Hachet, Ax, or Saw? For Backpacking...

**gremlin** · 03-29-2012, 10:40 PM

I carry a machete, folding saw, hatchet, folding shovel and a multi tool/Leatherman.

**BLK_TMBR** · 04-17-2012, 12:20 AM

I like to use knives, saws and hatchets. However, if I had to give up one item it would be the saw.

**Scouter** · 04-17-2012, 09:31 AM

I've been backpacking most of my life. When I was younger I carried a hachet. Now that I wiser and weaker I carry a break down saw. I can produce more firewood with less energy and carry less weight.

**batmanacw** · 04-17-2012, 09:06 PM

Saws are light and quiet. No wacking trees for me.

**bear46** · 04-18-2012, 12:53 AM

a saw can be usefull for many things, cutting up wood, making a shelter and getting fish bait. a hatchet is good for many things as well, as for an ax, to much weight to justify carrying. a saw can be used for butchering as can a hatchet. my advice would be to choose the item that best suits your needs. or carry a small hatchet and a folding saw.

**Griptilian** · 04-18-2012, 08:04 AM

I agree with you batmanacw on the saw. Would buy one of those folding saws to minimize the weight, especially if I'm humping a trail somewhere. If I'm car camping at a local state park I would use my small axe.

**batmanacw** · 04-18-2012, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Griptilian

I agree with you batmanacw on the saw. Would buy one of those folding saws to minimize the weight, especially if I'm humping a trail somewhere. If I'm car camping at a local state park I would use my small axe.

I keep a hatchet in my truck so I can remove trees from the road, but then noise discipline is no concern.

**Iron mike** · 04-18-2012, 07:24 PM

I have a small hatchet I like it is very handy I would loose a lot of gear before the hatchet

**brewer101** · 05-02-2012, 04:01 AM

Honestly when I backpack I usually only carry a pocket knife or multi-tool. For me backpacking, light is right, I'm almost always going for speed. I'm almost always carrying all other necessities, food, shelter, stove, water and treatment method and in 25 years and what has to be close to 1000 miles I've only needed a fire once, that was after 5 days of constant rain where we had to move everyday and we only had a tarp for shelter. If I was living in the woods longterm I would want a way to breakdown larger wood, but usually properly motivated (necessity) you can make due. When car camping I like both a saw and hatchet.