A hatchet is an essential survival tool for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are camping, backpacking, hiking, or hunting, this ultra-compact tool is perfect for all your cutting and chopping tasks.
The 8 Best Hatchets
- Gerber Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
- Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
- Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet (Our Top Pick)
- Estwing Sportsman’s Axe Camping Hatchet
- Husqvarna Wooden Hatchet
- WilFiks Chopping Axe Camping Outdoor Hatchet
- Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet
- Hults Bruk Tarnaby Hatchet
Our Top Pick for the Best Hatchet
Our top pick for the best hatchet is the Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet.
When you are working or relaxing in the wild and wonderful outdoors, you need a reliable cutting and chopping tool. The Fiskars X7 Hatchet is the ultimate survival tool for any camping, hiking, hunting, or backpacking adventure. If you need to chop logs for firewood, strip a tree branch to make a spear to catch a fish for dinner, or even ward off a predator, this fantastic hatchet can do it all.
Check the price on AmazonEssential Outdoor Survival Tools
Survival tools empower you for all types of emergencies that can occur in the wild untamed outdoors. Cutting and chopping tools such as a machete, bushcraft knife, and camping axe must be readily accessible in your camping gear or survival kit. One of the best survival tools is the hatchet.
Introducing the Hatchet: a Versatile Survival Tool
A highly versatile survival tool, the hatchet can be used for lots of different tasks. You can use the hatchet to:
- Chop and split small pieces of firewood
- Make kindling
- Trim branches from trees
- Strip a branch to make a spear
- Dig a hole to make a campfire
- Hammer in a tent peg
- Carve wood
- Cut meat
- Protect yourself against predators
- Break the glass of a vehicle during an accident
- Complete basic gardening chores like trimming bushes or trees
Besides its high versatility, the hatchet has a compact size which makes it a popular choice for backpackers or hikers who want to travel light and do not have a lot of space in their camping gear.
How to Choose the Best Hatchet
Size
The hatchet is a shorter version of the camping axe. Hatchets range in size from an ultra-small 8 or 9-inches hatchet to larger sized hatchets at 12, 14, 15, or 16-inches long. Anything that measures over 19-inches is correctly called an axe.
Handle
The handle can be made out of smooth hickory wood such as the Husqvarna Wooden Hatchet, fiberglass construction such as the Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet, or steel such as the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe Camping Hatchet. Wood feels comfortable in your hand. Fiberglass is lightweight and weatherproof. Steel is rust-resistant and durable.
Whether you prefer wood, metal, or fiberglass, the most important thing about the material is that it is strong and sturdy and the handle stays securely attached to the head of the hatchet.
Head
The head or blade is the most important feature as it is the part that chops through a log or trims a tree branch.
The best quality hatchets have been crafted out of a single piece of forged steel with a high carbon cutting edge.
Some hatchets are made out of stainless steel which is highly rust-resistant but the blade may not be strong enough for heavy-duty chopping tasks such as chopping up a log.
One of the most important things you need to remember about the blade is that most hatchets come with a factory-sharpened blade. A factory-sharpened blade means that the blade may be dull and not have the razor-sharp edge that you need. So make sure that you pack a whetstone to sharpen the blade to perfection and your hatchet will always be ready for action.
8 Best Hatchet – Reviews
1. Gerber Pack Hatchet Camping Axe
Gerber is the outdoor adventure expert so you can expect superior performance from their beautifully designed Pack Hatchet Camping Axe.
This military-style hatchet is ideal for camping, backpacking, hunting, and bushcraft. So whether you need to chop wood to make a fire or build a shelter, the Gerber hatchet is the perfect tool for survival purposes.
The full tang construction means the hatchet will remain steady in your hand and gives the necessary strength for swinging chores.
Its durable and sharp forged steel stainless steel blade with a stonewash finish also features a tall grind that provides optimal sharpness when you need to cut through tough wood quickly.
Although it has a compact and lightweight design, the 9.46-inches Gerber hatchet is a powerful little tool. Its solid 2.5-inches head delivers fast and precise cuts for limbing saplings or splitting small logs.
