Show us the tools you actually carry backpacking or camping, to alleviate delusions.

[JCKT]

I have noticed a lot of posts lately asking for a knife that can do a slew of tasks really well, from chopping, splitting, and batoning to skinning, slicing, and delicate whittling. This idea of a one tool option has been flaring through the internet like a wildfire. I know that there are many bushcraft and survival schools that teach if you have that perfect knife that you will be able to tackle any obstacle. While it may be true a good knife will serve you well in a bad situation, expecting a single knife to do the work of an axe, saw, chisel, planter, and GPS unit is a little crazy.

So perhaps it may help the less experienced members or those who are trying to get into the outdoors to see the tools that the members with more outdoors experience actually carry into the woods and what they use them for. I think it would help set realistic expectations of your cutting tools.

Backpacking:

EnZo Elver

Victorinox Hiker

1950's Plumb Boy Scout hatchet

Bahco Laplander

Camping:

Husqvarna Carpenters Axe

EnZo Trapper

The only difference between stationary camping and backpacking for me is I switch out the hatchet for a carpenters axe and I switch the smaller Elver for the larger and more universal Trapper. I have been on many backpacking trips in the US and even abroad (although my gear always changes to conform to local laws) and these are pretty much the cutting tools I take with me.

What about you guys? What tools do you take while camping/backpacking/roughing it in the woods?

 

[Quiet]

You're in Melbourne? Where are you camping at that requires that much wood-processing power? When I go camping around here (Central FL) I just take a sturdy fixed blade, a folder, and maaaybe a fold-up saw. Axes and hatchets get left at home.

 

[Tim812]

For backpacking here in Southern California I take my tops fieldcraft, esee izula 2, and my emerson combat karambit. The karambit doesn't see much use though.

 

[wazu013]

We camp out at Fort De Soto,Fl right on the water. It's a beautiful place to relax and fish. all I take are these three tools and a few cold beverages to wash down the fresh fish.

 

[skullker]

Wazu, what's the story behind using the bolt for your pivot screw??

 

[scrinmaster]

Wazu, what's the story behind using the bolt for your pivot screw??

All ZT300 knives are like that.

 

[JCKT]

You're in Melbourne? Where are you camping at that requires that much wood-processing power? When I go camping around here (Central FL) I just take a sturdy fixed blade, a folder, and maaaybe a fold-up saw. Axes and hatchets get left at home.

For my bigger/longer backpacking trips I usually have to leave the state (I am very new to the area, only been here for a little under a year. I am from Ohio). While there is backpacking and camping in central FL, its a very different experience than temperate zone backpacking. I usually take a trip to North/South Carolina or Tennessee to get my backpacking fix. However when I am backpacking or camping around here I don't usually make a fire either, the esbit does the trick. A good knife and a SAK fits the bill around here.

Which I guess is another good point, changing your gear to the environment. No one tool works in all locations.

 

[Franciscomv]

I tend to backpack for long periods, away from organized camp sites and stuff like that, either on foot or on horseback. My basic tools are a medium size fixed blade knife (something in the 4" to 5" blade length range) and a SAK or multitool (depending on what I'm doing and other equipment I might have). If I'm traveling on one of my horses, then I'll add some sort of big chopping tool, something suited to the terrain and actitivities I've got planed (a khukri, an axe, a machete).

Something like this:

This has worked well for me for a couple of decades. I won't lug around an axe or big chopper when I'm on foot, there's just too much stuff to carry. The exception is when I've got to walk through jungle (not my favourite, but sometimes I need to work there), in which case I replace my fixed blade with a machete.

 

[NoFair]

Usually something like this:
Short hike one of these (S35VN Fiddlebacks) and probably a SAK farmer



4" ish fixed blade, smaller ax and a saw


Leatherman wave in place of the saw


Small (4") and larger knife (7") and Leatherman Wave



If driving a car and in our own forests


Sometimes just a folder and then it is something like this:


In my 35 years of carrying knives I haven't broken any in outdoor use (I have damaged a few tips and edges, but nothing major)

 

[Mastalerz]

Basically whether I am hiking, fishing, backpacking, camping, etc. I always have these two with me and they are basically all I ever use.

