Authority and Badass 8 Best Camping Hatchet You Need to Take Along Camping

Doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned camper or just a casual adventure seeking guy; if you decide to go on a camping trip, there are some things that you should carry with you. A camping hatchet is one of those tools. It is a must-carry item which is practically used for almost everything. It is a painful task to go camping without a good hatchet. A camping hatchet is a one-handed tool that is used for cutting wood, setting up tent spikes, making away when needed, and many other tasks.

Quick Gear Recommendation

Below is a list of our favourite camping gear that you check quickly if in hurry. Scroll down to read the rest of the article.

1. Best Festival Tents : Eurmax 10’x10′ Ez Pop-up Canopy Tent
2. Best Tent For Motorcycle Camping : Eureka! Solitaire One-person Bivy Style Tent
3. Best Tents For Camping With Dogs: The Original-authentic 6-person Cabin Tent
4. Best 2 Person Tent Under 100: Wenzel Alpine 3 Person Tent
5. Best Extreme Cold Weather Tents:  Geertop Backpacking Tent
6. Best Lightweight Camping Chair: Coleman Camping Chair 
7. Best Camping Percolator: Coletti Bozeman Coffee Percolator
8. Best Camping Knife: Morakniv Companion Outdoor Knife
9. Best Camping Hatchet: Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
10. Best Camping Grill: Coleman Propane Grill
11. Best Camping Stove: Primus | Primetech Stove System 
12. Best Camping Flashlight: J5 Tactical V1-pro Flashlight 
13. Best Camping Towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel
14. Best Camping Water Bottle: Yeti Rambler 18oz Bottle
15. Best Power Inverter For Camping: Jackery Portable Power Station
16. Best Camping Multi Tool: Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool

Before you buy a camping hatchet, here are some facts that you should know about it. Knowing thee things will help you decide the best camping hatchet suitable for your needs.

Here we are going to review following best camping hatchet:

Title	Image	View
#VALUE!
Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 14" Camping Hatchet...		View Price
Coleman Camp Axe		View Price
Estwing Camper's Axe - 14" Hatchet with...		View Price
M48 Tactical Tomahawk Axe (Black)		View Price
Husqvarna 26" Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe		View Price
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet...		View Price
Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch, 420		View Price

Let’s first look at what are important things that will help you make a better purchasing decision when buying the best camping hatchet:

4 Important Things you need to Look for When Buying the Best Camping Hatchet

1. Weight

The weight of the hatchet is going to be an essential deciding factor. Weight directly affects the portability as you have to carry the hatchet alongside the other camping gear on your shoulders.

A lightweight hatchet is suitable for regular routine tasks. But, an important thing that you should know is that the hatchet‘s weight depends upon the main head. So, if you are choosing a lightweight hatchet, you are sacrificing on the power. More effort will be required to do the work with a light-headed hatchet.

You have to keep in mind the terrain you are visiting and the kind of work you might need a hatchet for on your trip. The aforementioned things will help you make a decision that whether you want to pick a heavy hatchet to save effort in doing work, or you want to choose a lightweight hatchet to lower the weight on your shoulders. The choice is yours.

2. Quality of Material

A good camping hatchet should be made using high-quality materials. There is no point in carrying a hatchet all the way that is going to break when you actually use it to cut something.

Hatchet head is preferred to be made using steel. But, there are also many further steel options, such as High Carbon Steel, Low Carbon Steel, Mild Steel, etc.

Out of all these, High Carbon Steel is preferred the most because it is more brittle and offers greater impact force. High Carbon Steel is a durable material suitable for long use. 

The handle should have adequate length. So that the proper execution of the work can be done without much effort. A long handle also makes a hatchet easy to swing. The grip is also part of the handle. A sticky grip is recommended so that it does not slip out of hands and hinder the whole work. The non-sticking grip is a liability for safety. 

Wooden handles are mostly used because they are readily available and cheap. But, they are prone to cracks and rotting. Use of other materials such as Steel, Aluminum, Fiberglass is recommended for the handle. It adds to the durability of the hatchet as well.

3. Types of Hatchet 

Hatchets are available in different types. They are differentiated on the basis of their shape and use.

