Original Article: Best Backpacking Axe – Top 5 of 2020
What is the one tool experienced outdoorsmen agree is necessary for any trip into the woods? The axe.
The axe is the single most important tool you can have in the wilderness. I’m not the only one saying that either. Experienced outdoorsmen like George Washington Sears (also known as Nessmuk), Horace Kephart and Daniel Beard declared the importance of carrying an axe. If these names are unfamiliar to you, I recommend reading their books on wood and campcraft. They share woodcraft tips and techniques from an earlier time of rugged, hardy men that lived close to nature. When they say carry an axe on any trip, do it.
There’s a lot to think of and consider when planning a backpacking trip, with weight being foremost in mind. A heavy pack will make a trip miserable. But then again, too light of a pack means you sacrificed items. Don’t let the axe be the one thing you leave behind.
The axe is a versatile tool for use on the trail. When I say carry an axe, I’m not talking about the large, long-handled kind for chopping down a tree, or the kind firemen use. All you need is a good lightweight hand axe, or hatchet, as they are sometimes called. You can lash a small axe to your backpack without adding too much weight. With an axe you can gather and split wood easier, hammer tent pegs, cut down small trees or notch wood. The backpacking axe is the multi-tool of the mountains.
Types of Backpacking Axe
Axes
Most often these are your larger long-handled axes. Even these come in various sizes, length and weight. When planning a backpacking trip consider how much weight you are willing to carry. Anticipating what your needs might be, will help determine what kind of axe you need. A larger axe is safer to handle and requires less inertia when swinging. If you backpack to the same spot every year, packing in a large axe is a good idea, if you leave it as part of a hidden cache. But for the purpose if the article I’m going to focus on smaller axes.
Tomahawks
When you think of tomahawks you likely have an image of the independent frontiersman. You might think of the tomahawk as a weapon, which it can be, but the initial purpose of the tomahawk was as a multi-tool. The tomahawk differs in the main from a hatchet in that the handle is easy to remove, making it a versatile tool. For instance, removed from the handle, the head can be used to skin an animal pelt, or even as a splitting wedge.
Tomahawk or hatchet? Either one works for backpacking.
Backpacking or Camp Axe/Hatchet
The smaller hand axe is variously known as the belt axe, the camp axe, crafting axe, and the more familiar hatchet. The hand axe has been around since the earliest days of the American frontier. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and weights. You want to find one constructed of high-carbon steel. Some people recommend always going with a wood handle in case you have to replace it in an emergency. But any type of handle will have advantages and disadvantages. Choosing an axe is a matter of personal choice.
5 Best Backpacking Axes
Husqvarna H900 13” Composite Hatchet
While most outdoorsmen suggest an axe with a wood handle, a composite one is a great alternative. The Husqvarna has a soft ergonomic grip and great shock absorption properties. The handle also has a hole so you can loop a wrist lanyard for more grip security. With a fiber reinforced PA shaft, this axe is durable and takes punishment well. Another advantage of a composite axe like this one is that it resists the environment better. If the axe falls into a stream while hiking, or spends the night left in a stump, it will endure the elements better. Additionally the axe head provides an easy entry for splitting wood. The back of the axe head has a hammer function; great for driving tent stakes into the ground. And if you are new to backpacking the Husqvarna Composite is user friendly and forgiving.
FEATURES
- Lightweight at 2.1 pounds
- Balanced axe head
- Composite handle
- Hammer function
- Non-stick coating on axe head
- Holds a good edge
- Middle range price
- Small enough for hiking
- Robust
- No sheath for hiking
- Handle is not easy to replace
Schrade SCAXE10
If you are a bare essentials kind of person who prefers simple tools, then you might want to try this nice little axe. The Schrade SCAXE 10 is a tidy, minimalist axe, suitable for backpacking and bushcraft. It sports an 11.1 inches overall length, with a blade length of 3.6 inches, and weighing in at light 1.9 lbs. The blade head is 3Cr13 stainless steel. As the axe is a full tang rubber wrapped handle, you can be sure it will handle tough treatment. With a thermoplastic belt sheath you have quick access to your axe. As you are on the trail you can carry this axe either strapped to your pack or on your belt. This is a reliable and durable packing tool you can feel confident in carrying.
FEATURES
- Ergonomic black rubber grip
- Weighs 1.9 pounds
- Hammer pommel and full tang design
- 3Cr13 stainless steel blade
- Wrist lanyard
- Good Axe for cost
- Durable
- Blade is powder-coated
- Comes with a sheath
- Gloves recommended…can feel the shock with extended use
- Lightweight requires more energy to use
- Sheath design is for right-hand carry
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe — 14”
For those who like backpacking axes with a long history of manufacturing, then check out Estwing’s Sportsman’s Axe. This company has a long tradition–over 90 years–of making tools for the outdoors. The axe weighs 1.7 lbs. Strapped to your pack it won’t add too much weight. The axe is also forged in one piece, adding durability you can count on. The grip is comprised of genuine leather, sanded and lacquered for a long lasting finish. The Sportsman’s Axe is versatile. Perfect for chopping small logs and trees, clearing branches splitting wood for kindling. With a very reasonable price, and a solid pedigree, this is an axe suited to your backpacking needs.
