Image: MomJunction Design Team
Your idea of a vacation may involve spending days and nights in the great outdoors, pitching a tent under the stars, and looking over the magnificent mountaintops, but it is incomplete if you do not have the right toolkit. An important tool that you need is the best hatchet for camping. It’s smaller than an ax, so you can easily hold it with one hand and operate it without much effort.
The multipurpose device comes in handy if you want to split wood, pound tent spikes, clear an area, create kindling, or perform other tasks while you’re out in nature.
Julio Arco, an architect, interior designer, and outdoor enthusiast, says, “If you enjoy camping and outdoor experiences, owning well-designed camping gear, such as a multipurpose hatchet, can provide utility and peace of mind in an outdoor setting. Consequently, this can allow you to enjoy nature and improve your outdoor experience.”
Here are the top options that will keep you sorted on your next trip.
Top Picks
11 Best Hatchets For Camping In 2023
1.Best Ergonomic:Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
的多用途野营斧Fiskars来with a flared head that prevents it from getting wedged in the log. The blade has been built using a proprietary grinding technique that promises a sharp edge for better contact and cleaner cuts, while the handle is made of FiberComp, which offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio.Thetool comes with a unique blade locking mechanism for safety. Check outthis videoto learn how this product works.
Specifications:
- Weight:1.38磅
- Blade Length:2.7in
- Overall Length:14in
- Material:Stainless steel
Pros
- 人体工学设计
- Comfortable grip
- Lightweight
- Lifetime warranty
- Cleaner cuts
Cons
- Edges may chip
- Blade may not be very durable
2.Best Durable:Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 14in Camping Hatchet with Forged Steel
This hatchet for camping keeps you wholly sorted as you can chop logs, split firewood, and perform various other tasks while camping. It is a one-piece, forged steel construction from Estwing with aheavy-duty ballistic nylon sheath for better protection. The curved handle with agenuine leathergrip adds to the comfort of handling this tool. You may check outthis videoto learn how this hatchet holds up after years of use.
Specifications:
- Weight:1.7lb
- Blade Length:3.25in
- Overall Length:14in
- Material:Stainless steel
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Forged construction
- Broad hammer for easy working
- Comfortable grip
- Durable nylon sheath for protection
Cons
- Blade may go dull quickly
- Varnish may crack and chip
3.Best Traditional:Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
Split small logs or chop off large branches easily with the Gransfors Bruks wildlife hatchet. This scouting and camping ax looks similar to a hand hatchet, with a longer handle. The increasedhandle length design provides more power to lop off the branches. Its ergonomic design allows for better control and movement, making it a practical addition to your gear collection.
Specifications:
- Weight:1.3lb
- Overall Length:13.5in
- Material:Stainless steel
Pros
- Comes with a vegetable-tanned leather sheath
- Convenient to carry in a rucksack
- Ax poll doubles as a hammer
- Comes with an instructional guide
Cons
- Blade may need frequent maintenance
- Ax edge may appear slightly bent
4.Best For Outdoors:SOG Camp Axe – Camping Axe with Sheath
The SOG camp ax isspecially designed for outdoor adventures.This small forest ax with a textured glass-reinforced nylon handle makes chopping medium-sized wood logs and small branches a breeze. It comes with a sheath for safety.
Specifications:
- Weight:1lb
- Blade Length:3.1in
- Overall Length:11.5in
- Material:Stainless steel
Pros
- Zero-maintenance construction
- Satin finish
- Offers good grip
- Designed for rough use
- Large cutting edge
- Wide hammer head
Cons
- Attaching the sheath may be difficult
- May require regular tightening
Quick tip5.Best With Ash Handle:Gedore Forestry Hatchet
If you are in need of a hatchet for gardening or woodworking, consider this compact and powerful hatchet by Gedore. It features a finely polished cutting edge blade and an ergonomically designed handle that provides a comfortable grip. Made from high-quality materials, the Gedore hatchet delivers precision cuts when needed.
