[pct-l] Boring Gear Question

[Carl Rush]

Why would you take a hatchet backpacking ? I have been long distance bvackpacking for many years and never even heard of one being used.



On Tuesday, February 4, 2014 10:35 PM, Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com> wrote:
 
Jeff wrote:
>
Any suggestions on ultralight hatchets? I can't seem to find a hatchet
weighting less than 16 oz. Please help!!
>

I confess I'm wondering if this is a skillful troll.  But anyway . . .

Is this for PCT hiking?  You absolutely do not need a hatchet of any sort.
The only possible reason to carry a hatchet is to cut large pieces of wood
for a big fire and a) campfires are generally a horrible idea in the first
place and b) if you do need a fire in an emergency, downed branches of a
size you can break with your hands would be sufficient.  You don't ever need
to *cut* wood on the PCT and if you do you're probably doing some stupid or
illegal.

You probably won't find an "ultralight" hatchet anyway because what makes a
hatchet a hatchet as opposed to a knife is enough weight to give it
cutting/splitting momentum when you strike wood.  Without weight what you
would have is more properly called a knife, IMHO.  If you feel the need to
carry some sort of large, manly tool, a good survival knife would be able to
do pretty much everything a sub-16-oz hatchet would do and more besides.
But you don't need one of those either, honestly.

Eric


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