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HomeOutdoor GearCamping GearKnives & ToolsThe 9 Best Hatchets for Camping in 2023 (BUYERS GUIDE)

The 9 Best Hatchets for Camping in 2024 (BUYERS GUIDE)

BEST HATCHET
BEST BUDGET
BEST AXE
Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet
Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Hults Bruk Kisa Axe
  • Lightweight under 2 lbs

  • Made in Germany

  • Heavy duty leather sheath

  • Forged carbon steel

  • Ergonomic handle

  • Lifetime Warranty

  • 26 inch length

  • Forged Steel & Hickory Handle

  • Lightweight for its size

Wilderness Times may receive commissions for links included in articles to Amazon and other affiliate partners. We take pride in our testing and research, and recommendations are not given out lightly.

If you’re in a rush, get yourself the Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet.

Hatchets are an invaluable companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

Your trusty hatchet can be used to cut firewood, drive tent stakes, or even dig holes if needed.

But you want to make sure to get the right hatchet for you. In our opinion, here are the best hatches on the market today:

Best Hatchets for Camping:

Best Axe for Camping:

Best Hatchet: Our Top Recommendations

Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet

adler german rheinland hatchet

Handle Material: American hickory | Blade Construction: C45 steel | Weight: 1.8 lbs | Length: 14 in | Blade Length: 4 in

If you’re looking for the craftsmanship and quality that comes from a company that’s been in the business for generations, look no further. This fine little hatchet is made in Germany by the Adler factory, which was founded all the way back in 1919.

A really cool fact about the Adler factory is that it runs on energy generated by the wood waste from production. You’ve got to hand it to the Germans, they sure do an outstanding job when it comes to sustainability.

Weighing in at just under 2 lbs., this little hatchet is light enough to take with you anywhere you go. Whether you’re car camping or backpacking, it’s got you covered.

It also comes with a cotton storage bag and a heavy duty leather sheath, so you can store it away safely when you’re not using it.

Now, the blade is pretty sharp, but not quite sharp enough for carving and shaving. So, if that’s what you intend to use it for, you’re going to need to sharpen it additionally. You can read more about how to do that below in our FAQ section.

Pros:

  • Ergonomic hickory handle with anti-slip paint
  • German Rheinland curved blade
  • Lightweight – weighs just under 2 lbs.
  • Cotton storage bag and heavy duty leather sheath
  • Made in Germany – so you know it’s a premium quality product

Cons:

  • Factory edge not the sharpest

Best for: campers and backpackers looking for a reliable, lightweight hatchet.

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Fiskars X7 Hatchet

Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Handle Material: FiberComp | Blade Construction: Forged carbon steel | Weight: 1.4 lbs | Length: 13.9 in | Blade Length: 5 in

I’ve always been a Fiskars fan, and this model, in particular, just knocks it out of the park. The weight is perfectly balanced, which makes it extremely easy to swing.

I often play baseball with my sons, and the swing balance on this hatchet reminds me of high-end aluminum bats. The head also never gets stuck in wood thanks to the low-friction coating on the blade. This is a big selling point for me since stuck hatchets are such a nuisance.

Fiskar’s proprietary grinding technique provides unmatched sharpness that gets you a deep chop with every swing.

The FiberComp handle is also very ergonomic, not to mention durable.

Finally, the lifetime warranty shows you that Fiskars has full confidence in this product.

You can check out our video review here:

Pros:

  • Balanced weight distribution for perfect swings
  • Low-friction blade coating
  • Very sharp and impressive blade with forged carbon steel construction
  • Ergonomic, durable FiberComp handle that is virtually unbreakable
  • Fiskars backs up this hatchet with a lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Might get blunt faster than average, but regular sharpening negates that

Best for: campers looking for a hatchet with a sharp blade and good power-to-weight ratio.

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Fiskars Norden N12 19″ Axe with Sheath

fiskars norden n12 axe

Handle Material: Hickory | Blade Construction: Carbon steel | Weight: 2.8 lbs | Length: 19 in | Blade Length: 6 in

This beauty right here is a modern take on traditional Nordic axe-making.

It features a 19” long hickory wood shaft, and a carbon steel blade that’s perfect for splitting logs up to 8” in diameter.

It comes with a sheath – made of recycled Italian leather – for protection when it’s not in use.

The fact that this axe comes with a full lifetime warranty is a reflection of its impeccable quality and reliability. The Fiskars Norden N12 is a shining example of the kind of quality Scandinavian countries are famous for.

