In this buying guide, we will review the best camping axe and camping hatchet products available in the market today. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to choose the best camping axe and/or camping hatchet according to your needs.
What Is The Best Axe For Camping
Our top pick for the best camping axe is the Schrade SCAXE2 11.8in Stainless Steel Small Axe: it is an affordable camping hatchet that is lightweight and compact but offers a high-quality build for extra durability.
However, if you are still not sure whether the Schrade Axe is the right choice for you, below we will also discuss 9 other options in our top 10 picks below.
Let us begin right away from the number ten.
Top 10 Best Camping Axes and Hatchets
#10. Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Ultimate Outdoor
Key Features
- Camping hatchet, integrates a ton of tools into a one-hand held multitool including:
- Hatchet blade
- Hammerhead, nail claw, and pry bar
- Replaceable 6 inch bi-metal reciprocating saw blade
- Hex sockets 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 10mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm
- Hardened steel glass breaker and seatbelt cutter
- Multiple hex sockets with ergonomic aluminum handle
- Only 11.5” long and 1.6 pounds, compact and easy to carry around while packing enough punch
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very compact and light but powerful enough for various cutting purposes
- The 6-inch replaceable saw blade is very useful
- Superior quality and very durable material
- Hand-forged
- Useful extras
Cons:
- Some of the features might be redundant for camping
- Sheath sold separately
Our Verdict
This Off Grid Tools Survival Axe is technically a multi-purpose hatchet that comes with 31 different features. While many of them might not be useful for camping, it is a very versatile hatchet that is also a great pick if you are currently looking for a multi-purpose tool.
The 6-inch replaceable saw blade is extremely useful for camping, for example when you need to start a fire or build your tent. It is replaceable, which will also translate into easier maintenance.
A key highlight of this hatchet is its size: it’s compact and lightweight enough—weighing only 1.6 pounds— but is powerful enough to perform well, especially thanks to its various extra features.
While it’s not the most affordable option available, it’s still a great pick thanks to its compact but versatile design.
#9. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
Key Features
- 12 inches long
- Genuine leather grip, sanded and lacquered for a durable, long-lasting finish.
- Forged in one-piece, durable, and long-lasting
- Perfect for chopping logs, small trees & branches or splitting firewood & kindling
- Includes ballistic nylon sheath to protect hand sharpened cutting edge. 2.75 or 3.25 inches edge
- Hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide hammer end with compact handle, great for easy splitting of larger logs
- One of the best-looking hatchet with a classic design
- Affordable, but very well-made
- Single piece construction, the head won’t fly off
Cons:
- Limited chopping power due to its compact size
- The sheath is a bit tacky
Our Verdict
The Estwing Sportsman Axe is compact, lightweight, and versatile.
While it’s not of the highest quality and only offers a relatively limited chopping power, it’s a great pick for camping due to its versatility and compactness.
Very comfortable to hold thanks to its hand-sanded and lacquered leather grip, and you also get a ballistic nylon sheath to protect its cutting edge, although it’s not of the best quality and design.
It is quite durable especially when considering its price tag, but if you are looking to perform some heavy-duty activities (i.e. chopping larger trees), this might not be the best choice.
Still, one of the most cost-effective and reliable axes for camping if you are looking for simplicity and compactness.
#8. Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet
Key Features
- 1 inch (28.1 centimeters) overall length with a blade length of 3.6 inches (9 centimeters) and a weight of 1 pound (5.9 ounces)
- The blade is made of reliable 3Cr13 S.S with a black, rubber wrapped handle
- Quick and easy access with the convenient black thermoplastic belt sheath
- Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the ergonomic black rubber grip
- Features a hammer pommel and has a full tang design
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptionally lightweight, weighing at exactly one pound
- Great aesthetics with a minimalist all-black look
- Dual-function with its hammer pommel design can also use it as a fire starter
- Includes sheath and belt attachment
- Ergonomic handle, very comfortable grip
Cons:
- Limited chopping power
- Fairly short, not for everyone
Our Verdict
Schrade offers some of the best camping hatchets available in the market today: very light at just 1 pound and compact with just 11.1 inches in length. Yet, it is exceptionally durable and is made of high-quality material.
