Axe or machete?

[rollingrock]

I'm planning a backpack trip for a few days in the coming season. Now I'm wondering whether I should pack an axe or a machete. I've found that both have their cons and pros. What do you think?

 

[RL1]

Hmmm...if you can't decide, take em both We have some threads on the knife forum that might help..in the meantime...

 

[bisonhd]

Neither, it's extra weight I can live without when backpacking.

 

[huntinstuff]

small axe

 

[Tumbleweed]

I won't even go for a crap without taking an axe. Get a small Ox Head with a medium length handle (about $80 at better Bumper-to-Bumpers near you), and carry a good axe file - you can chop, skin, filet a minnow, or shave with it, if need be.

 

[FSgtBriggs]

+1 for the small axe

 

[Boomer]

Never, never, never head to the bush without an axe!

 

[brianp]

Generally I take neither. Don't tend to make fires when I go alone, so it's extra weight that I don't need to be hauling around. When the girlfriend goes with me, I haul a hatchet because she likes campfires.

 

[catnthehatt]

Machete is betteer for smacking away thee small saplings that grab everything when you are trying to get from a traill into a critter, etc.
I have both in my boat, but use the "bearded axe" more
Cat

 

[Levi Garrett]

axe

 

[riden]

What about a tomahawk??? Lighter than an axe.

I don't know how practical the are, but I have always wanted one.

 

[BIGREDD]

I think that alternating axe and machete is perfect for tree defense....


Seriously... I carry a Kukuri for backpack camping and a Stihl chainsaw if I can drive to camp.

 

[nlevandier]

hatchet

 

[OnnO]

I won't even go for a crap without taking an axe....

Last year I jump a lynx 6 feet away from me and I only armed with an army folding shovel...

After that day I always carry a loaded shotgun with me.

 

[JohnC]

between the two an Axe. you may want to look at athe woodsman's pal

http://w ww.cactustactical.com/osc/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=634


(remove the space in the www and paste in your Browser. Been dealing wioth Cactus Tactical for years & recommend them...)

 

[beretta boy]

Canada - Axe, works on trees
Carribean - Machete works on sugar cane.

 

[svt-40]

Both!

 

[Calum]

Machetes were designed for use in thick jungle and brush, not sugar cane...they have "cane knives" for that.

I say take both the Machete, and the Axe.

 

[Ceska]

If you can't take a full size axe with you then a small one is a must.
Imho if you are planning to leave the provincial park campsite you need an axe and are fool not to have one. A diamond coated file should be attached to the sheath as well.

That being said I do want to see if a good quality kukuri could replace my axe.

 

[calgarychef1]

re: ax

If you're back packing nothing beats a folding saw. There's no need to split wood, the saw can split a pelvis, you'll be carrying a knife anyway for shikking. Axes aren't exactly quiet so if you're trying to remain undetected while hunting....well you get the picture. Axes-especially small ones are responsible for a lot of trips to the hospital!! If you can't have a handle long enough on an ax to use both hands it's a danger to you and everyone else within your reach. A saw is safer, lighter, quieter and will also do damned near anything a knife and ax put together can do.

the chef