Top-Rated Buyer’s Guide: Best Camping Hatches

Rilor Staff
Update: April 12, 2021
Table of Contents

If you love to camp and hike, the best camping hatchet is a must-have tool for your gear collection. 

Before you head out on a camping trip, you have to prepare for all kinds of scenarios, from dangerous weather conditions to animal encounters. (In fact, even regular hikes have their dangers .) One tool you should always have on hand is a camping hatchet because it can be used for a wide range of camp chores, from starting a fire to chopping small branches for your tent.

Every camper knows that having the right camping hatchet can make or break your camping experience. Hence, if you want to ensure the safety and comfort of your outdoor adventure, the following options are beneficial.

7 Best Camping Hatchets

 Blade MaterialHandle MaterialWeight 
WilFiks Chopping Axe Camping Outdoor Hatchet Carbon SteelFiberglass2.46 pounds
Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet SteelFiberglass1.4 pounds
Estwing Sportsman's Hatchet Steel Steel1.38 pounds
Edward Tools Harden Camping Hatchet Carbon SteelFiberglass2.05 pounds
LEXIVON V28s Hatchet High-Carbon SteelFiberglass6.31 pounds
TABOR TOOLS J60A Camping Hatchet Steel Fiberglass1.92 pounds
Coleman Camp Axe SteelSteel1.81 pounds

1. WilFiks Chopping Axe Camping Outdoor Hatchet

PRODUCT LINK

WilFiks Outdoor Hatchet is a top-seller among all the camping hatchets in the market today. And that comes with a good reason, too. This one is manufactured by a relatively new brand of high-quality outdoorsman tools manufactured by a new outdoor equipment company. If you are looking for a camping hatchet that can be used for a variety of outdoor applications, then this is the hatchet for you.

The WilFiks Camping Hatchet features a robust, well-balanced design. This hatchet has a durable forged carbon steel heat blade that enables it to gain impressive density. Because of this capability, the blade becomes more durable and sharper than most of its counterparts. It also comes with an ergonomic shock-absorbing, anti-slip grip so that you can use it even if your hands are wet. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Blade material - Forged carbon steel
  • Handle material - Fiberglass
  • Anti-grip feature - Yes
  • Resharpenable - Yes
  • Storage - Rubber protective sheath
  • Weight - 2.46 pounds
  • Length - 17.99 inches 

2. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet

PRODUCT LINK

With a length of 16.5 inches, the Fiskars X7 Hatchet is designed to be a compact, lightweight hatchet that can be used for a variety of tasks such as cutting, splitting, and carving. It is described as an all-in-one tool for camping, backpacking, and hunting due to its versatility and lightweight. The X7's blade is made of forged steel, which is combined by the proprietary FiberComp handle.

Fiskars is one of the oldest and largest producers of garden tools in the world. In addition to their famous X7 Hatchet, Fiskars also produces a full range of hand tools, pruning shears, and more. Trusting this manufacturer for your next camping hatchet is a decision you won't regret. In fact, the X7 Hatchet offers perfect weight distribution that leads to an optimal power-to-weight ratio. It improves your swing speed and force!

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Blade material - Forged steel
  • Handle material - FiberComp Fiberglass
  • Anti-grip feature - Yes
  • Resharpenable - Yes
  • Storage - Plastic sheath
  • Weight - 1.4 pounds
  • Length - 16.5 inches 

3. Estwing Sportsman's Hatchet 

PRODUCT LINK

The Estwing Sportsman's Hatchet is a full tang hatchet with a proprietary drop-forged, heat-treated steel blade that is made in the USA. It has a single-body construction by forging the blade and handle into one piece. It has been tempered and polished to enhance its rigidity. Its hand-polished steel blade measures 5 inches from tip to handle and has a cutting edge of 2.5 inches. It comes with an impressive nylon sheath to protect the blade when it isn't in use.

