Hi, Buying the Best Camping and Backpacking Axe is as important as buying a gun for your hunting adventures, isn’t it? Buying the best one among hundreds of axes in the market can be a bit confusing. We have professionally reviewed and provided the updated buyer’s guide to make your life easy.

 Top 10 Best Camping and Backpacking Axe List

1. Fiskars X11 Splitting axe
   “Unbreakable fiberglass handle”
2. Estwing Sportsman Hatchet
   “comfortable Leather grip”
3. Gransfors Bruks Wildlife
   “American Hickory Handle”
4. Gerber 23.5 Inch
   “PTFE Coated Blade”
5. Schrade SCAXE5 12.8 inch
   “lightweight”
6. Gerber Bear Grylls hatchet
   “non-slippery grip”
7. Husqvarna 13 Inch
   “Amazons Choice”
8. Estwing Campers Axe 16 Inch
   “Shock reduction Handle”
9. Hults Bruk 
   “All-purpose hatchet”
10. Schrade SCaxe2
    “Affordable Price”

Our Top 2 Picks

When it comes to cleaving carcasses, splitting kindling, making and pounding tent stakes or to keep the black fire going, you need to have best axe to do all these jobs and importantly this handy tool make sure you enjoy your camping trips as well.

Note: Hatchets are best for camping because they are lightweight and small enough to be packed in the bags to carry.

Note: We have considered the best quality, performance, durability, versatility and the budget before pilling our 10 Best camping and backpacking axe list.

1.Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe, 17-Inch

As we all know Fiskars are known for their quality axes. Fiskars X11 is one of the best sellers on Amazon for a reason. It can easily be used with one hand, makes it ideal for camping. This champion axe is strong enough that the company provides a lifetime warranty with it. You don’t have to be strongly built to use it, in fact, it can easily be managed by the female of shorter height to enjoy the sound of axe cracking against firewood.

This is not only a good camp axe but can easily be used for other woodland projects. Whether you are looking to clear trials, kindling or getting firewood this one will get the job done and make you feel like a pro. 

Product Dimension

1.2 x 7 x 20 inches

Weight
2.18 pounds

Head

Low friction blade coating helps it not only penetrate through tough logs easily but also don’t get stuck in the wood thus saving your time and energy. The edge of the head is pretty sharp for cutting which makes it perfect as a camp ax.

Handle

It is virtually unbreakable made of strong fiberglass. The striking part is its weight, which is evenly distributed to feel it light enough to carry for camping. The length of the handle is such that you can use it with single or both hands. The end of the handle also allows you to swing easily as it sticks into your palm comfortably.

Pros

Bestseller 

Highly rated

Fiberglass handle

Cons

A bit slippery with wet hands

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Final Verdict

Fiberglass handle needs very less maintenance they have literally no weight and are very strong. If you don’t want a wooden handle than x11 is the best one to buy from Fiskars x series for camping.we strongly recommend if you are looking for a small axe to carry for your outdoor adventures.

2.Estwing sportsman hatchet 14 inch

Certainly one of the famous hatchets for camping that can easily be gifted to any outdoorsman. Head and the handle come in one piece so no worries of the head getting loose and coming off. The quality and the Affordable price makes it one of the best camping axe ever made. You can easily get firewood for a campsite in no time because it bites deep into the wood like a knife cutting butter.

Product Dimension

13 x 7 x 2 inches

Weight

1.91 pounds

Head

Made of stainless steel that can last long. The back of the head is strong and flat for hammering tent stakes into the ground. Head is covered with a stylish leather cover to protect its sharp edges and keeps you safe from being hurt. If you can sand it properly then it can be oiled to keep it rust-free.

Handle

The handle is wrapped with leather material to give a strong and comfortable grip. The length of the handle is perfect for one-hand use to keep you working for hours. You Need not to worry about unwanted jerks caused by miss-hits.

Pros 

Forged in one piece

Easy to carry 

Classic look

Jerks free

Cons

The leather handle can absorb water

Sticker on handle bit annoying

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Final verdict

Stainless steel material and comes in one piece without any fear to head getting loose.One of the top camping axe for sure. I highly recommend this axe for camping.

 3.Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet

This axe is an example of great craftsmanship. Gorgeous little camp ax you would love to have if you are fond of American hickory handles. It comes with vegetable-tanned leather to cover its sharp cutting edge.

This is one of the best camping axe for Cutting large branches, skinning, chopping, carving or even splitting tough logs for firewood is easily done with this traditional ax. 

This wildlife axe is lightweight, that can be packed anywhere you go. During your camping it will work like a charm, clearing trails and even hammering tent stakes into the ground.

This Swedish made axe comes with a book to guide user every bit of it and ensures its maintenance and get maximum out of it. It is a bit expensive but the quality that it possesses is unmatched.

Item weight

1.3 pounds

Head 

Solid carbon steel material is used for the head to keep it strong. The head has a very sharp cutting edge to bite into the wood and splits it smoothly in no time. It is very tightly fixed to the handle without getting loose. 

