The Best Camping Hatchets of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Oct 25, 2024

While there are a million ways to camp and as many tools for the job, there is a solid case for keeping things simple with a classic camp hatchet. Lightweight, capable, and just dang fun to swing, the best camping hatchets are versatile tools for outdoor adventures, and we’ve swung the most worthy of stocking your kit.

Whether you need a tool to pound tent stakes or split wood, take a look at our list before making your decision. There are perfect all-around choppers like our top pick, the Fiskars Norden N7, as well as cheaper options to chuck in your truck kit, like the Fiskars X7. Our experts have been whittling, chopping, and splitting for half a decade now, and have tested more than 25 different hatchets across the backwoods of the U.S.

And we’re not just talking wall hangers here, either. Every hatchet is put through our rigorous testing regiment in order to test its ability to process wood, do fine work while carving, clear trails, and be a backcountry companion. Our experts are backcountry trail crew leaders, blade-industry old hands, and just everyday outdoors folk, and we feel confident in every one of the tools below.

If this will be your first camping hatchet, visit our Buyer’s Guide and Price & Value sections below to learn more. For a quick rundown of specifications, check out our Comparison Chart. Otherwise, saddle up and read on.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Camping Hatchets guide on October 17, 2024, to add a new Price & Value section that lays bare what you’re getting for the money when it comes to outdoor hatchets.

The Fiskars Norden N7 ($120) is a traditional hatchet that incorporates some modern amenities that maintain its heritage but are updated to keep it swinging for the long haul. Fiskars usually shows up in our Best Budget Hatchet category because it’s known for making affordable tools with composite handles. But with its Norden Collection, it’s aimed at the premium category and has done a stellar job.

At 14 inches, the N7 is the smallest in the Norden line-up which includes a chopping axe and splitting axe. The N7 has a hickory handle with FiberComp Overstrike Protection. This unbreakable protective sleeve is made from the same material found in Fiskars X series of cutting tools and is reminiscent of the leather collars that have been traditionally used to keep the handle from getting damaged.

Swinging the N7 through Connecticut hardwoods this summer, we had no issues with glancing the handle on this protective sleeve and found we could swing like we meant it. Turning the hatchet over, a small but usable poll allows for the occasional clacking in of nail heads that have worked themselves loose.

The N7’s carbon steel head has been double-hardened and precision ground to stay sharper longer. It has also been coated to protect it from corrosion and abrasion and reduce friction. Additionally, a casting shell reinforces the connection between the head and handle, holding the head in place. This blend of old and new materials makes this hatchet supremely versatile, but if you’re looking for a true new wave of polymer designs, the Gerber Bushcraft may be a better bet.

Aside from all of these great characteristics, the Norden N7 is lightweight and balanced. This not only allows for faster swings, but also a more powerful impact. We found this to be particularly appealing for clearing trails and brush as well as prepping wood for the fire. The perfect blend of old and new, the Norden is the best overall hatchet on the market today.

It’s hard to ignore when a brand gets something right. That being said, the Fiskars X7 ($35) remains on the list as our Best Budget Hatchet for the second year in a row. At less than $40, we’ve got backups of this hatchet riding around in our trucks, where it’s perfectly suited for managing the odd tree down across a forest road.

If money is tight, look no further than Fiskars X7. Like Gränsfors Bruk and Hults Bruk, Fiskars has been in the business for many years and has earned a strong reputation. The X7 holds to this longstanding tradition and provides buyers an affordable option to keep around camp or throw in the backpack for longer adventures.

The all-composite handle is largely to praise here for the cost savings, and while most traditional hatchets use a hardwood such as hickory, the hollow FiberComp grip on the X7 both keeps the tool lightweight and simplifies hanging the hatchet head, as the handle is simply over-molded onto the bit. We found the swing balance on this tool is a bit head-forward, however, which is something to get used to (but easy to do).

Pricier hatchets from legacy European brands also deviate from the X7 by hand-forging hatchet heads, which is a premium touch, but not necessary for a bash-around budget option. The hardened carbon steel bit is well-built to split wood into kindling and is best suited for small to medium-sized logs. This light and portable hatchet has a sharp blade out of the box, and we found it easy to sharpen.

However, it does require a bit more regular maintenance than others on our list. Still, the power is strong enough to handle most basic splitting needs, and its light weight allows users to increase chopping speed. The composite handle may be a deal breaker for those after more of an old-school touch, and the hickory-handled and hand-forged Husqvarna Swedish Style Hatchet is the tool to look for as a pivot. You’ll need to pay double what you pay for the X7, however.