FEATURES
- Dropped forged in one piece
- Made in U.S.A
- Sheath included
- Genuine leather grip
- Weighs 1.7 pounds
- Affordable
- Long tradition
- Versatile and Durable
- Lacquered grip can be slippery
- No place to attach wrist lanyard
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe
Admit it. Whenever you hear “tomahawk” you picture a rangy frontiersman, or Mel Gibson striking down British soldiers with a vengeance. The Chogan Tomahawk will make you feel like a frontiersman yourself. The overall look is nice and simple. The head has the classic tomahawk look, with the added advantage of a hammerhead on the back. The axe head is hot forged 1055 carbon steel, and the blade curve allows for big, deep bites. The great balance gives you easier, precise swings. The handle comes from Tennessee hickory, a wood used for centuries as axe handles. If the handle happens to break while you’re in the woods, it’s possible to find a makeshift replacement. The axe is comfortable and lightweight and is capable of tackling your trail needs. With this axe at your side you’ll receive plenty of compliments, and then show off what it’s capable of.
FEATURES
- Hot forged 1055 carbon steel
- Tennessee hickory handle
- Weighs 1.9 pounds
- Curved blade for deeper chopping
- Well balanced
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Great Price
- Leather sheath sold separately
- Finish on handle can make it slippery
- Not sharpened
CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe
Estwing Double Bit Axe
Okay. So I have already talked about an Estwing axe, but I couldn’t resist reviewing this one. Estwing produces three versions of this axe, each in a different price range, yet they are the same in design and function. The drop forge and tempering process creates a tool that will last. The double bit axe head is perfect for chopping and splitting wood around camp. A patented shock reduction grip reduces vibrations, making it easy on your hand. The weight of the axe sits firmly in hand, while the balance let’s you swing with control and power. The unique look of this axe will make you stand out. And let’s face it this axe just looks awesome.
FEATURES
- Forged steel construction
- Patented shock reduction grip
- Made in U.S.A
- Sheath included
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
- Double bit axe head
- Easy to carry
- Looks awesome
- May need sharpening
- Smaller axe with dimensions of 17.9 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
Estwing Double Bit Axe
What to Consider when Buying a Backpacking Axe
Here are a few points to consider when purchasing an axe for your backpacking trips:
Use
Ask yourself what woodwork are you going to use your axe for? If you are going out for a few days, your main use could be for chopping limbs and small logs. You want to consider the shock and vibration from chopping. How does it feel in your hand and will you need gloves? If you want to throw an axe, be sure to buy one that is specifically made for throwing. For example, I bought hatchet from Wish last summer. The first camping trip I took it on, my brother broke it throwing it into a stump. Fortunately, my brother is a stand-up guy and replaced it with a higher quality axe.
Size and Weight
Most of the small axes are comparable in size and weight. They will all be close in size and weight. If an outdoor or sporting store is near you, I suggest looking in person for an axe. At a store, you can heft the axe and see how it feels in your hand. When you shop online you’re gambling whether you will like the axe or not.
Whether you go on a day trip or are out for several days, a hatchet won’t add too much weight to your load. No matter how long you are out, it’s a good idea to carry an axe with you.
Price
You get what you pay for. Now that’s not to say a cheaper axe will not perform better and last longer than a pricier one. Of course, you can, and should expect better quality for a higher-priced axe. Either way, with massed produced items it’s hard to tell how long items last.
If you are new to using axes, you might want to start off with a cheaper axe and gain experience with using one. As you learn more and test out other axes, you will find one that suits your preferences.
A Quick Word on Maintenance
You can expect with repeated use the axe blade will dull. There’s nothing worse, or more tiresome, than hacking at wood with a dull blade. Again, depending on the weight you are willing to carry, it’s still a good idea to take along a grinding stone for keeping a keen edge. Look for a stone meant for sharpening axes. A little more weight is worth it to avoid expending extra energy when chopping wood.
Also, find a good quality sheath to protect yourself and the axe head. Treat it the way you treat your other tools. Don’t leave it lying about. And use it for its intended purpose.
Safely Using a Backpacking Axe
One of the marks of a skilled outdoorsman is the care and maintenance he shows to his tools. For one it is always important to keep your axe sheathed when not in use. Don’t leave it lying on the ground where someone can trip over it.
When preparing to use your axe, ensure the area is clear of people and objects. It might be a good idea to wear gloves for extra grip security and shock absorption. Choose a good place to use your axe. That way if you strike a glancing blow, or miscalculate a swing, you will avoid injury to yourself and others. You can save your axe from hitting a rock or biting into the soil if you work in a clear space.
Chopping small logs, kindling and shearing small branches will be your main uses for an axe. If you are aware of your surroundings and you focus and control your swings, axe safety is easy. Use common sense and use your axe for the right purpose.
Axe safety is of paramount importance when backpacking in the mountains. The last thing you want is a serious injury to yourself or someone else when you are miles away from the nearest help. Carry a small first-aid kit, brush up on wilderness treatment techniques, and have a plan in case the worst happens.
Backpacking is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. With proper planning of food, equipment and gear everyone can have a good time. And as the old-timers advise, carry a light axe as part of your kit. Make sure at least one person in the group has an axe. Believe me, gathering firewood is much easier when you have the right tools. Find the right axe for you and have a good time out there in the woods
