Best Camping Axes Reviewed and Tested for Quality
Brian
Shanena Ketchum
Gearing up for your next big adventure in the great outdoors? 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 bring an ax. No camping trip is complete without a campfire, and building a good fire means cutting wood, splitting logs, and carving tools. Whether you are roughing in the deep backcountry, cutting down trees and hacking apart logs, or sleeping in a luxury RV and breaking up sticks, having one of the best camping axes available today could aid you in building the perfect fire, no matter where you go. You would realize the importance of an ax camping the moment the temperature starts dropping and you’d find yourself in a desperate need for a warming fire.
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
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Gerber Bear Grylls -
Estwing E24A 14-Inch Sportsman's Axe
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MTech USA MT-AXE8
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IUNIO Camping Axe
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Z Hunter ZB-027 Axe
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Compadre Camp
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Gransfor Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
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Schrade SCAXE10
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Engraved Hunting
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Morakniv Boron Steel
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
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.
Read moreAll-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 E24A 14-Inch Sportsman's Axe
•Wide hammer end makes splitting larger logs easy
Available in 12 and 14-inch sizes
Aesthetically pleasing
Hand-sharpened edge for long-lasting durability
Single piece construction – no need to worry about head coming off
•Fine leather handle with an ergonomic design allows for longer use without feeling fatigued
Quality leather sheath
Affordable price
The blade must be oiled regularly to avoid rusting
Heavy
Made of forged 1055 carbon steel, the Estwing E24A 14-Inch Sportsman's is a one-piece ax built to last. A versatile tool that can come in handy to any outdoorsman, or even for people who need a strong hatchet for weekend yard work. The handle of this hatchet is wrapped in leather to ease the pressure that occurs when chopping wood. This ax lives up to what you would expect from Estwing.
Read moreWide Sharp Blade Edge
The blade edge of this sportsman’s ax is wide, making it great for pulling apart both small and medium size logs. The blade edge is reasonably sharp right out of the box and appears to have no significant dulling after using it to chop numerous vines and logs.
Comfortable Grip
The Estwing Sportsman’s axe is very comfortable to use due to the leather grip of the shaft. In addition to the leather, the grip has been sanded and liquored to ensure comfortable use while splitting and cutting wood. The long-lasting finish and durability make this multi-function hatchet one of the best camping axes.
Cost and Value
This is a reasonably priced ax and is a great value for anyone who is need of a camping, survival, and backpacking ax.
3. MTech USA MT-AXE8
Portable full-tang ax
Perfect grip for balance
Features a comfortable cord-wrapped handle
Sharpened spike with a drilled hole
Slot cut-out design
Extremely lightweight
Made out of heavy-duty stainless steel and state-of-the-art features, the MTech Camping Axe is built to perform in the great outdoors. A versatile defensive weapon always comes in handy and makes a perfect go-to survival gear for your outdoor activities like hunting, camping, hiking, and more. It mimics the feel of a throwing tomahawk while providing optimal balance and heft. The 2 ½-inch spiked design with a drilled hole which makes it a great fit for your hands.
Read moreTravel Companion
It’s a perfect travel companion for the avid outdoorsmen who could use one in the wilderness, plus it helps speed up their hunting game and survive the wilderness.
The Handle
The handle is wrapped in a cord to provide an optimal grip in even the harshest of conditions whether you’re out camping, hunting, fishing, or testing your survival skills. It conforms to your hands without slipping even in high humidity conditions making it an ideal go-to survivalist gear.
Cost and Value
What impressed us the most about this product was its great grip and comfortable handle. This value is unprecedented! Partner this with a great price tag and you have one ax worth your consideration!
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 Axe is a very compact and reliable camping tool that is small enough fit into most glove boxes or tool boxes. 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.
Read moreSnap 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 is 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 ax, 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
Has a 3mm thick. 2.8" black wrinkle-finished blade
Can be only used to chop branches
This zombie-themed small, easy-to-carry camp ax 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. Measuring 9.5" overall, this Z Hunter tomahawk ax has a 3mm thick. 2.8" black wrinkle-finished blade with a bright neon zombie green cord wrapped handle for a superior grip. It can also be unwrapped and used in a variety of survival situations making this handy ax a reliable sidekick when in the woods.
Read moreEasy and Safe Transport
The bright green cording makes this ax pretty attractive plus it comes complete with a nylon sheath that has the biohazard on it for easy and safe transport.
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 Axe in your possession. Now say goodbye to your chopping and hacking woes in the wilderness.
Read moreAll-Round
The Compadre Camp Axe is specifically designed as an all-around camp ax 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 ax 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 ax 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.
Read moreExcellent 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 ax makes an excellent investment well worth the cost that lasts for decades.
8. Schrade SCAXE10
Multi-purpose camping hatchet/axe
Heavy-duty stainless steel
Relatively easy to sharpen
Generally small ax
The Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet is a small, lightweight, multi-purpose camping hatchet/ax made of heavy-duty stainless steel which feels equally comfortable on your hands. Whether you’re looking to carry an ax to carry on for your daily jobs as first responders, or just to keep around for emergencies, the Schrade SCAXE10 is just the thing for you. This is a rugged one-piece packable hatchet made from a slab of 3Cr13 Stainless Steel with a large polished brushed-finish bevel, and a powder-coated head with a Hammer Pommel, black TPR rubber-wrapped handle for added protection. The TPR is basically a Thermoplastic Elastomer similar to that of TPE which makes it a perfect choice for handle grip.
