Do I Need A Hatchet For Backpacking?
There are many kinds of backpacking gear out there, and with so many people telling you different things to buy, it can be challenging to know what is necessary and what is not. New backpackers ask a common question: “do I need a hatchet for backpacking?”. Let me save you all a lot of time and money:
No. You most certainly do not need a hatchet to go backpacking. I can say that over the past several years that not only have I never used one but I never ran into a situation where I was like “damn I could really have used a hatchet right about now”.
3 Reasons Why You Do Not Need A Hatchet For Backpacking
You do not need a hatchet for backpacking for the following reasons:
- Little to no functionality
- Adds unnecessary weight to your pack
- Waste of money
Little To No Functionality
The first and perhaps the biggest reason why you don’t need a hatchet for backpacking is that THERE IS NO USE FOR IT. As I said over the past five years of backpacking, I have never required one, but to drive the point home, let’s go over any possible reason for bringing a hatchet backpacking and discuss why you do not need one.
Cutting Wood From Trees To Make A Fire?
Under no circumstances should you be cutting away branches from a tree to make a fire as it is a violation of leave no trace principles. Typically if you are allowed to make a fire in a park, you are only to use downed and dead wood for your fire.
Many outdoor companies advertise using a hatchet to help split firewood at camp. However, I would argue that if you are following, leave no trace, and are only collecting downed dead wood. You should be able to break the wood either by hand or by swinging it against a rock.
Can I Use A Hatchet For Hunting Game While Backpacking?
Listen, I am no hunter, but I am a backpacker, and when backpacking, you should be bringing all of your meals with you! Also, I am pretty sure that killing animals while in the backcountry does not adhere to the leave no trace principles.
Do I Need A Hatchet For Self-Defense Against Wild Animals While Backpacking?
No.
Let me start by saying that animal attacks in the backcountry are extremely rare, especially if you are storing your food correctly. But if an animal approached you aggressively, the best defense would be a form of bear spray, which can be launched from a distance, not hand-to-hand combat with a hatchet! You aren’t Leonardo Dicaprio in The Revenant. Leave the hatchet at home.
Do I Need A Hatchet To Help Set Up Camp When Backpacking?
No.
There is no utility in a hatchet to set up camp. Nowadays, all modern camping equipment can be set up using your hands. No hatchet is necessary for setting up a typical shelter.
Do I Need A Hatchet To Cook or Prepare Food When Backpacking?
Do you use a hatchet for cooking or preparing food at home? Of course not!!! There should be no reason why you need a hatchet to help cook or prepare any of your meals while backpacking.
Like I Said Not Much Utility In Bringing A Hatchet Backpacking
Okay, I know I had a little bit of fun with those questions, but I hope it got my point across that there is not much utility in having a hatchet on a backpacking trip. If this wasn’t enough, let me go over some other reasons why you should leave the hatchet at home.
A Hatchet Adds Unnecessary Weight To Your Pack
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned ultralight backpacker, no one wants to carry more weight than necessary. As I explained in detail, there is not much functionality to bringing a hatchet on a backpacking trip, so save yourself the pack weight and leave the hatchet at home. Better yet, leave it on the shelf at REI.
Waste Of Money
It should go without saying that spending something on something you don’t need and won’t use is a waste of it. Save your cash, buy good backpacking gear you would need, and use in the backcountry in our backpacking gear guide.
Now, If You Still Really Want A Hatchet...
Okay, I know I tore apart hatchets pretty badly there, but it is truly not something you need to bring with you on a backpacking trip. That being said, if you think they are pretty cool and still want to get one check out some of these.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase or a booking, I may earn a commission. Using these links DO NOT affect the cost of the product/booking. The price remains the same affiliate link or not.
