As you are already aware, the success of any camping trip doesn’t necessarily rely on the site visited but rather on the tools carried. The importance of camping tools can never be underestimated as they come in handy in camp setup, trail creation and construction of emergency shelters among others.
One such important camping tool is the hatchet. What is a hatchet to begin with? Well, you have probably come across axes, which are some of the oldest tools since the existence of humans. Hatchets borrow a lot from axes with the differences being on the size and versatility.
Hatchets are designed to perform multiple purposes and do come with much smaller handles for ease of use in the performance of various tasks. Axes, on the other hand, are meant for heavy jobs like cutting down trees due to their relatively larger sizes.
However, it is worth noting that the importance of hatchets has been many manufacturing firms refer to both hatchets and axes as the same thing. Now, having known how to differentiate the two, what are some of the functions of hatchets during a camping trip?
What can a hatchet do on a camping trip?
As I’ve said earlier on, a hatchet is a very handy tool when it comes to camping. But what are these things that you can use a hatchet to do in the wilderness? Let’s have a look at some of the functions of a hatchet at a campground here:
1. Processing of wild game
Are you a licensed hunter? Have you ever gone hunting, killed a larger game like a deer but lacked a tool to process its meat? This has happened to me at one time and that’s when I recognized the importance of a hatchet during hunting.
For smaller animals, a knife is good enough but for larger animals, you can’t use a knife to open up the ribcage for example. Would you sleep in an empty stomach in the wilderness just because you didn’t have a hatchet? To avoid such, carry with you a hatchet whenever you go camping.
2. Log splitting
A hatchet is a very good log splitter. There are those instances where you want to put up the fire but the logs at your disposal are quite big and cannot catch fire that easily. In such a case, it is recommended that you split the logs into smaller pieces.
Nothing does this with ease more than a hatchet. Enjoy the warmth of the fire, especially in winter, from a simple wood splitting exercise.
3. Construction of a shelter
You are out there in the forest and you probably wonder how you are going to spend the couple of nights when you’ll be in the wilderness away from wild animals. The only way to keep these animals away is by constructing a simple shelter.
But how will you gather the construction materials? Sometimes there are no fallen wood around to use in the construction of the temporary shelters. In such a case, you can use a hatchet to speed up the construction by just cutting branches nearby.
4. Starting fire
Starting a fire using a hatchet is a very challenging process. But have you ever forgotten to carry a lighter to the field? What did you do especially in the dead of the night during winter as it is now? Did you enjoy the cold?
If you don’t have a way of starting the fire, then you will just brave yourself to face the cold weather. However, the hatchet can act as a backup firelighter. How can this work?
Just like our forefathers used to do, you can strike the hatchet’s sharp edge against a rock to create sparks to be used for fire-starting. Just make sure you have materials that can easily catch fire closer. It is not as easy as you might think but it can offer some reprieve at the campground.
5. Creation of trails
There are instances that I’ve traversed wilderness up to sections where virtually there were no roads ahead. I had to get my way by squeezing myself between trees. Had I had a hatchet then, I could have easily cleared branches and bushes to create better trails.
This is definitely one way your hatchet will come in handy during a camping trip. Don’t you think so? Additionally, you can use the hatchet to break ice or snow on your way.
6. For protection
There is nothing as risky as spending a night out in the wilderness. At the campsite, you are subjected to a lot of risks which might include animal attack, for example. During such times, you need practical protection even more.
A good weapon that will provide this much-needed protection is the hatchet. This weapon is durable, light and easier to wield. It is one sure way to keep yourself safe.
7. For rock climbing
Do you like mountaineering? Sometimes the hatchet can be used as a support while climbing. You simply latch it on the mountain sides as you climb. Either way, you can use it to make stepping holes for improved safety.
Wrapping Up
You have seen how important this little tool is for any camping expedition. The hatchet is not only simple to use but also versatile. It provides solution to most of camping problems. Hatchets are currently available in different designs to help improve on their functionality.
Regardless of the type you settle down on, it is important to note that it will perform the above functions plus many more. Don’t you want to enjoy your outdoor activities? It is now time to look for the best hatchet for a camping trip and enjoy your stay in the wilderness.
Do you still have concerns over these little tools? Do you know of some other purposes they can perform at the campground apart from the above ones? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.