Top 10 Picks for Best Hatchets & Camping Axes

Are you a frequent camper? Do you like spending time in the great outdoors as a survivalist? If you have answered with yes to either of these questions, you will also need the best hatchet for cutting wood and performing other chores around camp.

The problem now is not finding a hatchet, as there are lots of those available online that you can buy with a few clicks. It is more about figuring out which tool is the most suitable for your needs, and that’s where this guide will be useful.

10 Best Hatchets & Camping Axes - Comparisons

The Sportsman’s is a versatile hatchet, just as suited for camping and hiking as it is for people who simply need a hatchet for yard work. The key feature of this tool is the construction of the handle and the head, as they have been forged together using 1055 carbon steel.

This hatchet also has a solid handle wrapped in leather that eases a lot of the pressure that comes from chopping wood.

This hatchet is well-balanced and stable. Its cutting edge is excellent and the grip is comfortable enough. Besides being durable and sturdy, the Sportsman’s is also a great tool to be used on various campsites. 

The Rheinland hatchet is 14 inches long and weighs only 2 lbs, but it’s packed with a lot of power. It is equipped with a 1.25 lb carbon steel head that’s been designed for optimum cutting performance, and with its sharp blade you’ll have an easier time chopping and limbing branches, as well as light splitting work.

The hatchet has an American hickory handle, and while it’s not the smoothest, it does provide a solid grip. The fact that it feels a bit rough is actually a good thing as it will keep the hatchet from slipping while you use it.

The nice thing about the Rheinland is the amount of detail that goes into its creation—each hatchet is hand-crafted by Master Smiths. The head is handmade in Germany, and it has been hardened in oil and heat-treated so it lasts longer than most. The aforementioned handle is imported from Switzerland and has been fortified for density and strength. 

The Freescape from Gerber was designed to help you cut wood without difficulty. This hatchet is able to do this via its sharp, powerful blade that makes wood cutting and chopping effortless. The Freescape is also lightweight, but it does not compromise when it comes to power.

A frequent complaint with hatchets is they’re either too heavy or lack power. Now, the Freescape offers a nice balance between the two. It doesn’t hurt that the handle is ergonomic so you can cut a lot of wood without experiencing hand fatigue. And the sharpness of the blade means you don’t need to take a lot of swings to make a cut, so that’s another plus.

The versatility of this hatchet makes it an excellent choice for both campers and outdoorsmen. It is also the kind of hatchet you want to buy if you need to chop wood regularly. 

This wooden hatchet from Husqvarna is a versatile tool that is designed to meet the most common needs for camping, yard work, or garden up-keeping. One of the first things you’ll notice about this hatchet is its curved handle, a deliberate design choice intended to improve cutting performance.

This hatchet isn’t the lightest we have tried, but the extra weight helps when you’re splitting wood, as you’ll need to use less force. The carbon steel blade is sharp and it has excellent edge retention. Since it comes sharp out of the box, you can use it right away without having to sharpen it first.

The head looks small relative to the body, but don’t let that deceive you, as it’s quite heavy. This works to the hatchet’s advantage when you’re chopping thick materials. There aren’t a lot of hatchets that can do this, so this only goes to show how versatile this model is. 

Based on the design of the original Vietnam Tomahawk and revamped as an all-purpose tool, the Tactical Tomahawk was designed to meet the standards for military grade use. Now you can use this solid and versatile tool for camping, extraction, removing obstacles, and other outdoor tasks.

The Tomahawk may have been designed for military use, but it is easy enough for a camper or survivalist to use. The stainless steel head- makes it excellent for cutting and chopping with precision. And when you turn it on its side, the Tomahawk also works as a hammer and can be used for assorted tasks at the campsite.

Its 2.75-inch blade is made from 420 stainless steel, and its handle is made from glass reinforced nylon. While the blade is ideal for cutting, the side hammer checkering will take care of the pounding. Lastly, its surface is scratch-resistant. 

The Myth hatchet from Gerber sports a versatile, rugged design that is appropriate for more demanding outdoor use. While the Myth is a top choice among campers, hikers, and survivalists due to its durability, it can also be used in industrial facilities as well as for general garden clearance.

The blade of this hatchet is sharp enough to cut limbs, branches, wood, and foliage. It has excellent edge retention properties that work great for skinning and dressing game. The blade’s sharpness also means fewer strokes are required, making this hatchet an ideal companion for the great outdoors.

These great features are complemented by a comfortable rubber handle that offers a secure grip and has been designed to reduce hand fatigue. Its ability to absorb shock is another plus. 

The Scaxe5 is a full tang hatchet designed for survivalists and campers. The hatchet has a sleek appearance due to its stainless steel profile. It is 12. 8 inches long overall, not too large but not too small either. Whether it’s cutting firewood, limbs, or branches, the 3.1-inch blade of the Scaxe5 can handle the job.

The Scaxe5 is a high quality hatchet. Its sharp edge is just right for splitting and cutting wood, and it’s made of durable steel that has powder coating to further add to its durability. This also means you won’t need to sharpen this hatchet often, but if it’s needed, the process is straightforward.

The nylon fiber handle provides a good deal of comfort, something most campers will appreciate. The inclusion of a polyester belt sheath, pry bar, and nail pull are welcome too. At just 1.56 lbs, this hatchet is one of the lightest ones available. 

Also Read: Best Tactical Tomahawk – Combat Ready Models Compared

The Wood Chogan is not just an ordinary hatchet—it’s designed to be an all-purpose tool. Constructed from 1055 carbon steel, the Chogan has been heat-forged for enhanced durability. With its sturdy handle, you can focus on cutting, chopping, and splitting wood without hand fatigue setting in.

Its secondary and primary bevels are flat ground, giving the Chogan more leverage to cut thick wood. The hammer face allows you to use the tool to pound stakes and nails. The handle is made from thick hickory wood which is comfortable to hold and gives you a good grip.

This hatchet is also well-balanced so it always feels like you’re in control when you’re chopping or cutting wood. Even if you apply a lot of force, the Chogan can handle it.

The Parahatchet FS is an all-around tool for the camper. It is compact and lightweight, yet is capable of handling tasks like chopping firewood with ease. The hatchet head is durable and provides you with an effective tool for wood processing.

This tool is light enough to carry for hiking, and in case of an emergency the 8 feet long paracord wrapped around the handle can be used as a rope. Besides the paracord, you also get a rope cutter and a fire stater. These are essential tools for the survivalist, so it’s good to see them included with the hatchet. Oh yes, and a sheath is included, too!

The 4mm thick stainless steel blade is suitable for chopping limbs, branches, and splitting firewood. You also get 3 hex wrenches in different sizes for tightening bolts. 

This camp axe/hatchet from Coleman is designed for campers who want to be prepared at all times. At approximately 13 inches, the axe has a drop-forged carbon steel head suitable for a variety of cutting and hacking tasks.

As the name suggests, this axe is primarily aimed at campers, but it is just as good for the backyard and the woods. The carbon steel head splits wood quickly, and the durable construction shows this axe was built to last. The non-slip grip and forged steel ergonomic handle means you’ll be able to apply as much force as necessary without fear of losing grip. Prolonged use also won’t wear you out thanks to the sound ergonomics.

This hatchet does not come with a sheath, but it has a vinyl cover for the blade. Either way, it’s best to cover the blade when it’s not in use as the edge is very sharp. 

Final Verdict

Any company can say they provide the best hatchet, but only a select few can offer the features you need.

That is why we made a thorough evaluation and picked out the top ten choices so you don’t have to do it yourself. Now you just have to pick the one you like and have the time of your life outdoors.

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