1. Tomahawk: Tomahawk is the name given to hatchets used by Native Americans back in history. They are still produced in the modern world because they offer a lightweight solution with better efficiency. They are distinguished because they have a reasonably long handle and a smaller blade. A spike is also made at the back of the blade just for the design.
2. Survival Hatchets: As the name suggests, they are not designed for heavy work. They are just there to do the task at the beginner level. You can use it for basic crafting, and they are easy to carry.
3. Utilitarian Hatchet: It has a tapered head that gradually increases its thickness. It can be used for basic to intermediate tasks such as cutting items, carving woods, and clearing the way.
4. Splitting Hatchet: It is the most advanced version of camping hatchet. It has a long handle that ensures more moment arm and a more powerful shot. The head is made thick that can be used to cut hardwood easily along the grain. 

4. Additional Features

A thick head is more ideal for heavy tasks such as splitting big wood logs. The thin head is used for more basic tasks such as carvings, way clearing, and cuttings.

Handforged hatchets are of superior quality than the machine forged ones. But, as the level of effort is more significant, so is the price of hand-forged hatchets.

Good brands offer better pricing and a durable product unless you are looking for a specific model.

A necessary addition would be a cover for the blade or a sheath. It is a must-have accessory from the safety point of view.

The built-in fire starter is a must-have feature for a survival grade hatchet. 

FAQs About Best Camping Hatchet

1. What is the difference between a hatchet and an axe?

Hatchet and Axe are differentiated on the basis of size, use, and head shape. An axe has cutting surface on both sides while hatchet cuts from one side only. Hatchets are used for small precise tasks while Axe is more suitable for big jobs.

2. What kind of tasks need the use of a hatchet?

 You can use the hatchet to gather firewood, clearing the blocked way, fixing your tent’s spikes, cutting wood logs, and many more tasks.

3. Should I buy a thin headed hatchet or thick-headed?

The answer depends upon your usage and budget. If you can afford, get a thick-headed one so that it can be used in any kind of scenario that might occur during your trip. However, a thick-headed hatchet might require more rapid sharpening than the thin headed.

 4.  What is the best camping hatchet?

Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet comes with all of the qualities and specifications that you may look in a camping hatchet. It always tends to provide you with outstanding experience in all outdoor projects.

5.   Which is the best hatchet?

Fiskars hatchet 378501-1002 X7 are said to be one of the best hatchets of its kind because of its all of the median qualities that every outdoor hatchet may contain.

6.  Who makes the best camp, AXE?

Here are some of the top brands producing camping axes Estwing sportsman axes Fiskars Coleman camp axe Schrade fully tang hatchets.

7.  Is there a difference between an AXE and a hatchet?

 For the general public, both the axe and hatchet may be the same things. But the only difference in both of them is their head shapes. Hatchet generally comes with a narrow head and large cutting blade with a smaller body, whereas the axe comes with a broader and larger head and a cutting blade.

 What is the difference between AXE and hatchet?

A hatchet is simply a small single-hand axe used for cutting. It is ideal for piercing small pieces of firewood and chopping small branches from trees. An axe is a chopping tool, which is also meant to be used with a single hand but has a more extended handle.

Here we have listed 8 best camping hatchets and reviewed them to help you make the right choice when buying one for your next trip.

Review of the 10 Best Camping Hatchet

1. Gerber Bear Grylls Camping and Outdoor / Survival ax

Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet [31-002070]

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 Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Ax has a great looking design. Alongside looks, it can do almost every primary task you are going to throw at it. It is a small and portable hatchet that can be used for cutting wood, driving nails, or basic survival usage. Sleek-looking handle has a TPE coating that helps it to not slip from the hand. The whole hatchet is crafted using one piece technique, which adds to the durability of the product. Weighing at just 1.4lbs, it is very lightweight and easy to use. Its design resembles a Tomahawk minus the back end projection of the blade. The blade is coated with Titanium for easy penetration into the wood. A sheath made of nylon is provided for safe transportation.

The workmanship from Gerber is exquisite.

Pros

1. Comes with a Bear Grylls Survival Guide
2. Military-grade Sheath included
3. Sharp blade for easy splitting
4. Non-slip TPE coated grip
5. A lightweight and portable option

Cons

1. The blade needs to be sharpened on and off
2. Length of handle is minimal

2. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe Camping Hatchet with Forged Steel

Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 14" Camping Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Genuine Leather Grip - E24A

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Crafted as a one-piece, Estwing Sportsman’s Hatchet is build to last long. It is one of the durable tools available in the market. It is made up of high-quality steel that can be used to cut big logs of wood without breaking a sweat. Its classy look is what separates it from the rest of the competitors. The handle is wrapped in a genuine leather grip so that it does not slip from the hand when using. The tempered blade is shiny and sharp enough for some carving as well. It is hand sharpened before packing. A heavy-duty nylon sheath is included for safety purposes.