The Fiskars engineers created this hatchet with affordability in mind, and it truly performs without costing an arm and a leg (when used properly). There’s an undeniable place for tools you don’t worry about overworking, and the X7 puts up with the abuse better than most at the price point.

Read Review: Finnish Budget Hatchet: 14 Inches Of Cutting Power

Modern hatchets benefit from modern designs and materials, and the Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet ($70) is the finest example of that we’ve encountered yet. This tool is kitted out with materials and designs you won’t see on the more traditional hatchets out there, but it does so without going too tactic-cool.

Featuring an angled synthetic handle with improved ergonomics and grip as well as a refined, coated 1055 steel head for easier chopping and splitting, we found that the Bushcraft provides excellent results with less effort, when compared to its traditionally designed counterparts. An additional benefit of the synthetic handle is its ability to reduce shock when chopping, splitting, and hammering.

The head has a pronounced beard to the bit, which means you get a bit more cutting down with every swing. Reliefs on either side of the cheeks decrease the resistance as the head passes through material. Smart. The head itself is also a thick wedge-shaped splitting profile, and we found that the hatchet’s heavier weight and angled handle aided in really cleaving rounds apart.

If that’s not enough, the hatchet leans further into the ‘bushcraft’ moniker and stashes a water-resistant compartment in the handle, designed to carry a small lighter, some tinder, paracord, and whatever else you think you can fit in there. We will note a slight vibration from this addition, though it is slight enough to not bother us, and you can also leave it behind without affecting the swing weight.

While the Bushcraft is much more of a smash and bash chopper, if you want a modern hatchet with a bit of a finer touch for cutting work, the equally modern Kershaw Deschutes is the easy option to turn to. We regretted there being no hammer poll on that hatchet, which makes the Gerber a better all-around tool, in our opinion, but it still absolutely looks the part and gets the job done.

Being that this hatchet can perform multiple tasks and has onboard storage, we think that the Bushcraft Hatchet is a superior multitool that can not only gather wood for camp but help you start the fire as well.

There’s a lot to be said about heritage. There’s even more to be said about 325 years of heritage being baked into a single hatchet. But, with the Hults Bruk 325-Year Anniversary Axe ($184), the legacy Swedish forge found a way to pull it off, and it’s awesome. Awesome, right down to the green and red color schemes, indicating that this hatchet was meant to be admired when not being swung.

The 1.25-pound head has a Yankee pattern and a premium grind. The pattern, coupled with the extra attention paid during the sharpening process, provides an incredibly smooth hit that penetrates both wet and dry wood with ease. This, of course, is aided by an ergonomic 15” American hickory handle.

In regards to the red paint on the handle and the green paint on the head, sure, it’s pretty to look at, but it also aids in the overall function of this hatchet. The red on the handle provides increased grip, while the green on the head reduces friction. After 325 years of making excellent hatchets and axes, you learn a thing or two.

That paint job doesn’t mean this hatchet is purely a decoration piece, however. Out in the field, the Hults Bruk 325-Year Anniversary Axe made quick work of both wet and dry limbs. We carried it all over the Green Mountain National Forest to help clear a couple of old trails, as well as prep and split wood for the fire. In the end, we were warm and fed and owe it all to three centuries of determination and knowledge.

A good-looking hatchet can really spruce up the woodshed at the cabin, but if $184 is a bit much, we also quite like the good-looking Adler Rheinland — at a more palatable $89. The wider Rheinland bit profile is a bit less user-friendly, in our experience, which is why the ‘325’ still gets the final nod from us. This hatchet looks as good at it chops.

Read Review: Hults Bruk 325-Year Anniversary Axe Review: A Collectible Designed for Abuse

TOPS is known for making over-built knives and tools with attention to materials and detail, and the Hammer Hawk ($530) exemplifies that exponentially. Not only is this power hitter the most expensive hatchet in this guide, but like the Kershaw Deschutes and Estwing Sportsman’s Axe, its made from one solid piece of steel. This full-tang style of construction ups the possibilities of what you can chop, slice, and smash with these tools.

Made from ⅜” thick 1075 carbon steel that’s been Cerakoted, the Hammer Hawk sports hand-machined Micarata scales for excellent grip as well as advanced ergonomics. These two traits allow the Hammer Hawk to be used for a multitude of chores — from chopping wood to processing big game to skinning — which makes it an ideal tool to keep around camp or take out on your next hunting adventure.

