Top 10 Camping Axes Reviewed and Tested
Brian Dan Novak Gearing up for your night in the wilderness? No matter if you’re into survival camping in the wilderness away from the convenience of a modern campsite or just enjoying a great campfire with your friends; don’t forget to check your list before leaving. One thing that tends to be forgotten is a tool for cutting brush or clearing limbs to set up camp. That is where a camping ax can come in handy. These are smaller in size making them more portable for traveling. So before you pack for your next adventure be sure to check out our list.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 21 hrs of research
Easy-to-carry design3.5-inch razor-sharp blade
Provides superior grip
Double duty headBuilt to perform in the toughest weather conditions
10 Best Camping Axes
1. Gerber Bear Grylls
Easy-to-carry design3.5-inch razor-sharp blade
Provides superior grip
Double duty headBuilt to perform in the toughest weather conditions
Slim profile
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"
Has an extra-long handle
Comes with shock reduction grip for an extra dose of safety
Extremely sharp blade
There are two sizes to choose from
Sturdy and durable
The sheath isn’t as convenient as you would want it to be
Not as great for big cutting jobs
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
Quality material unique material
Lightweight yet sturdy
Easy to use
Will remain sharp and smooth regardless of what you are cutting
Excellent handle that helps absorb shock
Can chip if you cut into something extremely hard
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
Very compact and reliable camping tool
Pretty sharp blade
Extra safe and perfect for camping
Comes an extension handle
Might be too small
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
Easy-to-carry amazing design
It has a 3mm thick. 2.8" black wrinkle-finished blade
Can be only used to chop branches
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
Heavy-duty 5160 steel construction
Features a durable black leather sheath
Red powder-coated handle
Rugged and corrosion-resistant
Easy and comfortable carry
Might feel too light
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
20-year guarantee
Hickory handle
Handmade
Competent control
Extended beard
Lightweight
Strong and durable
Costly
Shorter blade length
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
Multi-purpose camping tool
Heavy-duty stainless steel
Easy to sharpen
Generally small
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
Custom made
Stylish and very handy
Comes with a sheath that has a belt loop on it
Can be used for basic chopping only
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
Made of Boron steel
Extremely lightweight
Reliably functional
Has a polymer handle which resists vibrations
The hatchet might be too light
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?
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.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Size Weight Durability Value
When camping in the deep backcountry away from the hustle and bustle of the city life you left behind, having a tool to aid you is a must. Cutting wood, splitting logs, and even animal butchery can be aided by the use of a proper camping ax. They also come in handy when sharpening sticks for roasting food over the fire, or to hunt. They are far more efficient and useful in the wilderness.
Having the right gear can make a huge difference in your whole camping experience, but how odd you decide which one is right for you? These can be used for more than just chopping a few logs during your journey into the wild.
The maintenance starts with understanding the number of parts it has. The most important parts of your ax are the head and the handle. Sometimes the two are made from metal but at certain times the handle is made from wood while the head is made from metal. A coat of oil on both these parts is one of the most common ways of maintaining the tool in a great condition.
When it comes to selecting which handle you would like to have, it's important to keep in mind how long or short you want your tool to be. There is no specific code or cheat sheet when it comes to handles, it is all about personal preference and what you cut regularly. If you feel more secure with a shorter handle, then you want to stick to that and the same goes for those that love a longer handle. Furthermore, we recommend testing out both and figuring out which one is best for you and your needs and going from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are there any safety tips I should observe?
Like any tool, failing to observe safety instructions could lead to serious injury or even death. In most cases, the manufacturer will stick the safety tips on the handle. Ensure that you read them carefully.
Axes are designed to cut and if they are not handled with care, they can accidentally cause injury. When you are moving around with yours, it is advisable that you sheath it so that the cutting edge is not exposed.
Always remember to beware of what is happening around you when you are using such tools. A child could come behind you without you noticing. Also, ensure that there is no one in front of you as you use it. If it slips off your hand, the force could injure someone.
q: What is the safest way to hand this to someone?
The safest way of handing one over to someone else is to put it down and have them pick it up from the ground. In case you are in a situation where putting it on the ground is not possible, then you should execute the handover process with the utmost care. Ask the person you are handing to whether you can now let go before you do. It could also be helpful that when you hand it over, the cutting edge is facing upwards.
q: How should I store this while on a camping trip?
Whether you are on a camping trip or not, it is always important to ensure that you do not keep them in such a position that it may cause injury. If not properly stored someone may step on the sharp edge and trip over it causing them to get injured. Also, you do not want children to access them and cause injury to themselves.
Always ensure that you keep them inside its sheath. If this is not possible, you can sink it into a log. Of course, this will not be a good method for the storage of a double bit version. If you have a double bit, then you need to ensure that both the cutting edges are covered. If you are storing one at home, use common sense and place it in such a way that it is away from places where people walk or where children can access it without permission.
q: Why are fiberglass handles becoming popular?
Indeed, if you look at products made in the last five or so years, you will notice that fiberglass handles are becoming more common. We believe that the reason behind this is the advantages of these handles when compared to wood and metal. For instance, fiberglass does not rust and neither does it rot when exposed to moisture. This makes fiberglass durable.
q: Which is the best material for a handle?
All the materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for a handle that will be lightweight, then you will probably go with wood. However, wood can shrink when it dries and leave the head loose.
While fiberglass can withstand the elements, it is heavier. The advantage of a metal handle is that it is secured to the head and there is very little risk of it getting loose. Whatever choice you make will depend on your preferences and how you can tolerate the disadvantages of each type of material.
q: What safety equipment is recommended?
The following safety equipment is recommended when using any type of ax or hatchet:
Safety glasses
Gloves
Steel-toed work boots
q: What are the different types of axes?
There are five common types and they include felling, Hudson Bay, splitting mauls, broadaxes, and carpenter. Felling ones are used for chopping down (felling) trees. This type typically has a handle that is between 70cm and 90cm in length and a head that weighs between 1kg to 2 kg. These are suitable for camping but because of their heavier weight and larger size, they are less suitable for backpacking.
Hudson Bay and felling versions are similar, but the head of the Hudson Bay is smaller, the handle is shorter, and they weigh less. These are excellent for chopping smaller logs and trees. Splitting mauls are also referred to as a splitter with a wedge-shaped head. These are used for splitting logs along the grain.
Broadaxes are full-sized and are exceptional carpentry tools that are suitable for shaping logs and planks. Carpenter and broadaxes are similar, but the carpenter ax is smaller and is not used for chopping firewood or tree.
