Camping Panda
A hatchet is an important asset for most campers. You can use it to cut big branches or logs into smaller pieces to build a fire, but also for a wide range of survival situations. The best camping hatchet should have a razor-sharp blade, strong handle, and balanced construction. Finding the right one could be daunting, but luckily we did the hard work for you.
So, if you need a new camping hatchet and don’t know which to pick, check out our rundown.
Sharpness
Is it sharp enough?
Balance
Is it well balanced?
Impact-Resistant
Is it shock-absorbent?
Portability
Is it easy to carry?
Sharpening
Is it easy to sharpen?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
Design
Is it practical?
15
Hours Researched
18
Products Evaluated
12k
Reviews Considered
3
Sources Researched
More than the best camping hatchet around, the Gerber Bear Grills is an indispensable item for all your outdoor adventures. It’s lightweight and compact, fitting seamlessly in a camping bag. A strong, carbon steel blade delivers precise cuts whenever you need them. Opposite to the blade, a striking surface makes it easy to tenderize meat or pound tent stakes.
Another highlight is the rubberized handle that ensures a non-slip grip. Needless to say, the hatchet is also well balanced and easy to handle. Perfect for anything, from leisure camping to fishing, hunting, and survivals, this is the best hatchet to keep in your backpack.
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Affordable and multifunctional, the Elk Ridge tactical hatchet is proof that a quality camping hatchet doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Either for car camping or backpacking, this tool can surely save the day in multiple circumstances.
The blade is razor-sharp, cutting with ease through thicker or wet tree limbs. Furthermore, you can also use it to fasten or unscrew a variety of bolts, and even as a can opener or cord cutter. Undeniably, true value for money.
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Ideal for anything from cutting firewood to tenderizing meat and other camping chores, the Husqvarna hatchet surely knows how to stand out. It impresses with a rugged appearance and unrivaled performance.
Its blade is sharp and strong enough to slice even through the thickest tree limbs and bushes. A flattened surface opposite to the blade make it perfect for pounding tent stakes. As you can expect, the tool is well balanced and easy to handle. Compact and lightweight, not only it’s perfect for car camping and tailgating, but also for backpacking.
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Like the Gerber and Husqvarna, the SOG Camp Axe is a hatchet and hammer in one, serving multiple purposes, either while camping or around the house. It has the right size for a survival tool, is lightweight, and easy to handle.
The double head is made from stainless steel; its razor-sharp blade is perfect for cutting dry wood as well as thinner wet branches. A glass-reinforced nylon handle delivers both durability and comfort. Suitable to keep in a backpack, a glass-reinforced nylon sheath adds some safety for storage and transport. All in all, an excellent choice for the money.
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The Hults Bruk Jonaker is one of the best camping hatchets you can buy. Similar to the Husqvarna, it boasts a super-tough Swedish steel, double-sided blade and strong wooden handle.
This robust hatchet makes an excellent choice for camping and yard work alike. It can cut dry and wet wood, and besides performance, it also has looks. It is also lightweight and easy to carry; no doubt, a good choice if you don’t mind the higher price tag.
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The Estwing Sportsman’s is a kind of hatchet that will surely make you stand out from the crowd. A long handle supports the 3.5-inch blade, delivering a powerful motion whenever you want to chop or split something.
The fully polished steel head is forged into one piece for longer durability; furthermore, the hand-sharpened edge provides smooth cuts time after time. Another highlight is the leather grip that delivers a unique finish. As eye-catchy as versatile, this is a beautiful tool for your camping arsenal.
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If you’re looking for an affordable yet dependable camping hatchet, the Fiskars X7 might be it. This axe impresses with a durable construction and forged blade that’s perfect for kindling and chopping.
Like most Fiskars tools, it delivers outstanding balance and power-to-weight ratio. A cord hole on the handle and low weight also make it easy to transport.
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Another promising camping hatchet comes from Schrade. The SCAXE10 impresses with a powder-coated, stainless steel head that’s immune to moisture and super-resistant to rust and corrosion. Its sharp blade and hammer pommel make it perfect for a wide range of camping and survival chores.
The head is molded with the durable handle. TPR rubber delivers both resistance and non-slip grip, for easier maneuvering. The handle is not as long as the Fiskar’s, for example, but still delivers good power-to-weight ratio. All in all, this hatchet does what it’s supposed to do and is affordable. An excellent choice for campers on a budget.