The Hammer Hawk comes with a full-grain leather blade cover and belt frog. The combination of these two separate pieces allows you to safely transport the Hammer Hawk on your belt and easily retrieve it on the move. By design, the belt frog keeps the Hammer Hawk from swinging around when you’re practicing parkour in the woods, and a small pocket in the front allows you to carry a small skeletonized knife like the TOPS Backup knife.

Price is obviously the big hangup with the Hammer Hawk, and at north of $500, we’re talking about an investment boutique piece from a brand that prides themselves on exceptional quality. This isn’t to say the hatchet is a wall-hanger — we put it to the test, and it excelled — but if the price is just too much to stomach, the $65 glass-nylon handled CRKT Chogan is an excellent tomahawk substitute. You won’t get the modern materials used in the TOPS tool, but it chops nearly as well.

If we had to describe our experience with the TOPS Hammer Hawk, we would sum it up by saying it’s a power hitter. What it can’t slice or chop, it can easily smash. Having tested it in winter, this allowed us to get through some ice and gather water, as well as break up some sticks and branches blocking the trail. With the tungsten Cerakote coating, corrosion will never be an issue with this modern take on a Native American classic.

Small but mighty, the Hults Bruk Jonaker ($189) isn’t here to split a cord of wood, but it sure will come in handy when you need it. From clearing brush on the trail to splitting kindling to limbing trees, the Jonaker is the right size to be carried around as a backup cutting tool as well as the only cutting tool you bring along.

Made from 1.5 pounds of hand-forged Swedish steel and featuring a 2.8” bit, the head of the Jonaker has been hand-blackened to help stave off corrosion as well as reduce friction. Additionally, the 9.4” hickory handle has a slight bend to increase the ease of impact as well as overall ergonomics so you don’t tire out too easy.

Compared to other diminutive hatchets like the Gerber Pack Hatchet, the bit profile on the Jonaker has some real chopping power behind it, and most will find it to be a better tool for trips where you can afford a slightly bulkier hatchet. Like other Hults Bruk offerings, the Jonaker is also pretty pricey, and the near $200 price tag obviously is rolling in some legacy value.

If you’re willing to get away from the classic steel and hickory handle, the more modern CRKT Chogan is a similarly small chopper with a 4″ longer handle that’ll allow for some higher swinging power to be generated. The $65 price also doesn’t hurt as much as the Hults Bruk option, but the tradeoff is obviously in looks and legacy. The Jonaker just looks like it’s meant for the backwoods.

Earlier in the fall this year, tester Nick LeFort used the Jonaker as a splitting wedge when dropping a larger tree up in Vermont. Based on its smaller size, it also makes for a great hammer for wedge-splitting logs and kindling with plastic wedges. It’s also incredibly easy to carry either in your pack, your belt, or anywhere else a full-sized hatchet won’t fly.

While likely not the hatchet you’d want to use to split an entire cord of wood, the Gerber Pack Hatchet ($45) makes a compelling case for itself when it comes to light-duty work far from the trailhead.

With a full-tang build, we had no qualms truly swinging this tool right off the bat to test its chops. We were pleased to see that Gerber included finger grooves in the overmolded handle to allow for choking up on the hatchet — something that smaller tools like this excel at. With this, we were able to produce feather sticks with ease.

At 1 pound, 8.5 ounces, this isn’t the heftiest hatchet on our list, but we found it to generate enough swing weight to cleave small limbs and produce kindling for whipping up a quick campfire. The rubber grip felt confidence-inspiring — even for damp hands. This modern tool compares well with the Hults Bruk Jonaker, and while that hatchet is better at splitting and chopping, we found the Gerber excelled at fine work.

We were, unfortunately, let down by the sheath of this hatchet, as it is only a simple fabric design with no embedded plastic lining to ensure the sheath doesn’t degrade over time. The attachment straps were also not the most confidence-inspiring, though they certainly do get the job done.

Even still, chuck it in your pack and forget about it — until it’s time to build the campfire, that is. The Pack Hatchet is a capable tool in a compact package that’ll make the case for bringing it along almost every time.

The Kershaw Deschutes ($103) almost usurped the Gerber Bushcraft for this year’s Best Modern Hatchet. But the Gerber edged ahead due to its ability to be used as a hammer. That said, if you’re looking for a hatchet with unsurpassed cutting capabilities, the Deschutes might just be the hatchet for you, and for your next adventure.

Made from quarter-inch-thick black-oxide coated 3Cr13, the Deschutes cuts more like a machete than it does like a hatchet, which makes it a great choice for limbing fresh, wet wood. 3Cr13 is an affordable stainless steel (also used in the Gerber Pack Hatchet), and is commonly found in knives. It has good corrosion resistance, though it is a bit soft for frequent action. Additionally, the glass-filled nylon handle benefits from its rubber overlays, as they provide an excellent grip.

