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Best Hatchet for Camping
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
In order to chop effectively, the blade of a hatchet, or any cutting tool, really needs to be sharp. In order to be useful, the blade needs to be able to keep that sharp edge. It really is as simple as that. So in order to find you the most effective hatchets for camping, the ability to hone an edge and keep it sharp was one of the primary characteristics we looked at.
For the most part, the hatchets presented here are well known for keeping a sharp edge with proper care and maintenance. While some, such as the Compadre Camp ax requires more maintenance to keep an edge due to the presence of spring steel, overall these camping hatchets are fairly easy to sharpen and to keep sharp.
Weight
When you’re swinging even a small hatchet around over a prolonged period of time, your arms and shoulders can get fatigued remarkably fast. This is especially true when you take into account the overall weight of the camping hatchet in question. It may not sound like much, but something as little as five pounds can add a significant strain to your body over time.
Thankfully, most of these wood axes are around two to three pounds in weight, which is a little bit easier to handle over the long haul.
Value
While we would much rather not have to look at the price, the fact remains that most of us must live within financial restraints. Therefore, the retail price of a camping hatchet is something to consider when making a purchase. While the old adage of “you get what you pay for” is usually true, in some cases, you can get a significant steal. Most of the hatchets, for instance, are well within the price range of a nice dinner out for a family of four, or in some cases a dinner and movie for a young couple. Considering how much fun camping can be for everyone involved, we see the cost to be a reasonable investment.
Size
And finally, we took a look at the overall size of the hatchet, including all the parts such as the handle and ax head. In addition to the overall weight of the hatchet, its size can determine how useful it is in certain situations. For the most part, camping hatchets are designed to chop relatively small pieces of wood, or clear smaller areas of brush. Often these areas are tight and not easy to maneuver in, so having a more compact hatchet can come in handy.
While some on this list, such as the Hults Bruk Kisa Felling ax is decidedly larger at 26 inches, most of these wood hatchets fall well under two feet in length. This is beneficial because it allows the user to be able to utilize the hatchet in cramped quarters if necessary.
Top Ten Hatchets for Camping
1. SOG Tomahawk
Sporting a distinctive and different look from the traditional hatchet, this last entry on our list won us over with its effectiveness, sleek, and relative ease of use. This 12.5 stainless steel SOG Tomahawk ax can be used as a mini tactical ax, chopping ax, camping ax and backpacking ax. It comes with a 2 inch hard cased black 420 stainless steel blade. It is a very lightweight and heavy duty hatchet that is known for being used best as a hunting hatchet, combat ax, and camping ax. It has great features including a flat edge for hammering and a spike opposite the mini ax head for piercing. They have a lifetime warranty and have no problem replacing or repairing any parts for this SOG Tomahawk hatchet.
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Created with quality stainless steel, the blade edge easily retains its sharpness over quite a few strikes. With proper care, this particular blade will be doing what needs to be done for some time to come. This SOG Tomahawk features a flat edge for hammering and a spike opposite the mini ax head for piercing which makes it a great chopping tool and tactical hatchet. This camping hatchet also features a high-impact glass-reinforced nylon solid grip with zero maintenance. The SOG company is known for taking great care of your customer service needs when it comes to repairs and replacements for properly maintained SOG gear.
Weight
With an ax head weight of 9 ounces, most of the weight of this 19-ounce tool is found there. It is very lightweight but very heavy duty as its a superb survival sports ax and great tactical tool.
Value
While the sticker price on this particular camping hatchet left us a little bewildered, there is no denying that it is a good quality hatchet that is designed for making sure having suitable firewood at your campsite is not a problem. It has a great price as it is under $50.00 and is a great asset to any campground or hiking trip as it’s versatility leaves a bit to be desired. This is definitely an investment piece of equipment and is a very useful camping hatchet.
Size
The overall handle measures about 12.5 inches, and with an ax head weight that is a 2 inch hard cased black 420 stainless steel blade. Thankfully because of its design it can still easily handle the larger pieces of wood if needed. With its size this camping hatchet can also be used as a mini tactical ax, chopping ax, or even camping ax.
