The Best Camping Hatchets of 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 Best Camping Hatchets of 2024

• Best Overall Traditional Hatchet: Fiskars Norden N7 Hatchet
• Best Budget Hatchet: Fiskars X7
• Best Modern Hatchet: Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet
• Classic Good Looks Hatchet: Hults Bruk 325th Anniversary Axe
• Best Tomahawk Hatchet: TOPS Hammer Hawk
• Best Compact Hatchet: Hults Bruk Jonaker
• Best Backpacking Hatchet: Gerber Pack Hatchet

---

Camping Hatchet Comparison Chart

Camping Hatchet	Price	Weight	Overall Length	Steel Type	Handle Material
Fiskars Norden N7 Hatchet	$120	1 lb., 7 oz.	15″	Carbon steel with low friction coating	Hickory
Fiskars X7	$35	1 lb., 6 oz.	14″	Hardened forged carbon steel	FiberComp composite
Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet	$70	2 lbs., 6.4 oz.	15.2″	Forged & coated 1055 stainless steel	Synthetic polymer with rubberized inserts
Hults Bruk 325-Year Anniversary Axe	$184	2 lbs., 2 oz.	15.2″	Hand-forged Swedish steel	American hickory
TOPS Hammer Hawk	$530	2 lbs., 3 oz.	14.5″	1075 carbon steel with tungsten Cerakote finish	Canvas Micarta
Hults Bruk Jonaker	$189	1 lb., 5 oz.	9.4″	Hand-forged Swedish steel	Hickory
Gerber Pack Hatchet	$45	1 lb., 8.5 oz.	9.5″	Stainless 3Cr13MoV steel	Rubber overmold
Kershaw Deschutes	$103	1 lb., 9 oz.	14″	Black oxide coated 3Cr13	Glass-filled nylon with rubber overlay
Husqvarna Swedish Style Hatchet	$70	2 lb., 2 oz.	15″	Hand-forged Swedish Steel	Hickory
Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet	$185	1 lb., 4.8 oz.	13.7″	Recycled hand-forged Swedish steel	Hickory
CRKT Chogan Hatchet	$65	1 lb., 5 oz.	13.1″	1055 carbon steel	Glass-reinforced nylon
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe	$55	1 lb., 6 oz.	12-14″	Tool grade steel	Stacked leather
Adler Rheinland Hatchet	$89	1 lb., 14.4 oz.	14″	C45 steel	American hickory
Hults Bruk Almike	$199	1 lb., 12 oz.	16″	Hand-forged Swedish steel	American hickory

How We Tested the Best Camping Hatchets

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.

Field Testing

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.

Bench Testing

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.

Why You Should Trust Us

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.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Hatchet

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!

Hatchet Head Anatomy

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:

• Cheek: The cheek of the hatchet head is the side profile of the head. Unless the head has splitting attributes, this will be smooth and sometimes convex.
• Butt: The back of the hatchet which you can use as a hammer. Unless specified otherwise.
• Beard: The beard of the hatchet head uses the bottom of the head in front of the handle. Depending on the shape, you can use the heel, or bottom of the bit, to roll and drag branches and logs. Additionally, the top of the bit is known as a toe.
• Eye: The eye of the hatchet is where the handle slides through the head. If the butt isn’t hardened, you run the risk of deforming the eye, which will cause the head to fall off.

Head Coatings

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, the TOPS Hammer Hawk, and the 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.

Head Weight and Handle Length

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.

Ease of Splitting

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.

Durability

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.

Carry

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.

Price & Value

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.

Budget

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 Husqvarna Swedish Style Hatchet ($70) is a bit beyond the budget tier, it is just about the most affordable you’ll find hand-forged Swedish steel and a hardwood handle, making it a killer value.

Mid-Tier

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).

Premium

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.

Frequently Asked Questions