Axe and shovel for camping

C

C_1

Joined
Aug 14, 2009
Messages
75
Im going camping soon, and I need an axe and shovel.

With the axe, Im going to chop some wood (mostly smallish branches), and I was looking at these:
-Estwing Leather Sportsman's Axe (14")
-Estwing Camper's Axe (16")
-Gerber Gator combo Axe II & saw (15")
-Gerber Sport Axe (14")
-Gerber Camp Axe (17")

As for the shovel, Im looking at the Cold Steel shovel w/ sheath, and considering the Gerber E-tool as well. Or should I get one with a D-handle from the local hardware store?

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.
 
I have the CS shovel and I really like it. You should check out IAwoodsman's video about it on Youtube. You should check out Fiskars hatchets because they are similar to the Gerbers but may cost less.
 
C_1,

I have one of the Gerber hatchet/saw combos. I've also used the estwing hatchets quite a bit. They are both pretty good. I think the profile of the gerber is too wide and wedge shaped, and I think the estwing is too narrow. In my experience the estwing gets stuck to often and does not split well. The gerber splits well and chops pretty good if you reprofile the edge. It is too wedge shaped to be great for carving etc. I like the gerber better than the estwings. Either will get the jobs you described done. I personally prefer the performance of a traditional pattern and wood haft. If it were me, I'd probably try to find an old one or try the husqvarna, I think they are about the same price point as the gerber.

Matt
 
I like the $10 D-handle shovel for camping -- the square point is good for campfire duty - moving coals, etc... the round point for digging.
The CS shovel is a great piece of gear, too - but costs twice as much.

hatchet - for a beater hatchet it's hard to do better than the Estwing.
I understand the Gerber/fiskars/et al are good tools, i just don't trust the hollow fiberglass handle.
 
If you're just talking camping, I've come to the conclusion that there really isn't a perfect "one size fits all" axe.
At least, for ME there isn't.
I've settled on the little leather handled Estwing for kindling, and an old Plumb DB Cruiser axe for limbing and splitting chores. The 26" handle on the 3.5lb Plumb really doesn't take up that much space, and it's Sooooo nice to be able to use a full sized axe for full sized axe chores, and a small hatchet for hatchet chores.
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As for a shovel, the little D-Handled round point is awfull hard to beat.
Big enough to actually dig with, yet doesn't take up thaty much room.

JMO,,, YMMV,, etc,, etc
Charlie
 
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