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Top 10 Camping Axes Reviewed and Tested
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
This includes weight as well as physical dimensions. The biggest difference between a full-fledged tree chopper and a camping ax is the size. Just because you are camping doesn't mean you need an ax that was as big as Paul Bunyan's
As it needs to be carried around, a good tool should be between 12 and 24-inches. Some heads detach from the handle which makes them easier to carry. A longer handle can reduce effort by increasing the momentum of your swing and are more hassle when it comes to travel.
Weight
Knowing the weight of your ax is extremely important, especially when you’re on a camping trip. Having a few extra weights in your backpack is fine, but unnecessary weight can be exhausting when walking those extra miles in the wild.
How the tool feels in your hands should be a top priority because you don’t want your camping pack to be too heavy, especially when you’re planning on carrying it with you all the time.
Durability
Knowing how your camping ax or hatchet will hold up against dire circumstances is an equally important factor worth considering before buying one. Remember these are not just meant for chopping wood; they can be used for anything from landscaping to construction or even demolition.
If you want a good one for your little camping trips, you’d probably need one that won’t rot when left out in the rain or the one that can stand up to long-term use without having to worry about the handle breaking or the blade wearing down too quickly. Always look for durable materials because not every tool is designed for all weather conditions.
Value
Last but not least, the price, after all, you get what you pay for. As with every other outdoor equipment, you get exactly the quality you paid for.
You want to go for one that’s the most bang for your buck while also reliable enough to perform all the functions that you need it for. If you camp a lot or hunting trips often, it will be beneficial for you to spend more on your gear. On the flip side of things, if you aren’t into the outdoors and quality isn't a priority, then spend less.
10 Best Camping Axes
1. Gerber Bear Grylls
Don’t let its sheer size and streamlined profile fool you. With its robust features and double-duty head, it’s a tool that performs way beyond its class, Weighing less than a liter of water, this compact survival hatchet is an ideal size for surviving the wilderness. It’s a handy survival tool that aids in improvising your outdoor game.
All-Purpose
It’s an all-purpose survival hatchet that stands up to the toughest tasks while giving you precise control over your camping and hunting tasks.
Superior Grip
The rubber padding on the handle conforms to your hand providing a superior grip even in the harshest of conditions. It ensures a secure hold without slipping. Plus, the military-grade sheath helps keep accidents from happening while it isn't being used.
Cost and Value
When it comes to cost, this product is considered quite cost-friendly. Now, when you consider the value, you can understand why this product is so popular. As rough as it gets in the woods, the more you’ like to appreciate this little monster’s ability to splitting logs or stacking kindling. It’s built to last a lifetime of punishment whatever nature throws its way.
2. Estwing Camper's Axe - 26"
The Estwing Camper's Axe comes in two size selections, a 26-inch option with a long handle and a 16-inch with a short handle. The brand wanted to bring forth an ax that gets the job done while still having some sort of customization for the buyer. Of the two options, we prefer the 26-inch as its not only more practical, but it offers a larger range of motion. Though both options are great of exceptional quality this one tends to outweigh the other by a whole lot.
Highly Durable
One of the features this particular ax excels in is its durability. Constructed out of high carbon steel perfectly paired with its genuine leather grip, this was made to work hard so you don’t have too. Although, the carbon steel is not rust proof it will easily take a beating when cutting a multitude of different objects. Furthermore, carbon steel is known for remaining sharp for a multitude of time without needing sharpening regularly. The leather handle is almost indestructible, while still giving you a comfortable hold.
Shock Reduction Grip
As previously stated, this comes prepared to help you get the most out of your hunting season. While hunting or chopping up wood there is a very good chance your hands will get tired or receive some sort of shock due to the intensity of chopping your item with force. This one was created to help prevent just that by having a shock-resistant grip, this is achieved through its leather handle. The hand itself is not only sturdy and durable but it's extremely comfortable for that shock resistant touch.
