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. 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
The multipurpose camping hatchet by Fiskars comes 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 thehandle is made of FiberComp, which offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio. The tool comes with a unique blade locking mechanism for safety. Check out this video to learn how this product works.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.38lb
- Blade Length: 2.7in
- Overall Length: 14in
- Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- 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 a heavy-duty ballistic nylon sheath for better protection. The curved handle with a genuine leather grip adds to the comfort of handling this tool. You may check out this video to 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 Lightweight:Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet
You can perform everyday camping tasks with relative ease with this nicely balanced hand ax that comes with a TPR handle. The ergonomic rubber grip offers comfort and ensures safety. This video review will help you learn more about the product.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.37lb
- Blade Length: 3.6in
- Overall Length: 11.1in
- Material: Powder-coated 3Cr13 Stainless steel
Pros
- Strong and secure
- Lightweight
- Includes a lanyard and thermoplastic belt sheath for portability
- Full tang design
- Hammer pommel
Cons
- Not enough cushioning
4. Best For Outdoors: SOG Camp Axe – Camping Axe with Sheath
The SOG camp ax is specially 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
5. Best With Forged Carbon Steel:WilFiks Chopping Axe, 15in Camping Outdoor Hatchet
Designed for chopping wood logs and branches with convenience, this camping hatchet is made of forged carbon steel with a heat-treated blade that can be easily re-sharpened using a filer. The unique Weighted Wedge design makes it an easy-to-use, handy hatchet for camping.
Specifications:
- Weight: 2.59lb
- Overall Length: 15in
- Material: Carbon steel
Pros
- Shock-absorbing and ergonomic fiberglass handle
- Fully polished finished edge
- Durable and strong build
- Rubber protective sheath for safe storage
- Portable
- Anti-slip grip
Cons
- Slightly heavy
6. Best With Heat-Treated Edges:Efficere 14-Inch 20-Ounce Outdoor Camp Axe and Survival Hatchet
The multipurpose tool is engineered for a hiker, hunter, camper, or sportsman. It has a perfect power-to-weight ratio, which adds to the swing speed. With a fully polished finish and coating against rust, it features durable construction. It is one of the best hatchets for camping emergencies and comes with heat-treated edges for impressive performance.
Specifications:
- Weight: 2.14lb
- Blade Length: 3.5in
- Overall Length: 14in
- Material: Forged alloy steel
Pros
- Ergonomically designed construction
- Comfortable grip
- Strong and long-lasting
- Shock-proof and anti-slip hatchet handle
- Good chopping power
Cons
- May require frequent sharpening
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 the rubber wrapped handle 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
9. Best Shockproof:Edward Tools Harden Camping Axe 15in with Sheath
The strong and heavy-duty camping ax with forged carbon steel blade head and fiberglass handle covered with rubber could be your best companion during your camping trips. With a balanced power-to-weight ratio, it is a hatchet that is extremely comfortable to use. It comes with an ergonomic handle for better safety and comfort.
Specifications:
- Weight: 2.15lb
- Overall Length: 15in
- Material: Carbon steel
Pros
- Rubber sheath that is easy to put on and off
- Anti-slip, anti-bend handle
- Shock-proof design
- Sharp and durable blade
- Comfortable grip
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- May require frequent sharpening
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?
It is important to buy a good camping hatchet that 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.
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