Good backpacking hatchet or alternative.

[Sausagecake]

As the title says, I am looking for a good backpacking hatchet or something comparable. Anything that can serve a dual purpose is always a plus. Let me know what you take when you go hiking or camping.

 

[grunt soldier]

the gransfors bruks small forest axe. it's probably one of the best tools made. they make a size smaller also that is just a tiny bit more packable. They aren't cheap though. For a good comparable product check out wetterlings large hunters axe or their hatchet size. it's going to save you a few bucks and still have a great product.

 

[PoolQs]

While 20 years of the Scouts ... we had learned how to carry packs and how much weight for the long hikes then set up camps.
We all carried 3 pieces of equipment ... our knives, folding saw and hatchet. Both the saw and hatchet were from Gerber.
There wasn't anything that we couldn't do with those. Granted the Gerber is not the best or highest end, but you can beat the
crap out of it, and it will keep cutting and hold a decent edge. And if lost or dropped, you only lose $35 vs $75.
Here is what we carried;
Amazon.com: Gerber 31-000914 Camp Axe II High Performance Axe: Home Improvement

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Amazon.com: Gerber 31-001167 7-Inch Myth Folding Saw: Home Improvement

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Hope that gives you an additional option
Troy

 

[rockhopper46038]

The Gransfors Bruks and the Wetterlings are top of the line, but I too take the cheapie Gerber with me on run of the mill camping trips.

 

[Southbendfamily]

just got the gransfors bruks wildlife hatchet and can attest to the superior quality of it. granted, i've used all types and economies of this type of tool, and by far have found one that will outlast me. you could go with a less expensive model, but why not pay for quality once, than have to pay a few times over your lifetime, you will not outlast this one.

i also carry a esee 4 and a bacho laplander in my camp pack, and all three serve a purpose and have/are used with every outing in some fashion.

 

[rabidsquirrel]

I have found that swap meets often yield the best hatchets. You can normally find an old Plumb or True Temper head for a few bucks. Of course you may find yourself knee deep in an axe restoration project, but there is nothing more satisfying than toting a vintage hatchet into the woods. I normally carry an old Wards Master Quality carpenter hatchet when hunting or hiking. It keeps a brutally sharp edge and the hammer end is ideal for batoning (ie splitting deer pelvic bones).

 

[glock27]

I love my Estwing Sportsmans Axe. Very well built and has a one piece head. It works wonderfully.

 

[spencer rifle]

Amazon.com: SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F09N-CP Hand Axe Straight Edge 2.4-Inch Steel Blade with G10 Handle, Black Finish: Sports & Outdoors

This has done anything we needed it to do and is not too heavy. Very strong. Went on our week-long backpack trip and was successful at cutting wood and convincing a stuck gate lock to open.

 

[Gabriel]

Another vote for the Gerber (or Fiskars) hatchets. I've had mine for years and it has held up well. It ain't no fancy GB or Wettterlings, but it is light and gets the job done.

Another option would be the Council Tool boy's axe. I don't have this one specifically, but I have a 3.5# Dayton and it is nice and American made. Again, it's no GB or Wetterlings... but it doesn't cost the same either unless you get the Velvicut version.

 

[hfdcowboy]

Busse NMFSH or NMFBM.

 

[rjstew317]

Fiskars hatchet. its cheap, lightweight, and comes shaving sharp. Ive used mine for everyting from processing firewood to food prep

 

[SERparacord]

American Tomahawk Lagana Vietnam Tactical Combat Tomahawk New Version - KnifeCenter


[url]http://www.rmjtactical.com/
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[mikefraz]

I love my Estwing Sportsmans Axe. Very well built and has a one piece head. It works wonderfully.

This. I stripped the leather handle off and wrapped some paracord around it and finished at the bottom with a lanyard loop. The things bulletproof.

 

[winchester]

love my charter arms skatchets

 

[snapping turtle]

If I was further north then a woodsman axe would be In the bag for sure. Winter it would make the cut for sure. Farther south from here an axe would be more of an extra.

Backpacking is a pounds game. Spring/summer/fall the weight would most likely not make the cut. A woodsman pal might make the cut.

Woodsmans Pal - Woodman's Pal

i got an old one at a garage sale cheap. Light weight and well made.

Just a different take on the question. If the only tool in the tool box is a hammer all problems get solved with nails.

 

[ddavidson]

I carry a Wetterlings Forester's Fine axe. It's about 24" long and packs very well with my pack (ILBE). I also carry the popular Bahco folding saw and my knives of course.

 

[LtScott14]

While cleaning my Grandfather's garage, found a Collins, U.S. 1945 stamped hatchet. Cleaned it up, sharpened up with a file, and repainted the handle with OD green, and blade w/ flat black engine enamel.(except the edge) Drilled a hole, installed a para cord lanyard. Better looking, does split small saplings/branches for small campfires. No cover for blade, so looking for a military canvas style with belt hanger/snap in web material. Might use a piece of sheet metal bend to a 90 degree, and use a leather hammer holder to carry-blade backward. Have to work on it. Also use a Cold Steel Tomahawk for saplings, and tender chopping. Both work well.