At its price, Estwing Sportsman Axe offers the best value for money.

Pros

1. Stylish looks
2. Strong and durable one-piece design
3. Hand sharpened blade
4. Ballistic nylon sheath included
5. Genuine Leather Grip
6. Rugged build

Cons

1. Not well-sharpened out of the box blade
2. Length of handle is not much

3. Coleman Camp Axe

Coleman Camp Axe

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Coleman never disappoints with its camping gear. This camp axe is also a reliable product from an experienced company. It does not offer a fresh design; however, Coleman makes up for it with its exceptional performance. This rough-looking hatchet does an immaculate job when cutting the woods. It has a reasonably long grip to make the cutting process more comfortable and less hectic. The non-sticking grip is also an excellent addition, which makes it convenient to use for a long time. The carbon steel blade is not sharpened out of the box, so you will have to do that yourself. Also, due to the price, Coleman does not include a sheath for the blade, so you will have to invest in that as well.

It is priced much lower than its competitors. If all you need is a cheap blade just to do the job, Coleman Camp Axe is your pick.

Pros

1. Much cheaper than the others
2. Non-sticking grip
3. More extended handle for easy use
4. Carbon steel axe head
5. Stake puller notch in the head

Cons

1. Unsharpened blade out of the box
2. Heavier due to steelhead

4. Estwing Camper’s Axe Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction

Estwing Camper's Axe - 14" Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - EO-25A

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Estwing has already entered the competition with a great Sportsman Axe. This is another excellent product from the company. Estwing’s Camper Axe uses one-piece construction, just like the Sportman Axe for durability and long life. The raw material used for its construction is high carbon steel. High carbon steel is a brittle material, and it chops off wood clean and clear. The handle of Camper’s Axe is worth noticing. It offers a shock-free grip to protect your hand and wrist from shocks if you are using it for prolonged tasks. The grip is skid-less so that it does not slip from the hand and shock-resistant, it reduces the impact of vibration significantly. It has a long length for comfortable extended use. A nylon sheath is included for added safety.

The downside is that it is a heavy-duty axe. It weighs a lot more than the others, but it is compensated as the performance is unmatched.

Pros

1. High-carbon steel construction
2. One-piece structure for durability
3. Thick axe head
4. Shock-absorbing, non-skidding handle
5. Heavy-duty sheath included

Cons

1. Weighs a lot
2. Paints wear off easily

5. M48 Tactical Tomahawk Axe with Snap-On Sheath

M48 Tactical Tomahawk Axe (Black)

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No one beats the M48 Tactical Tomahawk Axe in terms of the badass looks. It is one of the reliable options available to buy with an exceptional performance apart from the looks. Its stylish and elegant design make it stand out from the rest. The sharp steelhead is good at performing beginner to intermediate level tasks. There are three holes carved in the head for a balanced distribution of the impact force. It is just not rated for cutting wood and other tasks. It is sharp enough to protect you from any wild animal. This lethal tool is a must pick for a survival trip. The handle is made using reinforced glass fiber, and it long enough for use. However, it does not uses one-piece construction. Instead, the connection between handle and head is made using the rivets. This is not a desired assembly as the breakage of the bond renders the Axe useless.

The skid-less grip is made easy to hold in hand with a hold in the base for easy carry. A durable nylon sheath for the blade is also included.

Pros

1. Badass looks
2. Suitable for camping and survival both
3. Lightweight and portable axe
4. Great value for money
5. Sharp and strong blade

Cons

1. The grip could use some more improvement
2. Rivet connection can break under stress 

6. Husqvarna Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe

Husqvarna 26" Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe

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Husqvarna Wooden Multi-purpose Axe is designed for entry-level users that need a tool for basic tasks. It looks like a traditional old hammer in the first look, but there is much more to it than that. The handle has a characteristic curve for added comfort in the use. The 3″ long Swedish Steel head weighs more than the other options. It is excellent at chopping huge logs of wood or clearing the blocked way. But this exceptional performance comes at the expense of portability and weight. As the massive steel heads add a lot of load to your backpack. To keep the price minimum, Husqvarna uses wood to make the handle rather than nylon or fiberglass. The handle is long enough to add enough power to your shot. Leather made sheath is provided for covering the blade. The connection between the handle and the head is strong enough to resist the blows.