It’s far from the cheapest axe out there, but it’s definitely not the most expensive one either. All in all, it’ll give you an excellent bang for your buck.

Pros:

  • Recycled Italian leather sheath
  • Splits logs with a diameter of up to 8”
  • Long hickory wood shaft
  • Scandinavian quality – made in Finland
  • Full lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • A bit on the pricey side

Best for: campers looking for a proper splitting axe to chop larger wood logs.

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Hults Bruk Kisa Axe

hults bruk kisa axe

Handle Material: American hickory | Blade Construction: Forged steel | Weight: 2.8 lbs | Length: 26 in | Blade Length: 3.5 in

When it comes to splitting axes, the Kisa axe from Hults Bruk is the crème de la crème.

Hults Bruk have been mastering the craft of axe making for generations, and you can clearly see that when looking at this axe.

The axe head is hand-forged in a foundry in Sweden that’s been operating since 1697.

It’s got a 26” long curved hickory wood handle and the blade has a tempered zone, which holds a terrifyingly sharp edge, even after it’s been sharpened many times.

It comes with its own storage box and a traditional leather sheath, which features Swedish decorative embellishments.

Best of all, it weighs less than 3 lbs., so it’s light enough to pack on any car camping trip you go on.

Of course, it has a price tag to match, so it might not be within everyone’s price range. But, for those who can afford it, it’s a premium quality tool.

Pros:

  • Long, curved hickory wood handle
  • Comes with a storage box and traditional leather sheath
  • Hand forged axe head
  • Tempered zone holds a very sharp edge
  • Lightweight for its size

Cons:

  • More expensive than most of the other axes on this list

Best for: campers who don’t mind paying a little bit extra for a top quality axe.

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Moosejaw x Motor City Axe Collab Hatchet

moosejaw x motor city axe hatchet

Handle Material: American hickory | Blade Construction: Steel | Weight: 2 lbs | Length: 14 in | Blade Length: Varies

This hatchet goes to prove that the saying is true – two heads are always better than one. It’s a genius collaboration between two brilliant brands, Moosejaw and Motor City Axe.

Many of the steps in the process of making this hatchet are done by hand, which means you end up with a premium quality product.

The forged steel head is sharpened by hand, the American hickory wood handle is painted by hand, and the protective leather sheath it comes with is also hand crafted.

The hatchet’s handle is coated in boiled linseed oil, giving it a stunning finish and ensuring you don’t end up with any splinters.

It’s made right here in the US, and although it might cost a pretty penny, it’s a top quality axe that is sure to withstand the test of time.

Pros:

  • Hand sharpened forged steel head
  • Hand painted hickory wood handle
  • Hand crafted leather sheath
  • Boiled linseed oil head coating
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • Definitely on the higher end of the price scale
  • Slightly heavier than some of the other hatchets on this list

Best for: campers with a higher budget looking for a premium quality hatchet.

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Gerber Pack Hatchet

gerber pack hatchet

Handle Material: Rubber overmold | Blade Construction: Stainless steel | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Length: 9.5 in | Blade Length: 3.5 in

The main thing about the Gerber pack hatchet is that it’s light. I mean, really light. It weighs in at just over a pound, making it the lightest hatchet on our list.

Now, this is both a good thing and a bad thing.

You see, the fact that it’s lightweight is great in terms of portability. Even backpackers can manage adding this tool to their load.

However, because it’s so lightweight you’ll have a harder time chopping wood with this hatchet than you would if you were using a heavier tool.

This hatchet is better suited to chopping smaller, pre-chopped pieces of firewood, or for performing other smaller tasks on your journey.

It’s got a very sturdy, full-tang construction and the blade is made of tough stainless steel.

Plus, it’s sharp. Really sharp. Don’t worry though – there’s a sheath included to cover it when it isn’t being used.

So, if you’re looking for a small hatchet for smaller tasks, this one is an excellent option.

Pros:

  • Very lightweight – weighs just over a pound
  • Rubber overmold handle
  • Full-tang construction
  • Durable stainless steel blade
  • A tall grind provides optimal sharpness

Cons:

  • Not great for chopping firewood, as it isn’t heavy enough

Best for: campers and backpackers looking for a hatchet that’s lightweight and compact.

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Estwing Sportsman’s Axe

Estwing Sportsman's Axe
Handle Material: Forged steel with leather grip | Blade Construction: Forged steel | Weight: ‎1.91 lbs | Length: 14 in | Blade Length: 3.25 in

If you’re looking for a top-shelf American-made hatchet, then Estwing’s Sportsman’s Axe might just be the product for you. It’s crafted in Rockford, IL using locally-sourced steel and is forged from a single piece meaning its durability is outstanding.