2. ESTWING E24A 14 INCH SPORTSMAN
Another member of the Estwing family of products makes an appearance on this list, and with very good reason. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly option when it comes to quality camping hatchets, we got what you need right here. While not as expensive as some of the other camping hatchets on this list, the Estwing E24A still packs quite a lot of value in its little package. It’s great for creating kindling and dealing with softer woods such as pine, although the edge has been known to become dull quickly when used on hardwoods.
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The overall look and feel of this camping hatchet let you know that this was a well thought out design. Not only is it forged from a single piece of metal, but it also includes a leather grip and a nylon sheath as well. While some customers did not find the lacquered finish on the handle appealing, the wood hatchet is still solidly built. Forged from a single piece of high-quality steel, this camping hatchet can certainly keep an edge through numerous uses. It measures about three and one-quarter inches in length and is well suited for splitting the softer woods such as pine. There have been reports, however of the edge becoming dull more quickly when faced with hardwood material.
Weight
Weighing in at just shy of two pounds, this is a lightweight hatchet that is perfect for the smaller jobs.
Value
This is perhaps one of the most budget-friendly hatchets meant for camping that you can find on the market today. Well within the price point for most outdoor enthusiasts.
Size
Measuring just about 14 inches from ax head to the tip of the handle, this camping hatchet is also on the smaller size, but it’s still very versatile and easy to use.
3. SOG Camp Axe
The SOG Camp Axe is what you reach for when your campfire is in desperate need of quality firewood. Strong, well balanced, this hatchet is a fantastic powerhouse in a small package. It is a small lightweight forest ax that is known for being a great camping hatchet and backpacking hatchet. It features a 3.1-inch blade with a small camping hatchet measuring in at 11.5 inches in total length which makes it very portable. This SOG Camp Axe makes you ready for outdoor wood cutting, pounding tent stakes, and even tinder breakdowns. It is made from glass-reinforced nylon which safely protects the blade.
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This SOG Camp Axe is known for being a very durable hatchet for camping, cutting wood, pounding tent stakes, and tinder breakdowns. This wood hatchet boasts a broader hammerhead for better force application which makes it an excellent camp ax. It is even designed to withstand rough use and all-weather exposures while camping which allows you to use it in any season.
Weight
This camping hatchet weighs just 16.1 oz. and is great for those smaller jobs that you’ll find around the campsite. It is a small ax and hiking hatchet that is lightweight and easy to carry. It is a portable outdoor tool featuring glass-reinforced nylon to safely protect the blade that adds to it being very lightweight.
Value
The price of this particular camping hatchet is fairly moderate and for all of its features, it is a great deal with everything it offers. It is just below $50.00 and has a very long lifespan being made by SOG as their products are known for lasting a long time and being very durable.
Size
The overall shape of this wood hatchet is designed with an ultra-sharp 3.1” blade that delivers max cutting power in a compact ax. It features a small hatchet that measures in at 11.5 inches in total length. Adding to its ease of portability it weighs in at 16.1 oz.
4. HELKO CLASSIC PATHFINDER
When it comes to finding the best hatchet for camping, the avid outdoorsman can’t go very wrong with the Helko Classic Pathfinder Hatchet. Not only is it very well balanced, and dependable, it is also so very easy to use. The Helko Classic Pathfinder Hatchet is a great choice for those times when kindling is scarce and you need to clear smaller branches from your campsite or the path to it. While it’s not suited for larger jobs, for the smaller ones you’ll likely to encounter it’s a joy to work with.
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Handmade in Germany, this camping hatchet shows exemplary quality and craftsmanship. Not only is the ax head made of quality carbon steel, but the Swiss-made handle is made from hickory wood, and oiled with linseed oil. Lastly, the leather sheath is vegetable tanned, so it’s soft and easy on the skin and metal. Made from high-grade German carbon steel, this blade easily keeps its edge long after others have dulled away to nothingness. While it does require proper care and sharpening, this is a fairly low maintenance blade.
Weight
The hatchet weighs about two lbs, so it is fairly lightweight and easy to carry. While it may not be suitable for every job around the campground, the sharp edge and weight will make short work of quite a few smaller branches.
