A handy tool like the SOG Backcountry Axe is useful for car camping, or extended stays off the grid. Any job that an axe and saw can make easier is a good fit for it. That might mean something as simple as collecting firewood. For others, it may mean the ability to construct a shelter. No matter which group you fall into, the SOG Backcountry Axe should be at the top of your shopping list if you need both.

At 16 inches overall length, and 29 ounces, the SOG Backcountry Axe strikes a good balance between utility and portability. Any smaller and lighter, and it would lose some usefulness. If it was much bigger and/or heavier, you’d probably only want to pack it for car camping. The forged head is bonded to a handle constructed of glass-reinforced nylon, which in turn has a core of solid fiberglass. That makes it nearly impervious to the elements, unlike a wood handle, while still being highly resistant to impacts. Despite the rigidity, it also dampens blows a bit too, making longer tasks less tiresome. SOG includes a durable molded nylon sheath with a belt loop as well.

Find the SOG Backcountry Axe on Amazon

Other than the handle, this axe is pretty standard stuff. Until you try to drive a tent stake with it, and notice an annoying rattle. That rattle is due to the saw stowed in the handle, not some design defect. Pinch the ends of the handle, and you can draw a small hand saw with a 7.5 inch blade and some aggressive teeth. (I can almost hear one of my co-workers exclaim “s**t just got real”) It’s even got a spring-loaded guard to keep your hand behind the blade. This saw came in handy for cutting down 10 foot tall weeds in my yard the day it arrived. Later, I used it to cut branches as thick as my wrist, which it handled with ease. Naturally, the SOG Backcountry Axe performs equally well as an axe. Whether cutting down small trees, or splitting some wood for a fire, this backpack-friendly axe gets the job done without any fuss.

Any reservations we might have had about the “high-tech plastic” construction were laid to rest quickly. Despite our rough use, it held up just fine, and still looks good. The matte black finish is smooth, save for the grip area, which has the SOG name molded into it in tiny letters about 70 times. This gives it a decent amount of traction for bare hands or gloves. If there was anything to complain about, it’s the sheath. And even that was only minor. Prying it open from the back was not easy. We quickly figured out that holding it between your palms and using your thumbs to pop it open is the way to go. Other than that small detail, the SOG Backcountry Axe has become a favorite of our testers for weekend camping trips, and even some light yard work after big wind storms. That kind of versatility only adds to the value. sogknives.com

– Brian

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received the SOG Backcountry Axe for free from SOG, in consideration for review publication