Hey there campers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best axes for camping this year. When it comes to camping, an axe is a particularly useful piece of equipment for such activities as to chop woods to fuel our campfires or to make some stakes.
And of course as it is to do with everything else to do with camping, there are quite a few options to choose from out there so to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
So let’s get chopping…
My three recommended axes for camping
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are axes for camping?
Camping axes (usually known as hand axes) are typically small, light, and portable. This makes them helpful in trimming branches, splitting wood into kindling, and chopping firewood while camping. A multi-use camping axe may also function as a hammer or mallet as well.
Of course a normal sized axe can do the job here, however a camping axe will suit better in terms of portability and ease of transportation.
What should you be looking for?
Below are some factors to consider as you look out for a good camping axe to suit your needs.
- Construction material
- Head shape
- Head weight
- Handle length
- Additions
Construction material
As with most camping gear, the durability of the axe depends on how it was constructed. When shopping and weighing your options, pay close attention to the materials used to make the head and, to a lesser extent, the axe handle. Steelheads distinguish the highest quality axes, with a preference for hand-forged blades.
Most hand-forged axes come with hand-carved handles, and many argue that the product’s overall quality is far superior to axes that come out from the production line. That said, there are also some very good options out there with plastic or fiberglass handles as well.
Head shape
There is a wide variety of general-purpose axe heads that can excel at specific tasks including:
- Stout axe head: This type possesses a shorter cutting edge and short length, making it very effective in splitting wood.
- Long thin blades: It takes more force to drive the entire blade through the wood with the second type of axe however they are more versatile than stout heads.
- Splitting hatchets: These axes have heavy flared heads that easily split the firewood.
Head weight
The amount of cutting or splitting accomplished with each swing is determined by head weight and sharpness. A good camp axe offers a balance between heaviness and comfortability.
For camping, look for a camp axe head weight between 1.5 and 2.25 pounds as this is the weight and size require minimal lifting and downward swing efforts.
Handle length
Axes with longer handles are typically fitted to heavier heads to generate more cutting and splitting power with two hands. Shorter handles, on the other hand, are fitted to lighter heads for chipping, carving, and other works that demand fine details.
Again for camping, look for something long enough to handle the work required, but short enough for better portability. A 24-inch handle is generally sufficient for splitting large pieces of firewood while remaining short enough to chip and carve small wooden implements.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Protective rubber sheath: This item is placed to cover the axe blade to avoid any type of injury.
- Hanging hole: This part of the axe is located at the bottom of the handle, which is used to hang the item whenever it is not in use.
- Ergonomic grip: Bestselling camping axe is equipped with a non-slip, comfy grip that reduces the strain on your hands.
- Adjustable length: This feature is present if the axe is tactical camping equipment.
- Survival kit: Certain items designed for survival purposes, such as a fish knife, whistle and compass are added to the camping axe.
FAQ
What is a camping axe and why is it useful?
A camping axe is a tool used for chopping, cutting, and splitting wood while camping. It is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport and use while camping. A camping axe is useful for a variety of tasks, such as clearing brush, chopping firewood, and building shelter.
How is a camping axe different from a regular axe?
A camping axe is designed specifically for use while camping and is generally smaller and lighter than a regular axe. It is also often designed to be multi-functional, with features such as a hammer or saw built into the handle. Additionally, camping axes are typically made with high-quality materials that are durable and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. WilFiks Chopping Axe
This first option is compact, safe and durable with a forged carbon steel head and shock absorbent grip. See its specifications below:
- Brand: WilFiks
- Head construction: Forged carbon steel
- Handle construction: Fiberglass
- Length: 15 inches
- Blade length: 4.5 inches
- Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 15 inches
- Weight: 2.48 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Nonslip grip
- Hanging hole
- Protective rubber sheath
Why have I chosen it?
This axe provides exceptional performance in a rugged yet compact package. The item weighs 2.48 pounds and has a 4.5-inch forged carbon steel blade giving the user a lot of power with good leverage and balance. The clever design makes chopping logs and firewood simple with excellent balance between the head and the shaft resulting in a highly functional camping axe that ensures safety, comfort, and efficiency.
2. LEXIVON V14 Camping Hatchet
My second rounded camping axe is another reliable chopping companion that is lightweight and compact in its design. It will fit perfectly into your camping backpack and is strong enough to last many camping seasons. See its specifications below:
- Brand: LEXIVON
- Head construction: Grade-A carbon steel heat treated blade
- Handle construction: Reinforced injected fiberglass
- Length: 14 inches
- Blade length: 4.5 inches
- Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 14 inches
- Weight: 1.46 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Anti-slip grip
- Protective carrying sheath
Why have I chosen this?
This camping axe is excellent for doing small chopping chores such as splitting small logs for kindling or cutting stems and branches. The grade A carbon steel ensures a long-lasting and robust axe head and the handle allows for perfect weight distribution resulting in increased swing speed and power. Perfect for cutting firewood and clearing branches around the campsite.
3. LIANTRAL Survival Camping Axe
This last rounded camping axe is a multi-tool product equipped with a saw-toothed knife, compass, magnesium rod, glass breaker, flashlight, and whistle. And of course the axe is also effective with functionality to chop, cut, split, chip and trim. See its specifications below:
- Brand: LIANTRAL
- Head construction: Steel
- Handle construction: Aluminum alloy
- Length: 18 inches
- Blade length: 5.8 inches
- Package dimensions: 13.18 x 7.4 x 1.61 inches
- Weight: 2.14 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Flashlight
- Emergency whistle
- Glass breaker
- Compass
- Saw-toothed knife
- Adjustable length
Why have I chosen this?
This product offers more than just an axe as it is designed to help you get through emergency situations. With the axe itself, the length is adjustable making it able to meet all of your chopping needs. Made from hardened steel and thick aluminum alloy, the axe can handle the harsh environments of the wild while giving you excellent functionality as well.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best axes for camping. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