The edge is hand-sharpened, so you know it’ll be good to shave with right out of the box. Plus, the genuine leather grip adds a nice vintage touch to the whole hatchet. The nylon sheath that comes with it is high-quality and protects that razor edge no matter what.

Those who don’t mind paying extra can get the special edition variant that comes with a black coating on the blade and adds a lacquer finish to the handle. The only thing to be wary of is that some people have complained about chipping on the coat. My unit is fine, though.

Pros:

  • American-made with local steel
  • Single-piece construction
  • Hand-sharpened edge
  • Genuine leather grip
  • Comes with a well-made nylon sheath

Cons:

  • Some units may be prone to chipping

Best for: American campers who prefer hatchets manufactured on local soil.

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Schrade SCAXE5 Hatchet

Schrade SCAXE5 Hatchet
Handle Material: Nylon fiber | Blade Construction: SK-5 high carbon steel | Weight: 1.95 lbs | Length: 13.5 in | Blade Length: 3.1 in

Campers yearning for that tactical look will go nuts for this hatchet from Schrade. Durability-wise, everything is up to par with the high-carbon steel blade and nylon fiber handle. So, you don’t have to worry about this thing breaking on you.

I’m generally skeptical when I see any fancy coating on axes. Still, the black powder coat on this hatchet has survived a beating, so it gets my seal of approval. The spike pommel on the back is also really useful as a pry bar and nail pull, so that’s an added bonus for those who need it.

My biggest gripe with these is that they’re pretty blunt out of the box. That said, it’s not a massive deal, especially if sharpening blades is like calming therapy for you. In fact, the above-average price point may be a more considerable deterrent to buyers than the mandatory sharpening.

Pros:

  • Tactical aesthetic
  • SK-5 high-carbon steel
  • Nylon fiber handle
  • Resilient powder coat
  • Multi-use spike pommel

Cons:

  • Requires sharpening before use
  • Pricier than competitors

Best for: campers who want a durable hatchet with a tactical look — and don’t mind sharpening it

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Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
Handle Material: Walnut | Blade Construction: Steel | Weight: 1.3 lbs | Length: 13.39 in | Blade Length: 6.5 in

This Swedish-made hatchet may not be as flashy as some of the other products on this list. But, it definitely pulls its weight in the performance department. Some people even like the rugged, barebones aesthetic that Gransfors Bruks goes for on their axes.

I’d also recommend this hatchet to beginners. That’s because it comes with “The Axe Book,” an instruction manual with a lot of useful info that can fast-track the learning curve of newbies.

This tool’s maintenance is also a breeze since it sharpens fast and holds up to a lot of torture.

If there’s one thing that would make me think twice about buying this hatchet, it’s the customer service at Gransfors Bruks. Sure, they make some great axes, but if you’re unfortunate enough to end up with a lemon, you’ll have a tough time getting the help you need.

Pros:

  • Swedish quality
  • Comes with an informative book
  • Takes on a honed edge quickly
  • Durable blade

Cons:

  • Lackluster aesthetic
  • Subpar customer service

Best for: Backpackers who want a lightweight hatchet, and campers with a “function-over-form” mindset.

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How To Pick The Right Hatchet

How To Pick The Right Hatchet

Above, I’ve given you nine gold-standard options to choose from. But, maybe you’re still on the fence choosing the right one for you.

There is also a wide variety of sizes and shapes that can be used depending on the task at hand. Choosing the right one for you can sometimes be difficult because they all look so similar.

In that case, consider these four metrics: weight, handle length, blade length, blade construction, and maintenance.

While this isn’t the authoritative list of everything in the buying process, it should serve as a solid foundation for making up your mind.

Weight

Hatchet weight matters
The Fiskars X7 is lightweight and ergonomic to hold.

The first thing you should consider when picking out a hatchet is which weight class is ideal for you. Some extremists will tell you that only the beefiest axes are worthwhile. On the other end of the spectrum, diehard lightweights swear by nimble hatchets. Both have merits, and I land somewhere in the middle.

Lightweight enthusiasts argue that proper technique allows you to cut wood without a heavy axe. They say that axe weight can often be used to compensate for lack of skill. There is merit to this, but more axe weight could come in handy for beginners & pros alike when faced with thick wood.