The ergonomic handle is made of grooved black rubber that is very comfortable to grip, and the blade is made from sturdy stainless steel, allowing you to stay in control when gripping this hatchet.
Also, one of the best-looking hatchets we have on this list with its sleek minimalist design and hints of ruggedness. It also comes with a cool-looking thermoplastic sheath for safe transporting.
One of the best camping hatchets available.
#7. Gerber Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
Key Features
- 5 x 1 x 9.46 inches (LxWxH)
- 3 pounds weight
- Full tang construction means steadiness in hand and the strength to power through swinging chores
- A tall blade grind retains optimal sharpness
- The handle is wrapped in rubber-over-mold for added grip and comfort
- Nylon sheath can be mounted on pack or belt
- Integrated lanyard hole secures the hatchet while on the move
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great overall value for money
- Solid 2.5-inches head, allowing fast and precise cut despite its compact size
- Slim nylon sheath included, great-looking and good quality build
- Ergonomic handle with easy gripping rubber-over-mold, very comfortable to hold
- Tall grind for optimal sharpness
Cons:
- Limited chopping power
- No flattened back to use as a pounding hammer
Our Verdict
Gerber is one of the most well-known names in camping and outdoor adventure tools, and the Pack Hatchet Camping Axe offers great build quality and design, as well as superior performance.
Ideal for chopping wood to make a fire or building a shelter when you are camping.
Full tang construction, meaning the hatchet will remain steady in your hand while providing enough power. It also features a tall grind, allowing optimal sharpness when you need to cut through tougher wood materials.
Compact and lightweight at just 9.46 inches in length, but can deliver fast and precise cuts.
#6. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
Key Features
- 14 inch
- 4 pounds
- Ideal for chopping kindling and small- to medium-sized logs
- Chops deeper with each swing to get more done faster
- Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat
- The proprietary blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts
- Lifetime warranty. Low-friction blade coating powers through wood and prevents the head from getting stuck
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Well-crafted with blade-grinding technology
- Lightweight at just 1.4 pounds, but relatively long (14 inches) for extra cutting power
- Durable, made of high-quality FiberComp material that is stronger than steel
- Orange-colored, highly visible to prevent accidents
- Great weight distribution, allowing an optimal power-to-weight ratio
Cons:
- Unconventional design, might not be appealing for some
- Limited chopping power for heavy-duty applications
Our Verdict
The Fiskar X7 hatchet is a budget-friendly camping hatchet that is very durable and has great swinging power.
It comes with a very modern design with a bright orange handle, and features a very sharp edge thanks to Fiskars’ unique grinding technology allowing better contact and cleaner cuts while allowing the blade to stay sharp longer with its low-friction coating.
According to Fiskars, this hatchet is virtually impossible to break, so it might be your perfect choice if longevity is your top concern.
The Fiskars X7 is an excellent combination of a durable and multi-functional hatchet, one of the best hatchets available for camping.
#5. CRKT Kangee Tomahawk with Sheath
Key Features
- Style: Tomahawk with Sheath with a flat grind
- Made of SK5 carbon steel, high-performance with extra sharpness
- Strong and lightweight with glass-reinforced nylon handle
- Includes a Boltaron sheath w/MOLLE compatible strap system
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Blade Length: 2.93″ (74.42 mm)
- Open Length: 13.75″ (349.25 mm)
- Weight: 1.53 lb (0.69 kg)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Made of durable SK5 carbon steel
- Corrosion-resistant coating for extra longevity
- Lightweight and compact at just 1.5 pounds of weight and 13.75 inches in length
- Curved handle and finger grip for enhanced control
- MOLLE sheath makes it easier to carry
Cons:
- The cutting edge is not very durable, might break after heavy-duty usage
- A high-gloss finish might make the grip uncomfortable
Our Verdict
Comes from CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool), this tomahawk-style axe offers a flat blade with axe cutting edge at the front and a spike at the back.
The blade is made of Sk5 carbon steel coated with black powder, and is especially designed as a multi-purpose axe, excellent for campers.