Aside from being modern, technical, and tactical, the Deschutes also excels in carry. Its innovative sheath, made from the same material as the handle, indexes onto the head of the hatchet, protecting the bit when not in use. It also has an optional carry strap so you can wear the Deschutes across your back like a rifle.

Additionally, the length-to-weight ratio makes the Deschutes a breeze to use over a longer stretch of time. Unlike traditional hatchets that tend to have a heavier head, the Deschutes is a uniform piece of steel and, therefore, is more balanced like a kukri or a machete. Ultimately the choice of steels means we still recommend the Gerber Bushcraft over the Deschutes much of the time, but if cutting is your priority over chopping, this is a great option.

Husqvarna has made a name for itself by offering a large range of forest, home, and garden tools — most of which run on gasoline. But on the other side of the business, they offer a wide variety of axes and hatchets. A fine example of this is the classically designed Husqvarna Swedish Style Hatchet ($70) — a killer value for the price.

Comprised of a 1.3-pound hand-forged Swedish steel head and a 15” hickory handle, the Swedish Style Hatchet looks as if it jumped out of the past. But we assure you, it’s ready to be a worthy companion on the trail, in the yard, and at camp. There’s no frills here, just hickory, steel, and a thoughtfully sharpened bit. Which, sometimes — is all you need.

Designed for cutting smaller limbs and splitting dried firewood, the Swedish Style Hatchet is on the heavier side (compare to the ~1.5-pound Fiskars Norden N7). However, that heft will help you get through as much wood as you can process before getting tired. The head is also noticeably thicker than some, meaning this hatchet is a better chopper than it is an all-arounder.

It’s hard to not see the similarities between this hatchet and Hults Bruk’s Agdor 15. Both are the same weight and length, and aside from some aesthetic differences, perform almost identically. The major difference between these two is that the Agdor is almost double the price of this budget-friendly forest tool.

Though the Swedish Style Hatchet doesn’t come with a full sheath, the bit cover allows you to lash it to your pack and transport it to and fro. Also, getting a hand-forged head at this price is a real steal. If you’re looking to save a few dollars without sacrificing quality, this is the hatchet for you.

Few brands enjoy the legacy that Gränsfors Bruk does, where creating fine hand-forged axes has been the bread and butter since 1902. The Wildlife Hatchet ($185) is close to the smallest in the brand’s line-up, but there’s little stopping this hatchet from doing big work, and becoming one of the the best overall in our testing.

When you can count the number of blacksmiths involved with a forge on both hands (plus a few toes), you know you’re getting a well-refined axe head. Each smith even stamps their initials into the head once they’re satisfied with the job, and we were very happy with the grind on this axe, even straight off the shelf.

We put this hatchet into the hands of a casual spoon carver and woodworker, who lauded its ability to do fine work that required a bit more finesse. The thinner profile on the head helps accomplish this, and its reminiscent of the profile on the Hults Bruk Jonaker. The beard on the Wildlife hatchet is abit more pronounced, however, and the longer handle will also aid in taking bigger bites when needed.

At 1 pound, 5 ounces, this hatchet is one of the lightest made by Gränsfors Bruk, designed to be a lightweight companion on hikes into the bush. It finds itself among the ‘Forest Axes,’ which feature an elongated axe head and a long rounded edge, and are designed to cut across the grain, as opposed to a splitting axe.

Swinging the Wildlife Hatchet, you can tell that a lot of thought went into the balance between the axe head and the handle. We especially appreciated that the handle had been pre-dried prior to having the axe head set, and the linseed oil and beeswax treatment had it wearing into our hands on day one.

A legacy hatchet from a legacy brand; there’s plenty of history to back up the choice of bringing this forest tool along. The price is pretty high, but for the name and detail, we’re willing to spend the bucks most of the time. We will note that getting your hands on the Wildlife can be a little more difficult on this side of the Atlantic, which means the more obtainable Fiskars Norden N7 may be a better bet for some.

Read Review: Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet: Worth The Hefty Price

Small but effective, the CRKT Chogan Hatchet ($65) is one of the best hatchets you could have around the campground or cabin. Both practical and tactical, the Chogan is equally effective in breaking up kindling as it is hammering in tent stakes.

Made from a solid piece of manganese phosphate coated 1055 carbon steel and featuring a glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) handle, the Chogan Hatchet can handle your camp tasks in any weather condition, year-round. The GRN handle is resistant to changes in temperatures in weather and absorbs the shock you get from chopping so it doesn’t transfer to your hand and arm.

