Camping hatchet
Here are our 10 picks for the Best Camping Hatchets – and why you need them on your next camping trip!
As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we know the importance of having a great hatchet – for chopping trees, wood carving, clearing and so much more – with you when you’re out camping.
Sure, you can just bring an axe, but there are many things that hatchets can do in a shorter time.
And time is of the essence when it comes to wilderness survival.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best camping hatchets that we’ve tried so far to help you choose.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the best camping hatchets as we also cover:
- Their best and worst features;
- What hatchet is the best for every situation;
- The best camping hatchet for every price point;
- Lots more!
Ready?
Let’s hit it!
Introduction
This unassuming tool has many other uses aside from the common ones like chop wood and splitting kindling.
It can also be used as an alternative for a skinning knife, for carving, clearing trails, and many more.
Read on to see which ones made our list and which one is worth getting!
Best Camping Hatchet
Best Camping Hatchet For Splitting Wood – Editor’s Award
Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
- Material: Metal, FiberComp®
- Weight: 1.4 Pounds
- Blade Length: 2.75 Inches
- Overall Length: 14 Inches
- Brand: Fiskars
Overall Score:
98
The Bottom Line:
Fiskars X7 Hatchet is perfect for anyone who is after a durable, lightweight, and reasonably priced item from a trusted brand when it comes to outdoor gear.
What’s Good
- Razor-sharp
- Lightweight, ergonomic handle
- Easy to swing
- Affordable
- Includes a plastic sheath
- Its bright orange color makes it easy to find
- Lifetime warranty
What’s Bad
- The included sheath may not be the sturdiest
Summary
Fiskars is a well-known household name when it comes to affordable and innovative houseware, kitchenware, gardening tools, and of course, outdoor equipment.
The more you know!
With its long and rich history, it’s no wonder that Fiskars boasts such great quality hatchets as well.
We have spent a lot of time in the woods, and we dare say that this badass is the sharpest one we’ve tried yet!
First off…
Let’s talk about its handle.
The FiberComp® handle has a very ergonomic design, is very lightweight, and felt comfortable in our hands.
You won’t have to worry about losing grip even when it gets wet (Yes, we have experience with that, camping in the winter will do that to you…)
Oh, and it’s hollow too, which you can use as some sort of storage for the small stuff from your survival kit!
Second…
Let’s address the hatchet head!
The steel-made axe head is strong and sturdy, its blade razor-sharp, and does an amazing job at splitting small- to medium-sized logs up to about 8 inches.
The edge stays sharp for quite a long time, which means you don’t have to resharpen it after every use.
This leads us to…
If you’re wondering whether it’s easy to resharpen, you bet it is!
For sharpening, we just use a stone for it or even a file— easy-peasy.
With its 14’’ overall length, it’s handy enough to put in your backpack and not take up a lot of space.
Beyond that…
It also comes with a lifetime warranty!
With its exceptional durability, efficiency, portability, lifetime warranty, and very affordable price, it’s no wonder it got our vote for the Editor’s Choice Award!
But then again, we wouldn’t expect less from the brand that brought us the iconic Orange-Handled Scissors!
Related: Best Water Storage Containers
Best Budget Camping Hatchet – Best Value Award
Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet
- Material: 3Cr13 S.S. Stainless Steel, TPR Rubber
- Weight: 1.37 Pounds
- Blade Length: 3.6 Inches
- Overall Length: 11 Inches
- Brand: Schrade
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
This hatchet is an excellent option for anyone looking for a good-quality and budget-friendly hatchet.
What’s Good
- Inexpensive
- Ergonomic rubber-wrapped handle
- Great balance
- Very sharp blade
- Affordable and cheap hatchet
- Comes with a lanyard and thermoplastic belt sheath
What’s Bad
- It may not be the best option for heavy-duty usage
Summary
Anyone looking for a great deal won’t be disappointed with this little guy.
We love its easy-to-hold rubberized grip handle, which features shallow finger grooves, making it extremely ergonomic. It absorbs impact well, so you won’t have to suffer from hand fatigue.
The axe head has a hammer pommel at the back, which you could use for various purposes such as hammering, and the blade is made from solid powder-coated 3Cr13 Stainless Steel.
The thing we love most about it, though, is how great the balance is; that’s why we never had any problems wielding it.
Moreover…
Aside from its handy size and lightness, it also comes with a lanyard and a thermoplastic belt sheath which allow for easy access, so you’re perfectly prepared for whatever comes your way in the woods.
