It doesn’t matter whether you’re going backpacking for a couple of days or a more extended period – having the right gear can make all the difference. You might need to chop firewood, clear a trail, set up camp, or even set up an emergency shelter – and a good axe is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast to do all this and more. Whether you need a compact lightweight axe for clearing trails or a heavy-duty option for chopping large logs, there’s sure to be a chopper out there that’s perfect for your needs
We’ll take a look at our picks for the best camping axes shortly, but first, let’s check out some background info that will help you make your decision!
Why Is An Axe Useful For Camping & Backpacking?
There are lots of reasons you might need an axe on your next outdoor adventure, and they mostly come down to shelter, warmth, and movement. For starters, an axe will help you chop up wood logs quickly so you can build a campfire. You can also use the back of your axe to create a spark for the fire -you’ll need something like a piece of flint or a Ferro rod to strike it against though.
You can also use an axe to chop any wood that’ll be used in helping to create your shelter for the night – depending on how rustic your outdoor experience is going to be! If you’re off the beaten track, chances are that you may also need your axe to hack away vegetation just to get to where you’re going in the first place.
An axe can also be useful for processing any game or fish that you might intend on catching. A knife would probably work better in this instance, but if you don’t have one at your disposal then an axe makes a capable deputy.
Lastly, although you hope to never use it in anger, an axe can of course prove useful for survival purposes. If you need to defend yourself against wild animals, or who knows what else, then it’s better to be safe than sorry out on the trail.
How To Choose The Best Axe For Backpacking?
When choosing the best axe for backpacking, it makes sense to select one that’s small and portable enough to carry with you on your travels. The last thing you want to do is lug around a big heavy axe! When selecting your backpacking axe, you should look for something small enough to carry inside, or strapped safely and securely to, your backpack.
Despite their compact size, smaller axes are incredibly tough, useful, and well-suited to backpacking. When you’re looking at different axes for sale, be sure to pay special attention to the handle as this is a potential point of weakness. Take note of how the handle has been fixed to the axe head. If the handle’s made of wood, is the grain of the wood parallel with the handle? If it isn’t, there’s a higher risk of it splintering or cracking during use.
Another consideration to make when looking for the best axe for backpacking is the potential for multi-use. Some axes on offer are single-purpose, while others serve as multi-tools and can be used for various other applications.
How To Get The Best Use Out Of Your Axe?
Once you’ve purchased your backpacking axe, you’ll need to make sure you maintain it properly. Caring well for your axe will ensure its longevity and means it’ll never let you down when you need it most. Here are some top tips to help you get the best use out of your axe:
- Ensure the blade is always sharp. Dull blades pose a higher risk of recoil and are more likely to slip.
- Don’t leave your axe exposed to the elements. The blade can become corroded and cause the metal to weaken, and the handle can become brittle due to weathering.
- Hold the axe below the head with your dominant hand. Doing so means you’ll have the best aim and offer the right amount of force.
- Make sure you’ve got a good grip on your axe. As you know, an axe can cause serious injury if not used correctly.
Lastly, when you’re not using your axe, it makes sense to use a cover, store it away from anyone who shouldn’t be using it (e.g. youngsters), and make sure it’s away from the elements.
Best Axe For Backpacking & Camping
Now, let’s take a look at what you came here for! The following options are, in my opinion, some of the best axes on the market today, and represent excellent value for money.
Best Backpacking Axe: Gerber Downrange Tactical Tomahawk
You already know that it’s a good idea to pack practical tools you’ll need when you go backpacking. The trouble is, the more tools you take, the more weight you have to carry as you travel! We’re all about ultralight here, but what if there was a way to have the right tools with a minimal weight penalty? Enter, the Gerber Downrange Tactical Tomahawk.
The Gerber Tomahawk is a multi-tool product that has three functions in one. It’s a versatile little beast that works as a traditional hatchet, mallet, and pry bar with an integrated handle. You could find it useful for creating fish baits, for instance, or for building up your supply of wood for your campfire each day – or even shaving wood to create tinder for starting fires!
The Gerber is a little heavy though, coming in at 36 ounces – there are certainly lighter, single-function options on our list. But there’s no doubt it’s an incredibly useful survival tool to have on your next adventure.
Most Lightweight Camping Axe: Gerber Pack Hatchet
Are you a guy or gal that likes to travel light when you go backpacking in the great outdoors? If so, you’re no doubt unwilling to lug around a bag full of heavy tools. Still, it would help if you had something great at chopping stuff up. What do you do in such a situation? One thing you can do is consider the super compact Gerber Pack Hatchet. It’s one of the simplest and lightest axes you could ever own and use!
