Best Camping Hatchets – Top 5 Rated For 2021

Camping hatchets are amongst those essentials without which you cannot plan any camping trip. Be it for gathering firewood or protection against wild boars, the hatchet is crucial. The hatchet is derived from French meaning a small axe. But don’t go by the size when you are judging a hatchet. The versatility and flexibility of a hatchet is the biggest advantage. Additionally, it is also multi-functional and comes really handy on any camping trip. Particularly, when you have to travel light, this simple hatchet can serve many purposes quite unequivocally.

But buying the best camping hatchet may not be that simple. You have to take into consideration several aspects and look for the best bargain. But price or functionality are not the only aspects. There are many factors that you must take into consideration. We decided to make the task a lot simpler for you with this review of some of the top offerings and a quick low down on what comprises the best camping hatchet. This will not just help you in buying effectively but also look for value options. This is what will help you earn maximum return on your investment and get the best possible service on a camping trip.

1. Estwing Camping Hatchet – Forged Steel Construction

This one is forged together into one durable, long-lasting, versatile hatchet. Considered one of the best camping hatchets, it follows a long history of craftsmanship with passion. These hatchets are hand sharpened and thoroughly polished. The forgings are made using top quality steel and secured with good quality leather sheath. It is the attention to details that makes this hatchet top order alternative.

One of the biggest advantages is that it offers the right combination of balance and temper. As a result, users benefit both in terms of convenience and objective. It is a creative, state of the art functional option that comes handy in case of any outdoor eventuality.

The rugged leather grip also deserves a mention in this case. It does not just enhance the overall grip but ensures a lot more effective outcome. Check Price.

• Handle Length: 14″
• Axe Blade/Bit Length: 3.25″
• Weight: 1.8 lb.
• Grip: Leather

2. Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet – Vegetable Tanned Leather Sheath

This Swedish manufactured outdoor tool is undeniably one of the best camping hatchets that you can buy. It is traditional in design and high on performance. It is best known for the leather sheath. This vegetable tanned leather sheath does not just enhance the overall look and feel of the hatchet but also improves the functionality to a large extent.

This is a traditional scouting and camping axe and relative lightweight. However, the handle is relatively long and that lends additional power to the hatchet. This one is capable of lopping off really large branches if required. This is primarily a function of the large handle and the power it derives from it.

The shape of the sheath needs additional mention. The shape is such that it ensures that the edges, as well as the top part, are well covered. This ensures that the axe does not cut on the edge of the bag when you are storing it. Every Gransfors axe that you buy comes with an Axe book from the company. That adds both to the convenience and functionality of the tool. Check Price.

• Handle Length: 13.5″
• Weight: 1.3 lb.
• Grip: Wood

3. Fiskars Camping Hatchet – Proprietary Blade Grinding Technique

If you are looking for a convenient, lightweight option to help you chop wood on a camping trip, the Fiskars is one of the best camping hatchets. It is a unique option that chops deeper with every swing. This, therefore, is a perfect option when you are keen on getting something done fast.

The blade grinding technique is one of the biggest assets for this hatchet. This ensures that you get cleaner cuts and much better contact. That also enhances the precision in cuts and efficiency. The lifetime warranty of the low-friction blade too deserves a mention. The special low-friction coating is particularly helpful in limiting chances of the head getting stuck and limiting performance.

But what really sets these apart is the fact that they are practically unbreakable. The FiberComp handles are considered to be stronger than steel. They ensure that these handles don’t just last more than most others but are practically unbreakable in many ways. Check Price.

• Handle Length: 14″
• Weight: 1.4 lb.
• Grip: Composite (FiberComp)

4. Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet – High Steel Construction

The swift precise cuts and the easy portability make it one of the best camping hatchets. The Gerber Bear is equipped with a 3.5-inch blade that brings about the perfect combination of power and speed. It is an ergonomically designed hatchet that promises to deliver great quality wood chopping experience every time.

