The 15 Best Axe for Camping and Backpacking [2021] Updated

Last updated on May 18th, 2021 at 03:25 pm

Buying the Best Camping and Backpacking Axe is as important as buying a gun for hunting, 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.

Without wasting time here are our top 2 recommended hatchets that will make things very comfortable if you are looking for car camping or wilderness camping at base camp. These amazing splitting tools will help you build a campfire, shelter, and even survive from wild animals.

“Remember the recommended axes are the ones that I personally have been using for 5 years now as I am very keen on going out in the woods, actually love doing that.”

Our Top 2 Picks 

  15 Best Camping and Backpacking Axe & Hatchet list 2021

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”
11. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
    “Unbreakable Handle“
12.  SOG Camp Axe 
    “Textured  GRN  Handle” 
13. Gerber Gator Combo Axe 
    ” Ideal for hunting”
14. Schrade SCAXE10
    “Full tang hatchet”
15. CRKT Ruger Hatchet
    “Corrosion Resistant”

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 makes 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 budget before pilling our 15 Best camping and backpacking axe list.

Camparison Table

1.Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe17Inch- Unbreakable fiberglass handle

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 a single or both hands. The end of the handle also allows you to swing easily as it sticks into your palm comfortably.

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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 then 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- Comfortable leather grip

Certainly one of the famous hatchets for camping that can easily be gifted to any outdoorsman. The 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. The 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.

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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- American Hickory handle

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 the 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.

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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- PTFE coated blade

This Finland made ax is famous among every outdoorsman. Quality and lots of positive customer feedback make it amazon’s one of the 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

The Head has a super sharp blade made of hand-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 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.

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Final Verdict

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

5.Schrade SCAXE5 12.8 Inch- lightweight

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 forests 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.

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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- Nonslippery grip

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 the wild even ladies with 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 a 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.

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Final verdict 

Although you should have a knife and can read from our Top Survival Knife Reviews but you still would love to have a small compact size hatchet that helps you chopping firewood and act as a survival tool.

Remember this is not meant to do heavy wood cutting or log splitting. This hatchet can perform tasks easily that can’t be handled by just working with a knife.

7. Husqvarna 13 inch Wooden Handle-  Amazon’s choice

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 a 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.

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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 environmentally friendly as other axes made of fiberglass material.

 8.Estwing Camper’s Axe 16inch-  Shock Reduction handle 

Our research proved that Estwing is providing one of the best camping axe we know. As already we have Estwing 14 inches on 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. The 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

The Head is hand-polished with a 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.

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Final verdict 

This ax 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 the 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

The 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.

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Final Verdict

Well, it is very good in 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- Affordable

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 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. The 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 the puck.

Handle 

Cold resistance flexible handle not only gives a 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.

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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.

11. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet – Unbreakable Handle

This is the second Fiskars axe in our list for a reason, X7 is one of the most comfortable hatchets. The hatchet is known for small chopping jobs but can also perform some big splitting tasks with ease. If you are looking for a high-quality hatchet at a reasonable price than this one is just for you.

Handle.

The handles made of fiber comp is the key to its success as it provides great balance and grip. Fiskars is known for producing such handles that can absorb jerks and help you to avoid hand strains. The knob at the end of the handle makes sure it doesn’t slip and provided with a hole for fastening.

Head

The cutting blade is not only very sharp but it’s very well balanced as well. The head design doesn’t allow it to stick in the wood which is a very important feature of this hatchet. The head is provided with glass-reinforced nylon to safely protect the blade.

Product Dimension 16.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Item weight 1.38 pounds

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Final verdict:

If you are looking for a camping axe or hatchet that can sustain in extreme weather conditions, we will definitely recommend this hatchet. The balance of the axe allows you to work for hours without getting tired.
Ideal for chopping, kindling, and splitting small-medium size logs. You can easily chop more wood in less time with very little effort.

12.SOG Camp Axe – Textured GRN handle

This is a multi-dimension ax not only ideal for camping but can act as a great survival tool when required in an emergency. Very lightweight and balanced which makes it ideal for throwing if you are fond of throwing axes. The SOG makes sure that they provide repairs and replacements as they care a lot for their customers.

The hatchet may not be good for some heavy splitting tasks, but certainly, an ideal tool if you are dealing with small logs about a foot and a half in length. The size and the weight of an ax allow you to carry it with you on hiking.

Product Dimensions 5 x 11.5 x 0.71 inches
Item weight 1.01 pounds

Handle

Textured GRN handles for comfortable use that allows you to work without hand strains.

Head

The head of ax makes sure it not only perform wood splitting efficiently but can act as a hammer ax as well. The hammer shape at the back of a head can be used for pounding tent stakes and wooden logs. The head is provided with glass-reinforced nylon to safely protect the blade.

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Final verdict:

This hatchet is portable and easy to carry which makes it the best for a backpacking ax. Lightweight and very efficient to perform splitting tasks. We would like to recommend this definitely because it can also act as a great survival tool.

Remember the head can’t be replaced but it’s made of solid steel that can last for years, you just need to keep it sharp.

13.Gerber Gator Combo Axe – Ideal for Hunting

Gerber gator combo very handy tool for chopping wood with a single hand without any effort. This hatchet is provided with a sharp knife as well to perform other camping related tasks like cutting meat for cooking etc. If you are fond of hunting during camping than it’s going to make your life easy.