Handle 

The handle is made of Hickory wood which is known for its quality and durability. The handle can easily be oiled to keep it up to mark for years to come.

Pros

Portable 

Classic look/handcrafted 

Hickory handles

Cons

Bit expensive

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Final Verdict

As we said its a bit expensive but Granfors makes sure every cent you spend worth it. Old traditional look but in terms of performance, it makes sure you have an enjoyable time during your camping.

4. Gerber 23.5-Inch Axe

This Finland made ax is famous among every outdoorsman. Quality and lots of positive customer feedback make it amazon’s one of best camping axe. The compact size of an ax is not only good for splitting wood but can easily be packed at the back of your car.

 It has great strength can chop up to 3 times deeper than the average ax.

Product Dimension

1.3 x 8.3 x 25.7 inches

Head

Head has a super sharp blade made of hard forged steel that gives an excellent cutting advantage over any ordinary ax.PTFE coated blade makes sure it penetrates deep yet doesn’t get stuck in the wood to save time and energy.

Handle

The handle can absorb unwanted shocks to keep you going as long as you want. You need not to worry about hand and body strains anymore. The balance of the handle is up to the mark that allows even inexperienced people to work with this amazing tool.

Pros

Amazon’s choice

No hand and body strains

Cons

No cons

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Final Verdict

High-efficiency products for sure less maintenance and long-lasting. The good part is inexperience woodsman can easily work with this amazing tool, especially with the nonsticky blade.

5.Schrade SCAXE5 12.8 Inch

We have placed it in our top 10 best camping axe for a reason. This is not only a camp axe but can also act as a great survival tool during camping in forest and remote areas. You would love to have this in your bag as a great emergency tool as It provides great balance and feels sturdy.

Product Dimension

13.5 x 5 x 4 inches

Head 

The blade measures just over 3 inches and is made of SK5 high carbon stainless steel, and features a 1/4 inch black powder coated full tang with a nail pull bar at the base of the handle. The blade comes razor sharp ideal for cutting wood into small pieces.

Handle

Nylon ergonomic grippy handle with a very thick full tang construction. Finger shape grip makes it very secure and avoids any chances of getting slippery. 

Caution: Axe features a spiked pommel as well as a nail pull/pry bar.

Pros

Emergency tool

Lightweight

 Cons 

Sheath needs improvement

Sharp nail pull can cause damage.

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Final verdict

Safety can be an issue especially if you are not familiar with axes.

6. Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet

This sturdy small hatchet will not only get you firewood but helps you improvise a quick shelter. It looks small but very strong and it does work more than what you expected. Not only excellent with chopping and splitting firewood but can act as a great survival tool. It comes with a great sturdy sheath to protect from its sharp blades when not in use. 

A great tool to have when in wild even ladies with the small hands can manage it very efficiently. It gives you enough confidence to move a mile or two away from your vehicle during hunting.

Product Dimension

2 x 6 x 13 inches

Head 

The head has sharp edges for chopping and kindling. The back end of the head has a strong surface that allows it to hammer tent stakes easily. Blades can easily be sharpened at any time to keep it going. Head is pretty slim ideal for chopping but working with medium size logs it often gets stuck in the wood.

Handle 

Handle wraps with rubber design that gives zero slip even with wet hands. Desing on the rubber gives to handle the stylish look as well. There’s also a handy hole at the base of the handle to attach a lanyard for an extra measure of safety.

Pros 

Nonslippy grip

Easy to carry

Hammering function

Stylish look

Cons

Sheath needs improvement 

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Final verdict 

If you love to have a small compact size hatchet that helps you chopping firewood and act as a survival tool then go for it. Remember this is not meant to do heavy wood cutting or log splitting.

7. Husqvarna 13 inch Wooden Handle

The combination of hickory wood and Swedish steel makes this hatchet the best camping axe. Husqvarna one of the old brands known for its traditional axes.

Chopping, carving, shaving, kindling and clearing trails are made easy and making your camping place comfortable with this hatchet. Designed perfectly for one-hand use and balance gives comfort to work for hours.

This hatchet can easily be maintained you just need to oil it and cover the head with leather sheath provided.

Product Dimension

15 x 6.5 x 1 inches

Head 

It is seated well and hold tight with the help of steel and wooden wedge. You can hit as hard as you want without worrying about the head coming off or getting loose. The head comes with a leather cover for protection.

Handle

Classic handle made of quality hickory wood with mostly straight grains going parallel alongside the handle. Grain orientation gives handle strength and flexibility for jerk absorption as well.

Pros 

Amazon’s choice

Easy to carry 

Tradition look

Cons

The handle might shrink in warm condition

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Final verdict

If you are fond of wooden hickory handles and just want to do small tasks while camping you can opt for this great camp ax. It will do the job without putting any burden on your pocket. Remember it’s not environmental friendly as other axes made of fiberglass material.

