Hiking/Packing Your Axe & Gear

T

TraderVic

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
13
Greetings folks, it has truly been awhile since I visited here. I enjoy the woods and always have. I've used ( and sometimes misused axes & hatchets ) for many years. As I've become more interested in Bushcraft and using a better quality axe and/or hatchet, I've enjoyed reading many of your threads and posts.

Anyway, I'm curious as to how many or all of you pack or hike around with your outdoor/bushcraft gear ? What styles of packs do you use ?

So far my main exposure to Bushcraft is a book of the same by Mors Kochanski, although I've been an "outdoorsman" for quite some time.

Regards, Vic
 
In the past, I've always used the side straps of my internal frame backpack to hold my axe, hatchet, machete, or large knife. My backpack is pretty old, and often times larger than I'd like. I've used it on many many backpacking trips, sometimes out for 4-7 days.
These days, I'm interested in getting a smaller pack, carrying less gear and weight. Recently, I placed an order for a Winkler Camp Axe, it has a bottom eject kydex sheath. The logic, on my part, is to be able to get to the tool much faster. I want to change how I've carried my main cutting tool, so that I have access to it with or without my pack. Not only does this make it a better self defense weapon, but if you loose your pack, you still have the tool. One one trip, my buddy knocked my pack down a very large hill. We watched it tumble, tumble, and tumble some more. Luckily, it was not lost or damaged, but I realized that I had no gear on me at all, it was all in the pack. So, I always like to have the basics on me, especiall if away from camp. I admit I'm not doing "full on" bushcrafting, but I do like knowing how to improvise if/when I have an issue with gear failure or possible loss.
 
So far, i have a Kelty external frame pack, and i strap the axe or machete to the side straps also, but i wrap it in a camoflauge pillow case and then a bit of paracord to secure extra if need be, so i don't ruin it when i lay the pack down for a breather, and so i don't get too much attention from the sheeple around the area, as i do have to cross a couple roads before entering the mountains where i camp. Just the way i do it so far, but just got into axes, and it is a bit different carrying something with the weight of an axe on one side of the pack, so i balance it by putting my water bottle or two on the opposite side......I don't know, different from normally just carrying my knife and maybe a machete, but i definitely won't be leaving my axe home anytime soon!
I do want to get an internal frame pack though(maybe a Kifaru if i ever win the lottery!), and am interested to hear how others carry and pack theirs too...
dave
 
I've always used military surplus packs/rucks for hiking, etc. rather than "professional" outdoors gear (EMS, etc.) ... The reason is that most military surplus packs accommodate MOLLE attachments (or similar web gear hooks/clips) that commercial packs don't. Genuine military packs are extremely durable, and more than capable of having lots of heavy equipment hanging off. More cost effective too, as I learned recently when I got sticker shock seeing the prices of retailer camping/hiking packs. The only thing to be careful about surplus items is that you have to know what you're buying, as there is a ton of knock-off junk on the market that isn't worth much.
 
During the Civil War, a Union Army Surgeon noticed that the human body was built to transfer weight to the legs via the pelvis. He also noted that arm straps interfere with respiration and cut off blood supply to the arms, and working arms can come in handy. He patented a pack with diagonal wood struts that transferred much of the weight from an Army pack to pockets in a wide, canvas cartridge hip belt. He tried to convince the Army to adopt the system, but the same sorts who were against magazine rifles and machine guns (Fire too fast.) nixed the pack. He let the patent expire and about a century went by.

In the 1960's, Kelty (IIRC) rediscovered the principle of weight transfer to the pelvis. The U.S. military got on board with it 20-25 years later (Surprised?)

A result of the "hip belt," is many, many, many more people in the back country because weight on the pelvis (hips) is, as the Civil War doc noted, less painful and less tiring. All else is details.

Military rucks that still put almost all the weight on the hips are rugged and totally appropriate for SFCA events.
 
Hey guys ..!

Been reading those discussions in bladeforums for quite a while and decided to register. I will learn a thing or two for sure here and some posts are very interresting.

For this "axe for backpacking" thread, I would say that I now use an small hatchet on all my extended hikes (5 days or above) with buddies and on all my solo hikes, even short ones. The hatchet I carry is the well known Gerber Back Paxe/Fiskars X5. I made a custom leather sheath for it (simple one, one layer, with rivets and a carabiner fixed in the back).

Axe is 482g on my scale and sheath is 51g. Not bad at all for an axe that I use extensively on every trips.

I have no complaint about it whatsoever. Edge retention is fairly good but I do carry a very small stone to sharpen it. Takes about 1 minute (honestly) to get a shaving edge. It doubles as a hammer when needed (stakes mostly) and this gear is among my favorites now.

I know there are more expensive hatchets but you guys will have to convince me it would do better than my 30$ Back Paxe.

I have a question : I own 2 larger Fiskars axes and this small 8 inchs Gerber BackPaxe (made by Fiskars). Im not sure if its made with the same steel. I didnt find this info anywhere. I just assume it is.

Thx guys.
 
