Hatchets are a lifesaver while you go out camping or hiking. Whether you are a novice or a professional, hatchets can be useful in so many fields that you never thought of before. The multi-purpose features of the best hatchet will make your outdoor experience better and smoother.
What’s even better is their amazing portability, easy one-hand operation with the right amount of sharpness can do wonders in your hands. Hiking, hunting, camping, or even chopping tinder at the back of the yard; if you find the right hatchet it will come in very handy. Therefore, we assumed the trouble of going through the best hatchets in the market and reviewed the ones we liked after taking all the aspects into account. So let’s jump into it!
Choosing the Best Hatchet for Backpacking
- Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 14″ Camping Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction
Estwing has been around for almost a century and still going strong. A perfect combination of craftsmanship and experience. This sportsman’s Axe is designed while thinking of maximum durability and comfort.
The 14 inches’ hatchet with 3.25 inches’ blade is conveniently portable; you can take it anywhere you want with you. It’s forged with rustproof American steel; the full tang construction provides you with strength and stability.
The hatchet is smartly designed with a classy leather handle for a firm grip. The package includes a nylon sheath that has the edge of the blade exposed to use it as a hammerhead.
Pros:
- Sharp blade that holds edge well.
- Constructed with polished steel.
- Efficient balance.
- Belt loop equipped sheath for better mobility.
Cons:
- Disappointing quality control.
- Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
If you’re looking for a hatchet that doesn’t exceed your budget and you still won’t have to compromise with the quality, then Fiskars will suit you perfectly.
Fiskars is designed while thinking of ultimate efficiency and comfort. You will love the V-grinded edge of the blade, able to snap woods in half with just one swing. The effective structure of the ax-head requires just enough weight to make an efficient cut.
The fiber composite materials used to construct the handle are not only immensely strong but also comfortable and grippy. The plastic sheath is also uniquely designed.
Pros:
- The forged carbon steel blade is razor-sharp.
- Versatile and compact.
- Retains edge.
- User-friendly design.
Cons:
- Skip the heavy-duty jobs with this one.
- Husqvarna 13″ Wooden Hatchet
An ideal Swedish hatchet that will neither strain on your wallet nor your muscles. The 13 inches’ handle is made of hickory wood, giving it a pleasing authentic look. Whether you have gardening on kindling splits in your mind, Husqvarna has your back.
It’s strong and durable build makes it suitable for covering a lot of fields. For strong swing, you better use two hands; we’ve found it to be a bit on the heavier side because of the solid steel Axe head. The head is fastened with both steel and wooden wedges, so no worry of it coming off while in operation.
Pros:
- Solid and durable construction.
- Suitable for hefty jobs.
- Used stamped Swedish steel.
- Comes with a leather sheath.
Cons:
- Quite heavy.
- Needs frequent sharpening.
- Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch
Gransfor is a small Axe of overall 19 inches, which can do a good job as both a hatchet and an ax. This Axe has everything you may be looking for; it’s compact and lightweight, the forged steel is razor-sharp and keeps its edge well.
Another good thing about this model is the reach; due to its long hickory handle you can hit targets without getting too close to it, saves you from catching debris. Also, pretty useful in hunting zombies. It also offers a larger Axe head than you usually get in hatchets, the sharpness and precision in cuts will leave you in awe.
Pros:
- Big and solid Axe head.
- Long hickory wood handle.
- Able to do heavy tasks.
- Includes a quality leather sheath with snap fastening.
Cons:
- Wears down if not taken care of.
- Coleman Camp Axe
Coleman Camp Axe is a campsite tool as the name suggests but also designed to take care of the backyard works for you. This small hatchet is versatile and can accompany you in all your outdoor adventures.
No matter how tough your job is this one will help you get covered with its heavy-duty construction of drop forged steel. It will slash down any bush or branches on your way; the rubber grip will make sure you have a secure and comfortable grip. The sharpness is unyielding; take it to your bbq parties, camping, or hiking without a second thought.
Pros:
- Ultra-sharp – constructed of drop-forged steel.