If you’re new to wood-cutting, I’d recommend a light hatchet since the agile weight will make it easier to get the hang of the technique. Larger axes can help you split high volumes of wood without getting exhausted since you won’t have to put as much power into each swing. But, it’s unlikely that beginners need that kind of firepower.

For most casual campers, you’ll simply need hatchet to split pre-packaged wood. 

I’d go with the Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet or the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe.

Of course if you are backpacking, you’ll want the lightest weight hatchet around; the Fiskars X7 Hatchet, Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet or the Gerber Pack Hatchet.

It really comes down to your use case, how experienced you are, and your physical fitness.

I’d recommend you try a few hatchets out to see which one is most comfortable for you if you’re not quite sure.

Handle Length

Hatchet Handle length matters too
Hatchet Handle length matters too – the Schrade SCAXE 5 Hatchet has a nice short and compact handle

The length of the handle is another factor you should consider when you’re picking out a hatchet. Longer handles allow you to put more force into each swing, but that comes at the cost of control and pack size.

If you have a hatchet with a really long handle, then you can swing it with a lot of power, but that won’t be of much use if you’re not able to aim correctly. Of course, the inverse is also true when you grab a hatchet with a short handle for optimal control but can’t put enough “oomph” into it.

It’s all about finding that right balance. When you get a hatchet in the Goldilocks Zone of handle length, the user experience will be “just right.” Finding the sweet spot between power and accuracy may take a while, so beginners should start with a shorter handle while they learn.

Blade Length

Hatchet Blade length measurements
Measuring the Fiskars X7 Hatchet

Blade length will vary from hatchet to hatchet in order to provide the proper distribution of weight for splitting wood.

The Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet has the longest blade length of our hatchets listed at 4″ while the Schrade SCAXE5 Hatchet has the smallest blade length of 3.1″ of those that we’ve tested and reviewed.

Meanwhile, axes, which feature large heads and longer handle length, come in the 6 to 7″ range. This is why axes are for felling trees and chopping logs, whereas hatches are better for splitting kindling and chopping small logs.

At the end of the day, the blade length isn’t so much of an issue as deciding between if you need an axe or a hatchet.

Blade Construction & Maintenance

Fiskars X7 with an Ergonomic Composite Handle and a Forged Carbon Steel Blade
Fiskars X7 with an Ergonomic Composite Handle and a Forged Carbon Steel Blade

Different types of hatchets will require varying levels of maintenance. Look at the blades from Gransfors Bruks as an example. Despite being robust and of excellent quality overall, the steel isn’t stainless, so you could end up dealing with rust if you’re not careful.

Not only will rust be detrimental to the finish of the hatchet, but it can also shorten the blade’s lifespan. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for old school axe heads, but it serves as a reminder to not leave your hatchet damp for extended periods.

Fiskars leads the pack with a forged carbon steel blade. If you are looking for the strongest blade around then check out the Fiskars X7 Hatchet or the Fiskars Norden N12 19″ Axe

Wiping off excess moisture can go a long way if you want your hatchet to last you a lifetime. Oiling up the blade after each use can also help. Boiled linseed oil works wonders for those trying to maintain the finish of their handle too.

Be sure to use boiled linseed oil rather than the raw variant. Why? Because raw linseed oil won’t dry, it’ll just make your handle sticky. Trust me, that’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Finally, linseed-soaked rags are flammable, so tread carefully.

Lastly, the handle itself should be considered.

Wood handles are going to require more maintenance than synthetic handles like Fiskar’s FiberComp “stronger-than-steel” handle.

The Gerber Pack Hatchet is made from a rubber over-mold handle making both of these great choices for low-maintenance hatchets.

Types Of Hatchets & Axes

Types Of Hatchets & Axes

While it might seem like there are thousands of different types of axes or hatchets out there, most of them can easily be categorized into one of the following groups:

  • Double bit axes
  • Splitting axes
  • Splitting hatchets
  • Camping hatchets
  • Tomahawks

Let’s dive in and discuss each one in a bit more detail, shall we?

Double Bit Axe

Double Bit Axe

A double bit axe is used for cutting, chopping and splitting wood.

You’ve got 2 blades, so you can have 2 different degrees of sharpness for different purposes.

One blade is usually razor sharp for chopping, while the other is more blunt so it can be used for felling and splitting.

Splitting Axe

Splitting Axe

A splitting axe is your classic axe, used for chopping wood.

It’s heavy, large, and it has a long, thick handle.

These axes can be used to chop large logs and pieces of wood into smaller pieces of firewood.