Just a heads up!
The blade comes very sharp right out of the package, so you may want to take extra care when taking it out of the box.
Overall, this hatchet certainly packs a punch and is a bang for your buck for its inexpensive price!
And with that…
We give it our Best Value Award!
Related: Best Tactical Multi-Tool
Best Lightweight Camping Hatchet – Top Pick Award
SOG Camping and Survival Hatchet
- Material: 2Cr13 Stainless Steel, Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Blade Length: 3.1 Inch
- Overall Length: 11.5 Inches
- Brand: SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
Overall Score:
90
The Bottom Line:
The SOG Camping and Survival Hatchet is a great lightweight all-arounder for the minimalists out there who don’t want to carry a lot of tools when camping.
What’s Good
- Extremely versatile
- Solid build
- Small and compact
- Lightweight
- Comes with a sheath
What’s Bad
- The handle might be too short for some
Summary
Durability and portability are important things to consider when choosing a hatchet.
Still, it’s also great to have one that is very much multi-purpose, especially if you’re a minimalist camper who wants to bring as small a number of tools as you can get away with.
With that in mind…
SOG Camping and Survival Hatchet have a lot going for it, but versatility is its main asset.
Its glass filled nylon handle, while maybe a little short for anyone who prefers a longer one, makes for easy portability.
The axe head is fairly durable, and we like its drop beard part, which allows for more versatility and is great for smaller tasks.
It’s lightweight enough to be carried around, yet strong and heavy enough to perform various tasks efficiently.
Admittedly…
The sheath that comes with it may not be the best out there, but it still works well for us, and all the good things about this hatchet simply outweigh that tiny little con.
With its powerful versatility, it will undoubtedly make your outdoor life much easier!
That alone makes this very much deserving of our Top Pick Award!
Sum up its other excellent qualities too, and you got yourself a keeper with this one!
Related: Best Utility Knife
Best Material Camping Hatchet
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 12″ Camping Hatchet
- Material: Carbon Steel, leather
- Weight: 1.36 Pounds
- Blade Length: 3.25 Inches
- Overall Length: 12 Inches
- Brand: Estwing
Overall Score:
94
The Bottom Line:
This hatchet from one of America’s most trusted brands will surely last generations, so get this if product longevity is your top priority.
What’s Good
- Good balance
- Great design
- Lightweight
- Smooth handle
- Includes a black nylon sheath
What’s Bad
- The brand sticker on the neck of the hatchet is difficult to remove, and it may be bothersome to some people
Summary
Over the years, the Estwing company has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality tools for outdoors people. Growing up, I always saw my grandfather using Estwing products whenever I accompanied him on his camping trips.
In fact…
Those things are still in excellent condition until now!
Naturally, their hatchets also have the same top-notch quality. The one I own certainly proves this, as it has always been one of my go-to hatchets.
The leather grip handle is something that people tend to either love or hate, but we personally love it.
It’s simply easier to maintain compared to most wooden handles, and we feel like the smoothness actually provides a more secure grip.
It doesn’t hurt either that the handle’s lacquer finish also gives the hatchet a classic sportsman vibe.
The blade is sharp, which makes it ideal for splitting wood and pieces of kindling for the fire.
Above all…
The head and handle are drop forged together, ensuring amazing durability.
It also includes a heavy-duty nylon sheath with a nice snap-closure, so you can be sure that the blade is fully secured.
The Estwing Axe has definitely lived up to the brand’s good reputation.
Take it from us…
If you take care of this camp hatchet, it should last a lifetime!
Best Design Camping Hatchet
SOG Tactical Tomahawks – Throwing Hatchet
- Material: 420 Stainless Steel, Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
- Weight: 1.5 Pounds
- Blade Length: 2.75 Inches
- Overall Length: 15.75 Inches
- Brand: SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
Overall Score:
90
The Bottom Line:
SOG Tactical Tomahawk is a sturdy little tool that can double as a protective weapon.
What’s Good
- Ergonomic handle
- Very lightweight
- Sturdy
- Has some unique features
- It can be used as a weapon
- Good value for its price
- Includes a nylon sheath with belt loop
What’s Bad
- Not the best for chopping very large logs
Summary
Outdoor adventures are fun and all; we definitely can attest to that, but you should also be prepared for emergencies that could occur in the wild.
If you’re looking for a tool that can come in handy in times of emergencies and is also versatile enough to do things like chopping wood, SOG Tactical Tomahawk is exactly what you’re looking for.
