Pay attention to four points when choosing a camping ax (hand ax): 5 axes most suitable for backpackers and wild camping

The ax is an extremely convenient camping tool. Some backpackers also like to bring an ax when camping, especially to handle relatively difficult outdoor work.

Camping axes are generally sharp and can easily split wood for fires, bonfires, and shelters. In addition, the other end of the ax can also easily hammer tent nails into frozen or hard ground.

However, how to choose an ax suitable for camping and hiking in a backpack is a problem that many people worry about.

1. Ax head:

Most of the ax heads in camping axes are made of steel, some are stainless steel, and others are hand-forged Swedish steel.

Which material to choose depends on the purpose of the axe.

If you want to use it in a long period of humid weather, you need to choose stainless steel. Stainless steel contains chromium, which makes the metal resistant to oxidation (rust).

If you use carbon steel in humid weather, it must be wiped with oil to protect it.

However, carbon steel has its advantages as it is stronger and more durable.

2. Ax handle:

For the ax head, the ax handle is also very important.

Ax handles are traditionally made of wood, and many people like the feel of an ax with a wooden handle.

Wooden handles absorb shock well and are easier to replace, but are also more susceptible to moisture and water. If left in a humid environment for a long time, they will rot and break.

Fiberglass and composite handles are both a popular trend and very strong, and are excellent at absorbing impact.

You also don’t have to worry about these handles being exposed to the elements because they are waterproof and won’t rot.

3. Length:

The overall length of the ax head is an important consideration.

The longer the ax head, the greater the advantage with each cut and the greater power of the hammer blow, and of course, the longer ax head is more cumbersome to carry.

If you are camping by car, the length of the ax will not be a big problem, but when traveling with a backpack, you need to consider whether the length of the ax is suitable for your backpack.

4. Weight:

For general purposes, heavier ax heads and ax handles tend to get the job done more easily.

The ax handle will follow your swing better and keep vibration to a minimum.

However, when backpacking, weight requirements are very stringent.

Therefore, a lighter weight ax is best depending on where you will be using it on your hiking trails.

If you are not cutting down trees, a lighter weight ax is actually sufficient for regular outdoor chopping.

Therefore, most backpackers will choose a lighter weight ax.

1. Gerber Freescape Hatchet:

Specializing in all outdoor gear, Gerber is known for producing some amazing products, and they do a great job with backpacking hatchets.

Despite being an axe, only less than 50cm long, the Gerber Freescape is extremely durable.

It is not recommended for large cuts as any smaller ax will not do the job.

This ax weighs less than one kilogram, so it is easy to carry, which is also the first factor for backpackers to choose an ax.

You can use this ax to protect yourself, but since the PTFE-coated ax blade is so sharp, it's also great for cutting fish and skinning animals.

This ax uses a composite handle, which has a shock-absorbing effect, which can reduce the vibration pressure on the hand and ensure that the hand will not be injured when chopping vigorously.

2. Cold Steel Trail Boss Ax:

Cold Steel is known for producing the best steel products in outdoor gear.

Trail Boss is lightweight and compact, with an overall length of 58.4 cm. It can be carried with you or strapped to a backpack. Its weight of 1176.5 grams is enough to handle a lot of outdoor chores.

The ax blade has two cutting edge widths of 10.16 cm and 11.24 cm, which can cut a variety of different things.

Extensively field-tested during a month-long hunting trip in Australia, it was truly put to the test and received unanimous praise from hunters.

In addition, it also has a very thick straight-grained hickory handle with excellent anti-slip properties, which is very useful for campers, especially when it rains or snows outdoors.

3. SOG Voodoo Hawk Mini Tactical Ax:

SOG tends to produce survival and tactical equipment.

Most of their products can be used for a variety of different purposes.

The Voodoo Hawk Mini is a compact multi-purpose ax designed for practical use, making it a great all-round camping ax and comes with a multi-purpose nylon carrying sheath.

The Voodoo Hawk Mini Tactical Ax weighs 654.9 grams, is about 30.5 cm long, and has an ax blade width of about 7 cm. It is made of stainless steel. It is an ax suitable for cutting and an excellent tool for camping, backpacking, and hunting.

SOG has added a lifetime warranty to most of its products, including the Voodoo Hawk Mini, so anytime it needs repair, SOG has you covered.

4. Schrade SCAXE2L Large Survival Ax:

Schrade prides itself on creating trustworthy tools, and these axes and knives it produces are perfect for outdoor adventures.

Whether you are hiking, camping, bushcraft or any other outdoor activity, Schrade is the companion you need.

SCAXE2L Large Survival Ax, the total length is 39.9 cm, the ax blade length is 10.6 cm, and the weight is 878 grams.

Schrade survival ax with titanium-coated stainless steel hammer head, black fiberglass-filled handle, ergonomic black TPR rubber cover, lanyard inside the handle, and a thermoplastic harness sheath Make it better to carry.

The rubber handle also makes it waterproof, so even if the ax is thrown into water, it will not be damaged by rust.

5. Estwing Special Edition Camper's Ax:

Estwing's outdoor axes are world-renowned and are the choice of many outdoor people everywhere.

Crafted in Rockford, Illinois using the finest American steel for maximum strength and durability, the forged steel heads are hand polished and beautifully finished in black for a statement.

This classic ax has an unparalleled weight balance design, and the patented shock-absorbing ax handle can reduce impact vibration by 70%.

But that could be due to the leather grips. It's genuine leather, which means you can grip it really well!

A must-have for almost all campers and outdoorsmen.

Camping axes, also known as hand axes, are usually small, lightweight, and easy to carry.

This makes them versatile in a camping environment, but they are not meant to cut down a large tree.

When traveling in the backcountry, all you need to consider is the trade-off between ax head length versus weight and portability.

# Wilderness Survival Guide # # TRAVEL # # HIKING #