed out of premium quality 3cr13 stainless steel treated for optimal corrosion and rust resistance. This is equipped with a ribbed, rubber handle for an efficient no-slip grip, ergonomically designed for comfort and efficiency when in use. This is one of the lightest axes that is available right now. You only need one hand to use the axe and it works well. I know that we all love high quality items such as this one due to the fact they work well and have plenty of positive consumer reviews. The handle is very nice. Very little chance of the axe sliding and getting out of your hands.
8. MTech USA Camping Axe, Two-Tone Blade, Black Rubberized Handle
Weight: 2 lbs
Length: 11″
Handle: Rubber handle with a comfortable grip
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Razor sharp item, well made, I expected nothing less from this company, item is made out of high quality materials
Short Review: I have been testing numerous backpacking axes, and this is astounding. I recommend this item to any individual simply because this is really easy to use. MTech USA is a great company and they create lots of packable and foldable knives, blades and other sharp objects. This is made out of high quality materials. The stainless steel blade is sharp and cuts wood easily. We can carry more because this is very light and very compact. A great item to have if you love the outdoors with lots of positive customer testimonials. There are several items that you do not want to buy mainly because they are exceptionally complicated. This one is very simple. I can’t believe I couldn’t find this in the stores. It is a very good thing I can find this on the Internet.
9. CRKT Woods Tomahawk Axe
Weight: 2lb, 1.4oz
Length: 19″
Handle: 100% Tennessee Hickory handle
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: I love that this is high quality, tomahawk axe, multi-purpose item, cleaning is very easy, sharp item that cuts items easily
Short Review: This axe for the outdoors is among the greatest that you will discover over the web. This is one of the best items that you can get online and it is pretty amazing. A tomahawk axe is meant to be a multipurpose axe. This is made out of 1055 Carbon steel provides durability and edge retention for years to come. It is known that there aren’t many high quality items like this one in the Internet this is why I know you will really like this. Easy to carry because of the compact design. I usually strap it outside of my backpack. Ideal item to have for the outdoors and this is very durable as well. Tomahawk axes are great mutlipurpose tool if you are planning on staying off grid for a while. This item is wonderful. High quality and really durable!
10. Stansport Emergency/Campers Multi Tool
Weight: 13.6 oz
Length: 7″
Handle: Durable wood handle
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Sharp item, be careful, designed to be outdoor friendly, high quality and works well, multipurpose
Short Review: This axe for camping is quite excellent. This helps chop wood and other items while in the outdoors and it is also one of the most durable items that I know of. This is another multipurpose tool that I love. This can be used as a hammer, an axe, knife, bottle opener, can opener, saw and so on. A great little item that is great for campers and backpackers. The affordable price of this item is always impressive. It is one of the finest reasons I highly recommend it. The amazing compact and space saving construction will give our backpacks more space for other items. The outdoors can be easier with this and this provides lots of usefulness. I cannot ask for anything less expensive that can match the quality of this item. There are plenty of men and women that really like this due to the fact this is incredibly high quality and proven to work extremely well.
| Check Out My Other Reviews – backpacking lanterns – backpacking dog beds – tent stakes – hiking shoes – travel kettle |
11. Gerber Myth Hatchet
Weight: 1.05 lbs
Length: ~9″
Handle: Non-slip rubber grip is secure in wet/dry conditions
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Designed to save space, ergonomic, non-slip rubber grip, well-made item that is very durable, mildew-resistant nylon sheath
Short Review: We are always looking for some very exceptional backpacking axes similar to this. The company who made this item is very trust worthy. I have a few of their items as my hiking and backpacking gear. They have a couple of pretty good backpacking knife sharpeners as well. This is very lightweight which allows us to carry more items like accessories or emergency supplies. A great item to have if you love the outdoors with lots of positive customer testimonials. Very useful and handy tool for chopping wood, branches, creating emergency shelters, and so on. Small and compact, light in weight as well.
12. Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch Axe Handmade In Sweden
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Length: 13.5″
Handle: Wood
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Traditional scouting and camping axe, amazing item and very sharp, designed to save space
Short Review: This axe for camping is amongst the finest that you can get. The longer handle of this item gives it more power. A great item that you can easily in your backpack. One of the drawbacks of this axe is that it is pretty expensive. I can get 3 to 4 axes for the price that this is asking for. Having said that, if you like high quality and traditional axes then this is a great item. This is very easy to use and has a lot of power. The lightweight design is great if we want to carry lots of other items. Ideal item to have for the outdoors and this will provide lots of usefulness. The item is very sharp and cutting branches is pretty easy. Very good item.
13. SOG Camp Axe- Compact Camping and Survival Hatchet/Hammer Tool
Weight: 1 lbs
Length: 12.6″
Handle: Comfort grip handle
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Designed to be compact to not take much room, made out of high quality materials, 4.5 inch blade, looks good and easy to hold
Short Review: You won’t go wrong when you purchase this backpacking axe. This is constructed out of stainless steel and designed to withstand rough use and all-weather exposure. This features a glass-reinforced nylon handle that is very durable and the high-impact handle offers good grip and zero maintenance. I love that this is very compact which makes it ideal for the outdoors. Items like this one make hiking, camping and backpacking a lot more fun and this provides lots of usefulness.
14. Coghlan’s Axe
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Length: 10″
Handle: Non-slip rubber grip
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Pretty good axe, decent quality, very affordable,
Short Review: I just like this lightweight hatchet since it is pretty amazing for the price. Coghlan is not the highest quality manufacturer I know of. Coghlan will often have items that are pretty average. However, the price is amazingly cheap and the item often gets the job done. This is a simple axe that you can use for backpacking. It is not the highest quality but works well. This is pretty durable for the price it is asking for. This is extremely simple to use which makes this a very good item for the reason that buyers will feel comfortable using it. We can carry more in our bags because this is very light. This is a very versatile item to have for backpacking and this makes backpacking a lot easier. Gets the job done and works well. No complaints here due to the price.
15. Estwing Tomahawk Axe
Weight: 28 oz
Length: 16″
Handle: Leather
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Durable and well made, 2.75-inch stainless steel ax head, very sharp, popular company with lots of positive customer ratings
Short Review: I have been testing a lot of backpacking axes, and this is unbelievable. I thought I should recommend another tomahawk ax. This axe is American forged in one piece out of genuine American steel. Estwing is a pretty good company and I love their items. This features a ballistic nylon sheath to protect hand sharpened cutting edge. Tomahawk axes are great multipurpose items. They can be used in a variety of ways. A very good item to have if you love to go backpacking. The company who generated this item creates a great deal of similar and fantastic items like this one. It is accurate that this high quality item exceeded my expectations and it is very durable also.
Nice list of axes. They are very beautiful!