- Features a flat solid head for hammering.
- Slip-proof rubber handle.
- Features a notch in the head for pulling tent stakes.
Cons:
- Difficult to sharpen.
- The package doesn’t include a sheath.
- Schrade SCAXE10 11.1 in. Full Tang Hatchet for Outdoor Survival Camping
Shrade’s full tang hatchet is the most practical hatchet you can ask for. It is a thoughtfully designed multi-purpose hatchet that you can take it out while camping to chop firewood or kindling, as you can use it on your backyard grills or gardening.
Its black polished 3Cr13 stainless steel ensures both visuals and functionality. The high-end steel quality makes sure you produce maximum impact with one swing. The handle is also made of Thermoplastic Rubber produces the least amount of friction and a smooth grip resistant to sleeping. The sheath is also made of similar quality material.
Pros:
- Full tang construction.
- Corrosion-resistant and long-lasting.
- Very affordable.
- Efficient head size and balance.
Cons:
- Too lightweight.
- Hard to pull out from splits.
- Cold Steel All-Purpose Axe with Hickory Handle
If you want are torn between whether to get a large Axe or a lightweight hatchet, this unit will be able to put an end to that dilemma. Having the reach and strength of an Axe and also not weighing much more than a hatchet.
This all-purpose Axe is enriched with qualities; it’s a steal in the offered price range. It features a European cut Axe head made of 1055 carbon steel – takes force head-on. With required maintenance, it will easily last the rest of your life. The straight-grained handle is made of American hickory, people who prefer straight over curved can check this one out.
Pros:
- Large Axe head with 4.5inches edge.
- Excellent balance and sharpness.
- Made from quality materials.
- Long polished handle.
Cons:
- Bad quality control.
- Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
Gerber and Bear Grylls have teamed up to present you the ultimate survival. Don’t get fooled by its shape, it’s a beast when you need to cut down or destroy something. The 5Cr13 stainless steel hatchet is full tang with a 3.5” edge, able to make swift and precise cuts.
This compact piece can cut down decent sizes of branches; however, due to its small edge, it takes a lot more effort and time to cut larger chunks. But you can count on it for all other bushcraft, slicing and chopping jobs in hunting or camping. It also features a ballistic nylon sheath, including the Bear Grylls survival guide.
Pros:
- Durable full tang construction.
- Polypropylene handle – slip-proof.
- Compact shaped; easy portability.
- Also works as a defense tool.
- Slasher right out of the box.
Cons:
- The stainless steel may get curved over hard use.
- Too small.
- Elk Ridge – Outdoors Axe – 8-in Overall, ER-272
Elk Ridge 272 is the smallest addition in our list; it’s 8 inches in total length. You can use to skin tree barks, cut chips for firewood, even prepare food with it – it can pass for a decent slicing.
Constructed of 3Cr13 stainless steel that fiercely resists rust and the full tang construction provides balanced strength and stability. The edge is really sharp and very easy to maneuver. As it only weighs around 11 oz. it adds almost nothing to your load. The cut-outs in the head can be used to screw-unscrew bolts. The handle is firmly cord wrapped to make it slip-proof and yet comfortable.
Pros:
- A compact tool that packs a lot of features.
- Built to last.
- Features wrench cut-outs and hammerhead pommel.
- Designed with a lanyard hole and a stake puller notch.
Cons:
- Not suitable for hefty chopping.
- SOG Tactical Tomahawks – Throwing Hatchet with Spike (F01TN-CP)
SOG has presented us with yet another handsome hatchet, the design is very well thought with a nice form and the handle gives you a certain satisfaction while wielding it.
The 420 stainless steel provides ultra-sharpness that resists corrosion of all forms. Measures 15.75inches overall with 2.75 inches’ straight edge; it’s enriched with a black satin finish, giving it a matte black look with enhanced protection against rusting.
The handle is also complemented with SOG’s signature design of fiberglass reinforced nylon – light yet impactful. The Axe head also stores a spike at the pommel for breaching and a checkered space for hammering in the middle.
