Whether you’re a novice outdoorsman or a veteran survivalist, everyone needs a handy backpacking saw when they’re venturing out into the unknown.
Small and compact, this type of saw is perfect for carrying in your backpack. It doesn’t have any sophisticated features like the larger circular saw or chainsaw that cost a fortune. But, its versatility remains unparalleled.
A quality camp saw can get you out of any jam - and you don’t have to be a professional survivalist to learn how to use one.
But before you rush to buy one, make sure you familiarize yourself with the different types of saws that exist. Here’s a brief overview of the best backpacking saws, and how to go about choosing one.
Types of Backpacking Saws
Bow
This saw has been a favorite for woodworkers since the Roman times. Originally, bow saws were made from wood and had steel blades alongside a twisted cord or wire that was used for tensioning.
The modern design doesn’t differ that much. Contemporary saws- like traditional versions- are characterized by a C- or bow-shaped frame that supports a straight blade.
The major difference with today’s bow saws is the material used in their build. Instead of wood, most manufacturers now use steel tubing to make the frame.
These saws are very handy when you’re backpacking. Due to the larger size of their frames, they can be used to saw logs to size or cut down shrubs and branches to clear a trail.
Folding
As implied in the name, the biggest selling point of a folding saw is its compact design. It blends functionality with portability, giving you a handy tool that you can use to cut wood when you’re backpacking.
In that regard, most of these saws hide the blade either in a groove positioned on the side of the handle or inside the handle itself.
Pocket Chainsaw
When the word “chainsaw” is mentioned, what comes to the minds of many is the gigantic, and clunky tool that’s used to fell trees.
But that’s not the one we’re referring to here. Pocket chainsaws are much smaller, and they come with chains, about 36 inches in length, attached to a handle on either end.
Due to their smaller size, and the absence of a power source, they're only suitable for cutting branches and medium-sized trees.
On the brighter side, the smaller structure and lightweight profile of a backpacking saw are what make it well-suited for outdoor excursions.
What are Backpacking Saws Best Used For?
If you’re planning a backpacking trip, you might be wondering whether carrying a saw is necessary. The answer to this is, yes, it’s a very practical tool to bring along.
Such a camp saw is designed specifically for slicing through wood. As such, it makes quick work of this process and requires minimal effort from the individual sawing.
If you were to use an ax or hatchet instead, you’ll spend a ton of energy and precious time chopping through those branches and trees. The time that you could have otherwise used to explore the surrounding Mother Nature.
Furthermore, a backpacking saw is safer to handle than an ax or machete. For instance, if you opt for the folding saw, the blade is tucked neatly inside the handle when it’s not being used. By comparison, tools like axes and hatchets have their blades exposed even when they’re not in use.
Other than cutting wood to make a campfire or build a shelter, this saw can also be used to clear trails as well as chopping meat from the game you hunt.
So whether you’re a first-timer or expert backpacker, make sure you ditch those other tools and bring the best backpacking saw you can find instead.
How to Choose the Best Backpacking Saw
Weight
Once you’ve decided to get a camp saw, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is its weight.
Taking into account all the other items you have to carry on your trip, you’ll want to invest in an ultralight backpacking saw. Of course, this shouldn’t come at the expense of compromising its functions.
Size
For the same reason of portability, you’ll also want to consider its size. What’s the length of its blade? Can it fit in your backpack? More importantly, does the blade length match your cutting needs?
Safety Features
All power tools have their fair share of risks and even having the best backpacking saw isn't any different. As such, you should check whether the saw has safety features that are specific to its type.
Bow saws, for instance, come equipped with hand guards to protect your hand from the cutting action of the blade. The best backpacking saw may also have knuckle guards, designed to protect your knuckles from getting hurt.
Durability
We recommend checking the quality of the materials used to make a given backpacking saw. More specifically, pay attention to the material used to make the frame, blade, handles, and chain (in the case of a chainsaw).
When it comes to the frame, you’ll want it to be designed with materials like steel or aluminum to provide maximum durability.
If the saw has a handle, then it should be made of material that gives you a firm grip to prevent slippage. Similarly, the blade’s and chain’s material ought to be robust and capable of withstanding heavy-duty cutting.
Blade and Chain
For a bow and folding saw, the blade is the heart of the tool. This is the part that will endure the most abuse, so you’ll need to make sure that it’s up for these tasks.
The blade you’ll look for will be specific to the type of backpacking saw you choose. For instance, if you decide to buy a bow or folding backpacking saw, then the blade should have the right tooth configuration and count.
In terms of configuration, a bow saw has either peg tooth blade or a peg and raker tooth blade. The teeth on a peg tooth tend to be triangular-shaped, and they’re designed to slice through dry wood.
Contrary, the latter blade has groups of four triangular-shaped teeth, which are then followed by a single raker tooth. The way this blade works is that the teeth slice through the material while the raker chips it out. Due to this, it’s suitable for cutting green or wet wood.
