One of the most overlooked tools by hunters is the axe. No, we’re not using an axe to hunt, but it’s essential for setting up camp and clearing a small area. There are several types of axes varying in length, weight, and head style. Each serves its purpose. As hunters, we value versatile, lightweight hunting axes because we already carry lots of gear into the field.
Best Overall – Hults Bruk Kisa Medium Felling Axe
Specs
- Weight: 2.86 pounds
- Length: 26”
- Head Type: Felling
- Head Material: Swedish Steel
- Handle Material: American Hickory
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Versatile head
- Sharp
Cons
- Expensive
Why I Chose It
The Hults Bruk Kisa is the best choice for any hunter needing to clear a small space for camp or a food plot. It’s lightweight, versatile, made from quality materials, and sharp from the factory. While it’s a little thing, the fact that it comes sharp from the factory shows me they pay attention to the details. I appreciate being able to pack it without sharpening it first; it’s just one less thing I must worry about.
The versatile head shape means you don’t have to carry multiple axes into the field, saving space and weight in your pack. It’s ideal for felling trees but can also be used for splitting firewood at camp. Thanks to the Hickory handle, you won’t have to worry about this axe breaking on your first hunting trip, as it will last you for years. Hickory is a hardwood capable of taking all the abuses you’ll put this hunting axe through.
The biggest drawback is the price. Many other axes are cheaper but not made from high-quality materials, like the Huls Bruk Kisa. You’ll have to pay a premium price if you want premium tools. The Hults Bruk Kisa is the best hunting axe overall because it’s relatively lightweight, well-made, and versatile, so don’t be afraid to pick one up today.
Best Lightweight – Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
Specs
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Length: 13.5”
- Head Type: Felling hatchet
- Head Material: Swedish Steel
- Handle Material: Hickory
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Quality materials
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive
- Small for big projects
Why I Chose It
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife hatchet is perfect for smaller projects when you don’t need to be Paul Bunyan chopping down big trees. While the small size might be a downside for felling large trees, it’s beneficial when you have to pack it into camp. It saves weight and space without sacrificing too much versatility.
Speaking of versatility, you can still chop down small trees, branches, and firewood with this axe. The biggest drawback is its price. It’s pretty costly for a hatchet, but the high-quality materials set it above the less expensive axes. If you’re looking for a versatile yet lightweight axe for hunting camp, the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife hatchet is the perfect choice.
Budget-Friendly – Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
Specs
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Length: 14”
- Head Type: Hatchet
- Head Material: Steel Alloy
- Handle Material: Steel Alloy
Pros
- Durable materials
- Compact
- Light
- Versatile
Cons
- Too small for large trees
Why I Chose It
The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is perfect for budget-conscious hunters. It’s durable, light, compact, and versatile. Even though this is a less expensive hatchet, Estwing didn’t skimp on the materials. The Sportsman’s Axe is made of steel alloy, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking while you’re in the field.
At 14” and 1.9 pounds, it’s compact and pretty lightweight, so adding it to your hunting pack on your next trip won’t be a big deal. While you won’t be chopping down large timber with this hatchet, it’s still versatile enough to cut small trees, branches, and split firewood, which is all you need from a hunting axe. I also love how the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe feels in my hands. It’s pretty well-balanced, so you won’t wear yourself out while swinging it.
Most Versatile – Gerber Gear Freescape
Specs
- Weight: 1.5 to 4 pounds
- Length: 14” to 23.5”
- Head Type: Hatchet or Axe
- Head Material: Forged steel
- Handle Material: Nylon/steel
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Versatile
- Shock absorbing handle
Cons
- Could get heavy
Why I Chose It
Gerber makes various outdoor tools; I’ve used them for years because they’re inexpensive, durable, and versatile. Now, I must admit I kind of cheated for this one, as the Gerber Freescape is technically three different axes that you’d have to purchase separately—a small 14” hatchet, a 17.5” hatchet, and a 23.5” axe.
I would choose the 17.5” because it’s a solid compromise of size, weight, and versatility. You’ll be able to cut small trees and large limbs and split firewood with it, but you won’t have to haul in the two extra pounds that you would with the larger one. Lastly, it’s inexpensive compared to others on the list, even if you choose the full-sized axe. Just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean you’re getting a crappy quality product. The head is steel, and the composite handle is designed to reduce shock.
The biggest drawback is when you choose the full-sized axe, you’ll have to deal with the additional weight in your pack. It’s only two pounds, but every pound counts if you walk miles to camp.
Best Chopping – Fiskars 28” Chopping Axe
Specs
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Length: 28”
- Head Type: Felling
- Head Material: Steel
- Handle Material: Steel/wood
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Designed for chopping small trees & splitting logs
- Durable construction
Cons
- Heavy
Why I Chose It
If you need to clear an area to camp during your hunt, the Fiskars 28” Chopping Axe will get the job done without breaking the bank or your back. It’s solidly built, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking while you’re making camp or keeping the fire burning. However, that also means it’s a little heavy, but the added weight helps when chopping medium-sized trees and splitting logs.
It’s surprisingly inexpensive, considering how well it’s balanced and durable. The Fiskars 28” Chopping Axe will allow you to create a clearing to set up camp with less effort and money.
The post Best Lightweight Hunting Axes for 2025: From Hatchets to Full-Sized appeared first on AllOutdoor.com.