Pros

1. Long handle
2. Strong Swedish forged steel head
3. Leather sheath included
4. Great price
5. Easy to use

Cons

1. The wooden handle is not a durable option
2. Basic dull looks

7. Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch, 420

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Another basic looking hatchet on the offering is Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe. It performs really well despite the looks. The curved handle is made up of Hickory Wood. It is 19 inches long. That means you can do more work with less power. As the name suggests, it is recommended to use for cutting trees and limbing. The head is made using high carbon steel. It is a robust and durable material. However, it is relatively thin, but that does not affect its performance. It is sharp and sturdy. The connection between the head and the handle is sturdy. There are no gaps left in between. A vegetable-tanned leather sheath is provided to protect the blade and for the safety of the user.

The blade and handle need proper care and attention as both materials are prone to rust and other issues under the effect of water.

Pros

1. Lightweight and slim
2. Sharpened blade out of the box
3. Long curved handle
4. Vegetable-tanned leather sheath
5. High-level craftsmanship

Cons

1. Needs care as the blade is prone to rust
2. Thin handle
3. Lacks one-piece design

8. SOG Survival Hawk

SOG Outdoor Survival Hatchet and Tactical Tomahawk - Survival Hawk Camping Axe and Emergency Hatchet Tool with Fire Starter Survival Rod (SK1001-CP)

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SOG Survival Hawk offers the best performance plus looks combo out of all the options. It is a beautiful looking tool with a high-grade military look and exceptional craftsmanship.

It uses Tomahawk style with the blade (spike) extended in the backward direction as well. SOG Survival Hawk has plenty of distinguishing features that make it stand out from the rest. Being a survival hatchet, it has an easy to use built-in fire starter in cases of emergency. It is constructed using 420 Stainless Steel. The spike and blade both are sharp and durable. The cutting is clean without much effort. A user-friendly paracord grip makes it a delight to hold and swing. The long handle is designed to ensure comfortable prolonged usage. The grip does not slip from the hand, even in the presence of moisture. It is ideal to be used for different tasks, and it saves you the hassle of carrying multiple tools with you.

It is lightweight and a balanced hatchet, highly recommended at the given price point.

Pros

1. Aesthetically pleasing design
2. Great value for money
3. Stainless Steel Head
4. Comfortable Grip
5. Long handle for a smooth swing
6. Built-in fire starter
7. Lightweight tool

Cons

1. Paracord is prone to loosening
2. Not very good at chopping huge logs of wood

Fiskars hatchet 378501-1002 X7

Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet

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Are you looking for an ideal hatchet for cutting small logs? Then there will be nothing good for you than Fiskars hatchet for the camping enthusiasts. Its wonderful qualities make it the most eye-catching hatchet overall. At the very first sight, it seems much attractive to go for outdoor activities. Those have such a unique and perfect balance between power and weight. Due to this balance, you will get a hundred percent easy cutting of smaller logs. Also, you have to put in minimal effort because of excellent quality blades. This hatchet has an increased speed of cutting that can be beneficial for every user. Moreover, each swing gives a deeper cut to your wood logs. Additional blade grinding technique adds up to the perfection of this hatchet. A sharper edge of its blade ensures to give a hundred percent effortless cutting of your logs.

Finally, coming towards its multi-coated low friction blades and lifetime guarantee, these two exceptional properties make this Fiskars hatchet a must-buy option for all camping enthusiasts.

Pros

1. Low friction blades
2. Light-weighted
3. Comes with blade grinding technology

Cons

1. Steel blades may feel softer and prone to damage
2. Not suitable for more massive logs cutting

10. Schrade full tang hatchet

Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet with 3.6in Stainless Steel Blade and TPR Handle for Outdoor Survival Camping and Everyday Tasks

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Getting Schrade full-tang hatchet with 11.1-inch dimensions is no less than a treat for camping enthusiasts. Its 3.6 inches sharp blade ensures its users get a full comfortable experience.

The highly durable blade and a reliable rubber handle make it a perfect camping partner. A belt is most interestingly attached to this hatchet that makes it the most convenient and easy to use while doing wild adventures. Also, having a rubber handle is a plus point because it will never slip down from your hand. A hammer shape and ergonomic design make it the most attractive and user-friendly hatchet for the user. Moreover, a great and portable hatchet with only 5.9 ounces weight is perfect for carrying alongside while traveling.

Fundamentally, we can say that Schrade full-tang hatchet is a must to go for options for all camping enthusiasts. Every time it will ensure you give exceptional results, no matter for what you are using it.