The tooth count on a bow saw blade also varies. Some have 3 to 5 teeth, and this is best suited for rough cutting. Others have 6 to 8 teeth, and they’re ideal for all-round cutting. Still, others have 9 or more teeth, and such blades are ideal when you want a smooth or fine finish/cut.
When buying a pocket chainsaw, what you should focus on is the chain. This is the part that will be used for cutting as opposed to a blade in the case of folding and bow saws.
Some of the aspects you should check in the chainsaw chain are length and sharpness. You don’t want to invest in a pocket chainsaw whose chain is dull.
This will only take away from your backpacking experience as you’ll have to spare time to first sharpen it. You also don’t want to buy a chainsaw chain that’s not long enough to meet your cutting needs. So ensure you consider these factors when purchasing your backpacking saw.
The 9 Best Backpacking Saws
Folding Saws
1. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
If you’ve decided to go with a folding saw, one of the best models is the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander.
As expected, one of its key highlights is its compact structure. The saw comes with a sizable 7.5-inch curved blade with about 7 teeth per inch. The curvature of the blade is a welcome design as it makes it a lot easier to saw over your head.
Besides, the length is also a decent offering considering the range of tasks you’ll be able to use this folding saw for. These include cutting both green and dry wood as well as plastic, and bone. When not in use, you can simply fold and stash it in your pocket or backpack.
Another reason why we ranked this as one of the best is because of the ergonomically-designed handle. It’s constructed using hard plastic then covered in a rubber over-mold, giving you a secure grip.
Also, the folding saw has a leather-made strap, in case you want to attach it to your backpack for convenient access.
Bahco also put the user’s safety in mind, which is why they fitted this hand saw with a safety lock. This locks the blade securely in place, both when the saw is open and closed.
Pros
Cons
The Rexbeti folding hand saw is another tool you can rely on for your backpacking excursions.
It comes with an 8-inch long blade with 7 teeth per inch. This is capable of cutting branches up to 5 inches thick.
If this cutting power is not sufficient, the saw also comes in an 11-inch size. The longer blade makes this one of the best trail clearing saw as it can slice through branches that are up to 7 inches in diameter.
Another noteworthy point of this hand saw entails the aggressive staggered teeth of the blade. These deliver very smooth and accurate cuts.
The folding saw owes its cutting power to its sturdy build. The manufacturer used SK-5 steel, which is the Japanese version of the tough American 1080 steel.
This material is quite hardy and resistant to abrasion and wear. This makes it well-suited for the rugged conditions of an outdoor environment.
Like Bahco Laplander, the Rexbeti also boasts a rubber-coated handle, providing a firm grip. The rubber handle also protects the saw from wet elements, which would otherwise cause damage like rust.
Pros
Cons
If you're looking to save money, the Flora Guard model is one of the most affordable folding saws. It costs just slightly over $10, yet it offers fairly similar features as those you’d find in pricey versions.
The saw comes in a black and bright orange color scheme, making it very easy to spot. This can come in handy if you’re using it to clear a path in a heavily forested area.
Aesthetics aside, the folding saw delivers a solid performance. The 7-inch blade is fitted with razor-sharp teeth, which have been triple-cut to provide smoother and more efficient cuts.
The blade itself is made from high carbon steel, adding to the saw’s cutting power and durability. To be a little more specific, you will be able to slice through 4-inch thick branches with minimal effort.
This ease of use can also be attributed to the well-constructed handle. For one, it’s small enough to fit in your hand naturally. Secondly, it’s made of non-slip materials, giving you a firm grip even when you’re sawing in wet conditions.
The lock on this hand saw is one of the best additions. It works both ways, that is, both when the saw is open and closed. When open, the lock prevents the blade from snapping out of position and potentially harming you. The lock also ensures the blade stays securely in place when it’s not in use.
Pros
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Pocket Chainsaws
4. Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw
For backpackers who prefer pocket chainsaws, the Sportsman is one of the best on the market.
Unlike other saws that are usually 24 inches long, this one gives you an entire 36 inches to work with. Note: this excludes the length of the handles. With a longer chainsaw, you’re guaranteed a faster cutting time.
Furthermore, the saw touts bi-directional style cutting teeth, meaning they slice through the wood both ways.
The versatility offered by the Sportsman pocket chainsaw remains unparalleled. Not only will you be able to cut through branches but also large tree trunks, and do so with great ease.
Plus, it comes with a nice selection of accessories, which include a front snap storage pouch and a belt loop. The latter enables you to attach it to your belt for easy access.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a simple pocket chainsaw that gets the job done without costing you a fortune, this model by Wealers is a great option.
It’s a 25.5-inch portable hand saw with razor-sharp, bi-directional teeth that can saw through branches up to 3 inches thick.
Better yet, it’s able to cut these materials efficiently, without getting stuck. Also known as binding, this is one of the most common problems experienced with pocket chainsaws.
What makes this saw so easy to cut with, is the fact that it employs a pull-and-tag motion as opposed to the usual push-and-shove that causes an individual to apply more effort.