A unique feature from this tomahawk axe is its spiked rear end, which can be used to dig or pry, although it also means you can’t use this axe as a hammer.
The handle is great-quality, and is very comfortable to hold when swinging it. It is lightweight at just 1.5 pounds, but offers a really good chopping power while also being durable and robust.
A great choice if you are looking for a tomahawk-style camping axe.
#4. Iunio Survival Axe Camping Hatchet with Sheath
Key Features
- 93” length, adjustable
- Multi-tool: several uses in one hatchet. Partially assembled can be a short axe if you are in a close and compact situation or fully assembled for regular use. This axe can be different sizes for different trips.
- Tubular section each have available space for small first aid kits, fishing gear and tackle, survival gear or anything else
- Comes with protective sheath, which protects the blade for extra safety
- Wrap provides the user both a better grip and cushioning for the hands.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile multi-tool design: axe, hammer, bottle opener, fish scaler, flint/magnesium rod, emergency whistle, safety hammer, compass in one tool
- Adjustable handle length providing extra versatility and extra chopping power when needed
- Extra storage space in the tube handle, handy in camping situations
- High-quality material, durable and built to last
Cons:
- Might not be adequate for heavy chopping
- Head is not one-piece with the handle, can come loose with heavy work
Our Verdict
The Iunio Camping Axe is not just a hatchet, but a multi-tool providing seven tools in one package and an adjustable handle.
The axe head itself is made from high-quality carbon steel, which as we know is one of the hardest and most durable types of steel available.
Great for various camping activities like kindling, carving, and even splitting large logs. This is thanks to its adjustable length handle, which can translate into an extra chopping power when required.
An excellent choice if you are looking for versatility.
#3. Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe
Key Features
- 26” length
- Black powder coat finish, shock reduction grip, proven to reduce impact vibration by as much as 70%.
- Forged steel construction allowing maximum strength and durability for a lifetime of hard work
- Perfect for chopping logs, small trees & branches or splitting firewood & kindling
- Hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish
- Rugged shock reduction grip is bonded to the handle so it will never slip
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Medium-sized 28” axe but relatively lightweight
- Can be used as a hammer, great chopping power enough to split 20-24” wide logs
- Attractive finish with its hand-polished design
- Hand-sharpened 4” cutting edge, more precise cuts
- Includes a durable ballistic nylon sheath
- 9” rubber Shock Reduction Grip which also prevents slippages
- One-piece design, preventing the head from coming off
Cons:
- 26” long handle might be uncomfortable for some people
- Even with the shock-resistant design, some people can still feel the shock of impact
Our Verdict
The Estwing Camper’s Axe is a very versatile medium-sized camping axe, which offers a good mix of looks and strength. It does offer a one-piece design, and so the head is more secure and won’t come off.
Yet, it will also mean that if you break the handle or the head, you’ll need to get a new axe. It is worth noting, however, that this axe is fairly durable, and so you really have to abuse it for it to break.
#2. SOG Camp Axe – Camping Axe with Sheath
Key Features
- 1 ounces weight. + 11.5” length+ 3.1” blade
- Small forest axe, camping hatchet and backpacking hatchet features a 3.1-inch blade; small hatchet measures 11.5 inches in total length
- light but heavy duty camp hatchet and survival hatchet also serves as a handy backpacking axe; hand axe includes textured GRN handle for comfortable use
- Wood chopping axe can also be used as a hammer axe; the hatchet is always ready for outdoor wood splitting, pounding tent stakes, and tinder breakdown
- lightweight and easy to carry
- Tough, high-impact handle offers good grip and zero maintenance
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Made of high-quality materials
- Lightweight and very portable (16.1 ounces weight)
- Stylish finish, one of the best-looking camping axes
- Offers a great hammer-head surface for striking
Cons:
- Relatively smaller than most would prefer
- The handle might be too thin for some people
Our Verdict
The SOG hatchet axe is lightweight and compact with just 16.1 ounces in weight and 11.5” handle length. However, it also offers a 3.1” blade that is large enough for accurate and precise cut for more cutting power.
