When heading into the wilderness to make a campfire, it’s essential to have the right tools for gathering, cutting, and preparing wood, as well as for managing the fire itself. Below is a detailed review of the must-have items, including camping saws, camping axes, camping shovels, and other related gear, to ensure you’re well-prepared for fire-making in the wild.
1. Camping Saws
A camping saw is a vital tool for cutting through logs and branches to gather firewood. While knives and axes can do the job, a saw is often more efficient, especially when dealing with larger branches. Here are a few saws commonly used in the wild:
Best Overall: Silky Bigboy 2000
- Type: Folding saw
- Blade Length: 14.2 inches (360mm)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (590 g)
- Material: High carbon steel
Review:The Silky Bigboy 2000 is renowned for its excellent cutting performance. Its large blade and aggressive teeth allow you to cut through thick branches with minimal effort. The ergonomic handle ensures comfort, and the folding design makes it compact for storage. The blade’s high carbon steel construction resists rust and maintains sharpness longer. This saw excels in speed and efficiency, making it one of the best choices for campfire prep.
Best Budget: Fiskars 15-Inch Folding Saw
- Type: Folding saw
- Blade Length: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Weight: 0.8 lbs (360 g)
- Material: Steel
Review:For a more budget-friendly option, the Fiskars 15-Inch Folding Saw is a solid choice. Its compact size makes it easy to pack and carry. While not as aggressive as the Silky Bigboy, it still handles smaller to medium-sized branches well. The blade is sharp and can be easily replaced if needed, making it a versatile tool for firewood collection. For those new to wilderness camping or looking to save space, this is a reliable saw at a reasonable price.
2. Camping Axes
An axe is an essential tool when making a campfire, especially if you need to split larger logs into smaller pieces. There are different types of axes, from smaller hatchets to larger felling axes. Here are a couple of great options for camping:
Best Overall: Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
- Type: Hand axe
- Axe Length: 19 inches (48 cm)
- Weight: 1.5 lbs (700 g)
- Material: Swedish steel
Review:The Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is a high-quality tool renowned for its craftsmanship. Made in Sweden, this axe is both compact and powerful. It’s ideal for cutting firewood in the wild, as the sharp, well-balanced blade allows for precision and control. The handle is made from hickory, providing a firm grip that reduces hand fatigue. While it’s on the pricier side, the durability and performance make it a long-term investment that will last for years.
Best Budget: Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
- Type: Hatchet
- Axe Length: 14 inches (35 cm)
- Weight: 1.75 lbs (794 g)
- Material: Steel (one-piece design)
Review:The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is a versatile and durable hatchet that is perfect for campers on a budget. The one-piece steel construction makes it extremely strong and resistant to breakage. The design is straightforward, with a rubberized handle that provides a solid grip. Although it’s not as efficient at splitting large logs as some larger axes, it’s perfect for cutting kindling and smaller firewood. For its price and performance, it’s a great entry-level axe.
3. Camping Shovels
A camping shovel is useful for digging fire pits, burying spent embers, or even for general camp maintenance. Compact and foldable models are ideal for packing, while sturdier versions work better for serious work.
Best Overall: Gerber Entrenching Tool
- Type: Folding shovel
- Length: 24 inches (61 cm)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (590 g)
- Material: Steel
Review:The Gerber Entrenching Tool is a solid, lightweight folding shovel that is perfect for digging a fire pit or preparing the ground for camping. The shovel’s blade is strong enough to handle tough soil, and the adjustable handle allows for compact storage. Its military-grade design is durable and reliable, ensuring it will stand up to regular use. The overall quality is high, and its ability to lock into different positions gives you versatility depending on the task at hand.
Best Budget: SOG Entrenching Tool
- Type: Folding shovel
- Length: 23.5 inches (59.7 cm)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (590 g)
- Material: Steel
Review:The SOG Entrenching Tool is another excellent budget option for campers. It features a sturdy steel blade and a collapsible handle for easy packing. It’s great for digging and clearing the area around your campsite or fire pit. Although it’s not as heavy-duty as the Gerber, it’s more than capable for general camp tasks. For campers who need a compact and affordable tool, the SOG is a great choice.
4. Fire Starting Tools
Once you have your firewood prepped, you’ll need a reliable fire starter. Fire starters are essential for starting a campfire, especially in challenging weather conditions like wind or rain. Here are two great options:
Best Overall: Firesteel 2.0 by Light My Fire
- Type: Ferrocerium rod
- Size: 4.2 inches (10.7 cm)
- Weight: 0.7 oz (20 g)
Review:The Firesteel 2.0 is an excellent choice for creating sparks to start a fire. It produces a high-intensity spark even in wet conditions, making it ideal for emergency situations. The handle is ergonomic and provides a solid grip, and it lasts for thousands of strikes, ensuring long-term use. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced camper, this fire starter is reliable and compact, easily fitting into your pack.
Best Budget: Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter
- Type: Ferro rod with whistle, compass, and scraper
- Size: 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)
- Weight: 0.8 oz (22 g)
Review:For those seeking an affordable, multi-purpose tool, the Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter is an excellent pick. In addition to the ferro rod, it includes a whistle, compass, and scraper for added convenience. The compact size and light weight make it perfect for minimalist campers. It may not generate as intense a spark as the Firesteel 2.0, but for the price, it’s a solid choice for casual campers or those on a budget.
5. Other Accessories
A few additional tools can be useful when gathering wood or maintaining your campfire.
Best Overall: UST Waterproof Matches
- Type: Waterproof matchbook
- Weight: 0.3 oz (8.5 g)
Review:A small box of UST Waterproof Matches is an inexpensive yet essential item to pack. These matches are designed to ignite even in wet conditions, making them an excellent backup for your fire starter. The matchbook is lightweight and comes with a striker, ensuring that you’ll have a reliable way to start your fire when needed.