Value
While not the most expensive on this list, this is still a camping hatchet with a pretty substantial price tag. However, based on the quality seen, it’s well worth it.
Size
Measuring only fifteen inches in length, this wood hatchet is slightly smaller than other hatchets on this list. It is often well suited for preparing to kindle or clearing small amounts of brush, but may not work well with heavier wood.
5. HULTS BRUK ANEBY
If you desire a camping hatchet with slightly more heft, but still easy enough to handle, one you might want to consider is the Hults Bruk Aneby Hatchet with a 1.75 lbs ax head. It has a great balance between power, balance, and ease of use. While its price is a bit steep, this is one situation where the quality of the workmanship justifies the investment. So if your needs include dealing with a good deal of heavy vegetation or gathering firewood on a regular basis, this is one wood axe you may want to consider.
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When it comes to axes and hatchets, ones made with Swedish ax steel are renown for their strength, quality, and stability. Not surprisingly, this particular camping hatchet also shows the same commitment to quality in the handle, by using American Hickory treated with linseed oil. They also provide a traditional leather sheath as well. Created through a process involving the use of Swedish ax steel, the edge of this blade can remain remarkable sharp, even after years of use. While any blade edge can become dull over time, with proper care it’s doubtful that this one will lose its edge very soon.
Weight
This particular camping hatchet weighs just under three pounds overall, so it is a bit heavier than some of the other examples on the list. The weight may make it a bit tiresome over long periods of use. However, the added weight also helps you make short work of larger branches and saplings that may be in your way.
Value
This wood hatchet is certainly not cheap, and you’re certainly paying for the quality inherent in its construction. While it may set you back quite a few dollars, this investment should last for years with proper care.
Size
The Hults Bruk Aneby Hatchet measures just twenty inches in length, so it’s still a relatively good size for a camping hatchet.
6. COMPADRE CAMP Axe
If you’re searching for a light, a compact hatchet that is designed to not only be easy to use, and handle, but also durable in most wilderness environments the Compadre Camp ax may be what you need. Overall, it’s easy to see how much attention to detail and thought went into creating this camping hatchet. The handle is designed to fit comfortably in the hand, and the steel of the ax head is powder coated to protect it from rust. And finally, the black leather sheath not only adds further protection but also provides a welcome touch of class.
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The three-inch powder coated blade is made of spring steel. While it will need frequent sharpening with use, it’s one of the most durable metals out there. Compact and lightweight, the Compadre Camp ax is a great choice for those smaller jobs in and around the campsite that fall between the need for a pocket knife or a larger hatchet. While we adored the easy to hold the handle and the sharp blade, the overall size and weight somewhat limited its capabilities.
Weight
Weighing just over 23 ounces, this camping hatchet is one of the lightest that we considered for this list. While it may not have the weight needed to handle the larger jobs, it’s perfectly suited to help you handle the smaller ones.
Value
The hatchet is moderately expensive, which honestly left us a little underwhelmed when compared against the size and overall cutting power of the blade. Still, for the price, it’s not a bad investment overall.
Size
This camping hatchet is a little over a foot in length, which makes it one of the smallest ones that we took into consideration. While we like the smaller, lighter hatchet for the jobs that don’t require a lot of power, the size can be an overall limitation.
7. HULTS BRUK KISA FELLING
Does your campsite need to be cleared, and in a hurry? If that’s the case, not just any hatchet will do. The Hults Bruk Kisa Felling ax is a great choice when you need to make a clearing before you can bed down in a clearing. If you’re in need of chopped firewood quickly, this camping hatchet may be your answer. It is a bit larger and more powerful than the others on this list, but it may be too large to handle some of the smaller tasks that may come up while camping.
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Forged from Swedish ax steel by hands and then hand sharpened numerous times through grinding and striking, the blade of this hatchet has an increased density that leads to a better, sharper and more long-lasting edge. In general, the craftsmanship of the ax head is wonderful, and the protective leather sheath is certainly a nice touch. The handle, made from hickory wood and treated with linseed oil is also well made, but there have been reports of the handles being a little too brittle.
Weight
At 3.2 pounds, this camping hatchet definitely has a bit of weight to it and is perfect for handling those larger jobs that the other camp hatchets just can’t.