The use of reinforced glass on the handle allows better shock-absorbing quality as you swing the axe, but the steel axe is tough and sharp enough to handle most tasks in your camping activities like chopping kindling, driving in tent pegs with its hammer head, and clearing trails.
One of the most cost-effective camping axe choices available.
#1. Schrade SCAXE2 11.8in Stainless Steel Small Axe
Key Features
- 8 inch (30 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.8 inches (9.6 cm) and a weight of 1 lb 6.4 ounces
- Blade is made of reliable 3Cr13 Titanium Coated S.S. with a black, glass fiber filled PA & TPR material and cold resistance flexibilizer handle
- Quick and easy access with the convenient black thermoplastic belt sheath, pommel located on the back of the blade and a ferro rod is located in the handle
- Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the ergonomic black rubber grip
- Axe features a hammer pommel as well as an extra-large ferro rod that is stored inside the shaft
- Thermoplastic rubber handle is shaped to fit comfortably in the hand to ensure solid and balanced contact when in use
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Nice, comfortable grip with great balance
- Lightweight, only 1.37 pounds but offer a great chopping power
- Usable storage space inside the shaft, great for camping
- 8 inch handle length, compact and portable
- Ergonomics design, everything is easily reachable and comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Hollow shaft can translate into more impact shock
- The shaft might be a little too short
Our Verdict
If you are looking for an affordable hatchet with a great set of features, the Schrade SCAXE2 is a great pick for your camping needs.
Cost effective, the hatchet is 11.8 inches long with a blade length of 3.8 inches and total weight of 1.37 pounds. It also offers a titanium-coated stainless steel blade that is very durable.
The best camping hatchet based on our review, great value for your money.
Do You Need an Axe for Camping?
The axe can be quite helpful in various activities during camping, like chopping firewood. Axes come in a various range of shapes and sizes and can perform various different purposes:
- Hatchets: small axes with short handles. Can be used, for example, for cutting down smaller trees or breaking larger wood wedges into kindling woods.
- Heavy axes: comes with (very) long handle, typically used for chopping down large trees and cutting them down.
- Mauls: they feature a larger wedge-shaped head, useful for splitting logs into pie shapes that will fit your campfire.
Even if you camp in an area that doesn’t allow campfires and/or where you can’t use the surrounding woods, you can still use your axe.
For example using the unsharpened side of the axe to pound tent stakes into the ground, use it as a knife, or you can also use the metal head of your axe to spark a fire during emergencies.
What Is The Best All-Round Axe for Camping?
Hatchets or smaller axes are typically the best choices to use while camping. They are typically compact and lightweight, and so they are easy to carry around when camping.
A hatchet can be quite useful for splitting larger wood blocks into smaller kindling in building a campfire.
This is why people often use the terms ‘hatchet’ and ‘camp axe’ interchangeably.
What Is The Difference Between an Axe and Hatchet?
The main difference between a hatchet and an axe is that you can use a hatchet with only one hand due to its smaller size and typically shorter handle.
With a regular axe, on the other hand, we hate to grip it with two hands.
Hatchets are typically 18 inches long and weighing around 2 pounds or even slightly lighter, making them a great all-round choice when camping:
- you can use them to chop down smaller trees,
- split firewood,
- and clear an area of brush.
For most camping activities, these are enough.
It’s also important to note that a hatchet is typically much more affordable than a regular axe with comparable quality.
Medium-sized axes are typically around 24 inches (2’) long and are more than 2 pounds in weight. With the longer handle, you can cut through something with a lot less chopping.
We can call an axe ‘large’ if it is around 32 or 36 inches in length, and they are typically more than 3 pounds in weight. Mauls can be even larger and go up to 40 inches in length, weighing up to 7 pounds.
The bigger the size and the longer the handle, the more kinetic energy you’ll have with every swing at the expense of weight and compactness.
Final Words…
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best camping axe and you have everything you need to make an informed purchase. We felt it best to also include some of the best camping hatchets since portability and size does matter.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some of our other great articles here on the site.
- Best Portable Grill for Camping
- Most Comfortable Way to Sleep in a Tent
- Top 10 Best Heated Vests for Camping