7 Best Backpacking Saws Of 2023 [Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide]

When you’re off to camp with friends, a backpacking saw is one of the key tools to carry with you. After all, campfires are integral to camps, and in order to light a fire that burns long and slow, you’ll need to cut thick logs. So, including a saw is something that you must not […]

7 Best Backpacking Saws Of 2023 [Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide]

When you’re off to camp with friends, a backpacking saw is one of the key tools to carry with you.

After all, campfires are integral to camps, and in order to light a fire that burns long and slow, you’ll need to cut thick logs. So, including a saw is something that you must not forget by any chance. But choosing the right product becomes difficult since hundreds of options are available out there.

That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of the 7 best options for you to consider. We’ve also included a guide to help you make a wise decision.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the reviews.

Best Backpacking Saws

metal chainsaw chain with sharp teeth close-up with blurred background

Here is the list of the 7 best backpacking saws that you can use to quickly and precisely cut through branches, logs, and other materials.

1. Bahco 396-LAP

Cutting a variety of materials becomes effortless with this high-quality folding saw from Bahco. Notably, this product is designed keeping in mind the needs of campers, wildlife enthusiasts, and hunters. It is packed with lots of impressive features that work to deliver superb performance.

Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade, 7...
  • General purpose folding saw with an 7-1/2 -inch blade, 7...
  • XT Toothing, 7 TPI. Blade is specially coated for rust...

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, this product comes with a powerful 7-tooth per inch (TPI) blade with XT toothing, which can cut plastic, bone, or dry wood flawlessly and quickly. Plus, it is coated with a protective layer of rust-proof material, which makes sure that there is minimum friction.

Besides, it comes with a two-component handle made from high-quality plastic. This provides a perfect grip and it also comes with a durable leather strap for ease of use. 

What’s more, you get spare blades with this product. As such, you can use it for a longer time by just changing the blades whenever required. Lastly, it is equipped with an efficient safety-lock feature that works when it is both open and folded. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

Weighing 14 oz, this saw is among the heavier options on our list. Hence it might seem a bit difficult to handle for people who are less experienced. Also, this is a straight-edge saw, so campers need to learn how to use it correctly to get the best results. 

Pros
  • Quick and flawless cutting action
  • Blade-coated with rust-proof material
  • Handle provides perfect grip
  • Safety lock facilitates convenient locking
Cons
  • Heavier than other products
Weight: 0.4lbs | Blade Length: 7.5″ | Blade Material: High-Speed Steel | Handle: Two-Component Plastic Handle

2. Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw

Our next pick for you is this handy pocket chainsaw from Sportsman which is an absolute necessity when you’re traveling. It is also quite easy to use and is built to provide powerful and long-lasting service. Note that this chainsaw has a 36-inch long chain and comes with an 8 mm circular fire starter. 

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, the 36-inch long chain of this product consists of strong chainsaw cutting teeth. The teeth tear through the wood effectively, cutting it both ways. It can also cut a variety of materials including tree trunks, thin branches, and overhead branches.

Additionally, the 65 mn high heat-treated steel body of the chain makes the cutting time incredibly fast. Behind this magic is the set of razor-sharp blades which can cut through 3 sides of a structure at once. 

Furthermore, the product consists of heavy-duty handles with convenient metal brackets that can be re-sharpened easily. Plus, a tough and durable storage pouch made from nylon and a belt loop is included with the product to facilitate simple storage. 

That’s not all; the blade can be sharpened with a round-shaped chainsaw file of regular size.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

One drawback of using this product is that you might experience strain in the lower back. This is probably due to the upward sawing motion that is experienced while cutting a log in any forest. Also, the chain might get kinked easily while being used, and undoing the kinks is time-consuming. 

Pros
  • Tears through wood effectively
  • Handles can be re-sharpened easily
  • Nylon storage pouch is highly durable
  • Can be sharpened with a regular chainsaw file
Cons
  • Might cause strain in the lower back
Weight: 0.3lbs | Blade Length: 36″ | Blade Material: High-Carbon Steel | Handle: Rugged Cross Stitched Handles

3. REXBETI PD-12191

REXBETI is known for producing a range of superior-grade products and this folding saw from the brand is no different. It is enhanced with efficient features and a high-quality finish that sets it apart from other ordinary products. This product is suitable for all purposes, be it yard work, camping, or cutting wood pieces for DIY projects.

Sale
REXBETI Folding Saw, Heavy Duty 11 Inch Extra Long Blade...
  • Durable SK-5 steel blade for efficient cutting during...
  • Heavy duty rugged 11" long blade helps you power through...

Why Did We Like It?

The most noteworthy feature of this folding saw was its amazing 11-inch long blade equipped for handling a variety of cutting work. Note that the extended length of this blade comes at 22 inches which lets you cut through plastic, bone, and wood consistently.

In addition to this, the saw has a 7 TPI design which makes it a very good camping saw. Additionally, the staggered teeth are built to last longer and provide ultra-sharp and smooth sawing. 

Furthermore, the saw is very lightweight even though it is suitable for heavy-duty work. So, carrying it along anywhere is very easy. Lastly, it has a comfortable rubber-coated handle made from polymer that gives you a firm grip no matter irrespective of the weather condition. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

If you order the product online, make sure you check the product as soon as it arrives. Often this saw is not packaged properly and there may be scratches on the blade. In our case, the package was torn at several places and a little portion of the metal was exposed past the rubber-coated handle.