 8.Estwing Camper’s Axe with Shock Reduction 16 inch

Our research proved that Estwing is providing one of the best camping axe we know. As already we have Estwing 14 inches in our list but this one made in the USA is as good as you can get.

Chopping, kindling, splitting small branches and clearing trails you can do many tasks with this axe made of stainless steel. Head and the handle are forged in one piece gives it the durability to last long. This ax reduces the shocks up to 70% which is far better than any other hatchet.

Product Dimension

26 x 1.4 x 7 inches

Head

Head is hand-polished with the sharp cutting edge to bite deep into the wood. It comes with a ballistic nylon sheath to keep you safe from the sharp blade of the head. The cheeks of the head are narrow so it often gets stuck in the medium size logs but performs better doing small tasks. As the ax is forged in one piece so no worries of the head getting loose. The back end of the head is flat for hammering anything like tent stakes.

Handle

The handle is provided with genuine leather which gives a very comfortable grip that can take shocks caused by miss-hits. Balance and tight grip will keep you going as long as you want.

Pros

Long-lasting 

Shock reduction 

Low price

Hammering ability

Cons

Leather sheath absorbs water

Head sticks a bit

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Final verdict 

This axe can also be used with both hands easily and very cost-effective. If you really want a soft comfortable grip on the handle and not much experience working with axes than it’s an ideal camp ax to buy.

9. Hults Bruk Almike Small All Purpose Hatchet

As the name suggests it’s one of the best multipurpose hatchets. The axe can be worn on a belt and can easily be tucked into a backpack. American hickory wood handle and solid Swedish steelhead make it very special and durable.

The compact size of the axe makes it work in gardens, fine wood carving, perform backcountry jobs and act as a great survival tool in wild forest. If you are fond of throwing then this axe will meet your expectations.

Product Dimension 

16.2 x 6.8 x 2.4 inches ; 2.1 pounds

Head

Head is made of solid Swedish steel and pretty sharp to bite deep into the wood like a knife cutting butter.

Handle

American hickory wood provides perfect gain orientation for flexibility and strength to last long for years. Wood is nicely crafted to give it a traditional look. The handle can easily adjust in the hands you never feel like it’s going to slip any moment.

Pros

Compact size

Lightweight 

Cons

Expensive

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Final Verdict

Well, it is very good on its own domain but we feel it’s a bit expensive for a hatchet of this size. You can buy this but we recommend you to go for granfors wildlife hatchet we reviewed at no 3rd spot in our best camping axe list.

10. Schrade SCAXE2 11.8in Stainless Steel

Although this ax is quite cheap but in terms of performance and efficiency, you can easily compare it with any other camp axe easily. If you are fond of camping and hiking this little gem, you would certainly love to be packed in your bag. Apart from doing splitting and kindling work, this can be a very good option to keep it as a survival tool if you are exposing yourself to the wildlife.

You need not to worry about wet conditions anymore if you are working with this hatchet. Design and the balance with a special grip on the handle certainly make this best camping axe.

Product Dimension 

15 x 7 x 2 inches ; 1.44 pounds

Head 

The blade is made of reliable 3Cr13 Titanium Coated S.S. with a black, glass fiber filled PA & TPR material. Back of the head is nicely made for hammering function to fit tent stakes or for pounding wooden wedges. The blade remains sharp after some heavy work, you can keep it sharp by sharpening puck.

Handle 

Cold resistance flexibilizer handle not only gives perfect grip without slipping and you really don’t feel any jerks and no hand strains. The Ferro rod in the handle makes it very special and sturdy.

Pros 

Inexpensive

Sturdy 

Firestarter in the handle

Cons 

The plastic sheath can be improved

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Final verdict

Low price but very effective if you are looking to use an axe mostly in wet conditions than you can consider this.

 Conclusion

Well, we have compiled the top 10 best camping and backpacking axe list with Our top 2 Picks.

Pros

CheckPriceOnAmazon

Cons

CheckPriceOnAmazon

.Buyer’Guide

You need to consider a few points before making any decision

1.      Your budget

2.      Conditions/environment where you will be using the axe

3.      How often you use

4.      Nature of work/purpose of use.

Keep the above-mentioned points, we are pretty sure you will end up making good decision.cheers.

FAQS

What is a camp AXE?

Axe that is portable, lightweight and can easily be used with one hand termed as camp or pack axe.

Who makes the best axes and hatchets?

Fiskars, Estwing, Granfors, Husqvarna, Gerber are known brands making best axe for camping

What’s the difference between an AXE and a hatchet?

Ax with smaller handles are called hatchets. Axe is mostly used for forestry but hatchet can also be used as a utility tool.

Can a hatchet split wood?

Yes, they can be used for splitting medium-sized logs or kindling firewood but not for heavy splitting or felling big trees.

What is the difference between Ax and AXE?

They both are different spelling of the same word

Which is better machete or hatchet?

machete has a long blade made of steel, thinner than axe head they can be used for cutting through tough plant life e.g. stalks, vines, and large leaves. But hatchet is for splitting wood and small trees.