When going on a backpacking trip, you want to make sure that you have everything you need before you head out.
Most people know to include the basics like a canteen for water, cooking utensils for food, and a trowel.
However, having a backpacking axe is just as important for overnight trips. Cutting firewood to keep warm and be able to cook over makes an axe an essential tool.
Whether you are a frequent backpacker who goes on long trips, or you and your family go on annual camping trips for just a weekend, you will want to have an axe that will work for you.
You won’t want one that is too heavy if you are alone and having to carry it for long distances, and you may want one that will last through long trips if you and your family will be camping for over a week.
So, you have to pick the best backpacking axe that is right for you..
5 Backpacking Axes Reviews
1. Fiskars X11 378561-1004 Backpacking Axe – Overall Pick Review
Fiskars X11 378561-1004 axe (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQLUE4/?tag=cozyhouse-20) comes with many great features that allowed it to be chosen as our top pick.
With its one-handed use and included sheath to protect the blade, you get the best of everything with this backpacking axe.
Efficient
This axe is designed to be the most efficient with more one-strike splits than other options. This allows you to spend less time chopping wood and more time spending cooking or spending time with your family because you can split wood quickly.
Perfectly Balanced
Sheath
This axe also comes with a sheath that protects the blade during transport and storage. This also acts as a safety measure so that the axe blade is covered and won’t cut someone by accident. This also keeps the blade sharp even while it is not in use.
Main Features
- Ideal for easy one-handed use when splitting small logs
- Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio
- Advanced bevel convex blade geometry
- Unique head shape disperses wood from the blade for clean splitting
- Proprietary blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts
- Hardened forged steel blade stays sharp longer than traditional axes
- Low-friction blade coating powers through wood and prevents head from getting stuck
- Inseparable insert-molded head will not loosen and prevents overstrike breakage
- Shock-absorbing FiberComp® handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage
- Textured non-slip grip reduces hand strain and improves control
- Included sheath helps protect blade and the user
- Lifetime warranty
- Efficient axe design for maximum split
- Perfectly balanced for better chop
- Power to weight ratio that increase swing speed
- Comes with sheath for protection for blade
- Sheath offers safety for transport
- The blade is easily chipped with maximum force
- Coating can make it difficult to make kindling
2. Hults Bruk Tarnaby Backpacking Axe – Wooden Hatchet Review
Hults Bruk Tarnaby backpacking axe (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011ZY1HI8/?tag=cozyhouse-20) has many great features that allow it to be called on of the best on the market.
From the sturdy build to the steel axe head, this hatchet will get any wood splitting job done swiftly.
Axe Head Made From Steel
This axe head is hand-forged and made in Swedish axe steel from a company that has been manufacturing axes since 1697. This kind of experience ensures that the steel is perfectly balanced, well-made, and built to last.
Durable
The head is also constructed in a way that there is a tempered zone designed to hold a very sharp edge even after being sharpened many times.
Leather Sheath
This axe comes with a leather sheath that is embellished with unique Swedish decorative design elements. The sheath not only looks nice, but it also allows for safe transport while the axe is not being used, and keeps the blade from getting dull.
Lightweight
The total weight for this product comes in at under 3 pounds. This makes this axe lightweight enough to travel with and is recommended when you are backpacking alone and want to keep your pack light.
Main Features
- An axe head weight of 1.25 Lbs and a handle length of 15 inches
- The head is the product of blasted and clear-lacquered ironwork
- The curved shaft is made of US-sourced hickory
- The handle is treated with linseed oil
- This axe head is hand-forged and made from Swedish axe steel in a foundry that has been in operation since 1697
- The head is constructed in such a way that there is a tempered zone designed to hold a very sharp edge even after many sharpenings
- Comes with a traditional leather protective sheath that is embellished with some unique Swedish decorative elements
- The axe is shipped in its own storage box and comes with a detailed users manual
- Lightweight and less than three pounds
- Great for lone travel due to lightweight
- Comes with leather sheath for transport and storage
- Made from Swedish axe steel
- Made to increase durability and strength
- The edge may be asymmetrical
The Tarnaby Hatchet:
Hults Bruk Tarnaby and Future Giveaway:
3. Husqvarna 576926401 Wooden Backpacking Axe – Small Hatchet Review
Husqvarna 576926401 Wooden (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HC077GQ/?tag=cozyhouse-20) is small, lightweight option for smaller wood pieces or for cutting branches.
From the hickory wood shaft to the steelhead, this axe is a great option for all the smaller jobs that you need to be done.
