The Best Pack Hatchets: 11 Tested Options
I became hooked on these small pack hatchets after searching for the best tool to pack when size and weight are critical. Now I always pack one for my own backpacking, canoeing, and bike touring adventures. As a result, I have bought and tested many over the last five years or so.
I have personally tested all these different hatchets (and many more that didn’t make the cut) in the hunt to find the right balance between performance and weight. And the good news is that many are very affordable.
Many backpackers don’t want to carry the “extra” weight, but to me, it’s an important tool out in the wilderness. They are useful at camp, but more importantly, for handling emergency situations.
Since you are reading this, I imagine you agree on the importance of carrying a hatchet. But check out: Why I take an axe backpacking if you need to convince someone else.
This is just a hobby. When you buy through a link, I may earn a commission to support the site.
What I Look For in a Pack Axe
I want my pack hatchet to be as light as possible, but it also has to work well. And for an axe to work, it can’t weigh nothing; the blade needs weight behind it to drive through wood.
The lightest option on my list weighs 1.11lbs total (with the sheath). Which, for an axe, is very light. But that can seem high compared to some backpacking gear.
I’m always looking for the smartest weight. I want the weight to be in the head, making a better tool – and not wasted on bulky sheaths or poor design. I’d rather carry 1.3lbs that works really well than 1.2lbs of useless weight.
Many of the “ultra-light” hatchets are only an ounce or two lighter than “proper” hatchets – and yet are almost useless if seriously needed. They take way more energy and effort to use at camp (or worse in an emergency).
You could even make a case for a full-size hatchet, especially in larger groups. But that being said, I did not include any in this list.
Fiskars X5
My Long-Time Favorite
Overall Length:
9″ | 20cm
Total Weight:
1.35lbs | 610g
The Fiskars X5 pack hatchet is one of the best-performing compact hatchets while also being light and affordable. It’s what I have recommended and carried most while backpacking, despite owning much more expensive options.
Note: The X5 is not as widely available anymore, as Fiskars has updated its axe line. It can still be found, but it is being replaced by the new X13 (next on the list).
The X5 has a 1lb head with a versatile stout wedge profile that both chops and splits above its weight class. The lightweight composite handle is nearly indestructible, and the sheath is plastic, slim, weighs almost nothing, and can be operated single-handedly.
This axe is mid-price, but is a great value for the money. Also, some countries (such as Australia) have a black version called the Fiskars A5 for some reason.
Pros:
Cons:
X5 Design:
The X5 works so well because it has a standard-sized hatchet head, and the composite handle is so short and light that all the weight is concentrated behind the blade.
While the steel is not the toughest compared to premium axes, it holds an edge pretty well and comes decently sharp. And the handle is basically indestructible.
I don’t see many other people mention this – but, I love the plastic sheath. It is slim, doesn’t trap moisture, and is light compared to nylon sheaths of some similarly priced axes. Plus, it can be operated easily with one hand.
You will notice in some pictures I bought a leather sheath for mine too – that was to cut down the footprint and weight even further. But I’m a dork, the factory sheath is great.
X5 Performance:
The wedge profile of the X5 pops out nice, large chips when chopping logs, and I have used it to break down 5-6″ fallen trees (even in the winter).
The wedge shape also splits above its class and excels at campsite kindling. Although with the short handle, it can feel a little close to the knuckles when swinging.
I don’t think the Fiskars is great for fine carving or detailed work – for that, the wedge shape is not ideal. But for chopping and splitting, it’s hard to beat.
X5 Value:
The X5 isn’t the cheapest, but it’s not an expensive hatchet either. And for the performance and weight you get, I think it’s an extremely good value.
Fiskars X13
The Newest & Lightest Option
Overall Length:
13″ | 33cm
Total Weight:
1.11lbs | 505g
My testing has just started, but I am very excited by the new Fiskars X13. I think the X13 combines the best features of my two long-time favorite pack hatchets: the older Fiskars X5 and the Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe.
This is the lightest hatchet on the list, and Fiskars seems to have achieved this without sacrificing performance.