Value
This is a moderately expensive wood hatchet, and considering its overall heft, and the materials used, the increase in price is not unreasonable.
Size
This medium-sized hatchet has an overall length of 26 inches, and an ax head weight of 1.75 lbs. It’s perfect for clearing heavy brush and debris, or chopping firewood, but not exactly suited for finite work around the campsite.
8. CAMILLUS KNIVES LES STROUD
This particular camping hatchet is perfect for the camping environment and can be used in quite a few different ways. It’s little wonder why the Camillus Knives Les Stroud S.K. Vigor Hatchet is so high on our list. If you’re looking for a good contender for the best hatchet for camping, the Camillus Knives Les Stroud S.K. Vigor Hatchet should certainly be on your list. While the constant need for sharpening can be a bit of a hassle, the included features of a fire starter, hammerhead and quality construction more than make up for it.
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Because the blade is bonded with titanium, it’s one of the strongest edges out there. While it does need regular sharpening, as all quality hatchets do, this one won’t lose an edge as easily as some on the market today. The nice thing about this particular hatchet is that while it is very well put together, it was also clearly created with the avid camper in mind. In addition to a very competent blade edge, it also has a hammer and fire starter built in, and can easily be used as a chisel as well.
Weight
Weighing just over two pounds, this hatchet is extremely lightweight and easy to use.
Value
Another great characteristic of this camping hatchet is the fact that it is affordable, even for the budget conscious. It’s a wonderful thing when you can get this type of quality at such a great price.
Size
Measuring just under two feet in length, this hatchet will easily fit in your hand and will swing quite comfortably, even in tight forest conditions.
9. MORAKNIV BORON STEEL
If you’re looking for a hatchet for camping that is small, inexpensive and still fairly practical for use around both the campground and the home, the Morakniv Boron Steel Camping ax might just be the ticket. If you’re looking for a small hatchet that is easy to carry on your person and perfect for those small jobs that a normal hatchet would be an overkill for, this hatchet may be a great choice.
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The boron steel blade in this camping hatchet is coated with black epoxy material, and the overall thickness of 0.25 inches means that keeping an edge is not really an issue. Overall, the blade on this hatchet is made and serves very well. We were disappointed somewhat with the reinforced plastic handle. While the handle was certainly lightweight, it also had the potential to become brittle in colder weather.
Weight
Weighing just over 17 ounces, this is a very light and compact blade. While it can’t really handle the larger chopping jobs out there, for just about anything else it is more than sufficient.
Value
This particular camping hatchet is priced in the middle of the spectrum, and should easily be affordable by most everyone interested in buying it.
Size
Measuring just 12.6 inches this is indeed a small hatchet, perfect for smaller jobs such as breaking apart kindling or helping to set up the tents.
10. ESTWING E45A
The Estwing company is well known for producing quality equipment that both campers and those who work outside rely on regularly. This camper’s ax is no exception. The Estwing E45A Camper’s ax is a fantastic and versatile tool. It’s perfect for clearing brush, debris, helping to set up the tents and keep your firewood supply in great shape.
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With proper care and maintenance, this ax keeps a four-inch cutting edge that’s sharp enough to make quick work of branches, debris, and even small saplings. Estwing is one of the most well-known companies for making equipment to be used in the outdoors, and their reputation for quality and craftsmanship is well deserved. One of the reasons why we consider this the best hatchet for camping is the fact that it is solidly put together. The patented shock resistant grip makes it comfortable to use, and the overall balance is superb.
Weight
The Estwing E45A Camper’s ax weighs just under 4 lbs in total weight. It’s light enough to carry on your person during the day, but still, has enough heft to make sure you have enough firewood for the evening campfire.
Value
Another reason we like this particular camping hatchet is the overall price. It isn’t as expensive as some of the other examples on this list but falls instead in that affordable, moderate range.
Size
The overall size of this particular camping hatchet is 26 inches in length, making it a little over two feet in size. While it certainly is smaller than some camping hatchets, it is still a powerhouse when it comes to being able to get the job done.
Sources
- , Best Camping Hatchets: The Top 8 of 2019, Article