Featuring a nylon sheath with the option for either belt or pack mounting, the Gerber comes in at a very svelte 20 ounces. It’s stainless steel construction also guarantees that even smaller jobs will get done right.
Best Axe For Car Camping: Zune Lotoo Tactical Shovel Axe
You may have read the Gerber Tactical Tomahawk review and the fact that it’s a multi-tool product piqued your interest. Imagine if there was another multi-tool product on the market that boasted even more features, but with a bit more of a weight penalty? Well, say hello to the Zune Lotoo Tactical Shovel Axe. This absolute beast offers an incredible 28 different tools in one!
When you invest in a Zune Lotoo Tactical Shovel Axe, you’re buying a premium product that’s hand-crafted from stainless steel. There are over 60 different processes involved in the axe’s construction, and each one takes an astonishing 3 months to make. While this is a mass-produced product, it’s certainly not one that’s sloppily rushed out. The strength and innovation of the Zune Lotoo Tactical Shovel Axe is a testament to its excellent build quality and practicality.
The Zune Lotoo Tactical Shovel Axe offers a plethora of uses, and it’s a product you can carry in your car for use on any camping trip. It comes with different handles allowing use as a knife, a fire starter, an axe, and much more. One downside to this product is you don’t get a carry case for it, but you can easily buy one cheaply if you don’t already have something to use as storage for it. And, weighing in at nearly 4lbs, it certainly isn’t something you’d want to carry hiking for too long!
Two Honorable Mentions
There’s no denying that the above three products are undoubtedly the best axes to buy for backpacking. But, that doesn’t mean they aren’t the only examples to consider. With that in mind, here are a couple of honorable mentions to consider before making a purchase.
SOG Tomahawk Throwing Axe
For those of you seeking the best axe for backpacking yet want a super lightweight product, one honorable mention that’s worthy of your consideration is the SOG Tomahawk Throwing Axe. It’s an axe built to swing fast and true for two reasons. First of all, it’s a 19-ounce tactical tomahawk; that means you don’t need arms of steel to lift this axe, let alone use it! And secondly, it boasts a razor-sharp 420-grade stainless steel hatchet blade.
The blade features a two-inch straight edge on one side. And the other has a spike for easily piercing things. You can also use the hammer axe edge for driving down tent pegs or any kind of hammering in general. You don’t have to worry about corrosion with the SOG Tomahawk Throwing Axe because of its stainless steel construction. And when you’re not using it, you can store it in the belt loop, suitable for 1.5-inch belts. SOG is a Seattle-based brand, and since 1986 are known for creating strong and durable products. The company got named in honor of a Vietnam military assistance command group.
Off-Grid Tools Survival Axe
Our second honorable mention is the Off-Grid Tools Survival Axe. It’s another multi-tool product that’s also lightweight but boasts a plethora of practicality, and it’s one that you can depend on during your backpacking adventures. It makes no difference whether you’re backpacking in the backcountry or are going for a camping trip that doesn’t stray too far from civilization. The Off-Grid Tools Survival Axe is likely to be the best purchase you could make for such trips!
What makes the Off-Grid Tools Survival Axe the best axe for backpacking? One of its unique selling points is how it offers 31 different features in a compact, cost-effective, and durable form. The design is an all-steel full tang and axe head and a glass-reinforced nylon handle. Some of those features on offer include a hatchet blade, a replaceable six-inch reciprocal saw blade, and various hex sockets for tightening or undoing nuts and bolts. You can even use it as a gas valve wrench and to open bottles!
It weighs just 2.5 pounds, making it likely that it’s the lightest tool in your arsenal. The only downside is you’ll need a storage pouch or container for it.
Best Camping Axe: The Verdict
You’ve read some comprehensive reviews on a few products that are likely contenders for the best axe for backpacking. As you’ve undoubtedly concluded by now, it’s crucial to select an axe that best meets your needs. Some people might prefer a basic axe or hatchet for chopping up wood. Others may wish to have a multi-tool axe that can be useful in a variety of other ways too. Each of the products listed on this page is a high-quality item that has excellent reviews.
Before you invest in one of those axes, be sure to put some serious consideration into the likely ways you’re going to use your axe. That way, you can ensure that your purchase is the right one, and you’ll have a stress-free time whenever you go backpacking.
Well, that’s it for now folks. I hope you enjoyed this rundown of some of the best axes for backpacking. Do you have a favorite axe you take with you on the trail? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
And don’t forget you can check out the rest of our blog for more tips, tricks, and gear reviews from the trail. Bye for now!
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