I actually find it easier to baton with the BK2 than using an axe, JMO. Between that and the Mora I basically accomplish just about any task. Sometimes I use my laplander but those two knives and a folding saw is all I ever really need to do anything. Thats in the North East USA, so Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire. I have an axe in my trunk that I bring when car camping but I hardly use it.

Honestly I probably use my folder the most out of anything for all those activities combined.

Usually the BK2 to process wood, the laplander to get big chunks to process, and the mora/phat bob/bk2 (whatever is closest and easiest to grab) to do just about anything else.

 

[Shotgun]

I like trying out different tools so I change it up every now and again. I have seen a trend developing though. I seem to be drifting toward an edc, a food knife, and a wood processor as of late. Just like Nessmuk and Kephart.

a) My edc is a sak electrician so that's the pocket knife I carry. I've tried the farmer and as much as I think it's a good idea to have that saw conceptually, I've never used it on the ones I've owned. So I went with a two layer electrician with a spare blade and I do use that second blade quite often. It ALSO doesn't have that lanyard attachment.

b) The food knife is where I've had the most rotation on. I just can't find what I like. I'm thinking about just throwing a light paring knife in my pack and calling it. The spyderco military is what I'm using now and I'd like to halve that weight.

c)For cutting wood...This summer I've decided to give a short and light machete a try. I cut down a Condor eco survivor to 10 inches blade length and it feels pretty good. I haven't used it yet though. We'll see how it goes. The best thing out there IMO is a saw and a fixed blade but I like trying new things.


All that said I can get by just fine in summer with just the SAK but what fun is that? In the winter I carry a Silky in addition to whatever else I'm carrying. It's my no-nonsense, get the job done tool.

 

[wazu013]

Wazu, what's the story behind using the bolt for your pivot screw??

The 0301’s Ranger Green scales are 3-D machined G-10 in the front and titanium on the back for incredible mechanical strength, a super-secure grip, and a solid blade lock up. The 0301 also features a 3/8-inch hex head pivot shaft nut that makes field adjustments fast and easy with minimal tools. In addition, this dynamic folding knife comes with Zero Tolerance’s Quad-mount system so you can configure the knife for tip-up or tip-down carry, left- or right-handed. The 0301 is also available with a versatile, partially serrated edge as the 0301ST.

 

[tidefan]

We camp at Fort Desoto as well. I take a TOPS Spirit hunter and a Benchmade 710....aaaand beverages!!!

We camp out at Fort De Soto,Fl right on the water. It's a beautiful place to relax and fish. all I take are these three tools and a few cold beverages to wash down the fresh fish.

 

[Bob W]

No delusions here.

I don't have a picture, but I carried a 1980s Bucklite on a 21-day desert survival course in Utah. The instructor carried an Opinel.

Ten years working at Philmont Scout Ranch, eight in the backcountry. Twelve years daily outdoor carry as a professional archaeologist. Week-long solo backbacking on the Ozark Highlands Trail... Opinel. Maybe not this exact same one; I lost a few. Oops couldn't find my picture, had to borrow a stock No8 image.

The latest. Fifteen years' use for all of my hiking, backpacking, motorcycling, mountain biking... and five years of daily carry on a drill rig. I've recently upgraded to the new style version, which has a better steel. I see now too that it's available in bright orange. Gotta get one of those.

 

[mrdabble]

Got the hatchet and bk9 packed away among a couple folders in my bag for camping this weekend. WORK HASNT STARTED YET AND I NEED IT TO BE OVER!!!!!

 

[marcinek]

The 0301’s Ranger Green scales are 3-D machined G-10 in the front and titanium on the back for incredible mechanical strength, a super-secure grip, and a solid blade lock up. The 0301 also features a 3/8-inch hex head pivot shaft nut that makes field adjustments fast and easy with minimal tools. In addition, this dynamic folding knife comes with Zero Tolerance’s Quad-mount system so you can configure the knife for tip-up or tip-down carry, left- or right-handed. The 0301 is also available with a versatile, partially serrated edge as the 0301ST.

Wow! You should try your hand at writing ad copy! That read just like it was cut and pasted from ZT's web site!