The ergonomic sage green handle is wrapped in rubber over-mold for added grip and comfort, and the handle is easy to use in wet conditions. The exaggerated finger grooves in the handle allow for incredible edge control and effortless cutting and chopping.
Ultra-portable, you can carry the Gerber hatchet wherever your adventure takes you. You can keep it protected with the slim nylon sheath that can be easily mounted onto your backpack or belt. You can also strap it to your backpack by attaching a cord to the integrated lanyard hole which is located on the end of the handle.
Another user-friendly feature is the compact design of the Gerber Pack Hatchet. If you need to travel light, this hatchet fits easily into a large backpack or a tactical backpack.
Gerber Gear offers the famous limited lifetime warranty on the Pack hatchet.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for camping, backpacking, hunting, and bushcraft
- Full tang construction
- Durable forged steel stainless steel blade has a stonewash finish
- Tall grind which provides optimal sharpness
- Solid 2.5-inches head delivers fast and precise cuts
- Designed for limbing saplings or splitting small logs
- Excellent edge retention
- Ergonomic sage green handle is wrapped in an easy gripping rubber over-mold
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Can be used in wet conditions
- Exaggerated finger grooves in the handle allow for incredible edge control and effortless cutting and chopping
- Ultraportable and compact
- Slim nylon sheath
- Lanyard hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not very effective at splitting wood
2. Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
The superbly crafted Wildlife 13.50-inch Hatchet from Gransfors Bruks is the perfect tool for a camping or hiking enthusiast.
Whether you need to clear a trail or chop firewood, the Gransfors is perfectly balanced and holds its edge very well.
Made in Sweden, the Gransfors Bruks hatchet features a 4-inch rugged steel blade which is unbelievable sharp right out of the box. For longer-term sharpness, you can hone the blade to perfection on a sharpening whetstone.
The smooth hickory handle feels comfortable to hold and its slightly longer length gives you extra leverage and striking power for tough chopping tasks.
The hatchet can be easily stored away in your backpack or you can strap it to your pack for quick access. It is especially ideal for hikers as it weighs a mere 1.3lbs so it will not weigh you down as you hike along the trail.
To keep the hatchet protected in harsh weather conditions, Gransfors includes a quality vegetable-tanned sheath that is shaped to cover the edge and the top part of the poll, which stops the head from cutting into your backpack.
Pros
- Great quality
- High performance
- Beautiful smooth hickory handle
- Strong and flexible handle
- Durable steel blade has the perfect edge retention
- Larger blade provides extra chopping power
- Excellent sharpness
- Smaller size is perfect for portability
- Lightweight
- Quality vegetable tanned leather sheath
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for heavy-duty chopping tasks
3. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
The Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet is an excellent tool for cutting and chopping kindling and small-to-medium-sized logs for firewood.
The hatchet features perfect balance and optimal power-to-weight ratio which increases swing speed to multiply power, just like an aluminum baseball bat.
Fiskars’ smart design allows the hatchet to chop wood efficiently in just one swing, which means any task is quick and easy and there will be less strain on your hand.
The forged and specially ground carbon steel blade provides a hard and super-sharp edge for better contact and cleaner cuts. Its advanced bevel convex blade geometry, thin-edged blade, and friction-reducing, the non-stick coating prevents the head from getting stuck in the wood.
The redesigned fiberglass handle is more lightweight but stronger than steel and virtually unbreakable. It is comfortable to use and does not produce any vibrations while you split and chop wood.
Over time loosening heads can pose a dangerous problem but not with the Fiskars’ hatchet. The unique insert-molded design locks the blade into place so it will never unhitch itself from the handle.
Known as the backpacker’s hatchet, you can easily store the tool in your backpack as it has a slim profile.
