Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
15 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Do you prefer a camp saw or an axe on a camping trip? (Original Post) canoeist52 Dec 2011 OP
Is this backpacking or car camping? Duer 157099 Dec 2011 #1
Wilderness camping - canoe and kayak canoeist52 Dec 2011 #2
Saw sorcrow Dec 2011 #3
Axe Duer 157099 Dec 2011 #4
Axe ixion Dec 2011 #5
Probably go with ax. ManiacJoe Dec 2011 #6
I like my folding saw but I also use a small hand axe for splitting. canoeist52 Dec 2011 #7
Coiled Wire Saw, occasionally Martin Eden Dec 2011 #8
I don't make fires when I am backpacking Kolesar Dec 2011 #9
So then, you don't need an axe or a saw. Martin Eden Dec 2011 #10
Belly River and Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier NP last year Kolesar Dec 2011 #11
Car camping, I take a hand axe, for pounding stakes and splitting wood petronius Dec 2011 #12
Mid length axe if I'm solo. Remmah2 Dec 2011 #13
Axe for splitting wood. Codeine Jan 2012 #14
Nether other than a saw wire in my survival tin. MichaelMcGuire May 2012 #15

Duer 157099

(17,742 posts)
1. Is this backpacking or car camping?
Sat Dec 10, 2011, 01:57 PM
Dec 2011

and what are the relative sizes and weights of the two tools?

Then I'll answer.

canoeist52

(2,282 posts)
2. Wilderness camping - canoe and kayak
Sat Dec 10, 2011, 02:02 PM
Dec 2011

Backpacking - probably just bring a knife
Canoe camping gives you much more leeway weight -wise
Car camping -what ever you like

sorcrow

(519 posts)
3. Saw
Sat Dec 10, 2011, 02:18 PM
Dec 2011

I think a small folding saw is the best combination of size weight and utility. I keep one in my whitewater kayak for emergencies. For camping and longer trips, a Sven saw is a nice if you're in a place where fires are practical and allowed.

Crow

canoeist52

(2,282 posts)
7. I like my folding saw but I also use a small hand axe for splitting.
Sat Dec 10, 2011, 06:05 PM
Dec 2011

Although I've seen far fewer injuries with the folding saw.

Martin Eden

(13,514 posts)
8. Coiled Wire Saw, occasionally
Sun Dec 11, 2011, 10:22 PM
Dec 2011

I'm a backpacker, and weight is at a premium. Unless the backcountry campsite has an established fire ring, I seldom build a fire. If I think I'll need to make sticks into smaller pieces that can't be easily broken and need to be sawed, I carry a small coiled wire saw that can be rigged as a bow saw with a curved green branch.

Kolesar

(31,182 posts)
9. I don't make fires when I am backpacking
Tue Dec 13, 2011, 02:38 PM
Dec 2011

I would burn one of my solid fuel tablets if I needed a fire starter for an emergency: signaling or heat.

Martin Eden

(13,514 posts)
10. So then, you don't need an axe or a saw.
Tue Dec 13, 2011, 07:10 PM
Dec 2011

Like I said, I seldom make a fire when I backpack. However, if there is an established fire ring and no prohibitions, making a small fire with dead & down debris for a little warmth and enjoyment does not violate LNT ethics.

I live near Chicago, and have most often backpacked in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (upper Michigan), Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and the North Carolina Mountains. Twice in Colorado (RMNP & Lost Creek Wilderness), and twice in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks in NY state.

Care to share your backcountry haunts?

Kolesar

(31,182 posts)
11. Belly River and Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier NP last year
Wed Dec 14, 2011, 10:37 AM
Dec 2011

We started at the "border customs" trailhead and hiked to the ranger station campground, then to Elizabeth Lake campground where we watched an osprey soaring and fishing. On the third day, we climbed 2800 feet to Ptarmigan tunnel then descended to the Many Glacier Campground. We did the climb in clouds and a mist, so there was no sun and heat to slow us down.

The view of the red rock valley climbing Ptarmigan pass was the best. The first day of the hike was pretty super. We hiked through a high prairie of yellow flowers.

This was a trip I had wanted to do for years. I recommend it. I rode the "east side shuttle" back to the car on the fourth day.

Usually, we visit national parks and just go day hiking.

It's on the NE side of the park. Click the map rectangle-link for a special map viewer.

http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm

petronius

(26,662 posts)
12. Car camping, I take a hand axe, for pounding stakes and splitting wood
Thu Dec 15, 2011, 08:55 PM
Dec 2011

Backpacking, I only burn downed wood that I can break by hand or with a stomp - small enough to burn completely and not leave big partially-burned chunks - so neither would be very useful. However, I'm probably going to add a wire saw to my emergency gear this season...

 

Remmah2

(3,291 posts)
13. Mid length axe if I'm solo.
Fri Dec 23, 2011, 10:42 AM
Dec 2011

If we have a gaggle going out, one axe and one Swen for the 6 of us.

My axe has a hollow handle, I keep my sharpening file there.

 

MichaelMcGuire

(1,684 posts)
15. Nether other than a saw wire in my survival tin.
Sat May 12, 2012, 06:40 AM
May 2012


If I'm wild camping, I use my Banshee 300.



Or a Tarp, or tarpaulin and walking stick/s
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Outdoor Life»Do you prefer a camp saw ...