Right away, we’re impressed with this tomahawk’s smart design.
The glass reinforced nylon handle is ridged at the bottom, so there’s no struggle in holding it even when it gets wet or grimy.
The blade is made with 420 Stainless Steel with a protective coating to ensure durability and keep off things like rust.
What’s cooler?
If you’re wondering what the small checkered square on the head is for, it could actually be used as some sort of hammer for doing things like pounding in nails or driving in a tent stake.
Another unique feature is the spike on the opposite side of the blade, which you can use to break glass or as a defense tool.
Very cool, right?
The bottomline is…
This tomahawk sure is very sturdy, well-built, and has a lot of uses. Definitely something I’d bring with me when exploring unfamiliar woods.
Best Handcrafted Camping Hatchet
Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
- Material: Proprietary Steel, Hickory Wood
- Weight: 1.3 Pounds
- Blade Length: 3 Inches
- Overall Length: 13.5 Inches
- Brand: Anchor Marine Co
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
Combining beauty and functionality, Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet would make a great addition to any outdoor tool collection.
What’s Good
- Beautiful, classic design
- Incredible blade sharpness
- Smooth ergonomic handle
- Great for chopping and splitting wood
- Comes with a vegetable-tanned sheath and Axe Book
What’s Bad
- Expensive
Summary
For the outdoorsmen out there who are suckers for great craftsmanship, here we have on our list the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet!
Gransfors Bruk is more than just a fancy-sounding name. The Swedish brand has been producing hand forged tools for well over a hundred years now.
You’ve read that right…
Every product is individually forged by hand, yes, including this hatchet!
Too little craftsmanship goes into products today, but not with this gorgeous gear.
The hickory handle features the brand logo, while the craftsman’s initials are engraved into the side of the hand forged steel blade, which lends it a timeless quality.
Aesthetics aside, the quality of this hatchet is top-grade as well.
Chopping and splitting wood is a piece of cake with this beauty and its crazy sharp blade.
It’s a delight to swing around, as the handle is very smooth, and the balance is excellent.
Plus…
Every purchase includes a vegetable-tanned leather sheath and a Camp Axe Book!
It’s quite pricey, but we think it’s worth every penny considering the quality you’re getting and the way it’s finely crafted.
All in all…
We believe that it’s a must-have camp hatchet for every outdoor enthusiast.
The old-world vibe in its design alone is sure to captivate those who love collecting heirloom-worthy gems, as it did us.
Best Powerful Camping Hatchet
Hults Bruk Almike Small All Purpose Hatchet
- Material: Swedish Steel, Hickory Wood
- Weight: 2.1 Pounds
- Blade Length: 3.75 Inches
- Overall Length: 16 Inches
- Brand: Hults Bruk
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
Hults Bruk Almike Small Hatchet is a great, all-purpose small hatchet that packs a serious punch for its size. It’s the type of tool that’s passed down in a family for generations.
What’s Good
- Highly durable hand forged steel head
- Exceptional blade sharpness
- Smooth, easy-to-hold handle treated with linseed oil for protection
- Efficient design
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Includes a leather sheath with cord and a user’s manual
What’s Bad
- Pricey
Summary
Another stunner from Scandinavia makes it on our list, which doesn’t surprise us at all.
How about a little piece of trivia?
Did you know that Scandinavian countries literally consider exploring the wilderness an “everyman’s right”? This concept is called the “freedom to roam.”
It’s no wonder why Swedes, in particular, have the well-deserved reputation as the world’s greatest camp axe makers—trust that these guys know what they’re doing.
When it comes to finding a powerfully durable hatchet, why look further than a company that has been manufacturing premium-quality outdoor tools since 1697?
Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet has an overall length of 16 inches and a razor-sharp blade— just the ideal camping buddy that will help you get various tasks done, such as splitting firewood, clearing trails, and fine carving, with great efficiency and ease.
Its carbon Swedish steel axe head is hand forged and struck many times during production, which gives it its density and great durability.
The shape of the hickory handle is notable too. We love the way it’s contoured, with a swell at the end, which allows for better grip. For us, it has just the right amount of smoothness not to be too slick.
What’s more…
The hatchet comes with a traditional leather sheath with a cord for maximum security and a user’s manual.