The sheath is however made of nylon. That does raise some concern in terms of safety and reliability but the overall user reviews seem to indicate that it is a rather non-issue in the overall scheme of things. The blade is relatively thin and the overall hatchet extremely lightweight. Check Price.

5. IUNIO Camping Axe Multi-Tool Hatchet – Sheath Hammer Compass Flint Whistle

Portable and tactical, this is one of the best-known camping hatchets. Whether you are backpacking, hunting or camping, this hatchet comes handy in practically any situation. Whether you are stuck in a tricky situation and need to extract yourself or break glass or even navigate the wilderness or even collect firewood for the night, this is your ultimate survival kit.

The ingenious tubular engineering of this hatchet needs mention in this case. This ensures that the axe assembles and de-assembles quite smoothly. So depending on your need, it can be a small axe for a short trip or double up as a relatively longer and stronger variant for tougher treks. The tubular structure enhances the storage space too. That can be rather handy on a camping trek. Check Price.

• Handle Length: Variable to 16.9″
• Weight: 1.9 lb.
• Grip: Aluminum Allow

How to Decide On the Best Camping Hatchet

Therefore, it is quite evident that any one factor cannot be used to decide the best camping hatchet. You have to look at a variety of factors and also match it with your budget. Camping invariably involves many expenses and several aspects. The trick is to look for the most comprehensive match in this context.

Type Of Steel Used: The head of the hatchet is by far the most important element. It is not just made of superior quality steel, but at the same time, it needs to be sharp, efficient and effective. Go for top-end steel as these are versatile and offer superior performance. Steel also limits the potential for rusting and improves the efficiency of the hatchet by many times. You may find options that are cheaper, but it is best not to compromise on the quality. On average most of the steel heads are relatively lightweight compared to conventional options. That also ensures better functionality and a more versatile range of use.

Weight: It goes without saying that a very heavy hatchet can be a liability. The best camping hatchet has to be lightweight yet functional. So you have to look for options that combine the weight and the convenience in a unique proportion. It should be weighty enough to guarantee brilliance in terms of performance, but at the same time, make sure it is comfortable to carry. This is exactly why it is important to go for options that are specifically created for camping. The basics are taken care of better, and you can be more comfortable with the product.

Handle Length: The length of the handle is directly related to the overall efficiency of the hatchet. So when you are out looking for the best camping hatchet, make sure you go for options that don’t have very long handles. That way, you can be relatively surer of the overall efficiency. Smaller handles are equal to better precision. That is what you need primarily on a camping trip. The length that is equal to your own arm length is often the best bet for camping hatchets. They combine efficiency and comfort quite beautifully and give you a handy option on long trips.

Material Used For Handle: Make sure you have a first-hand experience of using the hatchet before buying one. The material of the handle needs to be top of the rung. It does not have to be just comfortable but also something that is equally reliable and sturdy. On average, you will see hatchets with wooden handles. Hickory Wood is by far the most common and durable option. The advantage with wood is that it is sustainable. Even if it breaks, it is never too expensive to fix it. There are some metal options available too, but make sure you are comfortable with it.

The grip of the handle is crucial too. Make sure you look for ones where the handle does not come off easily, and you don’t lose your grip either. That will not just ensure that you have a safe experience but also the relative efficiency is much higher.

Sheath: The quality of the sheath goes a long way in making the axe secure. It is always better to go for a leather sheath instead of a nylon one. Make sure that the sheath covers the head of the axe and is fastened using an eyelet or a snap fastener. This will make sure that the sheath does not fall off, and the hatchet blade does not come out. Also, check on how sturdy the loop is. A good quality sheath will ensure that the hatchet does not just last long but also guarantees a safe experience dealing with it over a point of time.

Conclusion

Therefore we can conclude that the best camping hatchet that offers both efficiency and comfort. Most times, it is difficult to get these attributes in isolation. The best bargain is often the one that brings in perfect balance between both. It guarantees performance as well as quality, and at the same time, you are able to maintain the budget too. In case you are confused, simply refer to this handy review to select the best camping hatchet that serves your purpose.