The Estwing Sportsman's Hatchet is finely-crafted and is a beautiful addition to any home or camping supplies. The wide, slightly flattened blade has a sharp cutting edge that easily comes through small branches or logs.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Blade material - Forged steel
  • Handle material - Forged Steel
  • Anti-grip feature - Yes
  • Resharpenable - Yes
  • Storage - Nylon sheath
  • Weight - 1.38 pounds
  • Length - 12.5 inches 

4. Edward Tools Harden Camping Hatchet

PRODUCT LINK

Edward Tools has produced an elegant camping hatchet that's a must-have for your next camping trip. You don't have to be a survivalist to want this hatchet, though. (Although it's certainly great to have one in your bug-out bag.) It's light enough that you can take it on your next camping trip, and it's versatile enough to be useful for a range of tasks.

The hatchet features a forged carbon steel blade that is guaranteed to stay sharp for an extensive period. It has a balanced design that lets you swing it properly and comfortably. Meanwhile, its rubber handle enables you to grip it comfortably with no chances of slipping, even if you are soaked in rain or sweat. A rubber sheath keeps the tool safe from unwanted damages when you are not using it. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Blade material - Forged carbon steel
  • Handle material - Fiberglass
  • Anti-grip feature - Yes
  • Resharpenable - Yes
  • Storage - Rubber sheath
  • Weight - 2.05 pounds
  • Length - 15 inches 

5. LEXIVON V28s Hatchet

PRODUCT LINK

If you are planning to go on a camping trip, you need to make sure that you have everything you need. One of the things you need is a hatchet.  If you need one, you should try the LEXIVON V28s Hatchet.  This is a hatchet that has a 28-inch handle made of fiberglass composite material. It has a reinforced spine for improved durability and non-slip TPR grip for enhanced handling.

Its drop-forged, heat-treated high-carbon steel is durable and it will not dull easily. The hatchet is a great tool for a variety of jobs, including clearing brush, chopping wood, and self-defense. Meanwhile, the blade has a wedge design that lets you do one-strike splits (especially if you have mastery in wood splitting). Moreover, an enclosure covers the blade to protect its users from accidental cuts.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Blade material - Forged high-carbon steel
  • Handle material - Fiberglass
  • Anti-grip feature - Yes
  • Resharpenable - Yes
  • Storage - Plastic sheath
  • Weight - 6.31 pounds
  • Length - 28 inches 

6. TABOR TOOLS J60A Camping Hatchet

PRODUCT LINK

The TABOR TOOLS Camping Hatchet is a small but highly durable hatchet with durable steel that can be taken on camping trips, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The blade has a manually polished edge and protective coating so that it can remain sharp for a long time. Resharpening it is a simple task, too, making it a user-friendly camping utility. 

It weighs only 1.92 pounds but offers exceptional control and efficiency in your swings. It has a cushioned, non-slip handle that also provides shock-absorbing capacity. Such a feature reduces the strain that your hands feel. Moreover, this hatchet comes with a rubber protective sheath that makes it easy to carry on a belt or backpack. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Blade material - Steel
  • Handle material - Fiberglass
  • Anti-grip feature - Yes
  • Resharpenable - Yes
  • Storage - Rubber sheath
  • Weight - 1.92 pounds
  • Length - 12 inches 

7. Coleman Camp Axe

PRODUCT LINK

The Coleman Camp Axe is a small hatchet that you can use to quickly and easily chop wood for creating a campfire in the wild. It can handle most camp chores needed, making it a great camping tool. If you decide to purchase the Camp Axe, you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality item that has been built to be long-lasting. 

This utility features a sharp edge, making it an excellent tool for cutting and chopping wood. The drop-forged steel head makes wood-splitting a breeze. Meanwhile, the flat portion of the other end of the head is usable as a hammer, letting drive stakes to the ground. Its handle is tough, too, as it is made from steel, enclosed in a non-slip rubber grip.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Blade material - Drop-forged steel
  • Handle material - Steel
  • Anti-grip feature - Yes
  • Resharpenable - Yes
  • Storage - None
  • Weight - 1.81 pounds
  • Length - 14 inches 

Best Camping Hatchet Buying Guide?