To keep the hatchet in tip-top condition, Fiskars includes a hard black plastic sheath which also has a handle for easy transportation. The hatchet is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great performance
- Very affordable price
- Advanced bevel convex blade geometry and ultra-sharp edge
- Friction-reducing, non-stick coating
- Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio
- Lightweight shock-absorbing FiberComp handle
- Handle does not produce vibrations
- Virtually unbreakable handle
- Ideal for chopping kindling and small-to-medium-sized logs for firewood
- Hardened drop forged carbon steel
- Thin blade edge chops deeper with each swing
- Fast and effective chopping tool
- Insert-molded design locks the blade in place
- Sturdy hard plastic sheath
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Can lose its edge quickly
4. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe Camping Hatchet
Estwing is famous for its stunningly beautiful and highly functional axes and hatchets, and the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe Camping Hatchet is the highlight of their collection. It combines the strength of an axe with the compact design of the hatchet, which makes it a popular choice for outdoorsmen and women everywhere.
The Estwing is crafted from the finest all-American tool-grade drop-forged steel which is also tempered for long-term strength. Its seamless one-piece steel design means you can use the hatchet with confidence as the handle or head will not break off.
Chopping logs or firewood is effortless as the Estwing hatchet features an unsurpassed design. The tool is well balanced and hand sharpened while the polished 2¼-inch cutting edge provides quick and clean cuts.
The beautiful genuine leather grip is sanded and lacquered for extra durability and a comfortable finish.
The patented rugged shock reduction grip will never slip and is proven to reduce impact vibration by as much as 70%.
To keep this superbly crafted hatchet in excellent condition, Estwing includes a ballistic nylon sheath.
Estwing offers you 2 designs, polished steel or special edition black. The camping hatchet is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Made in the US
- Ideal for survival, backpacking, mountaineering, camping, hunting, fishing, boating
- Perfect for chopping small logs, branches, splitting firewood and kindling
- Drop-forged carbon steel blade
- Tempered for strength and durability
- One-piece all-steel construction will not break
- Hand sharpened and polished
- Very sharp blade
- Heavy-duty nylon sheath
- Genuine leather grip is hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish
- Rugged grip is securely bonded to the handle
- Compact and lightweight
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- One-year warranty
- Available in 2 styles
Cons
- Blade can chip easily
- Dull edge
- Not ideal for heavy-duty chopping
5. Husqvarna Wooden Hatchet
For super quick firewood preparation at the campsite, the Husqvarna Wooden Hatchet is a very good choice.
Husqvarna has designed a superb hatchet with an excellent weight distribution which allows you to cut branches or split small logs for firewood, without having to apply too much force.
Handmade and forged in Sweden, the hatchet’s steel head features a fantastic quality and the blade glides easily into the wood, to split the wood into 2 parts.
For extra safety and long-term durability, the head is securely fastened to the hickory shaft using both a wooden and a solid steel wedge.
The polished hickory wood handle is well crafted and its curved shape fits comfortably in your hand.
The hatchet’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to pack it away in your camping gear. Husqvarna also includes a leather edge cover to preserve the blade’s sharpness.
Pros
- High quality
- Very affordable price
- Hand-made and forged in Sweden
- Sturdy and solid steel
- Sharp blade
- Lightweight
- Excellent weight distribution without applying much force
- Classic design
- Smooth hickory handle is comfortable to hold
- Ideal for chopping and splitting of lighter firewood
- Quality leather sheath
Cons
- Not ideal for chopping large pieces of wood
- Wood can be slippery when wet
- Needs to be sharpened out of the box
6. WilFiks Chopping Axe Camping Outdoor Hatchet
The WilFiks Chopping Axe Camping Outdoor Hatchet is perfect for wilderness survivalists, hikers, mountaineering, camping, hunting, making bonfires, off-roading, and garden work.
This green and black hatchet feature a forged carbon steel heat treated 6.5-inch blade and the finely polished razor-sharp edge can be easily resharpened with a file. The optimized blade geometry is specially designed for maximum efficiency to give you more one-strike hits than a traditional axe.
Its weighted wedge design makes chopping logs and firewood a breeze. The good balance between the head and the shaft creates a superior hatchet for safe, comfortable, and efficient use. You can even use the back of the head to hammer in tarps and tent stakes at the camping site.
