With all the benefits that come with backpacking, it would be reasonable to do it every once in a while. Backpackers get to enjoy a rare kind of freedom and fun. Even though, as one of them, you can only love the experience if you carry the necessary tools. One of them is having the best backpacking saw. It is helpful when you want to split wood to make a fire. You can also use it to clear bushes and cut branches when need be. Most of them are designed differently; hence some are better than others. If you want to purchase one, ensure that it has the best quality; to avoid disappointments afterwards. We have compiled a list of the 7 best backpacking saw for backpackers. We have also provided several types of the same and a buying guide that comes in handy when you are looking for this essential survival tool.
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Types of backpacking saws
You will find more than one type of backpacking saw being sold on the market. Here are some of them:
Folding Saws
Most of these saws come with diamond-shaped blades that make them dependable and efficient. With double rows of teeth, you can cut in both directions. They are multipurpose hence you can use them for various tasks; like pruning, cutting and trimming. They are also compact and easy to store. With the best folding saw for backpacking, you are safe to be in the woods.
Pocket Saws
Like the folding saws, pocket chainsaws are also compact. They are also lightweight and flexible. They have aggressive teeth effective for various cutting tasks. Even though, they can be difficult to use when you want to make cuts at some particular angles.
Bow Saws
These saws come with the shape of a bow. They are effective in making cuts and pruning. They are stronger than all the other saws, but they are also heavier and harder to store.
Therefore, when choosing the best backpacking saw, you need to identify the type of saw that you need first. That could either be folding, pocket or bow sows.
Best Backpacking Saw Buying Guide:
With all these types of backpacking saws, you need to be cautious when selecting one. Considering the following factors can be helpful.
Length
Consider the length of the best backpacking saw that you want. Ensure that it can comfortably fit in your bag. If you intend to cut thick wood, it would be better if you chose one that is 50% longer than the diameter of the wood.
Type of saw
There are various types of backpacking saws as discussed above. Which one do you think will suit your needs best? Each one of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate the tasks that you are likely to do and decide which one you should pick.
Blade material
The blade material of the saw you pick will determine its durability and effectiveness. Most chainsaw blades are made from steel which is strong but is susceptible to rust. However, you can choose those that are coated since they don’t rust as fast.
Design and safety
How is the saw designed? What is used to make its handle? The ergonomics of the saw determine how comfortable you will be while using it. It will also affect the level of safety. Choose a survival saw that is easy to use as well as safe to avoid injuring yourself.
Using the above tips will ensure that you add the best backpacking saw to your shopping cart.
Best backpacking saw For Camping & Survival
If you are looking for a bow backpacking saw, you can try this Gilmour 21-Inch Bow Saw. It is affordable and perfect for various activities like pruning and cutting twigs. It is effortless to use. It has a 5-inch cutting length that allows you to cut through broad surfaces.
The edges of its raker-toothed blade are hardened and appropriately sharpened. It is designed for fast cutting. It can also rotate at 90 and 45 degrees hence you can handle more tasks with it. With the tension lever, you can easily replace the blade whenever you want to.
It is an open throat bow. This enables you to have additional clearance for bigger sawing projects; making it one of the best survival tools to carry. It has rounded handles that that are built for strong and secure grips. This allows you to make perfect cuts.
Pros
- The blade is flexible
- It is suitable for multiple outdoor tasks
- You can comfortably replace the blade
- It has a convenient 5-inch cutting length
Cons
- The handles are not padded. Hence they can be uncomfortable after using it for a long time
The backpacking saw comes with four pivot points. With them, you can cut woods and roots that have large diameters even when you are using it at its full length.
This Gerber Freescape Camp Saw, which has a 12″ blade, comes with a rubber-textured handle. It allows you to have firm grips required to make effective cuts.
You can always fold it flat when you want to store it, and it is safe. All the parts remain assembled, and none of its parts will get lost.
Another feature that we liked about this saw is the bright green accents that are situated along its black rubber surface. It makes it super visible, and you can easily find it when you need to.
Pros
- It allows for comfortable and secure grips
- Has an ideal and beautiful folding design
- It allows you to cut branches with large diameters
- It is compact, safe and easy to store
Cons
- The backpacking saw only comes with a single blade
With a blade that is 360mm long, this folding hand saw is best for those looking for the best camping saw. It is lightweight; thus it will be easy to carry when backpacking. It is ideal for many outdoor activities like pruning, cutting, construction as well as trimming.
This backpacking saw’s blade is long, and this comes with a large cutting capacity. Your reach will be extended, and you can also cut very fast; which saves you time. Within every 30mm, there are 6.5 teeth. This tooth configuration allows you to cut effectively.
