Anyone who has camped or hiked knows how useful a saw can be in various situations. But if you choose the wrong product, it might break easily and not be able to last a night in the woods.
That is why our experts conducted tests to bring you the best backpacking saw that can make your whole camping experience worthwhile.
Reviews of the Top Backpacking Saws
1. AGAWA BOREAL21 21-Inch Folding Bow Saw
The Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 is a minimalist’s dream because of its lightweight construction and hassle-free opening and closing. As our top selection for trekking saw, this one is made of anodized aluminum and is both lightweight and sturdy.
The BOREAL21’s design complements its fold-out functionality by eliminating the need to tighten the blades. This 21-inch saw is ready for use after only a few seconds of unfolding and snapping together. Besides, you can easily replace the coated, rust-proof blade if it becomes dull.
With its compact design and impressive sawing capabilities, the Agawa Canyon backpacking saw easily outshines the competition.
What We Like
- 21-inch sawing capacity
- Special coating for rust-resistance
- Foldable design
- Lightweight construction
- Extremely sharp
What We Don't Like
- Expensive folding saws
- A bit heavier than most folding saws
2. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
When portability and ease of use are most important, the Bahco Laplander 396 must be another of your go-to option for a hiking saw. This Laplander is the pinnacle of sawing minimalism with its ergonomic plastic handle and 7-and-a-half-inch blade.
This Bahco saw features a dual-position locking system for added protection against unintended opening or closing as well as a dual-position safety lock. The blade’s effectiveness is further increased with a low-friction, rust-resistant coating.
This backpacking saw is an easy recommendation when you factor in its foldability and portability. Overall, it is an excellent folding saw that offers both convenience and security and is suitable for both novices and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like
- Cuts in both the push and pull stroke
- Compact form factor
- Safe locking mechanism
- Can cut green and dry wood
- 7 ½ -inch blade
- Slightly curved blade
What We Don't Like
- Straight edge saws may not be ideal for pruning
- Small teeth might not work on other tasks
3. Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH Folding Saw
The ergonomically designed grip and curved blade make this saw a joy to wield. Because of the impulse hardening process, the teeth maintain their sharpness for a very long time.
The aggressively pointed teeth on all three cutting edges of the Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH ensure quick and precise work. You must pull the blade to cut, and the razor’s triple-cut teeth will scrape away three times as much material as a standard blade.
It features high-carbon steel that makes for a tough blade that won’t bend easily, even when chopping green wood. It’s chrome plated, so there’s less friction, but a light oil wipe will help keep it rust-free.
What We Like
- High carbon blade
- 10-inch curved blade ideal for thick wood
- Features a safety lock
- Razor tooth folding saw
- Aggressive curved blade
What We Don't Like
- Handle is thinner than most other backpacking saws
- Works on a pull stroke
4. Gerber Freescape Camp Saw
One of the best folding camp tools is the Gerber Freescape Camp Saw. Since it folds up, this bow may be carried around easily and used for a long time without tiring your arms. It collapses without disassembling, making it simpler to put up and less likely to misplace any of its parts.
Because of its four-pointed shape, this tool is held more like a regular saw than the cheaper pocket knife-style saws. If you plan to spend a lot of time sawing, this will make the task more bearable.
The widespread availability of its razor-sharp blades with a 12-inch length makes it simple to stock up on replacement blades.
What We Like
- 12-inch sharp blade
- High-speed steel blade
- Foldable
- Razor sharp blade
- Rubber over mold handle
What We Don't Like
- A bit heavier
- Assembly can be confusing
5. Silky Professional Series PocketBoy Folding Saw
Multiple sizes and numbers of teeth per inch (TPI) are available for the Silky PocketBoy folding saw. The blade lengths vary from 5.1 inches (6.8 TPI) to 6.7 inches (16.9 TPI). Also, the non-slip rubber grip on the handle complements the rust-proof blade.
