Hey y'all, I wanted to start a quick thread discussing backpacking knives and what that specifically means for, well, everyone. I know my preferences have changed drastically over the last couple of years and for the last two-ish years I've landed on a system that is working extraordinarily well for me.
Just a quick disclaimer, because context, I am doing most of my hiking in the NE region of the United States. I'm talking the Finger Lakes Nat'l Forest, the Adirondacks, Acadia Nat'l Park, Mount Washington, etc. etc. Additionally open fires are usually not allowed in most of the areas I hike in.
So all that said, I'm personally carrying a White River Knives M1 Backpacker, green paracord wrapped, as my primary cutting implement when doing any overnight hiking. The Backpacker kicked out my coveted ESEE Izula which I was previously using and I have not looked back since. Functionally both knives work very well within the limited use they get while I'm out. The mundane things like cutting summer sausage, whittling tent stakes, light batoning, and well you get the picture. To keep this short; I like the thinner stock, longer handle, CPM S35VN, and kydex sheath of the Backpacker more than the Izula. Which comes in 1095 steel with a polymer sheath. That's not to say the Izula is bad by any means, but the Backpacker slices better, maintains a working edge longer, and is much more comfortable in hand for me than the Izula. Backing up my M1 Backpacker is a Leatherman Style PS. Whose primary role is acting as my primary tick/hotpot grabber and whose scissors come in handy for cutting roller bandages, meal packaging and whatnot.
My take on a backpacking knife when I went on my first overnight trip was more align to that of a survival knife. I.e. something that I will use to get myself out of a life threatening situation whether that be harvesting firewood, fighting off animals, making a primitive shelter and so on. In time I came to realize that the majority of the things I initially thought I would need to "make" with my survival knife were unnecessary because I'm carrying my shelter, water purifier, and bedding with me. Now a backpacking knife falls along the lines of a lightweight cutting instrument used for all the menial tasks I listed above. Personally I think that task is best done by a lightweight fixed blade.
I know for some of you guys and gals an ESEE 5 is the only thing you'd leave home with and for other a small SAK or razor suits you just fine. So let me know what backpacking knife you carry, why you use it, and how is fulfills the roles you need it to given what you do where you are while out backpacking!
Just a quick disclaimer, because context, I am doing most of my hiking in the NE region of the United States. I'm talking the Finger Lakes Nat'l Forest, the Adirondacks, Acadia Nat'l Park, Mount Washington, etc. etc. Additionally open fires are usually not allowed in most of the areas I hike in.
So all that said, I'm personally carrying a White River Knives M1 Backpacker, green paracord wrapped, as my primary cutting implement when doing any overnight hiking. The Backpacker kicked out my coveted ESEE Izula which I was previously using and I have not looked back since. Functionally both knives work very well within the limited use they get while I'm out. The mundane things like cutting summer sausage, whittling tent stakes, light batoning, and well you get the picture. To keep this short; I like the thinner stock, longer handle, CPM S35VN, and kydex sheath of the Backpacker more than the Izula. Which comes in 1095 steel with a polymer sheath. That's not to say the Izula is bad by any means, but the Backpacker slices better, maintains a working edge longer, and is much more comfortable in hand for me than the Izula. Backing up my M1 Backpacker is a Leatherman Style PS. Whose primary role is acting as my primary tick/hotpot grabber and whose scissors come in handy for cutting roller bandages, meal packaging and whatnot.
My take on a backpacking knife when I went on my first overnight trip was more align to that of a survival knife. I.e. something that I will use to get myself out of a life threatening situation whether that be harvesting firewood, fighting off animals, making a primitive shelter and so on. In time I came to realize that the majority of the things I initially thought I would need to "make" with my survival knife were unnecessary because I'm carrying my shelter, water purifier, and bedding with me. Now a backpacking knife falls along the lines of a lightweight cutting instrument used for all the menial tasks I listed above. Personally I think that task is best done by a lightweight fixed blade.
I know for some of you guys and gals an ESEE 5 is the only thing you'd leave home with and for other a small SAK or razor suits you just fine. So let me know what backpacking knife you carry, why you use it, and how is fulfills the roles you need it to given what you do where you are while out backpacking!
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Just "wittlen" by the fire must be done with an old time traditional folder such as a trapper, canoe, stockman, etc. Thanks though. 