To sum up…
Whether you’re going to use this for camping or wilderness survival, this beast will surely make you feel like a badass Scandinavian warrior of old, not to be dramatic…
Best Portable Camping Hatchet
Gerber Gear 31-003482N Pack Hatche
- Material: Stainless Steel, Rubber Overmold
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Blade Length: 2.5 Inches
- Overall Length: 9.46 Inches
- Brand: Gerber
Overall Score:
90
The Bottom Line:
This little hatchet is a nice portable tool that we highly recommend for backpackers, campers, and hikers who are on the hunt for something they could easily carry around.
What’s Good
- Extremely portable
- Lightweight
- Very small and compact
- Ergonomic handle with finger grooves
- Great at small tasks
- Very affordable
What’s Bad
- Tends to chip quite easily after heavy use
- Not ideal for chopping large logs
Summary
As they say, good things come in small packages.
They certainly do, as proven by the Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet!
Make no mistake…
This small and compact tool is great for doing simple tasks such as pounding tent stakes, splitting kindling and small firewood, making tinder, and many more.
The finger grooves in the rubber grip handle allow for more precise control of the edge and a tighter hold as well.
In case you’re wondering…
Yes, the blade is notably sharp and digs well into the wood.
Its light weight also makes for a great throwing hatchet.
The catch is…
It’s probably not the best option for heavier tasks like chopping large wood.
Nevertheless…
This baby is definitely competent enough to fulfill its intended purposes.
Best Build In Camping Hatchet
Gerber Pack Hatchet Camp Axe
- Material: Stainless Steel, Rubber Overmold
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Blade Length: 2.5 Inches
- Overall Length: 9.46 Inches
- Brand: Gerber
Overall Score:
90
The Bottom Line:
Another great offering from Gerber, this Pack Hatchet is a good, uncomplicated tool with great build quality for any campers and backpackers.
What’s Good
- Very nice build
- Small and compact
- Lightweight enough to carry in backpacks or wear on a belt
- Ergonomic rubberized handle
- Comes with a leather sheath with a belt loop
What’s Bad
- Can sometimes get stuck in the sheath
Summary
If you dig simple, non-fuss hatchets with a good build to take with you on car camping and backpacking trips, this could very well be the one for you.
Its full-tang blade is sharp enough to do light-duty work like shaving and chopping kindling.
Its rubberized grip handle is designed for more precise cutting and chopping, and the grooves will ensure that this won’t slip from your hand even in wet conditions.
In short…
Small, lightweight, compact, durable, and sturdy, this tool is a simple, straightforward backpacking hatchet and survival
.axe ideal for car campers, hikers, backpackers, and just about anyone who loves the outdoors.
And did we already mention how badass it looks?
LEXIVON V14 Camping Hatchet
- Material: Grade A High-Carbon Steel, HI-TECH Reinforced-Fiberglass
- Weight: 2.2 Pounds
- Blade Length: 2.5 Inches
- Overall Length: 14 Inches
- Brand: LEXIVON
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
Incredibly durable, LEXIVON V14 Camping Hatchet won’t let you down during rough days in the wild.
What’s Good
- Highly durable
- Super sharp blade right out of the package
- Very well-balanced
- Nice weight
- Includes sturdy sheath with lock and handle
- Great value for money
What’s Bad
- It might be too lightweight for some people
Summary
If top-tier durability and efficiency are at the top of your priority list when searching for the best hatchet, you can’t go wrong with this hatchet.
Combining the sturdiness of traditional tools with modern technology and design, this highly innovative tool instantly stood out to us.
Firstly…
We know how annoying it is when our tools get lost in the woods, so we like that the handle is bright yellow so that it’s easy to find.
Speaking of which…
Its handle is made from fiberglass composite and is connected solidly to the steel head, which ensures that there’s no chance of them separating from each other.
It’s also hollow, which makes it lightweight and improves balance.
And it is an extremely well-balanced hatchet, so swinging it is a breeze.
Now for the head part…
The head is constructed from Grade-A High Carbon Steel, and the blade is very sharp. This bad boy is capable of chopping small- to medium-sized logs like nobody’s business!
To top it all off…
The sheath that comes with it is not so-so at all. It’s actually an awesome sheath that has a handle so that you can hang it on a wall or wherever you want.
Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Keyword
1 – What are the different types of camping hatchets?
- Survival Hatchets – Small and handy, it’s ideal to use for wilderness survival.
- Tactical Tomahawk – A versatile hatchet that can double as a tool and a weapon.
- Felling Axe – Designed to be used for felling trees and chopping logs.
- Splitting Maul – Looks a bit similar to a felling axe, but this one is heavier and is built to easily split wood.