The new approach reduces the head weight behind the blade to lighten the axe. Then compensates for the head by using a full-length 13″ handle so you can generate more force with your swing, and get more leverage.
By keeping the classic Fiskars wedge profile, the lighter head still seems able to chop and split effectively.
This could be a new top choice for me, but only time will tell.
Pros:
Cons:
X13 Design:
The X13 uses the classic Fiskars wide blade profile, indestructible handle, and lightweight design – but adopts the philosophy of the Outdoor Axe by having a lighter head on a longer handle.
There is a “hammer” like surface on the back for tent stakes, but it’s not hardened and shouldn’t be used as an actual hammer.
The hole in the middle of the head is a bottle opener (don’t care), but is also used to lock on the ultra-light and slim sheath. The twist dial sheath is new, but can still be used single-handedly.
X13 Performance:
In my limited winter testing, the X13 seems quite comparable to the X5. It was easily able to split campfire wood that had been outdoors all winter. And chop well into a 5″ frozen log. The long handle lets you swing faster and really whip the head around.
The lighter head still might not drive quite as deep when chopping larger logs as the original 1lb head, but the difference seems minimal and I need to do more warm-weather testing (when I would actually use this axe).
X13 Value:
Rarely do we get something new that costs less these days, but the X13 is cheaper than the old X5. I’m assuming because there is less steel.
Lexivon V9
A Decent Low-Cost Option
Overall Length:
9″ | 20cm
Total Weight:
1.29lbs | 589g
The Lexivon V9 is essentially a knockoff of the Fiskars X5. It’s rougher and less refined, but it works surprisingly well and is a good low-cost pack hatchet.
It doesn’t come as sharp, the finish is rougher, and the handle material is not as durable as a Fiskars. But it works just about the same, and is even slightly lighter with a little clip sheath.
I don’t trust the larger models of Lexivon for durability, but the short little V9 has been reliable through some tough testing.
Pros:
Cons:
V9 Design:
The Lexivon V9 copies the Fiskars X5 design very closely. It has a similar head shape, a composite handle, and actually manages to weigh slightly less than the Fiskars X5.
The black blade is just painted; it’s not a real protective coat like on the Fiskars. So I have found it prone to rust (visible in the pictures). But for the price… I don’t really care.
It comes with a sheath similar to the Fiskars, but it also comes with a little “bag-clip” style plastic sheath that is odd – but really light and compact.
V9 Performance:
I was expecting this axe to be trash like most of the other axes at this price point – but it performs pretty darn well. Like the Fiskars, the wide wedge splits well and can chop deep – even in larger logs.
Don’t expect to use this for fine shaping or carving, but for general chopping and kindling splitting it does the trick.
V9 Value:
If price is an important factor, I think the V9 should be considered. You certainly get your money’s worth in this hatchet.
Gransfors Outdoor Axe
My Favorite High-End Pack Hatchet
Overall Length:
14″ | 35.5cm
Total Weight:
1.23lbs | 560g
The Gransfors Bruk Outdoor axe does it differently. This modern belt axe is very light, nimble, and a heirloom-quality tool.
The Outdoor Axe is unique and puts a small head on a longer, slim 14″ handle. This longer handle compensates for the lighter head by allowing you to whip it much more quickly. And it feels satisfyingly “whippy”. And unlike other Gransfors axes, the outdoor axe has a wedge profile (not a slim flat blade), which I find very effective at both chopping and splitting tasks.
The straight, slender handle lets this thing slide into your pack easily, even though it’s longer, and is great for a mix of holds for fine cutting tasks and aggressive chopping.
This is actually my favorite axe to use and carry on the list, but price is what stops it from being my top recommendation. The craftsmanship is worth it to me – but you don’t need to spend this much to get a great tool.
Pros:
Cons:
Outdoor Axe Design:
The head is essentially a mini hudsons bay pattern axe, and weighs about 0.7lbs. But the wedge profile and long handle allow it to dig deep. The steel is hard and high-quality, and the axe comes nice and sharp.
The cutting edge is also shorter than the other options on this list, which concentrates the force a little to go deeper (even if the chop isn’t as wide). It’s also more precise for fine cutting work.
