Entrenching Tools and Camping Axes
Entrenching tool and camping axe: how to choose
An entrenching tool and a compact axe handle most jobs outside the city: digging a fire pit, digging out a stuck wheel, chopping branches for kindling. Both tools are folding or small, so they fit in a backpack or a car trunk. Start by deciding where you will carry the tool and what job it will do most often.
Folding entrenching tool or multitool shovel
A folding shovel, such as the MFH entrenching tool, has a hinge with a screw ring: the blade locks straight or at an angle and works as a hoe, while the serrated edge is handy for cutting through roots. This is the option for regular digging, and the plastic case with a belt mount protects the rest of your gear from the sharp edge.
A multitool shovel is assembled from several handle sections and comes with small extra tools. The 16-in-1 take-down model, 67 cm long, gives a longer lever, while the 37 cm mini version easily hides in a car. For long digging a hinged shovel is more convenient, and with a multitool you should retighten the threaded connections every time before digging.
Which camping axe to choose
A classic hiking axe with a wooden handle and a leather sheath suits campfires and country-house chores. A bearded axe has a blade extended downward, which is convenient for hewing when you grip the handle near the head. A longer handle, like on the 36 cm bearded Cloud Whale, gives a stronger swing.
The 29 cm tomahawk with a rubberized handle holds better in a wet hand. The 40 cm take-down axe hides a knife and a compass in the handle, so it fits well in a bug-out bag. You can compare models among camping and tactical axes.
Pick the rest of your gear for the trip in the categories hiking equipment and camping equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Which shovel is better for the car?
A compact folding shovel in a case. The 37 cm mini multitool takes up the least space, while the MFH entrenching tool is more convenient if you have to dig for a long time.
How is a tomahawk different from an axe?
The 29 cm tomahawk is a one-piece tool with a rubberized handle that can also serve as a wrench or bottle opener. For preparing firewood at camp, a classic hiking axe is more convenient.
How do I take care of an axe?
After use, wipe and dry the metal and coat it with oil. Treat the wooden handle with oil from time to time, and store the axe in its sheath.