Fiskars X7 hatchet review: the budget camp hatchet
A 14-inch (36 cm) camp hatchet with a molded handle the head cannot fly off, splitting kindling far better than its price – the best-value first axe for hikers and car campers.
-
-
Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 review: the packable folding bucksaw
A genuine 21-inch (53 cm) bow saw that folds flat and rips through logs – the packable bucksaw for winter camps and firewood-heavy trips, the saw that makes an axe optional.
-
Bahco Laplander folding saw review: the bushcraft standard
The bushcraft-standard folding saw: a 7-ounce (200 g), rust-resistant blade that locks open and closed and cuts wood far above its size. Our overall folding-saw pick for most people.
-
Corona RazorTOOTH 10-inch folding saw review: the budget camp saw
A 10-inch (25 cm) folding saw with aggressive razor teeth for a few dollars – the best budget camp saw for kindling and small firewood, and the easiest first saw to recommend.
-
Human waste in the backcountry: catholes, latrines, and packing it out
How to deal with solid human waste responsibly in the wild: choosing a method, digging a clean cathole, building a group latrine, packing it out where required, and handling toilet paper and urine.
-
Axes and hatchets: choosing, using, and maintaining a camp axe
From a belt hatchet to a splitting maul: the axe family explained, what each part does, how to split and fell safely, sharpening and handle care, and when a saw and knife are the smarter choice.
-
Sharpening and tool care: keeping your backcountry tools working
A sharp, clean tool is safer and lasts for decades. How edges and angles work, how to sharpen a knife, axe, shovel, saw, and multitool, rust prevention, and a minimal field kit.
-
Camp saws: folding saws, bow saws, and how to cut wood safely
Why a saw beats an axe for most campers: folding saws vs bow saws, how teeth and blades work, what a saw does in camp, safe cutting technique, and how to choose.
-
Multitools in the field: how to actually use one in the backcountry
A multitool is the backcountry fix-it kit: what each tool inside is for, why it complements a knife rather than replacing it, the features that matter, and how to choose.
-
Camp shovels and entrenching tools: how to choose and use one
From an ultralight trowel to a folding steel entrenching tool: the whole family of backcountry digging tools, every job they do — catholes, fire pits, drainage, snow — and how to use, choose, and care for one.
