A good cutting implement is essential. Buy one now.

Backpacking Tools

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A good pocket folding knife or fixed blade camping knife, hatchet and saw are very handy, We provide selection of the basic styles which will be useful for hiking, backpacking and camping.

There are two basic styles of knives: pocket folding knife or fixed blade camping knife. Your choice is mostly based on personal preference and convenience.

A fixed blade knife is often designed for a specific purpose such as boning, skinning or slicing. The fixed blade knife may be either smooth or serrated. An all-purpose fixed blade knife, 6 to 9 inches in overall length, is good for backpacking. The utility knife will do some jobs better than others.

Serrated blades on a fixed blade knife could be considered a "semi-saw," providing a more aggressive cutting surface. Although they produce "unrefined" cuts, serrated blades retain their ability to cut long after straight blades have lost their edge. These often come in backpacking multi tool products.

A folding knife is easy to carry and can have multiple blades. A folding knife that fits in the pocket is indispensible by some, regarded as being the most useful tool on earth. The size of a folding knife can easily fit in your pocket or be larger requiring a belt sheath. A specialized folding knife with multiple blades and backpacking tools is called backpacking multi tool. A locking blade is a good safety feature to have on a larger folding knife.

Whatever the knife style, use it safely.   

A good hatchet can be two pounds of insurance in survival situations. Of course the hatchet will be appreciated every time a fire is needed or tent stakes need pounded. Click for safety tips.

A camp saw is worth its weight for getting larger wood to sustain a warming fire. The camp saw is also useful for clearing trail or nearby hazard trees.