Gather firewood, cutting branches and logs, and so on, can be a lot easier if you have a backpacking hatchet. Make sure that the hatchet that you are going to get is very sharp because a dull hatchet can cause accidents and injuries. You will also end up doing a lot of work and waste a lot of energy if the hatchet is not that sharp. I listed a few very good hatchets below. I’m pleased with the qualities that the hatchets below have and I am confident you will like them also.
Best Backpacking Hatchets – Quick Chart
| Backpacking Hatchets | 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. Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch Axe Handmade In Sweden | 1.3 lbs | 13.5″ | wood | 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. Cold Steel Trail Boss Hickory Handle | 2.70 lbs | 23″ | American Hickory | 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.” | Comfortable, durable & reduces impact vibration by 70% | Yes |
How To Choose A Backpacking Hatchet
Types Of Head Shapes Found In Axes
Chopping Or Cutting
Chopping or cutting axes will have a thin blade or a thin head. The edges are also very thin because it needs to be very sharp. This type of axe generates a lot of force and this is very powerful. The force combined with the thin head allows the user to cut through branches, take down trees, cut firewood and so on. This type of axe is very easy to swing.
Splitting
Splitting axes would have a wide and big head. This type of axe is meant to split logs along the grain. The axe has a big head so that it can force the wood fibers to split without getting stuck on the log. This type of axe tends to be very heavy, big and this axe will often require users to use two of their hands.
Types Of Axes For Camping
Felling Axes
Felling axes are meant to chop down a tree so they are not really meant for camping. However, people can also use them to chop down branches and logs. This axe is very heavy though and not ideal for backpacking. People will often use two hands in order to use this type of axe.
Hatchets
Hatchets are smaller and often require one hand to use. Hatchets are great for camping and backpacking purposes. This type of axe does not generate a lot of force compared to two handed axes but they are often lightweight and compact which makes them ideal for camping and backpacking.
Tomahawks
Tomahawks are multipurpose axe that can be used in a lot of ways. Tomahawks were invented by the Algonquians and used as weapons. Today, these axes are used in a lot of useful ways. They can be used for camping and backpacking but they are not very compact. They can be light in weight but they are often tall in height.
Different Types Of Handle Material
Wood
Wood is a great material for a handle. Wood is the classic material and still used now. Wood looks great and very stylish. This absorbs shock very well but it is not that durable. Wood tends to break a lot faster than steel or fiberglass. This material feels good to the hand though and offers a good grip.
Steel
Steel is very durable and strong. This is a great handle for a hatchet. However, this does not offer a lot of absorption or shock resistance. Your hand will often feel the blow or impact of the hatchet that you are using. Steel is often accompanied by a wrap or a material that wraps around the handle to reduce the vibration generated by the impact or force.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is very expensive but it is very durable and offer a lot of shock absorption. Some fiberglass handles are more durable than steel. This material is most likely the best material for the handle of a hatchet but you will have to pay a lot of money for it.
Types Of Wraps Available
Leather Wrap
Leather is very expensive but this material reduces the shock and absorb the vibration generated by the hatchet. This type of wrap is very beautiful and very classy as well. If you want a stylish axe then go with a leather wrap. Leather provides traction which allows the user to have a good grip on the axe.
Rubber wraps
Rubber wraps are very common and I often find them in a lot of items. They are often in small hammers and other similar items. Rubber is very inexpensive while offering a lot of benefits. This material provides a lot of traction while also reducing the shock or vibration that comes from the impact between the hatchet and its intended target.
Tape
Tape is the worst wrap that I know of. I often use tape for emergency purposes. Tape does not provide a lot of traction and it does not reduce shock that much. However, tape is still better than nothing. So if I need shock absorption, I would put tape on the handle of the object to lessen the force or impact on my hands.
Backpacking Considerations
Weight
The weight of the backpacking hatchet matters. We all want to chop wood and create a nice camping fire but if we are carrying something heavy then we are not going to enjoy the journey. A hatchet is nice to have while backpacking. It is a great multipurpose tool that can be used in many ways. It can even protect us from wild animals or become a source of security or peace of mind.