We like that it has a dual-locking mechanism for sawing at 45 and 30-degree angles. You can either lock its blade upright or lock it moderately inclined upwards.
Locking the blade in an upward-inclined position can protect your knuckles from being chopped off if you’re sawing low to the ground.
What We Like
- Japan-made high carbon steel
- Blade length options
- Blade is rust-resistant
- Ergonomic handle
- Heavy-duty blade
What We Don't Like
- Short blade length not ideal for some tasks
- You need to cut slow
6. Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw 36 Inch Long Chain
The Sportsman 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw is powerful and precisely manufactured. It is a great improvement that won’t make your bag too heavy if you’re interested in or have expertise with manual-powered chainsaws.
This Sportsman’s high-carbon heat-treated blades make for precise and quick cutting. However, this saw is pricey, but you’ll surely appreciate its lifetime warranty.
We liked the big, heavy-duty strap handles, making it a handy tool for cutting wood. They’re comfy and sufficient to wear gloves if you’re headed out in winter. Additionally, the chain is provided in a belt pouch and has been pre-oiled.
(For other saw options, check this review of the best hand saws for wood cutting.)
What We Like
- Heavy-duty pocket chainsaw
- Impulse-hardened teeth
- Belt clip and pouch included
- Sharp teeth cuts on both strokes
What We Don't Like
- No sharpening file included
- Single cutting edge
7. EverSaw Folding Hand Saw Camp Saw 8" Folding Saw
The EverSaw 8-Inch Folding Backpacking Saw has a high-quality steel blade with exceptional sharpness and durability. At the same time, the gear-style lock ensures perfect reliability and safety in either the open or closed position.
Compared to other foldings saws we tested, the EverSaw’s deep triple-cut razor teeth do quick work of sawing wood up to 4 inches in diameter with no effort.
This is a wonderful, high-performing workhorse tool that you’d be pleased to take with you on any camping trip. Also, the bonus of a lifetime warranty becomes a compelling choice for anyone concerned about saving money without sacrificing quality.
What We Like
- Durable 8-inch blade
- Lifetime guarantee
- Triple-cut razor hardened teeth
- Ergonomic handle
What We Don't Like
- No blade sharpener included
- A bit heavy
8. Nordic Pocket Saw Pocket Chainsaw
Nordic Pocket Chainsaw is built with one blade that connects to two webbed grips. This chain, when fully stretched, measures 36 inches, but when folded up, it takes up less than 5 inches of space. This Pocket Chainsaw is lightweight, adding only 6 ounces to your bag.
Having a length of 32 inches means you can put some distance between yourself and the tree or wood you’re working on. With this in mind, the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw is a viable alternative for those who prioritize safety.
This Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw is an excellent option for novices. It’s a lightweight yet powerful chainsaw– perfect for camping trips as it is safe and inexpensive.
What We Like
- Good cutting ability
- Can cut wood quickly
- Lifetime guarantee
- Light backpacking saw
What We Don't Like
- A bit expensive
- It may not be ideal for thicker logs
9. Sven-Saw 60th Anniversary Engraved 15" Folding Saw
The Sven-Saw 60th Anniversary 15-Inch Saw might not appear much, but its blades are so keen that they can easily slice through most hardwoods. The sturdy blade is from Sweden, while the sturdy frame is American-made.
The metal frames are quite comfortable to hold with both hands. You’ll have the strength and momentum to easily split even the densest logs. The saw is surprisingly light despite being made entirely of metal and steel, and you can retract the saw’s blade into its protective sheath by loosening the wing nut.
Ideal for long days in the yard or on the trail, quality steel and an all-metal body give this triangle saw unrivaled durability.
What We Like
- Easy-to-use folding camping saw
- All-metal folding bow saws
- Efficient cutting
- Highly visible due to color
What We Don't Like
- Compatible with Sven blades only
- Wingnut and washer are easy to lose
10. Zippo 3-in-1 Axesaw
If you like your swiss army knife or leatherman, you’ll appreciate the versatility of the Zippo Axe Saw as one of the best backpacking saws. It combines the functions of an axe, a bow saw, and a tent stake mallet, all in one convenient package.