It has a low angle curve that makes it possible for you to make smooth cuts. It is shaped uniquely, and it comes with the perfect balance to enhance your comfort as you work.
The cushioned handle is rubberized and non-slip. It ensures that your grip is secure and comfortable.
Pros
- The saw is designed for comfort
- It is multi-purpose
- It is lightweight; hence easy to carry
- It is fast and effective
Cons
- Pressing and pushing the blade down hard when cutting might jam its teeth and break it
This is one of the most long-lasting and quality backpacking chainsaws currently available. With only 5 ounces, it will be among the lightest things that you can carry during hiking. It has a high carbon chain that is thick and easy to re-sharpen. It is also lightweight.The 36″ chain is strong and stable. It comes with a self-cleaning, bi-directional style that makes cutting super effective and fast. It can rip through anything; ranging from thin twigs to large trees.
For effectiveness and ease of use, this pocket saw has high-quality; rugged handles that have metal brackets. This makes it suitable for many outdoor activities like cutting and pruning.
It is accompanied by a quality 8mm round fire starter that comes in handy whenever you need a fire for cooking. It is shatterproof, water resistant and incredibly durable.
Pros
- Durable backpacking chainsaw
- It is comfortable to use
- It comes with a fire starter
- It cuts through both thin and thick wood very fast
- It is a pocket chainsaw hence can fit in a small place
Cons
- It is not the best chainsaw for cutting wet or damp wood
- It is best to use with two people
Do you want to use the best folding saw while backpacking? You should try the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw. You can use it to cut a lot of things; including both dry and green wood, roots, plastic and even bones. It is built for campers, backpackers and hunters.
The saw comes with a 7-1/2″ blade that is coated to protect it against rust as well as low friction. Every inch comes with seven teeth. It is durable and effective for cutting to make your backpacking adventures easier.
It also has a two-component handle that is made from plastic. It has a leather strap and provides a secure grip during use.
This folding saw is lightweight; hence it is easy to carry as well as store. It comes with a safety lock for both lock-in and out.
Pros
- It is easy to carry and store
- You can use it to cut through a lot of things
- It is built to last
- The handle provides a firm grip for efficiency
Cons
- The blade is made from stainless steel hence it doesn’t spark better than a high carbon blade
This is best for bow saws enthusiasts. It is mainly designed to cut green and dry wood as well as lumber. Backpackers and campers can buy it for use while they are in the woods. It is essential when you need to survive in a tough environment.
The blade makes use of innovative tension mechanism that allows for high blade tension. It also makes straight cutting possible. With the high frequency hardened triangular teeth, you can make all the necessary aggressive cuts. Its nose is pointed to allow you to access tight areas.
The high-quality steel is that used to make this saw gives it lasting durability. It has a coating that is made from high impact enamel paint which prevents it from corroding.
Another excellent quality feature that this lightweight backpacking saw possesses is an ergonomic handle. It comes with a knuckle protector that allows you to saw comfortably as well as smoothly.
This saw is accompanied by a sturdy blade fitting that makes storage easy and safe
Pros
- It is easy to use and carry around
- It has a coating that makes it anti-rust
- It is designed to cut many things
- It is durable; hence you can use it for long
- It is designed for comfort
Cons
- It is large and cannot fit into small spaces
7. EverSaw FOLDING HAND SAW
The EverSaw FOLDING HAND SAW comes with a superior design. It has triple-cut razor teeth that are hardened to make them effective for cutting bone, wood and plastics. Its rugged 8” blade is adjustable hence you can choose your convenient blade length. It is ideal for backpackers, hunters as well as farmers.
This backpacking saw has a comfortable grip handle and is slip-resistant. You can use it for various tasks during your backpacking adventures. It comes with a gear style lock that ensures that you are safe while using it. For maximum safety, the blade is foldable and you can put it in your pocket.
The saw has a carbon steel blade that is built to last. With its lightness, you can comfortably carry it. This is why we can’t afford to leave the Eversaw Folding Hand Saw in our review for the best backpacking saw.
Pros
- This backpacking saw is durable
- It is lightweight
- You can use it to cut various things
- It is comfortable to use
- It comes with safety features like the gear style lock
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a sheath hence you have to fold it into the handle during storage for safety
Summing up the best backpacking saw
With a backpacking saw that is reliable, safe and comfortable, you can easily do everything you want to while hiking. Most of them are designed for cutting, pruning as well as trimming. When hiking, you can even use them to hunt and cut your game. Consider the different types that are there and ensure that you pick the best backpacking saw that you can comfortably use. It should be durable so that you can use it for many backpacking trips. When you are not using it, store it safely to avoid hurting yourself.