The combo axe is for small splitting jobs but due to its design and blade, it can even tackle medium and large logs as well. The knife is 7 inches long with 3 inches of a sharp blade.

Product Dimension 13.19 x 8.75 x 2 inches
Item weight 1.76 pounds

Head

The Head is made of solid forged steel and importantly with a low friction surface. You can chop wood for hours if you want because you have to put in very little effort, as it saves energy by not sticking in the wood. The head can easily be used for driving tent spikes as well.

Handle

The handle is very versatile as it also holds a knife inside. Handle made of Glass-filled nylon provides a very comfortable grip even if you are working in wet conditions. Although the knife is sharp the handle holds the knife inside magnetically for easy and secure transport.

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Final verdict:

This is highly recommended if you are planning for camping or kindling at home. Although the blade is very sharp for chopping the length of the axe is not ideal for regular use. The axe certainly can’t be missed when going out camping and hiking.

14.Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in – Full Tang Hatchet

A portable hatchet with only 11 inches in length allows you to perform many camping jobs. The head and the handle is forged from the 3Cr13 solid steel that can last for years. This hatchet provides an excellent balance to weight ratio so that a little guy or even ladies can work perfectly with the ax.

Although the hatchet is for small chopping and splitting task an experienced user can split up to 4-inch diameter pieces of wood easily. The length and balance of the hatchet are such that you can use it in the kitchen as well for chopping bones.

Product Dimension 12.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
Item weight 1.36 pounds

Head

The head is provided with a hammer end for crushing, breaking, and pounding tent or wooden stakes. The 3.6-inch blade made of stainless steel is shaving sharp for chopping and kindling. You don’t need to worry about the blade getting chipped or deformed.

Handle

The handle easily fits in the single hand, coated with tuff shock-absorbing TPE to avoid any hand strains.
This grip allows you to work in any condition without being worried about the ax slipping from the hand. At the end of the handle, the nylon strand is attached to provide further safety and control.

The ax comes with a lightweight plastic sheath that allows you to transport the hatchet on your belt. This sheath allows you to pack the hatchet easily in the camping box or bag and also secures its sharp blade.

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Final Verdict:

It’s a very versatile and rugged chopping tool builds for a lifetime to assist you to perform camping jobs easily. If you are working in wet conditions then it will be a better option for you.

15.CRKT Ruger Hatchet – Corrosion Resistant

This hatchet is extremely durable and wear-resistant and will benefit you if you are chopping firewood, shaving kindling, or constructing a shelter in the wild.

Product Dimension 13.19 x 4.86 x 0.91 inches
Item Weight 1.65 pounds

Handle

The handle is lightweight and hallow and you might use it to pack small items inside. The handle has a great balance and made of fiberglass with extra texture to confirm a solid grip.

Head

Hammer at the back is always handy that makes it a very useful tool to be taken out for camping. One important feature of the head is, it’s coated with magnesium phosphate that ensures that it remains corrosion resistant.

The head looks pretty dull and you need to sharpen the ax once out of the box before using it for splitting.
The head is made of hot forged 1055 carbon steel that adds extreme durability to be used for years.

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Final Verdict:

We recommend that it’s a good camping axe because of its size, weight, and hammer functionality. The overall finish need lot of improvement but one thing for sure it’s very strong in terms of its handle and the head. If you are looking for the budget ax with a simple design that can last for a long time than it might be the best hatchet for you to buy.

Conclusion:

Well, we have compiled the top 15 best camping and backpacking axe list with Our top 2 Picks.

Pros

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Cons

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Buyer’s 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 a good decision. cheers.

Difference Between The Best Axe and a Camping Hatchet

Some people consider a hatchet or an axe is the same, but technically they are not as there are few differences between them. We can easily differentiate both of them considering the following parameters.

1. Length of the handle

Hatches The handle size is what really differentiates a hatchet from an ax . Hatchet handles are not that long and the ideal length of the handle is around 14 inches. This length allows the user to swing a hatchet with a single hand. Hatchets are made of wood, steel, and fiberglass handles and they may be made of a single piece of steel with a fixed head.

Axes – Have long handles that allow greater swings and generates more power to split big and heavy logs easily.

2. Head size

Hatchets -The head or the blade size is not that big as compared with axes and mauls as hatchets are made for small chopping tasks. The bit of the hatchet is quite sharp to bite deep into the wood with a minimal swing.

Axes do come with bigger heads to make splitting and felling jobs easy. The blade of the ax is a bit thicker as compared with a hatchet to sustain hard strikes on the bigger wooden blocks.

3. weight

The hatchet is actually a lightweight ax and is a multipurpose tool that can easily be carried for camping.

Axes do have a bit more weight and are not ideal to carry for camping as they have long handles as well.

4. Usage/purpose

Hatchets are made for small tasks like chopping, kindling, clearing bushes, nailing, trimming and even delicate carpentry tasks. Some hatchets do have a flat hammer shape at the back of the head for pounding tent stakes and wedges.

Ax on the other hand is made for some serious woodworking tasks like splitting and felling trees. Axes are widely used for slipping firewood that is used for heating houses or for campfires.

Final Verdict

If you are fond of going out camping then a proper hatchet or you can say a small camping axe is an ideal option to buy. People living in the woods with the intention of doing some serious wood splitting should always select a proper axe to make their lives easy in the woods.

FAQS

What is a camp AXE?
Ax 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 is 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 the 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.