Howdy yall! I’m looking for a “lightweight” hatchet to take backpacking. I see some interesting hatchets on bespoke but I’m kind of overwhelmed by the options and specific types I’m not familiar with. What are y’all’s favorites?
Fiskars X7 is want I would get. But depending on actual end use you might be better off with a folding saw of some sort instead.
Briley said:
Fiskars X7 is want I would get. But depending on actual end use you might be better off with a folding saw of some sort instead.
This is the way.
Briley said:
Fiskars X7 is want I would get. But depending on actual end use you might be better off with a folding saw of some sort instead.
The Fiskars XXS is 1lb 1oz. The Fiskars X7 weighs 1lb 6.4oz.
I don’t carry a hatchet when I backpack (or a saw for that matter). So, I havent tried either of the hatchet models. But figured I’d point out the lighter version hatchet, in case it mattered.
@Avery
That XXS is entirely too small to be useful imo. I would rather have a fixed blade knife instead.
Fiskars X7 with a Bahco Laplander folding saw are both inexpensive and solid choices to cover a range of needs.
Fiskars x7 is gets recommended a lot on r/bushcraft. Or Harbor Freight/Council Tools get something cheap and then sharpen it yourself.
If you are thinking about folding saws, this comparative test video can help give you an idea of differences between brands.
@Alden
Regardless of what ax you get you are gonna have to sharpen it…
Personally I’ve found hatchets to sit in such a weird place I’ve stopped using them at all. Full tang knife for batoning covers my needs while backpacking. Full size splitting axe for car and canoe camping
I’m a fan of the Hults-Bruk Almike.
Fiskars X7
I really like my folding saw (some Amazon brand) since it folds down and doesn’t require a cover or sharpening. Also sawing is so satisfying.
A folding saw like the Bahco Laplander will process any wood you need at a fraction of the weight, with none of the risks. That’s basically all I use when canoe tripping and it works perfectly.
Not an axe/hatchet, but my Sven saw does essentially everything you need it to do when backpacking, and more efficiently than a hatchet imo
Fiskar rocks
Marley said:
Fiskar rocks
I second this. My fiskar has been amazing
Full Tang knife like a k bar and a folding saw like a laplander. Hatchets have always seemed like a good idea until I get to camp and don’t use them at all. Then they’re just extra weight no matter how small and light they are.
There’s no point in putting a new driver in a Ferrari. Shop around for something used on the internet or at yard/estate sales. Learn on that, then you’ll have a better feel for what you need/want down the road.
If you want to go the folding saw route, the Silky Outback 170mm is only 8 oz. Even lightweight hatchets are 1.5 lbs or more, so it’s not worth the weight in most use cases.