The shock-absorbing anti-slip grip on the curved fiberglass handle reduces strain on your hand, resists slipping, and is comfortable to hold. As the handle is made from a cold-resistant material, it can be used even in wet weather conditions.
For easy storage and transport, the rubber sheath protects the blade, and the hatchet also has a convenient hanging hole.
Pros
- High quality
- Very affordable price
- Perfect for wilderness survivalists, hikers, mountaineering, camping, hunting, making bonfires, off-roading, and garden work
- Forged carbon steel heated treated blade is razor-sharp and durable
- Makes smooth, sharp, and quick splits
- Fully polished finished edge can be easily resharpened with a file
- Weighted wedge design makes chopping logs and firewood a breeze
- Ergonomically designed shock-absorbing, anti-slip grip handle
- Easy to see green handle
- Rubber sheath
- Convenient hanging hole
Cons
- May not cut very well with seasoned wood
7. Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet
Be prepared for anything in the great outdoors with the Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet.
The Schrade hatchet is a great tool for camping or hiking emergencies. Its forged powder-coated stainless steel 3.6-inch full tang blade is great for chopping firewood. You can also use the hammer pommel to hammer in a tent peg or nails into wood.
The ergonomic black TPR rubber-wrapped non-slip handle is non-slip allowing you to maintain a secure grip regardless of the weather. Whether you are slicing, chopping, or splitting small pieces of wood or meat, the hatchet is well balanced and the blade has a nice sharp edge. For an extra razor-sharp edge, the blade can be easily sharpened on a whetstone.
As the Schrade hatchet measures only 11.1-inches and weighs 1lbs and 5.9-ounces, it is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is perfect for camping or hiking enthusiasts who need to travel light.
Schrade includes a convenient black thermoplastic belt sheath to attach the hatchet to your backpack or you can use the durable lanyard cord.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent price
- Forged powder-coated stainless steel construction
- Full tang design
- Ergonomic black TPR rubber wrapped easy gripping non-slip handle
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
- Well-balanced
- Nice sharp blade
- Ideal for backpackers
- Can be used for chopping firewood and trimming branches
- Hammer pommel can be used to hammer in a tent peg or nails into wood
- Black thermoplastic belt sheath
- Durable lanyard cord
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Sheath is not very good quality
- Handle can be uncomfortable after consistent use
8. Hults Bruk Tarnaby Hatchet
A highly versatile hatchet, the Hults Bruk Tarnaby Hatchet is an excellent tool for making kindling, chopping firewood, dressing a deer, or even completing light gardening tasks.
The 1.25lbs head is hand-forged from exquisite Swedish steel which is famous for its beauty and strength. Hults Bruk has subjected the blade to a special tempering process that allows the blade to maintain its sharp edge over the long term.
The solid American hickory handle is treated with linseed oil so it feels good in your hand and allows you to take a considerable hefty swing while you chop up wood.
With a compact and lightweight design, the Tarnaby fits easily in your rucksack or camping gear.
The hatchet comes with a traditional leather protective sheath that is embellished with unique Swedish decorative elements.
Hults Bruk also makes a 16-inch hatchet.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for kindling, firewood, hunting, and light gardening tasks
- Solid and sharp steel
- High durability
- Made and hand-forged in Sweden
- Solid curved American hickory handle is comfortable to hold
- Handle is treated with linseed oil
- Compact and lightweight
- Traditional leather protective sheath
Cons
- Expensive
Our Top Pick for the Best Hatchet
Our top pick for the best hatchet is the Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet.
When you are working or relaxing in the wild and wonderful outdoors, you need a reliable cutting and chopping tool. The Fiskars X7 Hatchet is the ultimate survival tool for any camping, hiking, hunting, or backpacking adventure. If you need to chop logs for firewood, strip a tree branch to make a spear to catch a fish for dinner, or even ward off a predator, this fantastic hatchet can do it all.
Check the price on Amazon