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Another entry from Schrade that has made it to our list is the SCAXE2, a small camping axe designed for chopping and splitting, but versatile enough to use for a wide range of tasks. Like the SCAXE11, it comes with a hammer pommel you can use to stake down your tent or tenderize meat.
The blade is not only sharp, but also very durable. It’s made from stainless steel and boasts titanium coating, for longer durability. Ergonomic grip and excellent balance are other highlights. And, like its brother above, it comes at a price that won’t break the bank.
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Coleman is known for its quality camping gear, and this hatchet is no different. Perhaps it’s not the sharpest or lightest out there, but it still delivers satisfactory overall performance. We like the heavy-duty, steel construction that enhances durability.
The blade comes sharp, and is also very easy to sharpen whenever needed. A flat pommel can be used as a hammer, while the rubberized grip enhances maneuverability. This hatchet is heavy compared to its peers, but still a great choice for car camping.
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A camping hatchet is an essential asset to have when you’re exploring the outdoors. It comes in handy in many situations, from preparing the campsite before pitching the tent to splitting wood for a campfire. Finding the best model isn’t easy, though. While all models above are worth your money, you must know what to look for to make sure you get the best camping hatchet for you.
Design-wise, camping hatchets and axes are relatively similar. The main difference between them is the size, which leads to fundamental differences in the way each tool is handled.
Hatchets are smaller, lighter, and easier to handle than an ax. They are built with one-hand operation in mind; thus, they have shorter shafts and are more suitable for lighter rather than heavy-duty applications.
The heads of the two tools are also fundamentally different, with hatches presenting a slightly narrower head with a larger cutting blade compared to traditional axes. Needless to say, their smaller size and lower weight make them easier to carry for lengths of time, so most hatchets are suitable for backpacking and car camping alike.
All camping hatchets have a similar design, but there are significant differences between models. This is why you must consider your purpose before buying. Let’s have a look at the main types of camping hatchets and what they are suitable for.
As we already mentioned above, the first thing to consider when buying a camping hatchet is the purpose. Check the table below to make sure the one you want is the best hatchet for you.
Purpose | Hatchet Type |
Campsite preparation | Utilitarian hatchet |
Splitting kindle for campfire | Survival or splitting hatchet |
Hiking/backpacking | Survival hatchet |
Driving tent stakes | Utilitarian hatchet |
Survival training | Survival or tomahawk hatchet |
A quick look at the various camping hatchets on the market reveals loads of head and blade shapes. In a nutshell, thicker heads are more suitable for splitting, while thinner ones are better for carving, chopping, and other controlled tasks.
The shape of the blade also matters. You can typically choose from:
Similar to axes, camping hatchets usually have wooden handles; this popular material is pleasant to the eye and delivers an excellent feel, but it isn’t necessarily the best. Other options include reinforced plastic and metal.
Reinforced plastic handles are sturdier than wood and often lighter, but could become uncomfortable if damaged. Plastic may also wear out over time, becoming brittle. Metal handles are perhaps the most durable, but usually add a lot of heft to the hatchet.
If you decide to go for a model with a wooden handle, make sure the handle isn’t varnished, or it could become slippery when wet.
Besides all the above, there are a few other essential things to consider when buying a camping hatchet. Let’s have a look at them:
The best axe on the market should be lightweight and versatile. It must fit in a backpack, but be strong enough for splitting, chopping, and kindling alike. For easier camping, it should also have a hammer pommel you can use to stake down a tent or tenderize meat. One that fits the bill is the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet.
A good hatchet is a hatchet that is durable, easy to handle, and comes at a fair price tag. The best camping hatchet is often used for much more than chopping and splitting firewood. Its blade should be sharp and thin enough to allow you to skin a fish or cut some game meat. Some of the most versatile models also come with ferro rods for easier starting of a camp fire. Furthermore, it should also be compact and lightweight, for easier transport.
Whether you’re planning a one-night camping trip or a longer getaway, a camping hatchet is essential. This tool can often be used as a hammer, too, and it can sometimes even replace the camping knife, bringing more versatility. Besides chopping wood, a hatchet is a great survival tool should you get lost in the wilderness.
In a nutshell, the difference is the size. A hatchet is inspired by the axe, and has similar shape. However, it’s much smaller, lightweight, and easy to use with one hand. On the contrary, an axe is usually operated with both hands, delivering more chopping power for heavy-duty jobs.
Yes. Most hatchets on the market are designed specifically for wood chopping and splitting.
