Whether you are a hiker, mountaineer, or survivalist, the right camping saw would make it easier to cut branches to clear a path, start a fire, or build a shelter.
While it is true that the market is indeed full of choices, finding the best camping saw to meet your needs is quite a challenge.
Luckily, we are here to help. We went into the market, identified the top camping saws, and analyzed them. So, no need for guesswork anymore. Read our camping saw reviews to understand their design, and select the model that best works for your situation.
The Best Camping Saws Are …
Product | Details | ||
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1. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander | Top Pick |
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2. Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 |
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3. Sportsman Pocket Camping Saw |
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4. Gerber Freescape Camp Saw |
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5. BigBoy 2000 Camping Saw |
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6. Zippo AxeSaw |
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7. Corona RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw |
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1. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander — Best Folding Saw for Camping
Coming in the first position on our list is this Bahco 396-LAP Laplander, a compact and light-weight folding saw that is revered by campers and survivalists because of its ease of use.
Its design allows you to comfortably grip it in one hand when cutting, as the other hand holds the workpiece.
This saw’s blade is made of hardened steel with a special coating for low friction and rust protection. Therefore, whether you are cutting tree branches or bones, you are sure that it will not rust.
The camping saw is designed with seven teeth per inch, which makes it a general-purpose type of folding saw that you can use for cutting green wood, dry wood, bone, and plastic.
You will also like the saw’s two-component plastic handle that provides a perfect grip even when working on wet environments.
Another impressive thing about this camping saw is that it folds into a small compact unit that can be put into the pocket or tied on the belt with a leather strap.
To enhance the safety of the camping saw, it has a safety lock that keeps it firmly locked when folded.
Specs
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches
- Blade: 7-1/2 -inch blade
- Teeth configuration: 7-teeth per inch
Pros
- Folds into a small and compact unit
- Designed with an ergonomic handle
- Light and easy to carry
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Not suitable for felling big branches
2. Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 — Best Bow Saw
If you are going outdoors and anticipate doing a lot of cutting, it is important to select a tough saw such as this Agawa Canyon Boreal 21.
The saw is light-weight, durable, and easily folds to fit into your backpack. With this saw, no cutting task will be too tough for you!
The most notable thing about this camping saw is its unique folding mechanism. When fully open, the saw is 21 inches long and 9 inches wide.
But this promptly folds into a 21 x 2 inch saw that you can easily carry wherever you want to go. You will also like how the saw easily folds and unfolds so that you can start working without wasting time.
One of the main reasons why this saw has become so popular with campers is its ability to handle even big logs. With its long 21-inch blade, properly tensioned by the innovative frame, we found this saw a perfect pick for cutting trees and logs.
Specs
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 24 x 4 x 4 inches
- Material: Aluminum frame and glass-reinforced nylon handle
- Blade: 21-inch
Pros
- Designed with a tough and long-lasting blade
- The camping saw works well for most outdoor cutting tasks
- Comes with an automated blade tensioning system
- Uses an ergonomic handle
- Designed to last
Cons
- It cannot easily fit in a pocket
3. Sportsman Pocket Camping Saw
Coming in the third position is this innovative sportsman pocket camping saw, which is designed for general-purpose operations. We found it strong and tough enough that it can be used to replace your pruning saw.
Unlike common camping saws out there which are 24 inches or smaller, this sportsman pocket camping saw rocks a long 36-inch chain that allows you to tackle even bigger projects. Furthermore, the saw is made with high-carbon heat-treated steel, and cuts on both sides so that you can enjoy cutting trees faster.
Another outstanding thing about the saw is its rugged handles with metal brackets that give you a firm grip for powerful strokes needed to quickly rip through thick branches and stems. You can also re-sharpen it promptly on-site without wasting a lot of time.
Because this camping saw is essentially a chain, you can easily fold it and put in a pouch. Then, toss it in your backpack or pocket and carry it safely without worrying of unexpected accidents.
Specs
- Weight: 5 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.4 x 1.8 inches
- Chain: 36-inch long chain
- Warranty Description: Lifetime
Pros
- Comes with an innovative chain design
- A great choice for general-purpose cutting
- Easy and safe to carry in a pouch
- Allows you to work with both hands
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Reaching tight areas can be tough
4. Gerber Freescape Camp Saw
Are you an outdoor enthusiast who regularly have to handle heavy tasks, such as felling trees or cutting big logs for firewood? You need a reliable camp saw, such as the Gerber Freescape camp saw, that has won praise from far and wide.
The saw rocks a balanced design that makes cutting tasks easy and fun. When opened, the saw takes a 4-point pivot outlook that makes it feel natural and enjoyable to use. Even when cutting large logs or trees, this model’s light construction allows you to work more without getting tired.
To make the Gerber Freescape camp saw stand out, it rocks a cleverly engineered model that allows you to fold it without disassembling the parts.
We found this very helpful because you can operate without the risk of losing different parts, and can be stowed safely in a camp bin.
The saw also rocks a rubberized handle that allows you to easily work with one hand and enjoy cutting trees or logs in the campsite fast.
We also established that the rubberized handle makes it easy to work with the saw without slipping, even when working in wet conditions.
Specs
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 17 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
- Blade: 12-inch replaceable blade
Pros
- The saw folds into a compact and easy-to-carry unit
- Bright green color accents make it easy to spot the saw
- Comes with an ergonomic handle
- Can be used for cutting even big trees and branches
Cons
- Costly
- Even the folded design cannot be tossed into the pocket
5. BigBoy 2000 Camping Saw
There is only one word that can be used to describe the BigBoy 2000 camping saw: perfect.
But we were not surprised by the outstanding design and features of this saw because it is designed by Silky, a Japanese brand that has won praise globally for its focus on quality.