Hickory Shaft
This axe handle is made from tough and durable hickory wood that gives the axe a natural, sleek design. This also makes this backpacking axe more durable.
Steel Axe Head
The axe head is made from steel that is designed to fit securely on the handle without movement. The steel is durable and long-lasting so that you can reuse this backpacking axe on hiking and camping trips for years to come.
Leather Cover
This backpacking axe also comes with a leather cover for the blade to keep it safe during transport. This cover also helps to keep the blade sharp while not in use so that the blade doesn’t dull by accidentally being hit while in storage.
Main Features
- Small 13” axe
- Ideal for firewood, camping and garden work
- Made of hickory and hand-forged Swedish steel
- Comes with a leather edge cover
- The hatchet’s head is attached to the handle using both a wooden and a steel wedge to secure fastening
- Small and lightweight for easy travel
- Ideal for small woods and cutting branches
- Good for lone backpackers for a lightweight pack
- Hickory shaft for durability and unique look
- Steel axe head for durability and strength
- Not ideal for larger woods
- Blade may not stand up to tougher woods or larger jobs
4. Schrade SCAXE2 – Stainless-Steel Axe Review
This Schrade SCAXE2 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BDKZCB8/?tag=cozyhouse-20) axe is a great option that comes with different specifications and features that put it ahead of the others.
With its durable blade and thermoplastic sheath, this axe works for just about anything you can think of.
Titanium Coated Blade
Thermoplastic Sheath
This axe comes with a thermoplastic sheath that keeps the blade covered when not in use and allows for easy transport and storage.
The sheath also keeps the blade from accidentally hitting an object when in storage and helps to keep the blade sharp for the next use.
Shaft Storage
This axe end features a hammer pommel as well as an extra-large ferro rod that is stored inside the shaft. This allows you to have the rod anytime that you have the axe with you, and it makes for easy and compact storage for both items.
Main Features
- 11.8 inch (30 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.8 inches (9.6 cm)
- Weight of 1 lb 6.4 ounces
- Blade is made of reliable 3Cr13 Titanium Coated S.S. with a black, glass fiber filled PA & TPR material and cold resistance flexibilizer handle
- Quick and easy access with the convenient black thermoplastic belt sheath
- Ergonomic black rubber grip
- Hammer pommel
- Extra-large ferro rod that is stored inside the shaft
- Stainless-steel blade for durability
- Titanium coated blade for added durability and chopping power
- Comes with thermoplastic sheath for easy transport and storage
- Hammer pommel feature
- Extra-large ferro rod stored inside the handle
- The ferro rod may slip out when chopping
- The handle may be too heavy for some
Schrade SCAXE2 Survival Hatchet – Review:
5. Fiskars 375501-1001 – Blade-Coated Axe Review
Fiskars 375501-1001 backpacking axe (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOA4J4K/?tag=cozyhouse-20) is one of the best options because of its many great features.
With its blade coating and shock-absorbing handle, this axe is definitely a great option for any kind of wood.
Any Size Cuts
This axe is fairly lightweight, but also has lots of striking power that allows you to use this product on many different sized pieces of wood, and all different wood types.
This is ideal for taking on camping trips and to use for wood splitting to make firewood.
Blade-Grinding
This also allows you to cut wood at a faster pace so that you are not taking up time with family on trips to split wood for the fire.
Blade Coating
This axe has a low friction blade coating that powers through wood and helps to prevent the head from getting stuck in the wood when it chops.
This allows you to pull back the axe when chopping so that you get the fastest chopping time with the least effort.
Molded Head
This axe has a specially designed molded head that won’t loosen with use and helps to prevent overstrike breakage. This allows the head to be sturdy and helps it to last a long time even with heavy use.
Dura-Frame Handle
This axe has a dura-frame handle that is lightweight but stronger than steel and can help to prevent overstrike damage.
The handle allows for a better grip and can help make the axe more comfortable to hold so that you can use it for a longer amount of time.
Main Features
- Ideal for chopping kindling and small- to medium-sized logs
- Chops deeper with each swing to get more done faster
- Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat
- Proprietary blade-grinding technique provides a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts
- Hardened forged steel blade stays sharp longer than traditional axes
- Low-friction blade coating powers through wood and prevents head from getting stuck
- Inseparable insert-molded head will not loosen and prevents overstrike breakage
- Shock-absorbing FiberComp® handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage
- Included sheath helps protect blade and the user
- Lifetime warranty
- Able to use it on any size wood
- Blade-grinding technique for sharper edge and better contact
- Blade coating that keeps it low friction and prevents it from getting stuck
- Molded head that won’t loosen
- Dura-frame handle that prevents overstrike damage
- Doesn’t work as well for extra-large wood pieces
- Butt of handle is not made for hammering tent pegs
Buyer’s Guide
With all these different options that would make a great choice for your next camping trip, it can be a lot of information to take in at once.