Specifications:
- Weight:2lb
- Blade Length:4.3in
- Overall Length:14.9in
- Material:Steel
Pros
- Features a large head
- Ash handle
- Durable
- Appropriate handle length for easy use
Cons
- May not be suitable for professional use
- Blades’ eye may be small
6.Best Long-Lasting:Husqvarna Wooden Hatchet
Loose hatchet heads can be a hassle, as they may detach during work. The Husqvarna wooden hatchet, however, secures its head using a steel and wooden wedge. It includes a leather edge cover to protect the blade and prevent unwanted cuts. With a compact and lightweight design, the hatchet is suitable for cutting branches and splitting campfire wood.
Specifications:
- Weight:2.20lb
- Overall Length:13in
- Material:Steel
Pros
- Hand-forged axe
- Easy to grasp
- Ergonomic handle
- Features a hole for hanging loop attachment
Cons
- May not be rust-resistant
- May be larger than expected
7.Best Secure Grip:Gerber Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
The portable hatchet by Gerber Gear is designed to deliver a wide range of functions. The full tang construction promises better efficiency, and therubber wrappedhandle and nylon sheath offer comfort and safety while working.
Specifications:
- Weight:1.3lb
- Blade Length:2.5in
- Overall Length:9.6in
- Material:Stainless steel
Pros
- Finger grooves for a secure grip
- Tall blade grind for maximum sharpness
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Ensures easy swing
- Integrated lanyard hole for easy storage
Cons
- Handle is a tad short
- Sheath may not be easy to remove
8.Best Full Tang Construction:Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Ultimate Outdoor Multi Tool
A single hand-held multitool that blends elegance with functionality, It is a complete tool for outdoor adventures and comes with an integrated hammer and claw, a hatchet blade, a nail puller and pry bar, multiple hex wrenches, a replaceable six-inch saw blade, and many more tools.
Specifications:
- Weight:1.6lb
- Overall Length:11.5in
- Material:420 stainless steel
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Full tang construction
- Durable and sturdy
- Convenient to use
- Comes with a protective sheath
Cons
- May require frequent sharpening
- Handle may not be comfortable to hold
Quick fact9.Best With Leather Sheath:Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
The Granfors Bruks forest ax features a compact design, making it easy to carry and store when camping in the woods. It features an extended structure, rounded edges, and a flat elongated ax head for more chopping power. The ax’s larger head and longer handle make it suitable for felling trees and chopping small logs. Moreover, this ax comes with a high-quality sheath in vegetable-tanned leather to prevent exposure to external elements, ensuring safety.
Specifications:
- Weight:2.2lb
- Overall length:19.69in
- Material:Stainless steel
Pros
- Wooden handle for better grip
- Sharp and durable blade
- High-quality material
- Portable
Cons
- May have asymmetrical edges
- May fall out of the sheath
10.Best Multipurpose Tool:Stansport Para Hatchet with Rope Handle & Fire Starter
Carry this multitool hatchet during your hunting, fishing, or camping trips. This steel-headed hatchet comes with a flint spark igniter, rope cutter, and three wrenches, making it an extremely functional tool for emergencies.
Specifications:
- Weight:0.75lb
- Overall Length:9.75in
- Material:Steel
Pros
- Paracord wrapped handle
- Multipurpose tool
- Durable and sharp
- Comes with a storage sheath
- Lightweight
Cons
- Handle may not be comfortable to grip
11.Best Compact And Portable:Casavida Survival Hatchet Camping Axe Hunting Set
Your next camping trip can become all the more enjoyable with this comprehensive camping ax hunting set. The 9-in-1 set comprises a knife, hammer, compass, flint, and even an emergency whistle. The ergonomically designed handle with hand rope makes it a convenient tool.
Specifications:
- Weight:2.04lb
- Overall Length:17in
- Material:Carbon steel and aluminum alloy
Pros
- All-in-one multipurpose tool
- Compact and portable
- Strong and durable
- Functional
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not be fit for heavy-duty tasks
Types of Hatchets
Hatchets can be categorized into four main types.