The straight handle has some subtle swells and curves to make it comfortable to hold at the end, but also right under the head for fine work. And the metal collar helps protect the handle when splitting kindling.
Outdoor Axe Performance:
I have actually chopped through about an 8-9″ log (a few times) on a backpack trip to break down for firewood. It took a while, and I’m not saying this axe is meant for that. But it was doable.
And 5-6″ logs can be done much quicker. The long handle makes it much more comfortable and pleasant to use than most short-handle options.
The wedge shape splits well, although it is certainly not as effective as the larger Fiskars options on the list (or axes of similar design). But I think it works better than the thin-bladed Gransfors hand hatchet that is next on the list.
The smaller, sharp head is better than either of the others for small carving and detail work, and the design really lends itself to being a “belt axe” that can be used interchangeably like a knife.
Outdoor Axe Value:
I love this axe, but you don’t need to spend this much money for a good pack axe. If you love quality, hand-made tools, I think the value is there for sure.
But remember, you are paying for craftsmanship, and good steel can still chip and need resharpening, and wood handles need care.
Gransfors Hand Hatchet
A Backwood Pack Hatchet
Overall Length:
9.2″ | 23cm
Total Weight:
1.36lbs | 618g
The Gransfors Bruk Hand Hatchet is designed for the backwoods. Perfect for processing found (or felled) wood from the environment around you.
The thin, keen blade and extended cutting edge of the hand hatchet can chop deeply and shape green wood exceptionally well. As a result, it’s popular as a small carving axe as well as a pack hatchet.
The thin blade shape struggles more than wider profiles with splitting tasks, but it can do it. It just takes a little more skill to use.
The handle is shaped with a swell right under the head gives the user maximum control for fine work.
Similar to the Outdoor Axe, price will be an issue for some people on this one.
Pros:
Cons:
It’s worth noting that the Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet uses the same head, but with a 13″ handle. So you can get more power for only a little more weight (1.49lbs/677g).
Hults Bruk / Hultafors
Great But Heavier
Overall Length:
9.5″ | 24cm
Total Weight:
1.64lbs | 745g
The Hults Bruk Jonaker (Hultafors Agelson) is a versatile, premium pack hatchet that can both chop and split very well. But if weight is a primary concern for you, then it’s probably not for you.
Note: Hults Bruk is owned by Hultafors, and the same axe is sold by two names in different parts of the world. The Hults Bruk Jonaker is in the USA, and the Hultafors Agelson is basically everywhere else.
This was the little hatchet that started it all for me, and I am very fond of it. If you don’t mind a little more weight – this axe performs great. The blade is chunkier than the Gransfors, with a steeper primary bevel, and so I found it to be both a good chopper and splitter.
It comes sharp and has a great forged finish that helps protect from rust. Although the bevel is a little thick for carving, I know folks who have tuned theirs for that task as well.
The sheath is controversial. It is made with heavy-duty leather and is honestly overbuilt (adding weight). It also closes with a simple leather tie, which can shake annoyingly loose, but won’t fall off. I don’t mind the draw string, it can be used with one hand – but I don’t love it either.
I believe newer models in some areas have a new, lighter-weight sheath, but it still uses the draw string.
Like the other premium axes, it’s pricey.
Pros:
Cons:
Gerber Gator
A Fiskars X5 Clone with a Twist
Overall Length:
9″ | 20cm
Total Weight:
1.60lbs | 725g
The Gerber Gator is a better pack hatchet than I expected, but it’s the accessories that make this one a personal call.
I haven’t used this one a ton, but I like the gator axe itself more than I expected. It’s another clone of the Fiskars X5, but they made some minor tweaks. The edge is a little longer, and I actually like the handle better. It is a little slimmer with a rubber overlay that feels good in hand.
The edge doesn’t come as sharp; in fact, mine is a little jagged – but that is easy to fix.
The add-ons:
The big twist is that the Gator comes with a small knife that fits into the handle, which is a neat idea. It’s not a good knife, but it never hurts to have a backup. It’s up to you if you want that extra tool and weight or not. I don’t really.