At 13.2” long and weighing only 1 pound, 5 ounces, the Chogan might not be your first choice when it comes to chopping larger limbs. But when it comes to keeping the fire roaring back at camp, it’ll have no problem splitting those chopped limbs. In our opinion, this tomahawk plus a larger hatchet like the Gerber Bushcraft would make an ideal pairing. Suited for both wet or dry wood, this hatchet can easily chop the wet stuff and just as easily split the dry.

If we had to make one suggestion to CRKT, it would be to throw a sheath into the mix to make the Chogan Hatchet easier to carry and access out on the trail. Otherwise, the included rubber cover for the bit will allow you to throw the hatchet in your pack until you get to camp. This seems like a bit of an oversight to us, and keeps the TOPS Hammer Hawk on top for now when it comes to a fine tomahawk for camp use.

If you are in the market for an American-made hatchet for smaller jobs around camp or the garden, consider the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe ($51-68). Coming in both 12- and 14-inch varieties — both lightweight — this is a great hatchet to have around if you don’t plan on putting it through consistently heavy use.

The head and handle of this axe are forged in one piece. Given this unique construction, the Sportsman is exceedingly confident in its swing, though it won’t have the shock absorption qualities of a hung hardwood handle. The stacked leather grip is both beautiful to look at and functional to use — but only once you’ve really worn the tool in, we found. The handle is lacquered from the factory, which helps to protect the leather, but makes the hatchet slippery to hold to start off with.

The 2.75-inch (3.75-inch on the 14” model) cutting edge is plenty to handle the lighter use tasks for which it was designed — think chopping green wood for shelters or woodworking, splitting small pieces of deadwood, and stripping bark. Unfortunately, we found this steel a bit lacking when it came to longevity, and believe its been a bit over-hardened to the point of becoming a bit brittle. For the price it’s hard to complain, just know that upkeep will be a bit more.

While not the most heavy-duty axe on our list, the Sportsman’s Axe is a solid hatchet option for lighter projects at home and the occasional camping trip.

When it comes to purchasing tools, the most beautiful option might not be the most functional. Still, it’s hard not to acknowledge the classic good looks of the Adler Rheinland Hatchet ($89). Thankfully, this camping hatchet boasts incredible durability and ease of use as well.

While a bit more expensive than some competitors, the Adler Rheinland Hatchet backs up its price point in both function and fashion. The hickory handle was designed with ergonomics in mind, making it comfortable and safe to hold and use. In the same vein as the Hults Bruk 325, the painted handle also serves a purpose and increases the grip while swinging.

The axe head itself is a large curved Rheinland profile blade, allowing users to maximize contact points on the logs they are splitting. This wider profile will be a bit cumbersome for those not used to it, but the tradeoff in bite size is worth the learning curve. The C45 steel used is similar to the 1055 seen in hatchets like the Gerber Bushcraft or CRKT Chogan, but it will be a bit softer and require a little more upkeep.

As a bonus, the wood waste created from manufacturing is used to generate energy that helps run the factory — making Adler an environmentally friendly choice. We think that there are a few other hatchets on the market that do the job better than the Rheinland, such as the Fiskars Norden N7 or Gerber Bushcraft — namely due to their more durable steels — but if you’re handy with a sharpening puck, this hatchet is a great alternative.

It’s hard to argue with a company that has been hand-forging steel in the same Swedish foundry since the late 17th century. And that’s why the Hults Bruk Almike ($199) makes our list as one of the better camping hatchets of 2024.

The hand-ground axe head on the Almike is struck multiple times throughout the process to increase the final product’s density and durability. Like Gränsfors or Husqvarna, the quality of hand-forged Swedish steel is undeniable, which helps to explain the high price here. The blackened finish on the head aids in protecting it from corrosion, while the bit is mirror polished to ensure clean cuts.

When combined with the curved hickory handle, you will be hard-pressed to find a camping hatchet more suited for chopping small trees and splitting wood around the fire. Not only is the handle comfortable to hold, but the curvature and overall shape are also hard to beat in terms of elegant design.

The rub is understandably the price, and at dang near $200, you’ve got to want to splurge on the Almike. For the money, we think the Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife ($185) is a slightly better tool, and if you really want to save (but still want Swedish steel), the Husqvarna Swedish Style Hatchet is a steal at $70.