The Zippo Axe Saw is a robust and durable alternative that is useful all over the campsite for those who don’t mind its larger size and heavier weight.
The axe’s hardened stainless-steel blades, molded polymer grip, and 5-inch full-tang head are attested to its toughness and longevity. It came with a safety sheath, allowing you to store the blade in the handle.
What We Like
- Versatile camping saw
- Safety sheath included
- Self-adjusting tensioner
- 5-inch stainless steel axe
- Dual-purpose handle
What We Don't Like
- A bit expensive
- Heavier than other folding saws
Backpacking Saw Buyer’s Guide
Main Types of Backpacking Saws
Bow Saw
For our expert woodworkers, nothing beats the classic form of the bow saw, which consists of a framework with a blade spreading throughout its widest points. These are preferable for more demanding sawing tasks where you must apply greater force to the cutting strokes.
Folding camp saws and pocket chainsaws are adequate for light-cutting tasks. Using a bow saw is preferable to a regular saw if you plan on chopping up a lot of logs.
These saws are perfect for use in the wilderness due to their sturdy construction and ergonomic design, which allow you to put your full weight and force behind every cut.
Pros
- Cuts quickly
- Comfortable and effective
- Long aggressive teeth
- Frame is durable and allows easy blade removal
Cons
- Heavier than other types of saws
- A bit expensive
- It may not be ideal for cutting in tighter spots
Pocket Chainsaw
A pocket chainsaw is like an ordinary saw converted by removing the motor, handle, and everything else but the chain and then attaching some handles to either end.
Pocket chainsaws allow you to grab the handles or loops at either end and drag the chain across a log, sawing it in two. The chain can be folded into almost any configuration, making it simple to cram into tight spaces.
Pros
- Lightweight pocket chainsaw
- Compact and transportable
- Length and teeth allow for efficient cutting
Cons
- Learning curve
- Cannot be operated with one hand
Folding Saw
A folding saw is an alternative to a traditional saw blade that retains its cutting efficiency while being compact and secure enough to be carried in a backpack without risk of tearing its contents. When folded into the sheath, the blade’s aggressive teeth are out of harm’s way.
Use these saws if you need to sever wood of medium thickness but prefer a portable option. The teeth of a high-quality folding saw blade should be positioned to cut cleanly at both the push and pull strokes.
Pros
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- For precise cuts
- Compact and transportable
- Can be operated with one hand
Cons
- Not ideal for thick logs
- Blade length may not be ideal for other tasks
Intended Use
Bow saws of 7 and 12 inches in length should be adequate for most cutting tasks, even those involving small to medium trees and branches. A manual chain saw may be more suitable for chopping down huge trees or branches.
Tooth spacing per inch is also important. Cutting with a saw with high TPI or teeth per inch may take longer but produce cleaner cuts.
Size and Weight
The weight of a backpacking saw is similarly important to its size. Because you will have to transport it, ease of portability and lightweight design are also priorities.
The overall size of the tool is crucial for transport and storage; however, the size of its blade is more critical.
You’ll be limited in the materials you can cut or work on by the length of the blade; a short blade of fewer than 7 inches will only be able to handle softer woods and branches no wider than a few inches.
The best backpacking saws are lightweight, so you can easily transport them. A folding saw is a great choice if portability is important to you.
Teeth and Cutting Efficiency
Blade sharpness, blade length, and teeth configuration are all factors in how well a blade cuts.Depending on the design, some blades are only effective on the pull stroke, while others are effective on both.
Several blades have teeth with various or multiple cutting edges for greater efficiency. The goal should be to spend more time sawing wood and less time sweating.