- Utilitarian hatchets:They are versatile and have thin and tapered heads. These hatchets are good substitutes for knives and perfect for splitting small logs or kindling.
- Splitting hatchets:They are designed to split medium and large logs effectively.
- Survival hatchets:Also known as backpack hatchets, they are portable, lightweight, and relatively flat to carry in your backpack. Chopping or splitting becomes an easy job with these tools.
- Tomahawks:These lightweight axes feature a slightly longer handle and a short blade and have a spike on the rear of the blade.
How To Choose The Right Hatchet For Camping?
重要的是买一个好的野营斧can take care of your camping requirements. Listed below are essential features you need to consider while buying a hatchet for camping.
- Material:It is what defines the strength and durability of the tool. Materials like stainless steel and carbon steel are known to be strong and long-lasting options, and therefore, make a good choice.
- Weight:The more the weight, the better the impact. If you are backpacking, then you don’t want to carry a lot of weight, but if you have a car, go for one that is slightly heavy.
- Blade:Hatchets with thicker blades are effective in splitting woods, while those with thinner blades are effective in whittling and performing controlled tasks.
- Grip:Consider a hatchet that offers a secure grip and is anti-slip and shock-proof.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have compiled a list of some of the best hatchets for camping that will enable you to split wood or clear an area efficiently. Our research has been done on trusted websites and product reviews. To make the article more helpful, we have also included the specifications, distinctive features, and pros and cons of each product. We have also provided a buying guide to help you understand the factors that may determine the purchase of a good hatchet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between an ax and a hatchet?
An ax is a tool that is used for chopping wood using both the hands. It has a strong construction with a wooden handle and blade made of iron with a steel edge. On the other hand, a hatchet is an ax with a small handle and is operated with a single hand.
2. Can a hatchet split wood?
Yes, a hatchet is strong enough to split medium-sized wood logs.
3. Which is better: a machete or a hatchet?
A hatchet is designed for splitting small and medium wood logs. On the other hand, a machete features long steel blades for cutting through vines, stalks, and large leaves. Choose one depending upon what task you need to perform.
4. What’s the difference between a hatchet and a tomahawk?
A tomahawk’s head is lightweight, narrower, longer, and shaped more like a hawk’s beak. It’s mainly used for throwing and as a weapon. A hatchet’s head is shorter and has a less dramatic taper but is broader and concave. It is generally used for field work and chopping.
5. Are hatchets suitable for camping?
Hatchets are small and compact, thus making them travel-friendly. Their head is ideal for splitting small wood logs, carving, and hammering lightweight pegs.
6. Why do hatchets have notches?
Hatchets often have a V or U-shaped notch at the base of the blade, which helps convert the hatchet into a nail-pulling or nail-prying tool.
7. Do I need a hatchet for camping?
When camping, a hatchet serves as a multipurpose tool, such as an ax, hammer, and spanner, depending on the design and comes in handy while setting up the campfire, the tent, hammocks, etc. It can also be used for self-defense to a certain extent if required.
Whether you carry a survival hatchet, a utilitarian hatchet, or a splitting hatchet, they can enhance your camping experience based on your primary requirements. They’re a multipurpose tool that, when chosen carefully, can help with hunting, cutting ropes, and chopping woods. However, when selecting a multi-functional hatchet, ensure it has an ergonomic handle, durable material, and lightweight construction for optimal performance. Moreover, check for warranty, padding, varnish, and blade sharpness before buying a hatchet for a firm grip and clean cuts every time.
Infographic: Why Should You Carry A Hatchet Or Axe When Camping?
The hatchet or axe is a reliable companion for outdoor adventurers, serving as an essential tool during camping. Its versatility assists in various camping and survival tasks while instilling a sense of security in the wilderness. Explore the infographic below to uncover the benefits and reasons for carrying an axe on your next camping trip.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
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