An axe is one of the oldest tools created by human beings. Even though it’s simple in design, it is an incredibly useful gizmo that’s used by professionals like firefighters and farmers. The design of the axe has remained unchanged owing to its utility, and wood continues to be the top choice for its handle. While an axe is commonly used by professionals, campers also rely on it to cut wood and survive in the wild. So if the campfire is your thing, you are going to have to include an axe in your survival gear.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The 5 Best Axes for Camping
There are a variety of axes available in the market, which may make it hard for you to select a good model. To help you out, we have compiled a list of best axes for camping. This should make it easier to find an axe that suits your needs and your wallet.
1. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
Forged in one piece, the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is an aesthetically pleasing chopper that’s perfect for cutting small branches or logs and splitting firewood to enjoy campfires in the wild outdoors. The head and neck of this axe is hand-polished, which makes it different from most of the other conventional tools. This model comes with a genuine leather grip that would feel comfortable on the hand. Moreover, it is equipped with a nylon sheath for maximum protection.
Pros of the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
- One-piece construction
- Genuine leather grip
- Nylon sheath for added protection
Cons of the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
- Not the best option for cutting large pieces
2. Gerber 23.5-Inch Axe
The Gerber 23.5” Axe is another high-quality tool that can be used for delicate work – like cutting kindling or splitting logs – and to drop med-sized trees. The black blade of the axe is coated with PTFE for finer cuts and nominal sticking while the forged head is crafted to split logs evenly. The composite handle features an over-mold grip that minimizes strain on the hand. Moreover, the slim sheath of the Gerber 23.5” Axe allows for safe storage and transport.
At 3.35 lbs, this is one of the lightest axes you would find in the market. It is worth noting that this model runs 23.5” in length, but you can also get your hands on a 9”, 14”, 17.5” and a 36” version.
Pros of the Gerber 23.5-Inch Axe
- Reasonable pricing
- Forged steel head allows for easier cutting
- PTFE coated blade of the axe reduces friction
- Grip minimizes strain on the hand and gives you more control
Cons of the Gerber 23.5-Inch Axe
- Not too durable
3. Estwing Tomahawk Axe
The Estwing Tomohawk Axe features a hand-sharpened head crafted from one-piece steel and a leather grip that feels comfortable on the hand. The overall length of this model is 16.25” inch, and it boasts a pointed rear tip that can help you cut knotted wood with precision. At less than 2 lbs, the axe feels light in hand, making it a handy tool to have in your arsenal when you are out camping in the wild. The bald eagle graphic on the axe reinforces its all-American origin, making it a good option for those who prefer products made in the United States.
Pros of the Estwing Tomahawk Axe
- One-piece steel head for chopping wood
- Pointed rear tip for precision cutting
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Made in the USA
Cons of the Estwing Tomahawk Axe
- May not be suitable for cutting very large pieces of wood
4. Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe
If you need an axe for splitting small logs, the X11 Axe from Fiskars is worth considering. The X11 runs 17” inches long and weighs around 2.2 lbs, which makes it easy to bring it along on your outdoor adventures. It packs more power than one would expect for its small size, which makes it suitable for cutting small branches and splitting logs.
The handle of the Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe is light yet strong and feels comfortable to grip thanks to the shock-resistant FiberComp. It also features a slip-resistant grip that reduces strain on the hand. A blade cover comes with the product for safe and easy storage.
Pros of the Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe
- Non-slip grip
- Shock-absorbing FiberComp
- Lightweight yet durable
- Small size
Cons of the Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe
- Not designed for cutting large pieces of wood
5. Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
The Gransfors Bruks is a popular firm, known for its fine craftsmanship. The Small Forest Axe from the company runs 19” inch in length and weighs around 2 lbs. The excellent weight-to-body ratio allows the blade of the axe to dig deeper when cutting wood and chopping logs. This model features a flat elongated head forged by hand. The rounded edge of the head ensures more accurate cuts. The Small Forest Axe is best suited for limbing and felling tasks.
Pros of the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
- Lightweight yet durable
- Good for chopping logs, limbing and felling
- Hand-forget elongated head with rounded edges
Cons of the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
- Expensive
What to Consider When Buying an Axe for Camping
· Build-Quality
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for an axe for camping is to build quality. Pay close attention to the materials used in the construction of the axe. Look for an axe that’s is made with stainless steel and features a solid shaft that is long enough to offer you leverage and sturdy enough to chop logs. The materials used for the handle should also be durable and feel comfortable on the hand.
· Portability
Portability is another vital factor to consider when looking for an axe to carry on wild adventures in the outdoors. The axe you get should be easy to carry and store. If you plan on cutting small woods and logs, it would be best to carry a lightweight axe that you can easily put in your camping bag. It is worth noting that certain axes offer a more lightweight and streamline solution at the expense of chopping power. They are ideal if you don’t plan on cutting very large pieces of wood.
· Sheath
Never carry an axe without a sheath. An unsheathed axe can be very dangerous and may lead to a serious injury. Most camping axe manufacturers provide some type of sheath with their products, so pay attention to it when you are shopping for a camping axe.
Our Final Thoughts
We have listed some of the best axes for camping that you can currently find in the market. With this list, the ball is in your court, and it is up to you to decide which axe you want for your wild adventure. When making your decision, pay attention to the factors listed above, including sheath, portability, and build quality. This should help you select an axe that suits your needs. If you have any inquiries about the products listed above, feel free to contact us.