Read moreSharp
The 3Cr13 is a terrific stainless steel alloy for an ax head because it is relatively easy to sharpen and holds the edge pretty well.
Thermoplastic Belt Sheath
It also comes protected by a thermoplastic belt sheath, and a snap on the front secures the ax 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 engraved ax
Comes with a sheath that has a belt loop on it
Can be used for basic chopping only
This brilliantly personalized camping ax 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.
Read moreStylish 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 hunting camping ax. The ax comes with a sheath that has a belt loop on it.
Custom Engravings
This personalized camping tool will not only aid you 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 custom engraves this ax. With such value, this product is evidently 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
This sturdy camping ax is a 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.
Read moreGrip 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 the ax and actually allows the 12.6-inch camp ax to weigh only 17.5 oz, making it ideal for medium hunting game or hiking where carrying a heavy ax 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 ax 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. If you’re out in the wild on a camping trip, you certainly don’t need to carry a big lumberjack ax that’s originally designed for chopping down trees. As it needs to be carried around, a good camping ax or hatchet should be between 12-inch and 24-inch. Some ax heads detach from the handle which makes them easier to carry. A longer handle, on the other hand, can reduce effort by increasing the momentum of your swing and are harder to carry around.
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 camping hatchet feels on 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 camping axes 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 hatchet or ax 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 an ax that’s the most bang for your buck while also reliable enough to perform all the functions that you need it for. If you’re an avid camper or someone who takes hunting trips often, it might be great to invest a little more money on a well-built ax. On the other hand, if you aren’t much of an outdoorsman and the quality of the ax doesn’t mean a lot, it makes sense to go with a cheaper option.
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. Axes or hatchets are far more efficient and useful in the wilderness.
Having the right ax can make a huge difference in your whole camping experience, but how odd you decide which one is right for you? The best camping axes can be used for more than just chopping a few logs during your journey into the wild. Whatever the situation is, an ax will be an invaluable item in your inventory.
The maintenance of your ax 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.
Other Factors to Consider
Features
While there are not many features and specifications when it comes to an ax, we noticed that some manufacturers try to make the product as comfortable to use as possible. For instance, we rate camping axes that are lightweight highly. We also look at those axes that come with belt loops that make it easier to carry around on a camping trip.
Bottom Line
Modern heavy-duty materials and incredible design have transformed the camping axes from a simple blade to a multi-purpose tool that’s easy and comfortable to carry even on a challenging hunting trip. The ax you choose largely depends on how you plan to use it. With a little research and a knowledge of your budget, your needs and requirements, your expertise level, and the conditions in which you’re planning to use this ax, you should be well on your way to finding the best camping axes for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 of the ax. Ensure that you read them carefully.
Axes are designed to cut and if they are not handled with care, can accidentally cause injury. When you are moving around with your camping ax, 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 an ax. A child could come behind you without you noticing. Also, ensure that there is no one in front of you as you use the ax. If it slips off your hand, the force could injure someone.
The safest way of handling an ax 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 the ax on the ground is not possible, then you should execute the handover process with the utmost care. Ask the person you are handing the ax to whether you can now let go of the ax before you do. It could also be helpful that when you hand over the ax, the cutting edge is facing upwards.
Whether you are on a camping trip or not, it is always important to ensure that you do not keep the ax in such a position that it may cause injury. If not properly stored someone may step on the sharp edge of the ax and trip over it and get injured. Also, you do not want children to access the ax and cause injury to themselves.
Always ensure that you keep the ax inside its sheath. If this is not possible, you can sink the ax into a log. Of course, this will not be a good method for the storage of a double bit ax. If the ax has a double bit, then you need to ensure that both the cutting edges are covered. If you are storing the ax 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.
Indeed, if you look at axes made in the last five or so years, you will notice that fiberglass ax 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.
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 a 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.
The following safety equipment is recommended when using any type of ax or hatchet:
Safety glasses
Gloves
Steel-toed work boots
There are five common types of axes and they include felling axes, Hudson Bay axes, splitting mauls, broadaxes, and carpenter’s axes. Felling axes are used for chopping down (felling) trees. This type of ax typically has a handle that is between 70cm and 90cm in length and a head that weighs between 1kg to 2 kg. These types of axes are suitable for camping but because of their heavier weight and larger size, they are less suitable for backpacking.
Hudson Bay axes and felling axes are similar, but the head of the Hudson Bay is smaller, the handle is shorter, and they weigh less. These axes are excellent for chopping smaller logs and trees. Splitting mauls are also referred to as a splitter with a wedge-shaped head. These axes are used for splitting logs along the grain, while axes chop across the grain.
Broadaxes are full sized axes and are exceptional carpentry tools that are suitable for shaping logs and planks. Carpenter’s axes and broadaxes are similar, but the carpenter’s ax is smaller and is not used for chopping firewood or tree.
