Ryan Johnson from RMJ Tactical has made a career out of designing and building tomahawks, as well as other bladed implements. Small and easy to carry, the Jenny Wren will do all you need a tomahawk to do on short trips outdoors without being cumbersome or awkward. Best for Camping: CRKT Jenny Wren Compact You can find the best handheld GPS units in our roundup. And keep these hiking safety tips in mind when you go. And depending on how long you plan on staying there, consider taking one of the top water filters along.

We have done the hard work for you, and came up with recommendations for the best compasses, first aid kits, survival kits, and knives for you. A knife, compass, first aid and survival kits should all have a place in your pack whenever you venture off into the unknown. Added EquipmentĪ tomahawk isn’t the only tool you should take with you into the wilderness. The length of the handle is also a factor when it comes to ease of carry and packability. Some tomahawks look really cool and might even have some real use, but they weigh so much that you’ll feel like you added a boat anchor to your backpack. Ounces lead to pounds, which add up quickly on your feet. Size and Weightīecause it is a tool that you’ll be carrying, whether in a pack or on your belt, you need to consider what it will be adding to your overall load. Strive for a good balance between price and quality. Not to mention that if it falls apart, you no longer have it as a tool to use. A poorly built tomahawk can be dangerous, as it could break during use, putting you or others at risk. While you don’t need to spend a ridiculous amount of money to get a good quality tomahawk, I’d caution you about taking the bottom dollar route just for the sake of buying something. This is always a concern for the vast majority of people. Select your tomahawk based on the features it has that match up with how you plan to use it. Some models have a wider blade that works well for carving as well as chopping. The longer the handle, for example, the more suited it will be for chopping wood as the added length helps to add power to your swing. While all tomahawks share a similar shape, a solidly constructed head with a sharp blade affixed to a sturdy handle, it is the profile of that blade as well as the overall design that indicates the best ways that model can be used in the field. When you are shopping for the best tomahawk for your needs, there are a few things to keep in mind as you make your decision. Things to Consider Before Buying a Tomahawk

Best Traditional: Cold Steel Frontier Hawk.

Best for Camping: CRKT Jenny Wren Compact.

But how do you pick the right one? Using my years of experience as a survival teacher, I sifted through the market to find the best tomahawks that will stand up to repeated use and abuse out in the field. With a good quality tomahawk, a great knife, and your favorite survival kit you’ll be ready to tackle any challenges that might crop up when you’re out in the wild. Beyond chopping wood, a tomahawk is used for carving, harvesting wild edibles, even self-defense. Many bushcrafters use them instead of a hatchet, as tomahawks are generally smaller and lighter. Probably the most common use for a tomahawk is processing firewood. You might not need one for every trip into the field, but they sure make many chores a whole lot easier.

Tomahawks are a traditional tool for outdoors folks.

Crkt tomahawk