Whether you’re a survivalist looking for the right every day carry items or an outdoor geek heading into a new adventure, cutting branches to build a shelter or start a fire is easier when you own one of the best camping saws. The market is full of choices, but the hard part is finding a camping saw designed to live up to the expectations.
Luckily, we did the hard work for you. We roamed the market and found the most promising models to use for surviving in the wilds. Check them out below.
The Best Camping Saw
1Bahco Laplander Folding Camping Saw
The Bahco Laplander is one of the most affordable camping saws on the market, a general purpose tool designed for wildlife enthusiasts and survivalists. Perfectly balanced and comfortable to handle, this backpack folding saw comes with a sturdy 7.5-inch blade and 7-tooth per inch blade design developed to slice through green and dry wood, bone, or plastic.
A low-friction and anti-rust protective coat ensure your blade will stay sharp for longer and maintain its features even when used in harsh conditions, while the two-component plastic handle with leather strap provides a perfect grip.
Sharp stainless steel blade
7 TPI blade
Lightweight
Dual safety lock
Lifetime limited warranty
- BrandBahco
- Model396-LAP
- Weight14.1 ounces
General purpose folding saw.
Sturdy blade able to cut both green and dry wood.
Anti-skid two-component plastic handle.
Balanced and easy to maneuver.
Cuts a little slower than expected.
2Nordic Pocket Camping Saw
Outdoor geeks looking for the right value for money may be surprised by the Nordic Pocket Saw. No doubt, this is the best pocket chainsaw on the market, an insanely packable tool that will make you one of the coolest guys in your group.
Perfect for the survivalist, hunter, and camper alike, this essential tool consists of a carbon steel chain sharp enough to slice through most types of wood and two nylon handles which allow you to use your raw force only or divide your efforts with a buddy.
Heat treated high-carbon steel blade
Anti-skid handles
Nylon storage case
Belt loop
- BrandNordic Pocket Saw
- Weight4.7 oz
The flexible saw is easy to use alone or with a friend.
One of the most lightweight pocket saws, at only 4.7 ounces.
Safe-grip handle reduces the risk of injuries.
Difficult to cut branches in some positions.
3Felco F-600 Classic Folding Camping Saw
The Felco F-600 can no doubt help you take your camping game to the next level and enhance the adventure. It doesn’t matter if you’re a prepper in need of the ultimate survival tool or just a camper looking for a reliable saw to gather enough branches for a bonfire.
This classic tool is not only one of the best camping saws on the market; it is the best folding saw you can come across.
Hard-chromed steel blade
Rust-resistant materials
Lightweight
- BrandFelco
- ModelF-600
- Weight6.4 ounces
Uniquely shaped 6-inch blade
Ergonomic handle
Foldable design
Innovative locking system
Blade feels flimsy
4Silky Professional Series Gomboy 240 Folding Landscaping Saw
Perhaps too big to fit in a pocket, the Silky Gomboy 240 is an excellent backpacking saw to use for much more than camping. A versatile design makes this tool perfect for woodworking, gardening, prepping, and a host of other applications.
Part of the Professional Series Edition, this folding tree saw is designed for cutting softwood and comes with a medium teeth configuration. There are 8.5 teeth per inch, while the operating weight is of only 0.6 pounds.
Premium Japanese design
Multiple sizes and blade configurations
Ergonomic handle
Rubberized grip
- BrandSilky
- Model121-24
- Weight9.3 ounces
Precision-ground impulse hardened blade
Patented smooth cutting teeth design
Suitable for multiple applications
Convenient carrying case included
Multiple sizes
Cuts slower than a coarse blade saw.
The handle could use some reinforcement.
5Zippo AxeSaw
From one of those brands who marked the history of a generation, you can only expect the best camping saw. And Zippo doesn’t disappoint. Its AxeSaw brings an unrivaled design and the innovation any survivalist wants.
The AxeSaw is more than a saw. It serves a myriad of applications, from chopping wood to shaving, sawing, and hammering. All you could wish from a product meant to address most issues that could arise in the wilderness.