Pros

1. Highly compact
2. Lightweight
3. Full tang ax shape design
4. Nonslip rubber grip
5. Belt attached

Cons

1. Cannot split more massive logs 

11. Parahatchet camping axe by UST

UST Parahatchet FS Camping Axe with Stainless Steel Blade Including 3 Hex Wrenches and Rope Cutter, Paracord-Wrapped Handle and Magnesium Fire Starter for Camping, Backpacking, Hunting and the Outdoors

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If you want an ultra-light and compact camping axe partner, you should definitely go for a parahatchet camping axe by UST. It is said to be one of the most medially designed axe for outdoor enthusiasts. It is specially designed to perform several outdoor activities. Though it may not work for more massive logs, it is a worthy buying option for the smaller logs. You may use this wonderfully designed axe as a fire starter or for protection purposes. A stainless steel blade fully coated with black oxide ensures to give a wonderful experience in every usage. Additional features of this great axe include a great rope cutter with three hexagonal wrenches. You can use for cutting smaller pieces of ropes to adjust your camping tents. And hexagonal wrenches can be used as openers also you can use it for opening your cans.

Its amazingly sharp blade gives a smooth cutting experience; you can also use it for your safety. Collectively, this uniquely designed axe is a worth buying option for every camper or outdoor adventurers.

Pros

1. Highly mobile
2. Affordable price
3. Compact and light-weighted

Cons

1. It does not give swinging motion
2. A cord wrap is not tight enough.

12. Elk Ridge Full Tang Outdoor Axe

Elk Ridge - Outdoors Axe - 8-in Overall, 4-in Black Stainless Steel Axe Blade, Full Tang Construction, Black Cord Wrapped Handle, Nylon Sheath - ER-272

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Elk Ridge is an altogether handsome and stylish axe especially designed for outdoor usage. In addition to this, its good quality and durable blades ensure to provide you with easy use and is corrosion resistant. Its unique design and fantastic durability make it a multipurpose axe. You can mostly use it for your outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and military tactics. The razor-sharp blade also gives a zero. Overall 10.5 inches long axe can be the perfect travel partner on your every trip or adventure. It’s another fantastic and eye-catching feature includes its wooden handle that is durable enough. It will never slip on your hand even in damp conditions. Along with this, a nylon sheath can be the plus point for you to carry it along in your bag pack.

Fundamentally, elk ridge is a perfect outdoor axe for camping and all of the other outdoor activities. Also, you can feel free to carry this amazing axe alongside while hiking or camping. Its lightweight made it most recommended of all.

Pros

1. Highly sharp blades
2. Rust and corrosion-resistant
3. Full tang construction

Cons

1. It may not be suitable for long logs splitting.

13. SOG tactical 15 inches hatchet

SOG Tactical Tomahawks - Throwing Hatchet, Throwing Tomahawk, Survival Tactical Axe with Sheath and Emergency Breaching Tool with Spike (F01TN-CP),black

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SOG tactical hatchet is perhaps one of the most recommended hatchets for outdoor usage of for camping. It will make sure to make your camping trip safer, comfortable, and efficient enough. SOG tactical hatchet‘s positively impressive weight and incredible dimensions are the plus point of this hatchet. With every swing, you will get a perfectly balanced power and speed with your axe. The engineering of this hatchet is utterly exceptional that one will ever long for. Its shape is specially designed to use it for tactics and hunting purposes. Its lightweight allows the user to throw it straight away towards the prey. Most interestingly, you can use it to fix your camping tents and tying ropes as well.

Good quality nylon belt is attached, which makes it portable enough. You can hang it like a cross body so that it is easily approachable every time. Moreover, a hammering pommel is also present as a plus point that can be used to do any of your outdoor tasks while camping. We may say that you should go for SOG tactical hatchet.

Pros

1. Highly compact
2. Exceptionally light weighted
3. Comes with a carrying belt
4. A hammering pommel is also present

 Cons

1. Not fully tang that may reduce its efficiency.

Verdict!!

Picking the best camping hatchet is not an easy task because of a lot of options available in the market. After looking at all the available options, it is decided that the best hatchet you can buy is Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Axe. 

It is tested and approved by the famous Bear Grylls himself for use in the wild with a futuristic design. The rubberized grip offers a secure connection even in wet conditions. Its less weight makes it a compact and portable option to carry. Out of the box, a sharp razor blade can do all the tasks efficiently without breaking a sweat. To add to the durability and ensure long term use, Gerber uses a one-piece construction technique. 

Gerber Survival Axe can do all the necessary tasks. At this price point, the combination of sleek design with a strong performance makes it stand out from the rest of the options.