What's the longest axe/haft you'd backpack with?

Shotgun said:
Wouldn't you say the strangeness of the long haft with light head is do to you being accustomed to a heavier head? In any case I think maybe I wasn't as clear with my question. The hawk I have now does what I need a chopper to do. I just think that a longer haft would be more comfortable, more efficient, and allow for a greater reach for other tasks. So I know I want a longer hawk, just trying to get a feel for what length I should start experimenting with.
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There's also vibrational nodes to consider, which I suspect is why axe head weights were so closely tied to haft lengths historically. Also the longer the haft the farther down the handle your point of balance will be, which will screw with the rotational characteristics.
 
Here in Arizona I'd never think of using a hawk for wood processing for fire. It takes a beefy piece of steel to split wood here due to it being so dry and knotty. That said, hawks look like fun. I have a nice forged one that I haven't used yet so I need to get it out there and see how it works.
 
If wood processing for a fire and maybe to make bivouac poles then invest in a small (12") Swede saw. These things weigh nothing and don't take up much space and go through wood much cleaner and faster than a toy axe. A small belt knife can take up the slack when you want stuff sharpened etc. I get ticked off no end when I see what weekend warriors with their hatchets (or maybe these are tomahawks) do to the undergrowth at the Crown Land sites I frequent. Inevitably the surroundings become to look like the work of drunken beavers and all these campers manage to gather are sticks, and leave behind mountains of wood chips.
Try it some time: you'll be quite impressed with what you can do with a saw.
I don't want to denigrate axes (I love axes) but they have their place and if travelling light is high on the list you don't want one.
 
I like my vintage axes. I alternate with axes 1 1/2 lb. or 1 3/4 lb. on either 18 inch or 24 inch handles. I don't go on long backpacking treks anymore though, just hike in to a camping spot one or a few miles. I like to carry a collapsible buck saw too. If I was to go on a long trip, I would probably just take a small folding saw.
 
THe "SFA" I made from a vintage HB head and GB haft. Made the mask too.
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