That said, the Almike is smooth and sleek, and it’s accompanied by a beautifully crafted leather sheath to further the aesthetic appeal of this highly functional bushcraft tool. If you’ve got the dough, it’s an excellent tool that won’t disappoint.

Read Review: Superior Hatchet: Hults Bruk ‘Almike’ Review

At GearJunkie, we’re not collecting hatchets to hang on our wall to stare at. We’re using and abusing them so that we can make proper recommendations to you.

Our team of testers spends hours carrying these hatchets into remote locations and using them to split and chop wood and anything else they’re designed to do. Sometimes it’s out camping. Sometimes we’re out on the trail clearing debris. Sometimes it’s just gathering wood in our backyard for a fire in our firepits. But whatever we’re doing, we’re doing it to test each tool to its limits.

Our approach is to prove or disprove manufacturers’ claims about its products. That covers form and function, as well as the materials that are being used. So, during field testing, we’re looking at specifics, such as if certain steel holds up in wet weather conditions or if synthetic handles absorb shock better than wood handles.

We’re also thinking outside the box to see what else we can do with these hatchets. We want to cover all of the bases so that if you have questions, we have answers. This has taken us across the woodlands of the country, from the hardwood groves of the Nor’East to the lumbering old-growth of the Pacific Northwest. We put these hatchets into the hands of trail crew leaders, casual campers, and survival experts to get the spread of opinions.

Beyond that, we’re following trends. We’re looking to see what’s new in the market that could be a game changer; the next big thing. This allows us to keep our info up to date so that you can rely on us to help you choose the right hatchet for your next adventure. We also reviewed the Best Axes for Splitting Wood for those looking for a heavier-duty splitting tool.

It’s important to us that we’re using these tools in real-life situations. Because, after all, that’s where you’ll be using them. It also allows us to consider weather conditions, fatigue, and any other variable that can come up in life that may not be in a controlled environment.

Beyond swinging some steel in the woods, we also sought out the finer details of these hatchets, such as actual weights, the shape and feel of the handles, and the sharpness of the bit right out of the box. We also paid close attention to the frequency and difficulty of maintenance on these hatchets.

Sharpening a hatchet isn’t quite as involved as sharpening a knife, but it’s still an essential part of owning a good tool, and the differences in steel do pan out in a diversity of upkeep needed.

For our most recent update, we tapped contributor Nick LeFort to fill his backpack and head into the woods to see what this year’s batch would be. LeFort spent weeks in the woods of Vermont and Connecticut, as well as in his own backyard, discovering the current cream of the crop in the world of hatchets.

LeFort is an outdoor enthusiast, engineer, and knifemaker who has worked and played in the outdoor industry for more than 20 years. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge about materials, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing, and has nearly 30 years of experience in the outdoor world.

What’s more, he’s been testing and reviewing knives, tools, and gear for more than a decade. He’s dedicated to the cause, has a lot to say, and wants to make sure you’re getting the best information you can from us.

When seeking out the best camping hatchet, there’s a lot to consider. Ultimately, the best hatchet for you may not be the best hatchet for someone else, and it will take weighing some personal pros and cons before you gain full confidence in your decision.

You also should consider if a hatchet is going to be the best tool for the job. Processing wood outdoors can look pretty different depending on the size and scale of your endeavors, with full-sized axes being primed for tree felling, bushcraft knives working excellently for fine work, and hatchets landing somewhere in the middle.

As you shop around for hatchets, consider the following points of differentiation as you move closer to your final decision. If you’re stuck between a couple of options, there’s no harm in having multiple tools in the toolbox!

Where there are more than enough shapes and sizes for Axe heads, hatchet heads tend to all be similar; especially when we’re talking about traditional hatchets. When we get into modern hatchets, some — like the Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet and the CRKT Chogan Hatchet — may pick up attributes added in to make splitting wood easier.

But for the most part, a good hatchet head is forged, and not cast. This eliminates impurities that would weaken the steel. Additionally, a hatchet head will be at or under 2 pounds and have a bit that is less than 4”.

What’s a bit? Well, we’re glad you asked. A “bit” is the blade of the hatchet head. If you want to sound really on your game at a cocktail party, you could refer to your hatchet as a “single bit” as it only has one sharp edge. Here are a few other terms you should get to know:

Another feature associated with most axe and hatchet heads is some form of coating. These coatings are added to stave off corrosion and abrasion and preserve the life of your tool. These coatings come in many different forms.

For traditional hatchets like the Husqvarna Swedish Style Hatchet and the Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet, these coatings can be oil-based and are added during forging or a secondary finishing process. They change the actual finish on the surface of the steel and could require recoating after years of use and abuse.