Splitting Hatchet

Splitting Hatchet

Splitting hatchets are thicker and heavier than other types of hatchets, and their primary purpose is chopping firewood.

They’re shaped just like an axe, except they’re a lot smaller.

They’ve got a longer handle than other types of hatchets, so that you can use them with 2 hands.

Camping Hatchet

Camping Hatchet

A camping hatchet can also be referred to as a survival hatchet.

Hatchets are made with versatility in mind. They’re lightweight and can be used with only 1 hand.

When it comes to wood, these axes can only chop smaller pieces of wood. For larger logs, you’ll need a splitting hatchet or axe.

Tomahawk

Tomahawk Axe

Tomahawks are named after a weapon once used by Native American tribes.

They’re super lightweight, which makes them really easy to carry around. However, their weight also means you’ve got to swing a lot harder than you would a heavier hatchet or axe.

The blade tends to be shorter, and the back of the blade usually has a spike.

Tomahawks aren’t ideal for chopping firewood. They’re more of a tactical tool that can be used along the way on various outdoor expeditions.

Benefits of Using a Hatchet over an Axe for Camping

Hatchet vs. Axe - What are the Differences?

Hatchets are generally a superior choice for campers than axes. The reasons are simple:

Size

Hatchets are smaller, and more compact. They therefore take up less room and are less likely to cause injury when using them.

Ranging from 9.5 to 16.5 inches, hatchets are much easier to handle than axes which are typically 19 inches or more.

Utility

Hatchets are an all-purpose camping tool.

They can be used for splitting kindling and chopping small logs. You can also find other functions for them, such as using the back end as a hammer.

As long as you won’t be felling large trees or doing any ranching, a hatchet is a fine choice.

Easy Maintenance

While any sharp blade will begin to dull with use, hatchets are still pretty easy to maintain.

Most hatchets these days come with stainless steel or carbon steel blades making upkeep much easier over regular steel blades.

On top of that synthetic handles make maintenance a breeze. Wood handles usually have a protective finish that can wear or smear off with use.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a hatchet and an axe?

The main difference between a hatchet and an axe is their size. An axe is larger, while a hatchet is essentially a smaller version of the same tool.

Axes are designed to be used with both hands, while hatchets are designed to be used with one hand.

If you’re doing any serious wood chopping, you’re going to want to equip yourself with an axe.

For camping purposes, however, a hatchet is generally the way to go. They’re easier to pack and perfectly adequate for chopping your firewood for the campfire.

How do you use a hatchet or axe safely?

If you want to play it safe, it’s a good idea to kneel down on the ground when you’re using an axe or a hatchet to chop wood.

When you’re standing up, you run the risk of missing and chopping yourself in the legs. Fun image, right?

Well, if you’re kneeling down on the ground you can avoid that risk altogether. From a kneeling position, if you miss, you’ll hit the ground instead of yourself.

It’s also important to make sure there aren’t any people or things in your way that you could hit when you swing the axe.

Are wooden or composite handles better?

At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference.

Composite handles are stronger, however, it’s worth noting that if they do break, you’ll have a much harder time replacing it than you would with a wooden handle.

Wooden handles don’t flex as much as composite, either. That means the axe is less likely to stick when you’re pulling it out of the wood.

All in all, if you ask me – wood is the way to go. When it comes down to it, the look and feel of wood is just so much nicer in my opinion.

How do you sharpen a hatchet or axe?

Whether it’s an axe, a hatchet, a kitchen knife or even just a pocket knife, you’ve always got a variety of options when you want to sharpen a blade.

To sharpen a hatchet or axe, you can use a whetstone or a file, or you can use power tools like a dremel tool, a belt sander or an angle grinder.

Be careful, though. You can damage your axe if you try to sharpen it using power tools incorrectly. Unless you’re experienced, I’d recommend keeping it old school and sticking to a stone or a file.

How do you store and care for a hatchet or axe?

It’s important to give your axe or hatchet a good thorough clean after every use. Wipe away any dirt and tree sap on the blade and handle.

Make sure to dry it thoroughly before you pack it away, especially if the handle is made of wood. This prevents the blade from rusting, and ensures the handle doesn’t warp over time.

Finally, make sure that you don’t store your axe or hatchet anywhere too dry, as this could result in damage to the axe head.

Our Verdict

When you consider the factors we’ve gone over above, it’s clear that the Adler German Axes Rheinland Hatchet is unrivaled any way you look at it.

It dominates in design, materials, maintenance, and weight. Don’t think twice about it!

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