Which is Better For Bushcraft? Hatchet vs Axe (Answered!)

If you are preparing your inventory for your upcoming bushcraft adventure, then you must pack your items carefully. One of the most challenging parts is selecting the right tool for the job. You may get confused and don’t know which one to choose for bushcraft between a hatchet vs axe.

Your choice of location for bushcraft will determine which tools you need. A hatchet can be handled with one hand. These are mainly used for cutting down small branches and preparing firewood. Axes are much stronger and bigger and are used to bring down trees and chop logs.

But there’s still a lot more to learn when it comes to choosing the right tool for bushcraft between a hatchet vs axe. Luckily, you have come to the right place because, in this article, I will explain the main similarities and differences between the two tools.

After reading this article, you will know whether you should choose a hatchet for your next bushcraft journey or an axe. I know you must be excited to explore, so let’s get into it!

Hatchet vs Axe for Bushcraft

The first and most important thing that everyone should know about hatchets and axes is the difference between them. The first and the major difference between them is their size, which I already mentioned.

The size of a hatchet can range from somewhere around 18 inches in length. It weighs around 4 to 5 pounds, which allows it to be carried in a backpack or on a toolbelt easily. While on the other hand, the size of an axe usually ranges from 18 to 28 inches in length.

In addition to this, the weight of the axe is also a bit more as compared to the hatchet which makes it a bit more difficult to carry. However, it is easy to transport since it weighs around 6 pounds.

Is a Hatchet Better Than an Axe?

So, now we know what hatches and axes are made up of and what they’re not but we’re still left with some questions. Is a hatchet better than an axe?

Because both tools have their own benefits and disadvantages, we cannot say one is better than the other because it depends entirely on the situation. However, there are some important points that can help you choose the right tool for your upcoming bushcraft adventure.

1. Your Bushcraft Location

The first and most important thing that will help you choose between a hatchet vs axe is the location you choose. For example, if you are planning to go out bushcrafting in the jungle with a lot of trees, then you should consider carrying an axe.

Why? It is because you will find yourself cutting trees and chopping firewood, which can be done easily with the help of an axe. Using a hatchet for cutting large trees is a very difficult and tiring job. Although you can do it with a hatchet, you will need to do a lot of work as compared to using an axe.

In contrast, if you are going to areas with fewer trees and more bushes, then you should choose a hatchet. It is much easier to carry and won’t slow you down. You can easily pack it inside your backpack and carry it along.

2. Your Skills Level

Another reason why you might want to use a hatchet instead of an axe is because of your skill level. If you are new to bushcraft, then you should definitely choose a hatchet. This is because it is easier to handle and control. Also, it is less dangerous to use as compared to an axe.

However, if you are experienced in bushcraft, then you shouldn’t worry too much about which tool you should use. In fact, you should just pick whichever one you like best.

3. Your Budget

If you don’t have enough money to buy an axe, then you should definitely choose the hatchet because an axe may cost a bit higher than the hatchet.

Although there are some hatchets available on the market that cost twice as much as an axe, in general hatchets are the least expensive option.

4. Your Gear Size

If you plan on taking all of your gear with you when you go out bushcrafting, then you should definitely choose an axe because you’ll need to take a bigger bag to carry everything. Thus you can easily slip an axe in the bag too along with other items.

On the other hand, if you only plan on bringing a few things with you, then you can bring them in your backpack or even a small bag. The size of a large axe won’t allow it to fit in the small bag and you will have to carry it in your hands all the time which can slow you down.

5. The Environment

This is another point that you must keep in mind before choosing a hatchet vs axe. Some people prefer to use hatchets while others prefer axes. Hatchets are a bit easier to use in almost any kind of environment.

The best thing about them is that they are kind of multi-role tools. This means that you can use them to chop trees, clear bushes, and even for hunting. If you are skilled enough, you can easily throw it to hunt your prey.

Is A Hatchet Good For Survival?

Yes! A hatchet is great for survival. They are lightweight and easy to carry around. You can also use them for many different tasks such as clearing bushes, making fires, building shelters, and so much more.

They can also serve you as good weapons whenever you find yourself in danger in the wilderness. On top of that, hatchets are very easy to use and you can operate them with a single hand only which makes them far more powerful than knives and better than axes.

Do You Need An Axe For Bushcraft?

So, from the above discussion, you may have a rough idea about both tools. You might be thinking, do you even need an axe for bushcraft? Well, again, it depends on the situation and your personal preference.

Most people like carrying a hatchet even instead of carrying a machete. However, some people think they are not as powerful in cutting down large trees, which is true.

The size of the hatchet just doesn’t allow it to produce much torque during the swinging motion and as a result, you won’t be able to exert as much force as you can with an axe.

So to make it clear, you should see if you can carry an axe with you easily and if you are going to a jungle, then I would highly recommend carrying an axe with you.

A) Axe or Hatchet ?

Are Axes Good Weapons?

You may have seen people using axes in zombie movies and video games. It might cross your mind whether or not axes make good wilderness weapons. To answer this question it actually depends on the situation.

For example, if you are thinking of using it as a hand weapon then, yes, it can help you protect yourself in some situations. However, if you want to throw it, then not everyone may feel comfortable and it will take a lot of practice to learn to throw an axe perfectly.

In short, an axe may be a good weapon but it may not be an excellent ranged weapon especially in the wilderness.

Is a Hatchet or Tomahawk the Same?

No, there are a few things that make a hatchet different than a tomahawk. The first is the size of the handle. A tomahawk has a long handle and a more tapered head. While a hatchet has a short handle and a less tapered head.

In addition to this, a hatchet is heavier while a tomahawk is lighter in weight. Last but not least, tomahawks have thin and long bits while the bits of hatchets are thicker and shorter. With that said, due to these differences, the applications of both tools are also slightly different from one another.

Which Do You Prefer for the Wilderness, a Knife or an Axe?

Comparing knives with axes is just like comparing apples with oranges. However, sometimes you may find yourself in a position to decide whether you should take an axe with you or whether a knife will do the job.

Under such conditions, you should consider the location where you are going. Will you be cutting large trees and chopping logs for making fire? If yes, will you be able to do that with a knife? No, you will have a very hard time cutting down large trees with just a knife. A knife is essentially useless in such a situation, so an axe is the best choice.

Last Minute Thoughts

So, in conclusion, if you are looking for the right hatchet vs axe then you should consider these points:

• Choose a hatchet if you are going to places where there are lots of trees and branches. Otherwise, choose an axe.
• If you are a beginner, then you should definitely choose a hatchet. However, if you are an expert then you can choose either one.
• An axe may cost a bit more than a hatchet. So, if you don’t have much money, then you should definitely choose the least expensive option.
• If you plan on carrying all of your gear with you then you should definitely choose an axe. Otherwise, if you only plan to bring a few things with you, then you can choose a hatchet.

In short, both tools are good choices. You can choose either one based on your own preferences.

I hope you find this article helpful. Please share it with your friends and family too on social media. Thank you so much for reading!