Some modern hatchets, like the Fiskars Norden N7 Hatchet, TOPS Hammer Hawk, and Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet, may use modern techniques similar to what we see on knife steel. This could range from a black oxide coating to a diamond-like coating (DLC) to ceramic Cerakoting. They act as a secondary layer bonded to the head steel and are noted to reduce friction and their years of resistance.

There are hatchets out there that do not have any coating and rely on their chemistry to stave off corrosion and abrasion. The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe doesn’t have any coating on its tool-grade steel head and handle. Though it will provide you with years of reliable cutting, you need to remember to keep it clean so that it doesn’t corrode. That said, you’ll note that Estwing does offer a special edition of their Sportsman’s Axe that adds a corrosion-resistant coating to the steel.

Two of the most important considerations when buying an axe are choosing its head weight and handle length. Both of these decisions can be almost entirely informed by determining the hatchet’s intended use.

The average hatchet handle length ranges from 12 to 18 inches. The average head weight ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. In order to determine the right combination of head weight and handle length, you want to find balance. To check that, you can lay the hatchet across your palm just below the head. If it balances in place, then the ratio is spot on.

The reason behind all of this is leverage. You want to let the tool do the work so you don’t get fatigued. It’s a tale as old as time and something that comes with using a hatchet over and over again. If it’s well balanced, the weight of the head and the length of the handle should work in synchrony to make chopping things energy efficient.

Where you plan on using your camp hatchet the most often is also worth consideration. If the majority of your camping is done on the roadside, weight shouldn’t matter much.

If you spend a lot of time off-trail or backpacking deep into the wilderness, weight matters. In this case, sacrificing some functionality to save some weight in your backpack may be required.

The ease of splitting is a crucial thing to consider when purchasing a camp hatchet. If you are buying a hatchet with wood shaping and detail work in mind, wood splitting may not be a primary concern. If you envision yourself felling trees and splitting wood often, then the ease of splitting should move to the front of your mind. For heavy-duty splitting projects, check out our Buyer’s Guide of the Best Axes for Splitting Wood.

Again, longer handles and heavier axe heads generally lend themselves to easier splitting as does the head and bit shape. Consider the construction of the head and shape of the handle when shopping between similar models as well.

As you explore options, if you decide you need a tool fully dedicated to wood splitting, take a look at larger axes instead of hatchets. It’s entirely possible that the more compact camp hatchets on this list aren’t what you need after all, and you require a heavy-duty, full-size axe.

Both materials and construction play directly into the durability of the best camping hatchets.

When shopping and considering various options, pay special attention to the materials used to create the head and, to a lesser extent, the hatchet handle. The highest-quality hatchets will have forged steel heads, with a stronger preference edging toward those that are hand-forged.

It’s also worth noting how the head is attached to the shaft. Each user will have their preference, from full tang to separate pieces, and each style comes with its pros and cons.

Do diligent research on company websites and track down user reviews. These often provide excellent metrics when gauging the durability of a tool that will surely be put to use.

If you’re headed out on an adventure, you need to be conscious of how you’re going to carry your hatchet.

Most hatchets come with either a leather or composite sheath that allows you to lash the hatchet to the outside of your pack, or even throw it inside. The sheath also protects the bit from getting banged around and beat up and from cutting into anything it comes into contact with while traveling (including you).

Unless you’re buying a hatchet to leave in one place all the time, like your backyard, prioritize the hatchets with sheaths on your final list of what you’re considering buying.

As with any outdoor gear, price plays a role in deciding between similar products. Most hatchets, and especially those on our list above, are fairly priced. But that doesn’t always mean the price determines what the best hatchet is. However, there are determining factors in the final price you will pay.

Consider what you’re getting for the price you’re paying: How many tools can it function as? What are the materials being used? Does it come with a sheath? Good camping hatchets can range from garden-section implements for limbing trees all the way to investment pieces from boutique manufacturers who use the finest materials and techniques.

If you’ve just got some kindling to split, a solid budget hatchet will get the job done. Expect to pay around $35 to $50 for a basic chopper like this, which will likely use a drop-forged steel head and commonly a composite handle (though some shellacked wood does exist). The Fiskars X7 ($35) is an excellent example, and it performed well in our chopping tests.

The lesser-quality tool steel used in the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe ($55) helps to explain the price there, and while the ($70) Husqvarna Swedish Style Hatchet is a bit beyond the budget tier, it is just about the cheapest you’ll find hand-forged Swedish steel and a hardwood handle, making it a killer value.