Pros
  • Long blade can handle a variety of cutting work
  • Lightweight makes it easy to carry
  • Staggered teeth are durable and efficient
  • Comfortable handle provides a firm grip
Cons
  • Faulty packaging
Weight: 0.9lbs | Blade Length: 11″ | Blade Material: Alloy Steel | Handle: Anti-Slip Long Rubbery Handle

4. Skyocean Pocket Chainsaw

Next, we’ve picked for you this convenient pocket chainsaw from Skyocean which is extremely versatile too. It serves as the perfect cutting tool during emergencies and is built to last for years. Note that this product weighing 5.6 ox comes with a 36-inch long chain.

Pocket Chainsaw with Paracord Handle 36 Inches 16 Teeth Long...
  • ✔ PORTABLE CHAIN SAW WITH MULTIPURPOSE PARACORD HANDLE:...
  • ✔ FASTER CUTTING SPEED & SAVING MUCH EFFORT: With eleven...

Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, we loved the cutting power of this chainsaw, thanks to its 11 sharp and high-quality saw blades. It can cut through small branches as well as large trunks within seconds and is also effective on overhead branches. 

This is made possible by the bi-directional motion created by the saw links, which ultimately saves a lot of effort and time. 

Further, you can fold the 36-inch long chain of this lightweight product to make it just 6 inches in length. Thus, it is as convenient to carry as a cell phone and occupies very little storage space. 

Plus, it comes with a cool handle made from paracord, which can be extended to 275 inches when you need to reach high branches. Hence, it is quite suitable for yard work, hiking, cutting large wood pieces, and camping.

 Lastly, the product is made from heat-treated steel of industrial standards, which enhances its durability and makes it very easy to clean.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only disadvantage of going for this product is that the teeth are on one side of the chain. So, when you are using it for an over-head branch and the teeth are not positioned against the branch, it is not possible to flip it. In comparison, saws which have teeth on both sides are more convenient to use. 

Pros
  • Cuts through all branches and trunks in seconds
  • Can be folded to 6 inches
  • Handle can be extended to 275 inches
  • High-quality steel enhances durability
Cons
  • Teeth are on one side of the chain
Weight: 0.35lbs | Blade Length: 36″ | Blade Material: ‎Alloy Steel | Handle: Paracord Handles

5. AGAWA – BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw

This revolutionary BOREAL21 Bow Saw is designed to provide the ultimate performance for almost all purposes. It is safe to use and lets you enjoy your DIY interior or landscape design projects to the fullest. So, let’s look at all the amazing features that this product offers.

AGAWA - BOREAL21 -> 21 Inch Folding Bow Saw - Black Frame,...
  • VERSATILE: Take the BOREAL21 folding bow saw wherever you go...
  • EASY: Opens in seconds - just unfold, snap into position &...

Why Did We Like It?

The best thing about this product is its ease of use since it can be opened and closed in seconds. All you need to do is unfold it, snap it in position, and start your sawing work. Also, the blade tensioning feature ensures that there are no loose parts. Hence, you don’t need to touch the blade while closing or opening it. 

The other feature that we liked about this saw was its optimal length of 21 inches, which makes it suitable for powerful strokes. Plus, the teeth are aggressively angled on the blade to make each cut quicker and smoother. 

Moreover, the trapezium-shaped frame with 3 hinges allows you to make cuts of large diameter as well. Lastly, it can be folded to a very small size for convenient storage. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although we have no complaints regarding the efficiency of this product, we noticed that it makes a slightly disturbing noise while being used. Also, when you are walking with the saw in hand, you might hear the noise. You can deal with this issue by using rubber washers to secure the blade. 

Pros
  • Can be opened and closed in seconds
  • Doesn’t have any loose parts
  • Optimal length facilitates powerful strokes
  • Makes The cut quicker and smoother
Cons
  • Is a bit noisy while being used
Weight: ‎1.2lbs | Blade Length: ‎21″ | Blade Material: Steel | Handle: Fibre Glass-Reinforced Nylon Handle

6. Sven Saw Folding Saw

The next saw that we have for you is this classic product from the 60-year-old well-known brand Sven Saw. It is made with industrial-grade material and is sure to provide very durable performance. You can use it for various purposes, such as yard work, camping, backpacking, canoeing, and hiking.

Sven-Saw 60th Anniversary Engraved 21" Folding Saw
  • Special 60th Anniversary Edition Sven-Saw features the...
  • All metal - Crafted from the highest quality materials....

Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, we were highly impressed by the Swedish steel blade of this product. It gives you perfect results each time, thanks to its powerful and accurate cutting action. Thus, you can easily clear snowmobile trails, cut down invasive plants, and cut firewood with it at home. 

The triangular shape of this saw is another beneficial aspect as it is very rigid and makes sure that the cut is uniform and smooth. So, you don’t have to worry about imperfectly cut wood pieces, as in the case of rectangular saws.

What’s more, this product comes with a handle made of anodized aluminum and a back bar which is sure to render long-lasting service. Plus, the external frame of this product is resistant to rust and changing weather conditions. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only disappointing aspect of this product is that its blade needs to be tensioned with the washer and wing nut after it is unfolded. This becomes a hassle each time you use it. It also takes at least 30 minutes to do this.

Pros
  • Accurate and powerful cutting action
  • Triangular shape ensures a uniform and smooth cut
  • Strong and durable handle
  • Rust and weather-resistant
Cons
  • The blade must be tensioned with a washer and wingnut
Weight: ‎1lb | Blade Length: 21″ | Blade Material: Hardened Swedish Steel | Handle: Hardened & Anodized Aluminum Handle

7. SUMPRI Pocket Chainsaw

We also found this chainsaw from SUMPRI to be very effective for almost all cutting purposes. It features a new and superior-grade design which makes each cut more efficient. Note that this saw comes with a 36-inch long chain and weighs 8.4 ounces.