But before you make your purchase, there are a few things that you should think about that can help you narrow down which one will work the best for you and your family.
Weight
Backpacking axe models are all used for different situations. Some are lightweight and compact allowing you to travel light and carry anywhere you need.
Others come with heavy-duty handles and are made from heavy materials and are meant for larger pieces of wood. Knowing what kind of axe you will need will help you figure out which one will work for you the most.
For example, if you are going on an annual family trip for a few days, then you will not need such a heavy-duty axe. This can actually weigh down your packs and make for tougher storage when not in use.
However, if you are going on an extensive excursion for a few weeks in denser forest areas, then you will likely need something that will cut into all kinds of wood, and is sturdy enough to handle slicing tough wood pieces.
Length
The length of a backpacking axe can make a difference in how you swing, and it can affect how well it splits the wood.
So, if you know that you will be using your axe for smaller pieces of wood, like tree branches and thin pieces of wood, then you can opt for a cheaper and shorter model.
However, if you know that you will need more leverage to get a better swing in order to split the wood you need, then you will want to spend the money on a larger and longer axe.
Sheath For Storage
Many axes will come with a sheath that is a cover for the blade when it is not in use. This allows the blade to be safe when stored and keeps the blade from accidentally hitting an object and dulling the blade.
The materials that are used for each sheath vary and some have more advantages over others. So, it is important to know what kind of sheath you will need for your axe.
Like other leather products, water can affect the way the leather fits, and the way it looks. It can rust if not taken care of, and it will also stretch a bit over time.
This can work for many who take trips during the summer, but you won’t want to leave it in the sun because it may crack. This can work for winter trips, but snow and rain will likely make the leather quality fade a bit.
Other options have plastic covers that hook over the blade. This can be a good option if you need something that fits tightly and can withstand any weather conditions.
Plastic will last through many different weather climates without any damage because it is not affected by water or the sun like leather is. However, plastic sheaths do come with some issues as well.
Most plastic covers have to hook from the handle to the blade, which causes it to have a weak point where it hooks together. That point may not last long and can be broken easily.
Plastic also can be broken by the blade itself. If the axe is in storage or stored for transport, then the risk of the axe being moved and hitting the plastic is higher. This is a rare occurrence but can be a worry for many.
These types of sheaths also can be broken by being hit by other objects. So, if you want something that won’t break easily, then a leather sheath may be the option for you.
FAQs
With all this new information about these top-of-the-line products, you may still have a few questions about backpacking axes in general, and our top pick.
So, we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions about backpacking axes and the Fiskars X11 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQLUE4/?tag=cozyhouse-20).
Are you able to use a striking tool with an axe to split wood that is harder?
Some axes you can, but it depends on the model and what the specifications are for it.
This option is better used for light to medium pieces of wood.
What is the weight of this axe? I have a small frame and want to know if I will be able to swing it at this weight.
The total weight of the Fiskars axe head is six pounds. This is fairly lightweight for an axe and should work for anyone. This product is not made to be used by children.
Will this axe require sharpening?
Any axe model will eventually require sharpening due to normal use and wear and tear. However, you should not have to sharpen before the first use as it will come sharpened.
If you need the blade to be sharpened after some time, you can get it done professionally, or purchase a sharpener yourself. Fiskars sharpeners are great for this product and are easier to use, and handheld.
Fiskars Blade Sharpener:
I received my axe, but there was damage done during shipping, is this under warranty?
If you receive anything that is not up to standard, then you can contact Fiskars through their website. This type of damage will be covered, as it considered a defect since it came to you damaged, and should be returned and replaced with a new axe.
To start a warranty claim, you can go to the Fiskars website and find the warranty claim page. This will lead you to a form where you can fill out your information, what damage was found, and what make and model product you purchased.
This will give the company the information they need to process your replacement request and allow you to receive a new axe.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best backpacking axe for your next camping trip, then you now have some of the best options on the market to choose from.
Whether you want to go with the top pick, or you want a different option that will fit your needs, you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which axe will be the perfect fit for you.
Looking for the best axe for your next trip can be difficult because of the vast options available online, but this article gives you some great information so that even if you don’t purchase any of the options mentioned in this list, you have the knowledge you need to find a backpacking axe that will be the best of the best for you and your family.