Anyone hike with a pocket hatchet/axe ?

pitdog

pitdog

Joined
Apr 13, 2007
Messages
12,294
Just wondered if anyone hiked regularly with a small hatchet or axe such as the Wetterlings pocket axe ?
Stomper has a great little version for sale on his forum right now and it's made me wonder how handy they would be !!!!
 
I think haveing a small axe would be handy on the trail just espacally if your not carrying a larger fixed blade
 
i have a Gransfors mini hatchet.. it is usually in my pack 90% of the time while out in the woods...:) it's a sweet little chopper...
 
A small hatchet or axe (<12 inches) can be handy and is generally better for choping and spliting than a big knife. Personally, I tend to prefer the 3/4 axe (17-19 inches) however. Since most of the weight is in the head, its not all that much heavier than the hatchet, but the greater leverage and control of the longer two-handed handle is usually worth the extra bulk. YMMV.
 
I'm pretty fond of light axes and hatchets, but I've never taken one backpacking. My take on backpacking is light and fast, and I've never need one. I carry a folding saw just in case. It's light and works - though not as good as an ax. But, again, I've never needed the thing.

But I don't go backpacking in the winter and winter camping is another story. It can get cold whle backcountry winter campng, and I really appreciate that ax to keep that fire going.

But don't let me discourage you fron getting one if you want to try it out. Go for it. If you find, like I did, that it has a place, just not hiking or backpacking, it goes to experience. We all have a big trunk of camping gear that looked good, but didn't work for us. Trying things is the only way to get your personal kit together. It's also part of the fun. Not that you don't already know that.
 
raybadge said:
I'm pretty fond of light axes and hatchets, but I've never taken one backpacking. My take on backpacking is light and fast, and I've never need one.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I totally agree. Many places open to backpacking these days don't ever allow open fires, and in any case a lightweight backpacking stove is just so much easier and cleaner to use than a fire.

Most of my axe toting took place when I canoed in MN, AK and parts of southern Ontario. Not only are open fires allowed, but the dead wood was generally plentyful. Plus, in a canoe the extra weight is less of a concern, (unless you plan a lot of portages!).
 
Pitdog,

Are you talking about dayhikes or overnighters? Or just a casual stroll through the woods?

Paul
 
I have the GB mini in my pack, it's a very versatile little piece of kit and surprisingly efficient for it's size. When I first opened the shipping box and saw it I thought, oh no, it's so small...but a quick trip outside to prep some kindling and all was good. If you want to process serious amounts of firewood, a larger axe, or axe and saw, would be preferable of course, but for less demanding, typical woodcraft chores it's well designed.
 
I like little hatchets, especially the mini wetterlings. I prefer the traditional axes to the stock-removal hatchets though.
 
This is how I carry mine 12" 19 oz 3" bits

hike16dk0.jpg
 
I can't speak to the brands mentioned thus far, but I take my Fiskars hatchet on all but our longest hikes. It is light and very sharp, and I think great to have on a trip. That said, I also don't have a large knife, which might change my opinion on bringing the hatchet.
 
My arm gets tired quicker using a blade when chopping, a little axe seems to work better for me. I don't mind the weight at all.
 
I use a Gerbers pocket ax. Not the best blade in the world and the handle is way short, but I chop with it a lot and I am getting very efficient with it. I think it is more practical than a chopper and certainly more sheeple friendly. I wear it on my belt like a chopper. In a separate pouch I carry a Fiskars sliding saw and a Buck 110. I EDC a SAK huntsman. I like to have this combo with me when ever I am in the woods. If nothing more, than to practice wood gathering.
 
I have the same mini hatchet but the Fiskars one. Find it excellent,very easy to carry on belt or pack.Small handle yes but good grip, I have medium hands so it works well for me. Sharpens well and is a fast and efficient small chopper. I dislike batoning with knives,that's what axes&hatchets are for...this one's small but really worthwhile and cheap.
 
I carry an ATAX and carried a Timberline Pilot's hatchet for a long time... My PSK has folding saw in it as well. I carry the ATAX and now my bearded hatchet on my property most of the time. I actually don't use blades very often when I'm hiking, I use them more on the land...
 
G'day Pit

My GB mini accompanies me on all trips, from bushwalks lasting a couple of hours to week long trips. I can't say I have noticed its weight in my pack.


Kind regards
Mick
 
Any pretext to buy a good axe or knife should be seized upon with gusto.

You definately need another sharp tool! Pull out your credit card and order it online NOW!
 
Well said Erasmus!
:D

PJdblKindling.jpg


This one (cast D2 from PJ Tomes' production line)
or the GB mini.
I don't mind the little bit of extra weight...
I need the exercise :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top