The knife is held in place with a magnet, but there is also a strap and cap as backup. This cap is really annoying when using the axe, and constantly comes off or gets in the way. It could probably just be removed.
Finally, I hate the Nylon sheath. It’s clunky, heavy, a pain to use, and nylon traps moisture and can lead to rust buildup.
The Gator axe on its own is only 25g (.05lbs) heavier than the Fiskars X5. But including all the bits, it weighs 120g more (over a quarter of a pound). It’s up to you if that’s good weight or not.
Pros:
Cons:
Gerber Pack Hatchet
Light but Ineffective
Overall Length:
9″ | 20cm
Total Weight:
1.20lbs | 546g
The Gerber Pack Hatchet and all other slim metal “ultralight” hatchets are only marginally lighter (and in some cases heavier) than more traditional pack hatchets, while also being dramatically worse tools.
The Gerber is more like an axe-shaped knife, but it manages to fill both roles poorly. Axes need a wedge shape of some sort, and weight in the head to work.
It’s not that sharp, and because it has a metal handle, most of the weight is in a useless place.
Beyond small branches, it doesn’t chop well. So if you find yourself needing an axe, you are going to use up all your energy swinging 5 times as much. And while it can split some straight-grain firewood, any twists or tough grain will stop it dead.
All that and with its heavy nylon sheath, it still weighs more than the Fiskars X13.
Pros:
Cons:
Tomahawk
A Unique Approach
Overall Length:
Variable
Total Weight:
Variable
This is a bit of a wildcard option. A tomahawk is a unique pack option because the handle and head can be taken apart, making it easier to pack a longer axe.
A tomahawk head on its own is very compact and can be tucked anywhere, as can a separated slim straight handle. And once assembled, you get the power of a two-handed axe.
The other cool thing that might appeal to some users is that you can always make short handles with found wood in emergencies. I have tried this, and they obviously aren’t as good as proper handles. But it works in a pinch.
The thin blade of a tomahawk is really best suited for chopping, not splitting. Although for kindling, it is certainly capable – especially with the full handle.
The CRKT Chogan tomahawk I am showing has a 1.4lb head (2lbs with 19″ handle), but I also have a Cold Steel tomahawk with a 1lb head that, with its 22″ handle, weighs the same as the Gerber Gator (730g/1.6lbs).
Pros:
Cons:
Cheap Amazon/Temu Axes
Just Avoid Them
Overall Length:
Varies
Total Weight:
Who Cares
I’ve tried multiple REALLY cheap axes. Wood handles… Plastic handles… They all suck, and they often break. For a pack hatchet, you need a tool you can count on.
The JXE JXO hatchet above is just one of the cheap hatchets I tried from Amazon, as I was looking for alternatives to the more expensive options. It was ugly, uncomfortable, and the head started loosening within minutes of use.
I have also had heads fly off plastic handle alternatives, again within minutes of use.
The Lexivon V9 mentioned earlier in the article is a rare exception. But otherwise, just don’t do it.
Pros:
Cons:
Make Your Own
Learn Skills, Make What You Want
Overall Length:
Variable
Total Weight:
Variable
I realize this option isn’t for most people. There is something very rewarding about crafting your own tool to your own needs and specifications.
I made the hatchet shown above a couple of years ago, and it’s truly my favourite to pack. I used a vintage Swedish head, carved my own handle, and made a sheath. The result was a pack hatchet with a beefy 1.2lbs head, that only ended up about the same as the Fiskars X5.
Vintage axe heads can often be found at a low cost (especially hatchets) and were often made with better steel than many modern axes. So, you can end up with a premium quality tool that doesn’t cost much money, only some time to make.
I’m currently working on another project that follows the principles of the Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe as well.
Pros:
Cons:
Please comment below If I missed something or if you have any questions. I do my best to respond to everyone.
About the author:
About the author:
Jim Bell | Site Creator
I’m just a guy who likes axes. I got tired of only finding crap websites, so I set out to build a better one myself.
I’m also on Instagram: @axeandtool