Cost and Value
When it comes to the cost and value of this product you are getting a bargain. Not only is it created out of excellent material but gives you the reassurance that your hands are protected from shock and overall pain. Furthermore, it also comes with a sturdy sheath so you can travel with it as frequently as you would like.
3. Fiskars X15
Ideal for cutting trees the Fiskars X15 comes prepared to give you what you the strength to clear up and chop some wood. This particular model was not created like the other options on this guide, it offers a completely different ergonomic shape, making it a bit sharper and unique to use. Unlike the other ones on this guide, you are getting 23.5-inches with a wood or metal handle for a “FiberComp” material that is quite similar to glass-reinforced nylon that is typically seen on knives.
Coated carbon steel
One of the things you will want most from an ax is sharpness, there is absolutely no point in having one if it will not cut through a multitude of objects with ease. Keeping that in mind, the brand put together a tool that offers coated carbon steel. Having this feature allows it to remain sharper for a longer period while having a smooth transition from object to object. It is all about being able to cut from one thing to another without having to forcefully pull your tool out of the way. This one achieves that with easy and little to no hesitation.
Perfectly Balanced
To create a well-crafted axe Fiskars made it their mission to create a perfectly balanced item. Featuring a smooth power-to-rate ratio ensures every swing, and movement feels the same. You will never feel as if the head is heavier then the rest, as the entire product is perfectly leveled for one uniform weight. Furthermore, this is very lightweight but do not be fooled as it's still very durable and effective.
Cost and Value
As for the cost and value, this one measures most of the popular ones on our guide. It is not pricey or too affordable it sits perfectly in the middle. Featuring quality materials paired with sharpness its safe to say you are paying for what you are getting.
4. IUNIO Camping Axe
Made of stainless steel, the IUNIO Camping is a very compact and reliable camping tool that is small enough fit into most glove boxes or toolboxes. Not only it feels great on the hands but it’s terribly well balanced. The grip is very comfortable to hold onto and the blade itself is pretty sharp.
Snap Button
The snap button holds the handle locks just fine so that you don’t have to worry about it falling out of the sheath while you’re walking around in the wild.
Perfect Camping Tool
This really is a perfect camping tool if you’re going in for hiking or camping with a tall brush, and this handy tool here will have no problem clearing your way out. It will also make a great addition to your camping gear.
Cost and Value
As far as cost and value are concerned, consumers can be assured that this product is priced at a reasonable price, given the amount of value embedded in the product. This is a compact version, with a strong and sharp blade, making it a perfect companion for those looking for a night in the woods.
5. Z Hunter ZB-027 Axe
This zombie-themed small, easy-to-carry tool is surprisingly lightweight and thin but works perfectly well when chopping a few limbs and branches out of trees. It continues to hold its edge even under heavy use, plus the thick wrinkle-finish coating seems to hold up pretty well and adds functionality.
Easy and Safe Transport
The flashy color cording makes this pretty attractive plus it comes sheath for safe storing and traveling.
Durable and Sharp
It is truly full-tang which means it can practically last forever regardless of the conditions you use it in for. It is razor-sharp and perfect for attaching it to the shoulder strap of your bug-out-bag. It’s perfect for kindling and removing small limbs and branches on trails and for fires.
Cost and Value
Overall, it’s an excellent purchase of a great camping tool at a great price.
6. Compadre Camp
Whether you’re prepping your next big game or pounding in stakes for your campsite, this is just the right tool for the avid outdoorsmen who’re heading off into the wilderness. Its compact size makes it a great fit for your survival gear and it fits quite well in backpacks for easy carry. No camping obstacles will come your way until you have the Compadre Camp in your possession. Now say goodbye to your chopping and hacking woes in the wilderness.
All-Round
The Compadre Camp is specifically designed as an all-around tool for anything and everything that has to do with chopping, dicing or slicing. Precision engineered and beautifully crafted with an avid outdoorsman in mind, it’s a solid all-purpose selection with a convenient black leather sheath and a striking red powder coat finish on the blades making it a unique survival tool for the great outdoors.