I read some forums this morning when I woke up about the Gransfors Bruks mini. Damn. 160$ at my local store.

I really understand the argument of "its a magnificent tool" but it cost 130$ more than mine. And I use it to split wood ... And it does split wood in one strike ...

I dont want to sound jealous or bitter. Im just questioning myself where a 160$ hatchet can be 130$ better than a one-strike 30$ wood splitter. Weight is the same. I put some paracord on the handle and the grip is excellent and comfy. Edge is still ok after heavy use and easy to sharp. Careless buddies can chip it on a rock and I wont murder anybody on the way back.

160$ ? Really ? To split wood ?
 
Socalled said:
I read some forums this morning when I woke up about the Gransfors Bruks mini. Damn. 160$ at my local store.

I really understand the argument of "its a magnificent tool" but it cost 130$ more than mine. And I use it to split wood ... And it does split wood in one strike ...

I dont want to sound jealous or bitter. Im just questioning myself where a 160$ hatchet can be 130$ better than a one-strike 30$ wood splitter. Weight is the same. I put some paracord on the handle and the grip is excellent and comfy. Edge is still ok after heavy use and easy to sharp. Careless buddies can chip it on a rock and I wont murder anybody on the way back.

160$ ? Really ? To split wood ?
Click to expand...

Subjectively speaking, I agree; $160 is high for an axe. Nevertheless, people see value differently, and I have no problems with that. Just take a look around. Do you own a watch $100+? Really? When a $30 watch tells the same time and date? Do you have a $30 shirt? When a $5 shirt covers you up just the same? Do you have a $30k+ car? When a $10k car can also take you from A to B? Does a $500 guitar play the same notes as a $50 guitar? By the way, I'm not trying to criticize you a single bit. You could very well be frugal in all aspects of your life. I'm just trying to bring some perspective to this analogy.


Price to performance is usually not a linear relationship.
 
Part of the cost difference is because they are imported, currency exchange rates, shipping across an ocean, etc.. Another is the time and effort put into the details of the grind and edge. I'm sort of guessing here, I don't own one, but all the owners usually comment on how nice they cut.
I'm sure if they were made in the US, they would cost less to buy in the US. And the Gerbers/Fiskars are made in such large numbers that their price will come way down. Another consideration is that Wal-Mart gives a manufacturer no room for profit.
OTOH, I say use what you want, buy what you seem is fair, and if it works for you, then that's great. There's lots of people that spend their money on new cars, while I keep my 95' Chevy truck. I don't expect "performance" from this truck. Yet, when I'm backpacking, I need gear that works, gear that I've tested, gear that I trust. Plus, I like edged tools and weapons, and enjoy owning and using them. So, I don't mind buying "nicer" tools. It's just about the only new outdoor gear that I buy.

On that note, and back to the OP...I've placed an order for the Winkler Knives 2 Camp Axe. Like the Sayoc, and Combat Axe, this one now comes with the felt lined Kydex carrier. It's a bottom eject sheath, that allows for rapid deployment. My plan is to carry this on me, not my pack. I want access to it on the trail, and when I'm away from camp. Once I have it, I'll have to rig up a shoulder strap type of thing, maybe something like my RMJ Jenny Wren has? And yes, the Winkler's are expensive, maybe the full tapered tang is overkill for most camp trips, I like overkill. I want chopping power, durability, quick deployment, and edge retention, maybe the icing is the great looks...

wkcamp_bg.jpg012010od_HunterAxe07.jpg90367_2_b.jpg90367_3_b.jpg
 
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(btw english is a second language to me so im sorry for the mistakes)

I agree, totally, to the base line of this argument : People buy gears they feel they need in term of reliabilty and performance. I totally agree because im among them too. I spend a astonishing long time doing researchs and readings on camping/hiking gears before setting my choice. I knew about all the pricier brands of hatchets before I bought mine. I took time to find a hatchet that is light, good edge, performs and is reliable. And hatchet isnt a departement I think more money = more results.

To me those departements are for example :

Footwear - I have pricy boots for extended hikes in rocks and cold mud. Price does make difference between junk and quality boots (if you know what to buy).

Sleeping bag - I have a pricy sleeping bag. Price does make difference between light and heavy and between "light and hot" and "light and chills" and wet and dry.

So I think people should save the 130$ gap between a X5 and a GB mini and invest it on a better sleeping bag or better boots, for example. Because they -will have- something better for the money.

Here's a woodman guy comparing a Gransfors Bruks ($$$) to a Husqvarna (40$) :

" can not explain why the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is three times more expensive than the Husqvarna Hatchet, but it is in no way three times better. In fact, I can not say that it is better in any way. The two hatchets seem identical in terms of quality, and very similar in design. I am very glad that I had a chance to use the Gransfors Bruks Hatchet before buying the Husqvaran one, because otherwise I would have never believed that the two would be of the same quality, or that I would end up choosing the $40.00 hatchet. "

(link : http://woodtrekker.blogspot.ca/2010/10/husqvarna-hatchet-review.html)
 
On my last hike I carried my hatchet in the clip made for an ice axe on my pack. It worked well. On shorter day hikes I use a ski backpack which holds axes or other tools very nicely. I can easily carry a pulaski and a grub hoe on my day pack.

