what sort of knife should I bring camping?

[nemoaz]

but I might need to cut some wood for fire.

Multitool and hatchet. Actually, that's what I usually carry no matter the locale. I also have a "sharp" knife (usually a spiderco folder but occasionally a small fixed blade) most of the times. However, I rarely use the sharp knife. Not much fishing here in Southern Arizona. There are also times when I would carry a machete, but again, not much need for it here.

I know this won't go over well on a knife forum, but I haven't carried a Rambo knife for a few decades and have never missed it. If you look on the belts of most hunters, hikers, and campers, you won't see a big fixed blade either. They must not miss them either.

 

[andrew7978]

thanks for all the quick responses guys. I am going to the Grand Tetons in mid May. I think they are sort of strict because its a national park in terms of hunting/cutting wood/leaving the trail etc. I will be in the backwoods for 3 straight days and in a main camping site for 1. I am also planning a trip to the Adirondacks sometime around late June. I think they are less strict there. I have a gerber gator 2 folding fine blade drop point. What do you all think of that, considering I want a good knife that I can beat on and not spend a lot of money. I am fairly happy with this knife and they do have a fixed blade version, does anyone recommend that?

Also thanks for the other suggestions on firestarting and such. I have all that stuff. I am going with someone who knows a lot about camping, but I wanted all your opinions as well since people on here seem knowledgeable.

 

[nodh]

About the folding saw splitting wood. An Fallkniven A1, A2, S1 or even F1 can be batoned quite heavily. There is a method of cutting down rather big trees with a knife described in the Swedish military survival books. You just pound the knife into the tree piece by piece until the tree comes off. It only works with Fallkniven and similar fulltang knives though. I guess you could split rather big trees that way too, like masons split marble. If you happen to look at a Fallkniven knife the tang comes out in the other end (except WM1) so when you hit it, the force goes out into the edge and not into the handle like on cheap "Rambo knives".

 

[Bob W]

Check the Tetons National Park website for fire regulations. I don't think you'll be allowed to cut wood in the backcountry.

Also, backpacking in the high elevation Tetons, if you're not used to it, is a real chore. You'll want to eliminate weight from your pack any way possible. Keep in mind it will also be very cold that time of year, and expect a late-season snowstorm. Many of the high trail passes won't even be open yet. And I believe permits are required for backcountry campsite reservations. Don't know about the Tetons, but in the Grand Canyon you'll need to apply for those about a year in advance.

Your experienced friend probably knows more about that stuff, and you should be able to get all of that information online.

Sounds like a blast!
-Bob

 

[nodh]

If you pound too much on a folder the mechanism can get damaged. If you want to pound the knife blade point first (like a spear) then you need a full tang or you will end up with a broken knife.
Just bring your Gator, since you like it and are used to it, it also sets the standard and now you need something quite large like a Fallkniven A1 or SRK or KaBar, I would recommend the full tang A1 though.
Get a multitool or SAK and a folding saw (or ax for thouse who wants that)
Now you are equipped edgewise and now onto all the other stuff, good luck.

 

[Bob W]

Here's the official Tetons website by the NPS:
http://www.nps.gov/grte/

And here's the backcountry brocure from the National Park Service. It has some good information about backcountry ethics, hazards, regulations, and of course "A fed bear is a dead bear".
http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/upload/backcountry.pdf

In particular: "Fires are permitted only at designated lakeshore sites. Where permitted, fires must be confined to metal fire grates. Keep fires small and do not leave them unattended. Downed and dead wood may be collected. Gas stoves are encouraged."

You may want a small axe or hatchet in the car for splitting firewood for the one night you're at the large campground.

Have a campground picked yet? I haven't stayed at all of them, but the Jenny Lake Campground is nice. Great views, right on the lake, and the vehicle length limit and trailer restrictions keep out most the large RVs.

I am fairly happy with this knife and they do have a fixed blade version, does anyone recommend that?

For what you have in mind, I think your folding Gator will work just fine, especially if you're already accustomed to it and like it.

-Bob

 

[2dogs]

It sounds like your choice of a stove is much more important than your choice of a knife. Usually is. I haven't been to the Tetons in years but if I was to be planning a trip there I think the changing weather would be an even bigger concern than knives or stoves. Regardless, have fun.