The outdoor camping season is rapidly approaching, and as a camper, you should be prepared. A tent and camping accessories are essential, but one of the next most important items you must have is a camp hatch. 

If you're going to spend time in the great outdoors, you need to be prepared for anything that comes your way. A camping hatch is a great tool to have in your arsenal. Hatchets or axes are tools that have been used to chop wood, cut down trees for shelter, and hunt animals. Many different types of camp axes have been designed for different tasks. As a camper, you will want to make sure you have the right tool for the job.

Intended Use Or Application

How are you going to use the hatchet? Will you use them for splitting firewood, fell trees, or bushcrafting? 

The answer to this question will let you narrow your choices. 

For instance, if you are heading to the woods or bush, you would want a small and compact hatchet. It is a tool that can help you cut small-size wood and branches. 

If you are going to split logs, a larger hatchet is essential. The axe should be long and sturdy. Its head must be durable and sharp, too. 

However, I don't think that these hatchets are effective in felling trees. They can do this, but it will take a lot of time before they can cut an entire tree down. You need a larger axe or specifically-crafted felling axes. 

Construction

The way the hatchet is constructed can define its performance and capabilities. Needless to say, a shabby hatchet will not satisfy your expectations. You might end up getting frustrated with them. 

Right from the get-go, you have to favor hatchets that are durable and sharp enough to handle different cutting, chopping, and splitting applications. Since they are for outdoor use, they have to resist the harsh effects caused by the elements such as rusting and corrosion.

  • Blade - The blade is the most crucial part of the hatchet. After all, it is the one that does the job. The hatchet should have an ultra-rugged and durable built. It has to be made from high-grade steel. It has to be polished on the edge so that it can be sharp enough to penetrate objects. 

Of course, you don't want the edge to be brittle. It should not dull easily, even if used consistently. Forging and tempering the steel can help solidify the longevity of its sharpness.

  • Shaft or Handle - The material used to make the hatchet handle will also determine the qualities of the tool. The most common materials used for hatchet handles include. But recently, we can see the rise of fiberglass as the material of choice for these handles.

Steel is an optimal choice for hardcore outdoor goers. The material is extremely sturdy and resists damages such as rusting and corrosion. They are not easily bent, too, even if you use the hatchet against hard objects. However, a steel handle is heavy, which makes it hard for people to use them. 

Wood is an excellent material for the shaft of the hatchet. Traditionally, axes and hatchets are using wooden handles. If the wood is used in the hatchet handle is a premium variant, you can expect that it can last long in service. But at the same time, wood is not impervious to damages. They can rot and weaken, especially when exposed to water. Sometimes, they can be heavy, too.

Fiberglass is now the preferred choice of hatchet makers. They can be tempered and configured to ensure that they can balance the power-to-weight ratio to improve the tool's efficiency. Aside from that, fiberglass is a rigid material. It doesn't break easily. Furthermore, it is lighter, too, as compared to steel and wood. 

  • Grip - You should also pay attention to the grip of the handle. Always make sure that it offers security whenever you hold it. Specifically, you don't want the hatchet to fly away from your hand because of accidental slippages. That's extremely dangerous! Rubber paddings and covers will let you grip the handle efficiently and securely. Molded grips can also improve the maneuverability and comfort that you can experience while using a hatchet. 

Conclusion

The importance of hatchets for camping can not be underestimated. It is a tool that is used to make a variety of things for your camping trip. There are many types of hatchets in the market, and the price range varies as per the material used and the size. Hence, it is essential that you can get the best camping hatchets to ensure the best possible outdoor experience. 

I hope that you find this guide helpful. If you have other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

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