Pros:
- Used high-end materials.
- Guaranteed user satisfaction.
- Multipurpose tactical tool – throwing, survival, and campsite use.
- Includes pull-over nylon sheath with a belt loop.
Cons:
- Pass doing heavy works with this one.
Final Verdict
You cannot imagine a smooth outdoor activity such as camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting without a tool that’s good enough to take care of you cutting, chopping, etc. and also works as survival and tactical tool.
Along with a good knife, you’ll need a hatchet that completes your camping gear. Now I do not have to tell you how far you can upgrade your tool kit with the best hatchet that complements others.
So, from the sea of products in the market, we have tried to include the hatchets that we felt will be the answer to your problems. Hope you found it helpful. Good luck!
Best Backpacking Hatchet: Buyers Guide
Do I Need a Backpacking Hatchet?
First, tell me, do you camp or hike often? When you do, do you have to set your tent along with starting fires? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you probably do need one if you do not have it already. A hatchet allows you to cut woods for fire or barbecue, skin tree barks, even chopping raw meat and fish; some of them pass as throwing hatchet also! So with a body smaller and lighter than an ax, they cover a lot of ground, along with defense. The decision is yours.
Components of a Hatchet
A hatchet is a tool that can be operated by one-hand. It looks similar to an Axe but significantly different. It has a 10-15 inch” on average, with a carbon or stainless steel made head. Sometimes the whole construction is made from one piece. The head often features additional tools as a spike and hammering edge.
Choosing the Best Hatchet: What to Look For
Balance: The balance indicates the body to weight ratio in a hatchet. The better it is, the effective every swing will be. Hatchets that are full tang produce better stability compared to those that aren’t.
Length: The length of a hatchet determines the kind of task you can easily do with it. Longer handles are better for jobs that need splitting, while shorter ones are more suitable for precision cuts and skinning.
Sharpness: Depending on the material of the head, the sharpness and edge retaining ability varies. And you’ll also have to take good care of maintenance to ensure longevity. Even the most expensive ones will not last long without proper care.
Weight/Size: The weight affects the field you can use the hatchet, and also portability. But if you choose a lightweight one, while chopping anything, you’ll have to do all the work with force. But a heavier model will be able to take a much tough job.
Multi-use: Many hatchets offer other features along with the traditional blade and handle. The pommel may be designed with a spike, hammering edge, nail puller, etc. some also features a lanyard hole and notches to pull tent stakes. You can prioritize that if needed.
Cool-design: Aesthetics is a huge variable in work while making decisions; that’s why manufacturers get creative with sheath and design; you can choose your pick from there. But spending a lot just to get visuals and not functionality is not advised.
Price: The price of the product itself plays a big role. Thankfully the market is loaded with options. You can choose one suiting your budget.
Different Types of Hatchet
- Camping hatchets are the ones that are made to accompany you in campsites. They are compact, portable, and offers multi-purpose features.
- Survival hatchets are focused on sharpness and precision cutting, so you can use it in bushcraft and surviving in the wild.
- Tactical hatchet is built sturdy, they are often forged from steel, with better balance and sharpness. So they do not break on you in combat.
- Throwing hatchet is what the name suggests, along with sports, you can also use it in combat to hit down the target. Sharpness and balance are prioritized.
FAQ
Q: What is Hatchet?
A: A hatchet is a small Axe that is used to chop woods that axes are too big for. They are more lightweight and concentrated on the one-hand operation. You can find wonderful uses for them to make firewood for grilling or chimney, gardening, breaking ices, wood carving, in campsites, hunting, fishing, tactical, etc.
Q: Difference Between an Axe and a Hatchet?
A: As I’ve already hinted before, a hatchet is like a miniature of an ax. While you can bring down trees with an ax, you can size up branches with a hatchet. So it is like a small Axe that is focused on jobs that are not very buff. A hatchet can be swung singlehandedly; while to land a good blow you’ll have to wield the Axe with two hands. The hatchet is also significantly lighter than an ax.