Compact
It is high recommended that you look for something more compact. The dimensions of the hatchet matters. Although, I usually put mine on the outside of my backpack. I don’t put it inside my pack. However, this can get annoying also. I lose a couple of items just by putting them on the outside of my backpack. So having a compact hatchet does help a lot since we have a limited amount of backpack space.
Sharpness
Of course, sharpness is very important. The sharper the hatchet, the easier it will be to collect firewood. After a long hike, we don’t really want to put a lot of effort into making fire. We just want to cook our foods, get some relaxation, enjoy the company of our friends and then go to sleep. Sharpness of the axe can definitely help our lives easier.
Handle
The handle is very important because there is a force that happens after we hit an object. Think of this like a hammer. If we smash something, vibrations will go through the whole hammer and to our hands. Our hands can get injured and can get damaged. We really do not want to get damaged at all when we are in the wilderness. Having a good hatchet with a good handle is always a wise decision.
Power
The design of the hatchet dictates how much power it is going to have. Since powerful hatchets are often heavy, this could be a problem when designing a backpacking axe. The hatchet has to be lightweight but also generate enough power to split wood and branches. So we should always look at how much power the hatchet is going to produce and how much weight it has as well.
Best Backpacking Hatchets
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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: Durable, longest lasting striking tool, perfect for chopping logs, small trees & branches or splitting firewood & kindling, hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish
Short Review: This is an outstanding backpacking hatchet that I have grown to love. This is very beautiful and feels really good to have. This axe is drop-forged in one piece, creating the most durable, long lasting outdoor tools on the market.. Easy to grip, lots of power and very durable. If you are going to purchase something that can chop wood and other items while in the outdoors and has a low price, then you must have a look at this. We can carry more because this is very light and very compact. One of the best items to have for backpacking purposes and this works well also. This is a good item that should last for a long time plus lots of people love this axe too.
2. Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch
Weight: 1.38 lbs
Length: 14″
Handle: Stronger-than-steel FiberComp handles
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Ideal for chopping kindling and small- to medium-sized logs, chops deeper with each swing to get more done faster, perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat
Short Review: One of the best things I love is this outdoor axe. This was made with proprietary blade-grinding technique that provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts. This is perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat. Comes with low-friction blade coating powers through wood and prevents head from getting stuck. This item has a great deal of good attributes such as resilience and usefulness. This generates a lot of power and the handle is easy to grip or very comfortable We are always looking very compact items because we often do not have enough room in our backpacks.
3. Helko Classic Journeyman Pack Axe
Weight: 2 lbs
Length: 19″
Handle: Grade A American hickory
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: This is very high quality, materials used made this very high quality, functional and multi-purpose
Short Review: There are plenty of individuals who acquired this backpacking hatchet since this is incredible. The axe head is constructed out of open-face drop forged and individually by hand from German C50 high grade carbon steel. Item is designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry while trekking through wilderness. This has a great deal of positive customer reviews which should be adequate to give men and women a great deal of vital information that they need. This is a pretty good item if you are going camping but the drawback is that this is pretty expensive.
4. Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet 13.50 Inch Axe Handmade In Sweden
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Length: 13.5″
Handle: wood
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Sheath in vegetable-tanned leather, traditional scouting and camping axe, item designed for outdoor activities, popular company
Short Review: This backpacking axe is great and I know you will love it when you try it. This is a traditional scouting and camping axe, with the same head as the hand hatchet but on a longer handle. This item is capable of lopping off quite large branches or splitting small logs for the campfire. Small, compact and practical for carrying in your rucksack when you need a small axe with plenty of power. The creator or company did an awesome job. I love that the company made this item very light so that we can carry more items. A very useful item for camping trips. This is pretty resilient as well.