 

[R.c.s]

Here are my normal 3 .helle . eka . sak .I have a machete but very rarely use it

 

[JSPOWERPUNCH]

Everyone has their own system that works for them while backpacking the backcountry. As such I do not like judging other peoples systems nor do I like people that do, but when I saw this thread I felt that I should add my personal input. However, I will admit that I cringe whenever I see someone backpacking with a hatchet. Part of what makes hatchets and other types of axes effective cutting tools is the weight of the axe head. Therefore a hatchet is an extremely heavy item that you must carry for miles strapped to your back that you do not need. If you rely on processing wood for debris shelters, food, or water then you are UNPREPARED for if weather conditions turn sour. Nothing can beat a good dependable camp stove, sturdy tent/hammock, and warm sleeping bag rated for the worst possible conditions you may face. You should never NEED to make a fire, and fire should only be used as a backup to those items. If you feel as though you simply must have a wood processing tool then a folding saw will do just fine. I also cringe whenever I see people carrying large heavy fixed blades down the trail. While I would love to take my bk2 along for the ride it simply is not practical and is once again unnecessary weight. I carry with me my leatherman charge tti (could be lighter :/) in my pocket, opinel no. 8 in my mess kit and maybe, but very very rarely my mora, and thats it, unless of course the journey requires a machete. I have been on extended backpacking trips where my knife never even left my pocket or pack. If you are well prepared going into the backcountry you shouldn't need a cutting tool however you should always have one, and a small lightweight backup.

 

[Reignman]

Everyone has their own system that works for them while backpacking the backcountry. As such I do not like judging other peoples systems nor do I like people that do, but when I saw this thread I felt that I should add my personal input. However, I will admit that I cringe whenever I see someone backpacking with a hatchet. Part of what makes hatchets and other types of axes effective cutting tools is the weight of the axe head. Therefore a hatchet is an extremely heavy item that you must carry for miles strapped to your back that you do not need. If you rely on processing wood for debris shelters, food, or water then you are UNPREPARED for if weather conditions turn sour. Nothing can beat a good dependable camp stove, sturdy tent/hammock, and warm sleeping bag rated for the worst possible conditions you may face. You should never NEED to make a fire, and fire should only be used as a backup to those items. If you feel as though you simply must have a wood processing tool then a folding saw will do just fine. I also cringe whenever I see people carrying large heavy fixed blades down the trail. While I would love to take my bk2 along for the ride it simply is not practical and is once again unnecessary weight. I carry with me my leatherman charge tti (could be lighter :/) in my pocket, opinel no. 8 in my mess kit and maybe, but very very rarely my mora, and thats it, unless of course the journey requires a machete. I have been on extended backpacking trips where my knife never even left my pocket or pack. If you are well prepared going into the backcountry you shouldn't need a cutting tool however you should always have one, and a small lightweight backup.

Do you even lift bro?

 

[Quiet]

Everyone has their own system that works for them while backpacking the backcountry. As such I do not like judging other peoples systems nor do I like people that do, but when I saw this thread I felt that I should add my personal input. However, I will admit that I cringe whenever I see someone backpacking with a hatchet. Part of what makes hatchets and other types of axes effective cutting tools is the weight of the axe head. Therefore a hatchet is an extremely heavy item that you must carry for miles strapped to your back that you do not need. If you rely on processing wood for debris shelters, food, or water then you are UNPREPARED for if weather conditions turn sour. Nothing can beat a good dependable camp stove, sturdy tent/hammock, and warm sleeping bag rated for the worst possible conditions you may face. You should never NEED to make a fire, and fire should only be used as a backup to those items. If you feel as though you simply must have a wood processing tool then a folding saw will do just fine. I also cringe whenever I see people carrying large heavy fixed blades down the trail. While I would love to take my bk2 along for the ride it simply is not practical and is once again unnecessary weight. I carry with me my leatherman charge tti (could be lighter :/) in my pocket, opinel no. 8 in my mess kit and maybe, but very very rarely my mora, and thats it, unless of course the journey requires a machete. I have been on extended backpacking trips where my knife never even left my pocket or pack. If you are well prepared going into the backcountry you shouldn't need a cutting tool however you should always have one, and a small lightweight backup.

It's worth noting that things you do probably make others cringe as well. Also, what you might or might not need has no bearing on what others might decide that they need. I have hiked many miles with a hatchet on my pack, and have used it when making camp. Odd, I was just fine then, and am still fine doing it now. I would recommend a more stringent calisthenics regimen for you if the thought of carrying a small hatchet makes you "cringe". :thumbup:

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