15-inch hardened steel blade
On-tool blade storage compartment
5-inch 420 stainless steel axe
Self-adjusting tension compensator
Safety sheath
- BrandZippo
- Model40475
- Weight2.64 pounds
All-in-one multi-tool to use for chopping, sawing, hammering, and more.
Hardened stainless steel saw blade.
Dual function saw handle.
Perfect for camping, woodworking, and gardening.
Plastic components feel cheap
6Sven Saw
Sven Saw is an excellent camping saw consisting of a tempered Swedish steel blade and manufactured in Minnesota. It folds safely into the toolbox or hunting backpack and comes in 15-inch or 21-inch models.
Easy to maneuver thanks to the tubular handle, the saw fits wonderfully into a camper’s arsenal without adding too much weight to your tracking backpack load. Its rugged high-strength aluminum frame designed to hold the blade when not in use adds further value.
Tubular handle with no corners
Rugged aluminum frame
Tempered Swedish steel blade
Satisfaction guarantee
Comfortable handling
- BrandSVEN SAW
- ModelSVEN01-BRK
- Weight1 pounds
Two sizes allow you to choose the saw most appropriate to your needs.
Handle serves as a protective sheath for the blade.
Triangular design improves the saw’s rigidity.
Lightweight and compact enough to carry in a backpack.
Easy to lose wingnut.
Difficult to achieve straight cuts, but great for most camping purposes.
7Wicked Hand Saw
The Wicked Hand Saw could be the right survival saw to add to your every day carry arsenal along with other camping gadgets, or to keep in your backpack and use in your adventures. An ergonomic design and sleek lines make it a comfortable and stylish tool to take out when needed.
Compact enough to use as a pocket chainsaw, the Wicked boasts a rugged cast aluminum handle and a strong impulse hardened high-carbon steel blade.
High-carbon steel blade
Cast aluminum handle
Hardened steel lock-pin
Ergonomic fit in the hand
- BrandWicked
- Model51025
- Weight7 ounces
Durable high-carbon steel blade resists bending and braking.
Non-slip rubber over-mold ensures a comfortable grip.
Cast aluminum handle increases the tool’s overall resistance.
7-inch blade cuts through thicker materials in a breeze.
The rubber grip tends to get loose.
8Tabor Tools T6 Folding Saw
Last but not least, the T6 folding saw by Tabor Tools is an outdoor and survival tool that can easily catch one’s attention. A power blade equips this useful tool designed to serve you for leisure or in survival situations.
Its straight blade is ideal for pruning, tree limb cutting, or branch cutting when adventuring in the wild. Perfect for the survivalist, this folding hand saw is also ideal to keep in your car for emergency situations.
Four-inch cutting capacity
Three-dimensional cutting edge
Ergonomic handle
- BrandTABOR TOOLS
- ModelT-6
- Weight6.4 ounces
Rugged blade resists strong pulls and provides accurate cuts.
Rugged non-slip handle ensures a comfortable grip.
Ideal for trail maintenance, camping, or surviving.
Straight and curved blade models.
Hard to lock the blade in position when folded.
The nut holding the blade tends to get loose.
Camping Saw Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection of Camping Saws
A camping saw is essential outdoor gear to keep in your backpack, pocket, or car. It serves multiple purposes and comes in handy in survival situations too. Picking the best camping saw though is not the easiest. We based our selection on the following criteria.
Brand - There are many brands producing camping saws, but we only included the established ones in our search. We’re not saying you can’t find a good alternative elsewhere, but those who have been involved in the development of these tools for decades just have the know-how and means to manufacture reliable and durable saws meant to live up to the expectations.
Quality - The most important things when assessing the quality of a camping saw are the blade and the handle. All products featured in our list have strong blades made of durable materials like hard-carbon steel, tempered steel, or impulse hardened steel.
These tools also have strong, ergonomic handles and reliable joints to guarantee years of dependable use.
Ease-of-Use - Your pocket saw won’t bring too many benefits if it’s cumbersome or hard to use. Two things to have in mind are ergonomics and weight.
The tool must feel balanced in your hand and provide a comfortable, non-skid, grip. It must also be lightweight. Otherwise, it may cause user fatigue. Lastly, check the size of the blade too, especially if you want to cut thicker branches.