5. Schrade SCAXE2L Survival Axe Black Handle
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Length: 15.7″
Handle: Ergonomic black rubber grip
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Blade is made of reliable 3cr13 titanium coated s.S. With a black, glass fiber filled pa & tpr material and cold resistance flexibilizer handle, quick and easy access with the convenient polyester belt sheath, multi-purpose and very useful
Short Review: There are a number of people that ordered this lightweight hatchet given that this is unbelievable. 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. Comes with a quick and easy access with the convenient polyester belt sheath. The company did an awesome job because I like the design of this axe. I really like that this can chop wood, branches, twigs and other items while in the outdoors. This just makes backpacking a lot easier and this is very versatile as well.
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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: Forged steel head for blade durability + striking force, glass-filled nylon handle hides a coarse blade saw for brush/branches, gator grip handle material provides sure grip in all conditions
Short Review: I am typically impressed because this backpacking hatchet is extremely outstanding. This is constructed out of forged steel head for blade durability and amazing striking force. This features a glass-filled nylon handle hides a coarse blade saw for brush / branches and Gator Grip handle material provides sure grip in all conditions. You get an axe and a saw in one item. Amazing design that saves space which makes this ideal for the outdoors. This is a very versatile item to have for the outdoors and this is very well constructed. One of the best axes that people can get for backpacking adventures.
7. WatchFire Camper’s Hatchet
Weight: 0.8 lbs
Length: 10″
Handle: Skid proof handles
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Very durable camping hatchet with a black coated axe head made from a premium quality 3cr13 stainless steel treated for optimal corrosion and rust resistance, ideal sized axe for heavy-duty jobs and easy use
Short Review: This outstanding outdoor axe will satisfy your needs. This is an ideal sized axe for heavy-duty jobs and easy use and comes with a strong nylon sheath for edge protection and integrity. Constructed from premium quality 3cr13 stainless steel treated for optimal corrosion and rust resistance. Comes with ribbed and rubber handle for an efficient no-slip grip, ergonomically designed for comfort and efficiency. This item has an affordable price and it is able to achieve that without having to sacrifice very important capabilities. This brings lots of usefulness whenever you are backpacking and this makes backpacking more fun. Whoever designed this item did an amazing job.
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: Compact, easily portable tactical axe great for camping and rugged outdoor expeditions, 3-inch satin finished 440 stainless steel blade, durable rubber handle with a comfortable grip
Short Review: I am fascinated by this outdoor hatchet. I think that this is one of the most satisfying items that I have ever tried and it helps chop branches, wood and other items while in the outdoors. This features a 3-inch satin finished 440 stainless steel blade and comes with a durable rubber handle with a comfortable grip. This also features a black nylon sheath to cover the blade when not in use. I really like that this is easy to use and the handle is very comfortable. Compact design is very useful because we do not have infinite amounts of backpack space. The handle provides a good grip and good traction to the hand. This is very sharp and can splice branches for firewood rather easily.
9. CRKT Woods Tomahawk Axe
Weight: 2lb, 1.4oz
Length: 19″
Handle: 100% Tennessee Hickory handle
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Tennessee hickory is a dense material that withstands hard use, 1055 Carbon steel provides durability and edge retention, beard on axe head tackles many useful cutting tasks
Short Review: I like this backpacking tomahawk. Right now, this is one of the finest items in the market. This is constructed out of 1055 Carbon steel provides durability and edge retention and comes with Tennessee hickory handle which is a dense material that withstands hard use. The design is amazing, it is made with precise engineering primes you for steadier swings. This is very resilient. A tomahawk is a multipurpose item that can help you survive in the outdoors. This is rather durable and should last for many years to come. The design made this very light as well. This is very easy to carry. You will not be disappointed with this item as this has a lot of power and very sharp.
10. Stansport Emergency/Campers Multi Tool
Weight: 13.6 oz
Length: 7″
Handle: Durable wood handle
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Heavy duty stainless steel and wood handle, spring action with handle safety lock, carry bag included with belt loop, file, pliers, wire cutter, can opener and wrench
Short Review: There’s no denying that this outdoor axe is actually incredibly wonderful. This is a multi purpose item with lots of tools like knives, saw, blade, hammer, hatchet and so on. This is made out of heavy duty stainless steel and wood handle, Spring action with handle safety lock. The construction is pretty durable and the axe generates plenty of power to chop small branches. Being very compact is amazing because we now have extra space in our backpacks. If you are interested in this item, you’re in luck simply because this is really affordable. This has lots of features that you will really like which includes durability, sharpness and a low price.