Durability of Blade Material
The blade’s material is crucial, as it must be robust and long-lasting while allowing flexibility. Too much rigidity makes it prone to breaking, rendering it useless in many applications.
High-carbon steel or steel is the most often used material. It’s great for cutting through trees, branches, and whatever else you might encounter on your journey, and it’s inexpensive to produce.
Curved or Straight Edge?
Saw blades can have a straight or curved edge, which is something else to think about. A robust straight-edge saw is the best option for hikers who expect to encounter many thick logs along their route.
If you’re more concerned with working with delicate branches, however, a curved saw is what you need. Curved saws are more comfortable for extended periods, making them the go-to option for novices.
Distance Between Frame and Blade
This is a crucial feature of any saw you buy. You should separate the blade’s upper edge a few inches to create deep cuts.
When selecting a triangle or bow saw, this is an important factor, as the frame might restrict the depth of the cut.
Safety Features
Special considerations must be made for the well-being of any young passengers or animals in the car. Make sure the backpacking saw can accommodate everyone in your group.
Saws and other potentially harmful tools should be locked up, covered, or stored out of reach of curious little fingers and paws. So folding saws are ideal for this task.
Ergonomic Handles
The handle is also an important consideration. Comfort, a firm grip, and durability are all essential for long-term use. When shopping for a folding saw, it’s important to pay close attention to the quality of the joints and hinges.
Plastic grips are the most popular since they are lightweight and can be easily strung, saving valuable space in your bag. The plastic handles of most saws are covered with a rubberized grip for improved comfort and control.
A rubber layer or grip on the handle might make it easier to carry and less prone to slipping or dropping in wet conditions, which is common when trekking.
Blade Replacement
Ensure that you can easily replace the blade of the saw you intend to purchase or sharpen it. The price of a replacement blade can quickly approach that of a brand-new saw.
Why You Need a Backpacking Saw
The concern about any item of trekking gear is whether or not you need it. Many of our top picks for backpacking saws are lightweight and collapsible, making them a helpful alternative even if you aren’t looking to cut down on pack weight.
Cutting firewood from medium-sized branches is the primary usage of backpacking saws. Preparing branches of the right size for fires that last a long time is a task that can only do quickly and efficiently with a hiking saw.
This fact alone makes us feel that a backpacking saw is necessary for any camping kit.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Backpacking Saw
A camping saw is an investment that requires frequent maintenance. In addition to being less effective at cutting, dull and unclean blades increase the risk of fire and injury.
The use of oil to keep the blade from rusting is essential for improved cutting performance and increased safety in the wilderness [1]. Gun oil and WD-40 are two things that come to mind as often-used options for this task.
You’ll have more trouble with rust when the blade enters the handle if you use a saw with a wooden handle. Removal of the handle and cleaning with steel wool or sandpaper is recommended if rust appears in this location.
Store your saw in a dry and clean environment. It is preferable to use a sheath or protective cover to prevent accidental damage and to keep it from getting tangled with other gear.
If you want to keep your handle in good condition and stop dirt from collecting, you can boil linseed oil and then rub it all over the surface.
How to Sharpen Your Saw Blades
Using a reliable chainsaw sharpener, saw blades need to be sharpened on occasion, in addition to being cleaned. Find a spot where you can see the saw blade well, then clean it. Grab a triangular file that matches the shape of your saw’s blade. When filing the teeth, begin near the handle and work your way down.
Make sure to file the blade’s teeth to uniform lengths and spacing. Make sure none of the teeth on your blade are crooked before you use it. The effectiveness of a blade is drastically reduced if its teeth are bent or uneven.
Our Top Pick For a Backpacking Saw:
AGAWA BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw
Our top pick for the best backpacking saw is the AGAWA BOREAL21 because it is a portable and light tool you can take with you on every camping trip.
All normal 21-inch blades will fit in the hard-anodized aluminum frame, making this backpacking gear an exceptionally useful saw. When folded, the frame conceals the blade, preventing unintended harm.
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