Appeal
Adding depth to its appeal is the walnut handle that provides a superior grip to ensure a precision control over your tasks.
Cost and Value
If there is one that can make camping easier - it's this one. Built from some of the best materials and offering some of the best value on our list today - this is a deal you can't pass up.
7. Gransfor Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
A hand-crafted ax, the Gransfor Bruks Wildlife Hatchet has a 13.5-inch hickory handle, excellent for one-handed or two-handed use with a 3-inch cutting edge and a one-pound head. The blade is not too soft, too hard, or pliable which means it maintains a sharp edge after months of steady use. At only 1.3 pounds with a vegetable-tanned sheath, this ax makes an excellent choice to use while camping, out in the woods, or even right at home.
Excellent Chopping Power
The chopping power of the Wildlife Hatchet is outstanding with its large head and long handle. This is an excellent tool for splitting small sticks or cutting limb wood. Cuts are both clean and precise. Because this ax is not crushing wood fibers and is actually cutting, you get deep cuts without using much energy.
Extended Beard
The Wildlife Hatchet is unlike most utility hatchets and features an extended beard on the edge. This extended beard helps to protect your hand while doing close up work like shaving or carving.
Cost and Value
Although pricier than some, this one makes an excellent investment well worth the cost that lasts for decades.
8. Schrade SCAXE10
The Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet is a small, lightweight, multi-purpose tool made of heavy-duty stainless steel that feels equally comfortable on your hands. This is made to be a strong and portable tool for your camping needs.
Sharp
The head is made from a strong alloy, providing this tool with durability. It also means the=at the edge of the blade will hold its sharpness for longer.
Thermoplastic Belt Sheath
It also comes protected by a thermoplastic belt sheath, and a snap on the front secures it firmly in place. It’s terribly well-balanced for single-handed operation and there’s plenty of weight behind each swing, yet it is light enough to wield without undue fatigue.
Cost and Value
Overall, it’s an ideal tool for budget-strapped campers and survivalists who need a small, handy hatchet for processing wood.
9. Engraved Hunting
This brilliantly personalized tool with a beautifully engraved handle, custom made for any avid adventurer or hunter who loves the outdoors. It’s an original, handcrafted fun gift for groomsmen, fathers, brothers and that special outdoorsman in your life who love the thrill of the wild.
Stylish and Handy
Build your favorite memories of the wild outdoors, your little camping trips or your thrill-seeking hunting expeditions, with this stylish and very handy engraved selection. This comes with a sheath that has a belt loop on it.
Custom Engravings
This personalized camping tool will not only aid you in building a perfect fire in the woods but with the custom engravings, it will also keep your loved ones close.
Cost and Value
There is no other product on today's list that is quite like this one. What caught us by surprise was the unique ability to customize each tool by engraving them. With such value, this product is worth the pennies.
10. Morakniv Boron Steel
Robust yet economical camping tool with a strong reputation. It’s made by Morakniv of Sweden and is created from Boron steel coated with an attractive black epoxy finish and affixed to a reinforced polymer handle for increased durability. It is extremely lightweight which makes it ideal to carry in and around in a backpack when on camping trips. This is a perfect accessory for the avid outdoorsman, plus the simplistic approach offers reliable functionality in a modern, sleek design. And the gorgeous sheath leather is a bonus for added security.
Grip and Handle
This is a versatile, heavy-duty tool with traditional lines and functionality, and is shaped for a good grip even if you’re wearing gloves or mitts. The polymer handle will also resist vibrations throughout and is lighter in weight, making it ideal for medium hunting games or hiking where carrying a heavy object doesn’t seem feasible.
Colors
The handle is ergonomically shaped and is available in two colors: military green and fluorescent orange.
Cost and Value
As the last product on our list, you might be shocked to hear that this one can easily compete with the very best that we shared above. This is built from durable Boron steel, has a comfortable and lightweight build, and comes in two different colors. What do you think?