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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: The fact remains that this axe for the outdoors is incredibly wonderful. Gerber is an amazing company and I have a couple of their items. This axe has a lot of positive customer reviews that I know this deserves its spot in my internet site. I really needed something that can chop wood, branches, twigs and other items while in the outdoors. It is a good thing that the weight of this is very light which makes this easy to carry. One of the best items to have for outdoor purposes which is why I highly recommend this. I really like that I can recommend items from this company due to the fact they have an enormous selection of incredible outdoor items and hatchets to choose from.
12. Cold Steel Trail Boss Hickory Handle
Weight: 2.70 lbs
Length: 23″
Handle: American Hickory
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Made to last for years to come, amazing company specializes in lots of items, durable item for the outdoors
Short Review: This portable axe may be one of the best things that you have ever bought. There are lots of reasons why this is really resilient and the design of it plays an essential role. This is rather large at 23 inches. However, I thought I should list this because this generates so much power. Splitting wood, branches and firewood are extremely easy. This is pretty affordable and also rather effective. This is simply because the design is terrific. Easy to carry because of the design. A very useful item for the outdoors and this makes splitting wood into smaller pieces a lot easier. This is one of my top picks even though there are lots of items in this category simply because this is really durable and powerful. This is just what I expected and for the right price as well.
13. SOG Camp Axe- Compact Camping and Survival Hatchet / Hammer
Weight: 1 lbs
Length: 12.6″
Handle: Comfort grip handle
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Small forest axe, camping hatchet and backpacking hatchet, light but heavy duty camp hatchet and survival hatchet also serves as a handy backpacking axe, axe with sheath is a portable outdoor tool featuring glass-reinforced nylon
Short Review: I just like this axe for the outdoors due to the fact it is magnificent. I am happy that I can use this all the time and each time has been a fantastic experience. The handle provides a good grip. This can be used as an axe to chop wood or use as a hammer. Effortless to use and feels very comfortable on my hand. This generates a lot of power which makes gathering firewood a lot easier. Being very compact is amazing because we now have extra space in our backpacks. This is a multipurpose backpacking item that makes gathering firewood, setting tents, and starting a fire a lot easier. The company who made this is extraordinary simply because this item exceeded all of my expectations. It is incredible that this is very high quality and that it is also extremely durable at the same time.
14. Coghlan’s Axe
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Length: 10″
Handle: Non-slip rubber grip
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Amazing item with multi-purpose design, one of the best items for the outdoors, made by an amazing company
Short Review: I love this lightweight axe. There are a great deal of men and women that are looking for great deals and this is one of them because of the inexpensive price. This is exactly what was advertised plus it is also one of the very best that I have ever tried. Simple axe, nothing fancy but works well. Very cheap in price but also very durable. It is great that a lot of people are satisfied with this item because this is very light. This backpacking axe is good to have. I was a little skeptical before buying this, however this purchase has turned out to be fantastic! Coghlan is a great company that creates good quality items at an alarmingly inexpensive price.
15. Estwing Tomahawk Axe
Weight: 28 oz
Length: 16.”
Handle: Comfortable, durable & reduces impact vibration by 70%
Powerful: Yes
Feature Summary: Very good and multi-purpose, durable and made by an amazing company, useful, lots of capabilities and very multi-purpose
Short Review: I love using this outdoor axe and I know you will also. Another tomahawk axe that I want to recommend. Tomahawk axes are great for the outdoors because they are multipurpose and work very well. This is definitely one of the best tomahawks that I have ever tried. A great item to take when you are going to a backpacking trip. This is very useful and also great for survival purposes. This is very good. I am extremely content with my purchase of this item. I am one of many happy customers who have acquired this. This is very durable, very light and works well. I am certain that you will find this to be a very good tomahawk axe as well.