The folding saw is made with a long blade of 14 inches, which we really liked because it provides a larger cutting capacity.
The blade also takes a slight curve that extends from the handle, allowing you to make longer strokes for faster cuttings.
This is why the camping saw is recommended for cutting large limbs, small limbs, and medium-sized trees in the cutting yard.
The BigBoy’s blade is made using high-grade Japanese steel that makes it strong and long-lasting. Also, it utilizes Silky’s Mirai-ME tooth technology, which helps to make cutting fast.
So, whether you are cutting tree limbs or small stems, you are sure of making clean cuts and finishing the task faster.
Specs
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 29.9 x 3.5 x 0.8 inches
- Material: Steel
- Blade length: 14 inches
Pros
- Ideal for cutting both green and dry wood
- Comes with a secure non-slip handle
- Folds into a small unit that can easily be put into the pocket
- Sold with a sheath for holding the saw and attaching it on the belt
- Lasts long
Cons
- Not suitable for cutting large logs
6. Zippo AxeSaw
When going out camping, you need an assortment of tools, especially the camping saw, an axe, and a mallet. Zippo AxeSaw is an awe-inspiring tool that combines the three.
The tool offers flexibility for tough jobs that cannot be easily completed by the saw alone. It is an engineering marvel that no camper wants to miss!
The Zippo AxeSaw has a five-inch full tang 420 stainless steel axe head featuring a polymer handle designed with a unique blade storage section.
When you attach the blade, the heavy construction of the axe helps to provide a firm cutting rig capable of cutting 4-inch diameter logs. Using the steel hatchet head, you can chop firewood, shave tinder, and drive tent stakes.
To keep the Zippo AxeSaw secure, it is constructed with a safety sheath that perfectly fits the axe head, which also serves as the saw handle. In addition to protecting the head, it also acts as an integrated non-slip and rubberized over-mold for a firmer grip.
Specs
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 20.3 x 1.6 inches
- Saw blade length: 15 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- Designed with a cam & self-adjusting tension compensation system
- It is a three-in-one tool that allows you to do more than simply cutting
- The handle is uniquely designed for storing the blade
- Comes with an all-steel construction that makes it strong and durable
Cons
- Heavy
7. Corona RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw
The last saw on our list is the Corona RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw, a serious tool that allows you to do more than simply cutting tree limbs. Therefore, if you like outdoor camping and working on backyard trees like us, this could be the best option for you.
The most notable thing about the Corona RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw is its three-sided razor teeth. The teeth are not just razor-sharp, but they are set with the ample kerf that helps to reduce jamming when you are cutting branches.
Well, no matter what you are cutting, this camping saw will no doubt finish the job.
When going outdoors, you want a camping saw that can be carried easily. This camping saw folds into a compact unit that you can easily carry with you and use on-demand.
With its compact and light-weight construction, this saw will be a great partner when moving out.
Specs
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Blade length: 10 inches
- Material: Hardened steel
Pros
- Ideal for camping as well as other cutting tasks around the home
- Designed with advanced technology that makes using it easy and fun
- Folds into a light and compact unit for enhanced portability
- Designed with a long-lasting blade
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons
- The user cannot work with the saw using both hands.
Buying Guide
When selecting a camping saw, the two most important things are strength and cutting ability.
In addition to these two, there are several other factors that you need to consider.
Here are some of them:
Quality
You do not want to buy a camping saw that would break when halfway into your job. Therefore, you need to pay attention to every detail of the saw.
This means that its frame, blade, joints, and handle should be carefully done for top performance.
For example, the saw should come with a good tensioning system, and its frame should be designed with tough yet light material.
Blade Design and Efficiency
One of the saw parts that greatly determines how it will perform out there is the blade. So, you need to pick a saw with the right blade length depending on the nature of the cutting tasks.
For example, if you will need to cut large branches and logs, a camping saw with a longer blade will be a better option.
Another parameter you need to consider is teeth configuration. The lower the number of teeth per inch (TPI), the faster your saw will be able to cut branches and trees in your camping site.
A good saw should also be designed to last. So, check the model that comes with a blade designed using tough materials such as stainless steel or carbon steel.
To get more value from the saw, the blade should also be easy to sharpen and replace. This will eliminate the need to replace the entire saw when simply because the blade is blunt or damaged.
Ergonomic Handle
The best camping saw should be designed with an ergonomic handle that provides you with a firm grip when cutting.
To allow you to work more effectively without harming your fingers, the handle should also have a good rubber grip or a dense plastic.
With the right handle, you are sure that the saw will not slip off even when working in wet conditions.
Travel-Friendliness
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the chances are that you will be on the move most of the time. Therefore, you want a camping saw that is easy to carry around, deploy, and use.
When thinking of a travel-friendly saw, it is also crucial to factor the cutting tasks at hand. Well, while the small models that can be flipped into the pocket are easy to carry, they might not be ideal if you will need to cut big logs of wood. In such cases, bigger models will be better.
Brand
The rising demand for camping saws has made a lot of brands join the market. But not all of them are focused on quality. It gets worse because some marketers also give false information that can easily confuse buyers into buying the wrong models.
However, you can beat them by sticking with renowned brands such as Corona, Gerber, and Bahco. These are respected camping saw manufacturers that have been in the market for years and their products are known for quality.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning for an outdoor adventure or a survivalist excursion, a camping saw will be an invaluable tool. But to identify the right model for your situation, you need to understand the nature of the cutting tasks that you will undertake.
Will it be simply cutting small branches or will it involve ripping large logs? In this camping saw review, we have brought out the best camping saw models that are strong, easy to carry, and durable.
While we stand with the seven camping saw models in our review above (they are outstanding), the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander is the best of them all. It is light, has a tough blade, and can be safely tossed into the pocket when going out.