The backpacking saw is one of the most overlooked pieces of gear. You rarely find someone carrying a backpacking saw, but that is to be understood, as you will rarely need to use it. These saws are mostly for survival purposes, but it has led to many people asking, “What is the best backpacking saw?” and whether they should own one.
The backpacking saw is one of the smaller saws on the market today, and while it is not as prominent as your normal saws, it can help you out in the wild. These saws will help you trim trees and should you go out camping. They can be used to help you get some firewood. The backpacking saw is a versatile tool to have.
Since these saws are underrated and many people neglect to add them to their kit, we have decided to look for the best options. In the following article, we will look at some of these saws and help you find the one you feel the most comfortable with. Now, you can use one of these saws to ensure you have wood when camping.
What Do You Need To Look For When Buying A Backpacking Saw?
Since many people have never heard of or used a backpacking saw, they do not understand what to look for. These saws are vastly different from the ones you find in the hardware store, and they are smaller as well. The following features are the most important to keep in mind when looking for the best backpacking saw:
Saw Type
While you might think that the saw will always have a handle, you cannot be farther from the truth. Yes, it is expensive and heavy to carry a chainsaw. However, you can operate many chainsaws with your hand if you want something with a longer blade. You will need to decide if you want a standard saw or a chainsaw.
Blades
One of the first things to look for is the blade. You will need to ensure that it has sufficient length, as there is no use in having a saw with the same length as a pocketknife. The saw blades are slightly longer than your standard knives, and they have a riffling effect that is prominent to most saws to ensure they can cut through trees.
When looking at the blade, durability is also a major part of the unit, and you will need to make sure that it will hold up when being used. Solid steel is the best material to be considered, and it is slightly more durable than aluminum. The steel is much easier to sharpen as well without damaging the blade.
Handle
Most handles for these saws are made from plastic. However, the plastic is durable enough for what the saw will be used for. You should make user that the handle is large enough for you to hold it comfortably. Additionally, it should have an ergonomic design, allowing you to hold the blade in the most natural position.
Weight
Since these saws will be used for backpacking, you need to keep the weight as low as possible. The lighter the saw, the less weight it will add to your gear. However, you should never trade good materials for inferior and lightweight materials. These saws will vary in weight, but the weight should be comfortable.
Foldable
While not every saw will allow you to fold the blade, it is beneficial to have a saw with the folding feature. Not only does it keep the blade protected, but also it will make the design smaller, which means it is much easier for you to carry. It is important to have a good saw that can be folded and stored when not in use.
Top 3 Best Backpacking Saws
Having seen some of the best backpacking saw’s basic features, you might wonder which products are the best. Using the features and some expert recommendations, we have narrowed down the list of backpacking saws to just a couple. You can choose any of these backpacking saws and be sure they will hold up as you use them.
1. Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Price: $21.95
Pros:
- Lightweight and small
- Full kit
- Easy to store
- Affordable
- 36-inch chain
Cons:
- No Handle
Bottom Line: The Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw is one of the top saws on the market today, and it is also small. It has the same shape as your chain. However, it does not have a handle. The 36-inc blade should be more than enough to allow you to cut through some of the difficult brushes and trees when backpacking
2. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Price: $41.50
Pros:
- Foldable saw design
- Durable construction
- 5-inch blade
- 14-ounces in weight
- 7-teeth per inch
Cons:
- Small teeth
Bottom Line: If you need something smaller that will fold into your pocket, the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw is one of the best options on the market today. The saw features 7 teeth per inch, and it is around 7-inches in length. The unit can be folded when you are done and packed into your bag without additional weight.
3. Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Price: $21.98
Pros:
- 10-inch blade
- Curved shape
- Foldable design
- Affordable
- Safety lock added
Cons:
- Only for pull strokes
Bottom Line: If you don’t need to speed up the cutting process, the Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw is one of the best saws on the market today. It is a lightweight option, and the 10-inch blade is long enough to make cutting comfortable. The only downside is that you will need to pull the blade to cut.
Need Help Preparing for a Hike or Backpacking Trip?
Check out our Hiking Equipment Guide for Beginners. It’s a complete list of gear that every beginner should have!
Backpacking Saw Buyers Guide Summary
The backpacking saw might not be something we always use or need. However, it is a useful tool to have in your arsenal, and you can use it for camping and backpacking. There are many versions on the market today, and we would love for you to send some of your favorites. Let us know in the comment section if we have missed any of the best backpacking saws.