Reviews - All saws featured in our list were praised by their users as reliable and durable. Our selection only includes saws rated above the average in terms of quality.
Price - The price doesn’t always reflect the quality of a product, that’s why we only chose those camping saws which offer a true value for the money.
Features To Look For In Camping Saws
Blade Material - Camping saw blades are made of either carbon steel or stainless steel. The latter is more expensive, but the strength and anti-rust properties of the material pay off in the long run. Carbon steel is also a good choice, but pay attention to choose a blade coated with an anti-corrosive material.
Blade Type & Performance - Three things to check are the blade angle, the teeth positioning, and the teeth density.
- The blade angle can be either straight or curved. Curved camping saws are more suitable for thinner branches, whereas the straight blades can handle thicker branches.
- The teeth positioning impacts maneuverability. In our experience, the blades with the teeth slanted towards the handle are easier to use and give you more control over the cut, although these blades tend to be thinner than the ones with teeth slanted away from the handle.
- Lastly, the teeth density, measured in tooth-per-inch (TPI) determines the accuracy of the cut. The higher the TPI, the more accurate the cut, but these blades also cut slower. For the best balance between performance and accuracy, we recommend a medium-toothed blade with around 8-9 TPI.
Handle Design - A camping saw’s handle must be ergonomic and big enough to hold the blade securely when folded. High-density plastic or metal with the rubberized coating is your best options.
Size & Weight - A good camping saw must be compact and lightweight. They must add minimum bulk to your camping gear and ideally fit into a backpacking backpack or pocket. A length of around 8 inches or less when folded is sufficient. Survivalists may even benefit from smaller pocket saws with a length of around 5 inches.
Portability - Camping saws are portable by definition but don’t forget to check the blade locking system. Carrying pouches or cases add further value.
Features - The most important features to look for are the availability of replacement blades and spare parts, including any nuts and rubberized handle sleeves, the warranty, and the availability the customer service.
Types of Camping Saws
There are three major types of camping saws to consider, pocket, folding, and bow saws.
Pocket Chainsaw - It is lightweight, compact, and the most portable of all three. As its name suggests, it often fits in a pocket, but this type is also the least resistant, and the blades are usually non-replaceable.
Folding Saw - Larger than the pocket chainsaw or a camping knife, the folding saw still fits in a backpack and is a great survival tool to keep in your car. It handles thicker branches and even thin tree trunks, and some models have replaceable blades.
Bow Saw - The bulkiest but also the most performing of all three, the bow saw is sometimes a pain to transport but can rip thicker trees and has blades that can cut both dry and green wood. You can typically store the blades inside the handle, and all bow saws come with replaceable blades.
Camping Saws FAQ
Q: What is a camping saw?
A: A camping saw is a miniaturized version of a handsaw, a hybrid between a full-size tool and a tactical knife designed for camping, hunting, or survival.
Q: Which type of saw should I get?
A: A pocket saw is the best choice for survivalists and hunters. Campers may benefit more from a folding saw, whereas a bow saw is ideal for the adventurer who needs a tool for cutting all kinds of wood.
Q: What are bow saws generally used for?
A: Bow saws are generally used for cutting branches and tree trunks up to 6 inches thick. Some models also incorporate other tools, such as an axe and mallet, and are ideal for camping.
Q: How easy is it to replace a dull or damaged saw blade?
A: Changing the blade is usually simple. Unscrew the nuts holding the blade in place, change the blade, and fasten the nuts again. However, remember that not all camping saws have replaceable blades.
Q: What’s better: a bigger sized saw or a smaller one?
A: It really depends on your purpose. A bigger saw is more resistant and can handle more applications. A smaller one may be more delicate, but it’s easier to store and transport.
Q: How do I sharpen a pocket chainsaw?
A: We suggest using a handheld chainsaw sharpener compatible with your pocket chainsaw’s chain.
Q: Should I oil my saw?
A: Yes. Lubrication keeps your saw in optimal conditions for longer. If you intend to use the saw to cut game or edibles besides branches, use a food-grade lubricant.
Q: Why does a survivalist need a saw more than an axe?
A: A saw requires less energy to handle; it’s more portable, and less dangerous than an axe if you are less experienced in handling these tools.
