No man should head into the backcountry empty-handed, and one of the first and most trusted tools that every outdoorsman adds to their pack is a quality camping axe (or hatchet). Along with high-quality survival knives and reliable multitools, a compact hatchet is a gamechanger when you reach camp. These OG multipurpose tools come in handy for any number of jobs, like felling small trees, clearing branches, butchering game, and splitting wood.
Unlike their counterpart, the full-sized axe, the best hatchet can be carried easily into the backcountry, or stowed in a bug out bag ready to be relied on in a survival situation (or in a The Last of Us-style zombie apocalypse). One hatchet isn't necessarily like all the others though. Different handle lengths, hefts, and heads all combine to give you a raft of unique tools, so we put together this list of our favorite camping axes to help you pack for your next adventure.
Best camping axe overall
Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Some old-school purists will be shaking their heads at the sight of a composite-handled camping axe topping our list. Those who have used a Fiskars X7 will know exactly why it claimed our top spot. Like most hatchets, this is best used for small to medium-sized tasks. But with a surprising power-to-weight ratio and a hardened steel blade, this stands up well against some of the big boys. The lightweight design means the X7 is equally at home in a survivalist camp as on a backpacking trip, and with a lifetime warranty, this hatchet is coming with you, all the way.
Best camping axe for outdoor purists
Estwing Sportsman's Axe
There is often beauty in simplicity and with the Sportsman's Axe, Estwing proves the point. This is a no-nonsense, basic camping axe/hatchet crafted from a single piece of American steel and honed with a hand-sharpened edge. The handle is made from genuine leather, sanded down, and lacquered to a robust and comfortable finish. There's no overengineering here, it's just a hatchet. Often, a simple, well-crafted hatchet is the only tool you need.
Best camping axe for survivalists
SOG Tomahawk
SOG started out as a homage to some of the most covert US military forces and has since gone on to make the knife of choice for Navy SEALS. In short, they know a thing or two about a sharp edge. A throwing hatchet at its core, the SOG Tomahawk won't shirk any challenge you can throw at it. The two-inch blade rises at the top to optimize the cutting angle. Whether you're hacking through trees, or using this hatchet to hammer, pierce, breach, or throw, you'll want this with you when you bug out.
Best camping axe on a budget
Coleman Camp Axe
This no-nonsense hatchet isn't going to win any awards for innovation, and you probably won't be showing it off to all your friends. What you will be bragging about, though, is the price. This is a solid camping axe at a bargain price (roughly $10!) that is suitable for many jobs around the campsite. The drop-steel forged head has a reasonable blade capable of splitting smaller-sized logs before you add them to your campfire. The rubber handle is comfortable in the short term and, again, for the price, you just can't go wrong.
Best camping axe for backpacking
UST Parahatchet Pro
At 10 inches long and weighing a meager 10-ounces, this hatchet will become your new best friend for backpacking trips. The lack of heft means this is unlikely to replace your best camping hatchet, as it's best suited for small logs and clearing than splitting a week's worth of firewood. When you're on the move, this
Best camping axe for old-school quality
Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet
Hults Bruk has been making hatchets in Sweden since 1697, and its hand-finished camping axes are among the most revered on the market. The hand-forged steel blade is tempered to repeatedly hold an edge that is capable of processing kindling, clearing a campsite, or splitting small logs for a campfire. The elegant hickory handle is hand-sanded and finished with linseed oil. For those who like to get up close and personal, the finger notch near the neck legs you carve with precision. This is a treat for the purist and enthusiast, but it's hard to ignore the price tag.
Best camping axe multitool for emergencies
Off Grid Tools Pro Survival Axe Elite
There's a lot to take in here. It's a camping axe/hatchet, but then again, it's so much more. Made in the U..S, the Pro Survival Axe is the sort of tool everyone wishes they had to hand in an apocalyptic scenario. Though far from the best hatchet blade on the list, this is still capable of hacking through small trees with relative ease. But let's be honest, it's the versatility that draws us. The replaceable, locking Milwaukee saw blade is capable of cutting through both wood and metal. Plus, there's a hammer, a nail puller, hex wrenches, grip teeth, a seat belt cutter, a window smasher, and so much more on offer.
Best camping axe for extreme weather
Schrade Survival Hatchet
When you commit to getting into the backcountry in any weather, you need a camping axe (or at least a hatchet) that can take whatever is thrown at you. This simplistic hatchet features a rubberized, glass-fiber-filled handle and a titanium-coated stainless steel blade, designed to stand up long-term against rain, ice, cold weather, or anything else that the great outdoors can put up. The anti-rust blade holds an edge impressively, and with a ferro rod built into the handle, you have your very own fire-lighting tool in one weatherproof package.
Best compact camping axe
Gerber Pack Hatchet
We've long been fans of Gerber everything, from the brand's rock-solid multitools to its cleverly designed flipper knives. Add the Pack Hatchet to the mix. This compact camping axe features a full-tang design and stainless steel construction with a tight, 3.5-inch blade. It's small, but mighty — plenty durable and versatile for tackling light-duty tasks around the house or the campfire. Plus, we dig that the included nylon sheath can be mounted to a pack or belt — your call.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key difference between an axe and a hatchet lies in the size and functionality of each. Axes are generally much larger than hatchets. An axe will typically have a longer handle and a heavier head. This design allows you to use both hands for maximum power when swinging. Hatchets, on the other hand, are compact and lightweight. Their shorter handles make them suitable for one-handed use.
Axes and hatchets are also suited for different tasks. As such, axes are built for heavy-duty uses like felling trees, splitting large logs, or chopping thick branches. Hatchets, however, are better for lighter tasks like chopping kindling, trimming branches, or driving stakes into the ground. Their smaller size also makes them more maneuverable for detailed work.
When it's so difficult to tell the difference sometimes between a hatchet and an axe, how can you expect to choose between the two? Larger axes can be up to several feet long and have a head capable of cleaving through large diameter logs. But it's the smaller axes (and camping axes) that look a lot like hatchets and can muddy the water. Axes are primarily designed for splitting logs, rather than the infinite work hatchets are capable of.
Hatchets are multipurpose tools that can split kindling, clear branches or campgrounds, and even be used for carving. They are always held in one hand and usually have a bent or angled handle for intricate working in tight spaces. Unlike an ax, hatchets often have built-in extras, too, like hammers and nail pullers.
But how do you choose between the two? Axes are great for splitting logs and firewood collection, but they're heavy and don't suit being carried long distances (like with backpacking). When every ounce matters, the hatchet comes out on top, even before you get into their added versatility. The right hatchet can take the place of several other tools, saving you even more valuable weight from your pack.
When it's time to pick your perfect hatchet, there are four key points to think about: Intended use, length, weight, and features.
Starting with your intended use is important. If you don't know what you want a hatchet for, how can you pick? Do you need something to carry long distances, or that you can carve with? What about weather resistance, grip, weight, balance? Once you answer these questions, the rest often falls into place.
A longer hatchet has more swing and is better for chopping, while a shorter handle gives you more control and lets you work in a tighter space. The weight of the head directly impacts, well, the impact. A heavier head means more power but can limit your control. If you want to carry your hatchet on backpacking trips, you may have to forgo power in favor of packability.
Let's be honest, the most important feature of any hatchet is the blade. That said, if you can leave a few other tools behind thanks to your hatchet, you can shed a few precious pounds from your pack.