- Carpenter’s Hatchet – A small axe made for fine woodworking.
2 – Features to look out for
- A sharp blade makes every task easier.
- Hatchets are commonly used for tough tasks during camping or in the wild, so a hatchet needs to have an ergonomic handle so that you won’t have to worry about dropping it or slipping from your hand.
- A hatchet’s blade should always be well-secured, so make sure to get a sturdy sheath for your hatchet.
3 – Camping hatchets and specifications explained
A hatchet is basically a one-hand, smaller version of an axe. It has a lot of uses, but the most common are for chopping wood, splitting logs, and carving wood.
Camping hatchets have the following specifications:
- Material – Camping hatchets are made from various materials with varying durability. Swedish steel and high carbon steel make for the sturdiest hatchets in our experience.
- Weight – A lightweight hatchet is easier to swing and wield, but the heavier ones tend to be more heavy-duty.
- Blade length – We find that the longer the blade is, the quicker the hatchet does the job.
- Overall length – Different tasks will require different tool lengths.
4 – These are things to consider
- Versatility is a great quality for a hatchet to have. It eliminates the need for a lot of equipment.
- A good handle is just as important as a good blade.
- It’s best to always have a small and portable hatchet with you that can also be used as a weapon. You never know what you’re going to encounter in the wilderness…
5 – Camping HatchetsTop Tips
- If possible, choose a hatchet in bright colors, so it’s easier to find and won’t blend in with the ground, leaves, etc.
- Make sure to bring a stone or a file with you when you’re camping, just in case the blade of your hatchet needs sharpening.
- Always test the balance of the hatchet before going outdoors. A hatchet with poor balance can lead to dangerous situations.
Do I Need a Hatchet for Camping
Absolutely. Not only can it perform various tasks, but it can also save your life.
What is the difference between a camp axe and a hatchet?
Simply put, a hatchet is just an axe’s smaller, lighter and more portable version. Hatchets usually have a hammer head on the opposite side of the blade. Hatchets can also be used with only one hand, while axes have to be used with two hands for maximum efficiency.
Do I Need to Sharpen My Hatchet?
Yes, you do need to sharpen your hatchet, although the frequency will depend on what hatchet you’re using. A great hatchet with a high-quality blade will only need resharpening from time to time.
Our Analysis. Comparisons & Test Results
Time Between Sharpening
Sharpening blades isn’t the most enjoyable activity in the world. The time you’re using for it would’ve been better used for more important tasks. Thankfully, you won’t need to do it often as long as you choose the right hatchet.
A top-grade blade wouldn’t require sharpening after every use.
Time Between Sharpening Ratings
Build Quality
We based our ratings on how well-constructed, durable and sturdy the product is.
Build Quality Ratings
Versatility
Having a versatile, all-arounder hatchet is a huge advantage when outdoors. With it, you will only need to carry less equipment.
Versatility Ratings
Ergonomic Design
As we said, the handle is equally as important as the head. The handle should be easy and comfortable to hold and non-slip.
Ergonomic Design Ratings
Ease of Splitting
Splitting things like wood and kindling is one of the main purposes of a hatchet. An exceptional hatchet won’t have a hard time fulfilling this basic purpose; it should be capable of doing it in a few blows, or even one.
Ease of Splitting Ratings
Our Final Verdict: Keyword
After meticulously testing them one by one, below are the results! As expected, the Editor’s Choice Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet gave us the best experience possible with only a few flaws, making it this review’s top-notcher.
Best Overall Score
Conclusion: Best Camping Hatchets
The right hatchet will change your camping life for the better. It will make tasks easier and quicker completed and save you tons of time, leaving you more time for all that extra outdoor experience.
Because we are avid outdoors people as well, we know that finding the right one is not easy.
There are many things to consider, such as the axe head and handle material, blade length, balance, and more.
And there are just so many great options on the market for 2023!
That’s why it feels satisfying when you finally find the one that suits your needs.
Just like the first time we ever used our Editor’s Choice, the Fiskars X7 Hatchet.
With its great overall build quality, it was an instant thumbs up from us.
Similarly, discovering our Best Value awardee, the Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet, has made us realize that you don’t have to spend a lot to acquire high-quality gear.
We’re sure that trying out our Top Pick, the SOG Camping and Survival Hatchet will surprise you too with its versatility and comfortably light weight.
Anyway…
We do hope that this article has been of help to you in finding the best camping hatchet.
From one outdoor enthusiast to another…
Happy adventures!y
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