I really don't understand the need for quick access 'tactical' hatchet/hawk sheaths. A defensive 'hawk? Really? With all due respect I think I'm better off with a revolver hanging on my right hip. The axe or hatchet goes on the pack.
 
i use the side compression straps on my pack to hold my machete or axe and a paracord or two tied somewhere else to make sure it doesn't slide down.

045_043.jpg
 
TraderVic said:
Greetings folks, it has truly been awhile since I visited here. I enjoy the woods and always have. I've used ( and sometimes misused axes & hatchets ) for many years. As I've become more interested in Bushcraft and using a better quality axe and/or hatchet, I've enjoyed reading many of your threads and posts.

Anyway, I'm curious as to how many or all of you pack or hike around with your outdoor/bushcraft gear ? What styles of packs do you use ?

So far my main exposure to Bushcraft is a book of the same by Mors Kochanski, although I've been an "outdoorsman" for quite some time.

Regards, Vic
Click to expand...

Hi Vic,

From one newb to another, welcome aboard. :)

I have a heavily modified ALICE Pack which can have an ax stored either in the exterior
frame between the user and the pack or it can be slid down behind the middle exterior pouch.
That will be my indefinite camping pack.

My bushcraft pack (a Swiss Military Engineer's Rucksack) will have an ax mounted to with two
straps in accessories loops on the side. I generally pack my gear in a way that they would
be firmly secured if I were to take a fall and that they wouldn't injure me in such an event.


BushcraftPackAxLoop002.jpg
 
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Square_peg said:
On my last hike I carried my hatchet in the clip made for an ice axe on my pack. It worked well. On shorter day hikes I use a ski backpack which holds axes or other tools very nicely. I can easily carry a pulaski and a grub hoe on my day pack.

I really don't understand the need for quick access 'tactical' hatchet/hawk sheaths. A defensive 'hawk? Really? With all due respect I think I'm better off with a revolver hanging on my right hip. The axe or hatchet goes on the pack.
Click to expand...

So, how do you carry your blades/tools when away from camp?

I almost lost my entire backpack on a 4 day outing, once. My buddy knocked it over, and it tumbled down a very large hill I got it back, but since then I've worked to have certain items on my person, not in my pack. I admit, I've never lost my pack, but what if I just can't make it back to camp? If I were out getting fire wood and got lost, fell into a river, or whatever, I may just be better off with my axe, hatchet, hawk, knife, fire starter, signal mirror, whistle, etc..
I also carry my .357 magnum on me, but what's wrong with having my hawk on my person as well? My gun can't chop wood.
 
Socalled said:
I read some forums this morning when I woke up about the Gransfors Bruks mini. Damn. 160$ at my local store.

I really understand the argument of "its a magnificent tool" but it cost 130$ more than mine. And I use it to split wood ... And it does split wood in one strike ...

I dont want to sound jealous or bitter. Im just questioning myself where a 160$ hatchet can be 130$ better than a one-strike 30$ wood splitter. Weight is the same. I put some paracord on the handle and the grip is excellent and comfy. Edge is still ok after heavy use and easy to sharp. Careless buddies can chip it on a rock and I wont murder anybody on the way back.

160$ ? Really ? To split wood ?
Click to expand...

Diminishing returns. At what point does quality level out?
Even then, that's all dependent upon the buyer's needs.

I'd love to see a comparison of a $40. axe verses a Gransfor Bruks.

AND, I'd like to see which one is still around in 30 years.
Which one is easier to sharpen? Which one keeps an edge longer?
Which one has a better warranty? Which one can I trust my life to?
All important question to me.

For me, is a GB worth $130.? Absolutely. Why? Because of the quality.
Could I do the same work with a $40. ax? Probably. Would it be as
good? That, I don't know. But, I intend to find out.

Disclaimer: I just frickin' LOVE the "look" of the GB/Wetterling's axes.
The fact that they are highly acclaimed is just frosting on the cake.

:D
 
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I'm not sure just yet what size of axe would be the most useful for a small pack ( day pack ? ). The handles of 20 - 24 inches seem to fit the portability requirement the best and can still be used as a larger hatchet and as a small axe. I'm studying the brands and styles of the quality offerings out there.

Right now I can't use one because of rotator cuf surgery this past July on the right shoulder and I'm right handed. I can barely scratch my seat as it is !
 
Like most folks here, I strap it to the outside of my main gear pack. Sometimes in the BWCA it will get tossed inside one of the communal packs.

SR69 - I just picked up one of those swiss rucksacks. Loving the construction and the fact that it's watertight. Yours is in a little better condition though.
 
nickzdon said:
Like most folks here, I strap it to the outside of my main gear pack. Sometimes in the BWCA it will get tossed inside one of the communal packs.

SR69 - I just picked up one of those swiss rucksacks. Loving the construction and the fact that it's watertight. Yours is in a little better condition though.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I love it.
Again, I got really lucky with my find.

:)
 
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