The lightweight profile of this saw is another feature we really admire. It folds up nicely to fit in the provided holster, which is just 5 inches long and 4 inches wide.
This is one chainsaw that you’ll be able to use wherever, regardless of the weather conditions in the area where you’re backpacking. This is because it has an additional layer of coating, which makes it rust-resistant.
This pocket chainsaw’s extensibility is another feature that makes it very handy. Simply add more rope to it, and you’ll be able to access the area that was initially too hard to reach.
Pros
Cons
While saws are handy tools when you’re backpacking, they're not the only equipment you’ll need. Sumpri understands this, which is why they provide one of the most comprehensive survival kits.
Included in the package is a pocket chainsaw, a fire-starter kit, belt loop and pouch to keep all these items organized and within reach.
The saw is 36 inches in length, enabling you to cut through wood fast and easily. According to the manufacturer, it can tackle a 3-inch limb in under 10 seconds.
Apart from length, another aspect that contributes to its speedy and reliable performance is the high-strength steel construction. Not to mention, it adds to the saw’s durability.
The fire-starter kit is another noteworthy feature we’d like to point out. It contains all the tools you’d need to get a fire going, which as we know, is very important when you’re camping outdoors. The best part is, you’ll be able to use this fire starter even in cold or rainy weather.
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Bow Saws
7. AGAWA - BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw
When a simple machete isn’t enough, a handy saw like the Agawa Boreal21 can help you slice through wood effortlessly during your backpacking excursions. Other applications of this bow saw include hunting, canoeing, and trail clearing.
It arrives in a compact design that allows it to fit in your backpack without taking up a chunk of space.
To put this into perspective, the saw is 21 inches long and weighs just slightly over a pound. So no need to worry that it will weigh you down either. Also, there aren’t any exposed blades that should concern you.
Boreal21 is a nifty piece of creation. The entire tool unfolds and straightens out in a single motion.
In fact, the blade spins and then locks into the handle, forming the 21-inch bow saw. You don’t have to look for any extra tools to put it together or tighten any bolts. Simply, allow the hinged parts to unfold then ratchet the lever that locks the blade into position.
Also important to note is the sturdy construction of this folding saw. It’s made from a combination of materials, all of which work together to make it durable while keeping it light.
The frame is constructed from anodized 6063 aluminum, the handle is made of nylon then strengthened with fiberglass while the blade is made of stainless steel.
Pros
Cons
Have you been looking for a general-purpose bow saw that can handle anything you throw its way? If you have, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than Truper 30255.
It comes with a 21-inch blade that can cut large-sized branches with minimal effort. Apart from the blade, its cutting power can also be attributed to its well-built frame. Specifically, it’s made from steel, and it has a considerable thickness, which gives it ample strength.
We also like the open design of the bow saw. This leaves plenty of room between the blade and frame’s rear. This factor increases the size of logs or branches that it’s able to cut at any one time.
Weighing anywhere between 1 and 1.5 pounds, Truper 30255 has roughly the same weight as the Boreal21 model. As such, it’s light enough to carry without being weighed down.
We also like that the bow saw comes with a cam lever, which helps to tighten the blade so that it remains securely in place.
Pros
Cons
Bahco is one of the most reputable brands when it comes to making bow saws, and the 10-30-51 is testimony to their quality craftsmanship.
Given how big it is, this bow saw can be used for heavy-duty cutting; be it in your backpacking trip or at a professional job site. This is also achieved using triangular-shaped teeth that allow for more aggressive cutting.
The frame is made of steel, giving it a decent amount of strength needed to tackle more rigorous cutting. Furthermore, this frame is reinforced with a layer of high-impact enamel paint, making it resistant to corrosion and rust.
One area where the Truper 30255 model fell short was ergonomics. Thankfully, Bahco Saw boasts an ergonomically designed handle, which makes it very comfortable to hold for a prolonged period.
In fact, the manufacturer has even equipped the saw with a knuckle guard, which adds to its safety and comfort. Moreover, the blade sports an innovative tensioning mechanism, which holds it in place, enhancing its efficiency.
Pros
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Conclusion
The best backpacking saws are compact enough to fit in your luggage, without compromising on their functionality. There are three main types, namely: bow, folding, and a pocket chainsaw. Bringing any of these tools can be very beneficial, especially when you need to clear a trail or cut wood to make a campfire.
Now, one of the best folding saws is Bahco 396-LAP Laplander. Equipped with a 7.5-inch blade, this saw gives you maximum cutting power. And the blade can be tucked inside the handle for easy storage and portability.
If you opt for the pocket saw, the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw comes highly recommended. It comes with a 36-inch long chain, offering decent cutting power. And, it even has its own pouch for convenient storage.
Backpackers who prefer bow saws should take a look at Agawa Boreal21, which is ranked one of the best by buyers. Fitted with a stainless steel blade, this saw has ample power to cut bigger trees and branches. And, it has a foldable design, making it compact enough to carry in your backpack.