For the backcountry hunter who likes to get (further) off the beaten path, a range of new scenarios will often present themselves, and more gear considerations need to be made. From clearing out fallen branches and trees on dirt roads to building a camp in the wilderness, big blades are often critical.
No hunter wants to carry a big axe, but the need for one often presents itself (and usually unexpectedly). Small, compact, and lightweight, the Gerber Pack Hatchet adds very little to a hunter’s pack and makes it easy to add to a backpack or even around the waist.
At just under 10 inches in length and weighing 20.8 ounces, this low profile hatchet is the minimalist’s hatchet. In our experience, it easily fits in backpacks, gloveboxes, and is hardly noticeable on the belt. It includes a sheath that perfectly fits over the blade, and the sheath has belt loops. There is even a loop in the handle for lanyards or to tie on to other items.
From the grip to the balance, hatchets often suffer from design that does not take the human hand and actual use into consideration. The Gerber Pack Hatchet does not compromise on the stainless steel 3.5-inch blade yet at the same time features an ergonomic handle for easy, comfortable use.
We started using ours when early season winds made mountain roads impassable due to fallen trees. A lot of preseason scouting didn’t matter, if we couldn’t get to our spot. The hatchet helped break up the trees and branches then came in handy again the next morning when clearing out branches for new shots. Having a hatchet in the pack during archery season can make all the difference when circumstances change, new spots are found, and limbs need to be cut.
The Gerber Pack Hatchet has a lifetime warranty and costs $35. To learn more about the Gerber Pack Hatchet, please click here.
Disclosure: Gerber is in a professional relationship with Rack Camp. Though potentially benefiting from this relationship, we do not post what we do not believe to be true. To read more, click here.
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