Paying $100-200 for a hatchet opens up quite a few more options, along with the frequent designation of “hand-crafted”. Nordic brands like Gränsfors Bruk and Hults Bruk make excellent hatchets for the money, and you’re buying into some serious history (some forges have been running since the 17th century). You’ll get mostly hand-forged steel heads here, along with hardwood handles and fine leather sheaths.

The Fiskars Norden N7 ($120) gives up a little in the steel department, but makes up for it with the composite overstrike protection built into the handles. If you’re after a more traditional example, the Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet ($185) is a through-and-through classic, and the same can be said of the Hults Bruk Almike ($199).

Paying more than $200 for a hatchet means that you’re buying into a fine example of craftsmanship, with boutique brands that spend a lot of R&D on getting a design just right. The steels used here are high-performance, like CPM S90V or 1075, can be coated with Cerakote to provide added durability, and are mated to handles of fine hardwoods or pricey composite laminated grips.

The TOPS Hammer Hawk ($530) is a top-dollar unit but is a USA-made tool that is solid steel and swings like every bit of that price.

Choosing the best camping hatchet is almost entirely dependent on the individual and its intended use. Some companies certainly have a stronger reputation than others, but choosing the single best camping hatchet for everyone is a nearly impossible task.

We did our best in outlining some of our favorites above and ultimately chose the Fiskars Norden N7 Hatchet (traditional) and Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet (modern) as our overall favorites. That said, that doesn’t mean these two hatchets are for everyone.

Sort your priorities and intended uses, and weigh some pros and cons of various options. You will soon find that the best camping hatchet for you may not be the best hatchet for your camping partner.

While you certainly do not need a hatchet for camping, it does make our list as a top tool to have on any camping adventure. Hatchets are multifaceted tools; from instruments of survival to campground maintenance tools, hatchets can be used for many things in the woods.

We can say with almost full confidence that you will never regret having a hatchet with you when camping. Inevitably, someone will pick it up to split wood, make kindling, or tinker with a small bushcraft project around the fire. There is also something to be said about learning new skills and promoting self-sufficiency when out in the woods.

What’s more fun — having firewood delivered or using newly learned skills to gather your own?

All hatchets are axes, but not all axes are hatchets.

In short, hatchets are just small, lightweight axes. Axes can and often should be used with one hand as an all-purpose tool.

The classic grip to use a standard axe requires two hands. These axes are less utilitarian and have a more focused design for tree felling, wood chopping, and other forestry needs.

Depending on shape and construction, hatchets are good for quite a lot. Their most common purpose is for chopping and splitting smaller sections of wood. Hatchets excel at cutting green wood or chopping dead wood roughly the diameter of an average forearm and slightly bigger.

Given their smaller size, hatchets are excellent tools for more intricate bushcraft tasks. They are the perfect instrument for shelter design or carving and crafting woodworking projects. In a bind, hatchets work when cutting through bone and cartilage if you do not have a field dressing knife on you following a hunt.

For a deeper, expanded look at the possibilities a hatchet can provide, check out this article.

A good hatchet will last for generations, but it will require some upkeep. Most of the hatchets on our list are sharp straight out of the box, but some may come from the factory without an edge. Either way, every hatchet will eventually need maintenance to keep it in good, safe, working order.

The frequency with which you sharpen your hatchet will depend on how often you use it and what you are using it for. If you purchased a high-quality hatchet, only go camping once or twice a year, and use it sparingly, you may not need to sharpen it frequently.

Many hatchets come with user manuals for guidance in sharpening, or you might consult the U.S. Forest Service Ax Manual. Some hatchets even include a file and sharpening stone with your purchase. We’ve relied on this Dual Grit Sharpener for years as it’s easy to use, can restore an edge quickly, and doesn’t take up much space in your pack.

Many professionals sharpen knives and axes for a living. If you don’t have the time to give your hatchet the proper maintenance it deserves, consider taking it to someone who does.

Different manufacturers may have specific recommendations on how to store your hatchet when you’re not using it. You can always refer to the included manual or their website for specific instructions.

Beyond that, we recommend you clean up your hatchet before storing it. Any moisture and debris can impact the overall quality and reliability of your hatchet over time. Make sure to clean off the head of any debris and wipe it dry before putting it back in the sheath.

As wood handles start to age, over time they may require a rewaxing or sealing. There are a few different methods for doing this, but we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and using any products they offer to restore the handle to its original state.

With any piece of gear or clothing, it’s best to store it in a dry place. Hatchets are a little hardier than some of the other gear you take along with you on your adventures, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not susceptible to the elements.

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