This is my personal review of the Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet with Fire Starter available from Walmart.
A quality hatchet is a staple for my camping trips. I also sometimes bring one backpacking. A hatchet is also a very important tool for wilderness survival.
I`ve used this Ozark Trail Hatchet on several short camping trips so far. I`ve tested it alongside several of my favorite hatchets like my Fiskars X7 Hatchet and my Gerber Pack Hatchet.
So far, it`s performed very well, especially considering its very affordable cost. It`s strong and sharp enough to easily cut firewood for a campfire. It comes with a fire starter and paracord.
Today, I`m going to break down the Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet in more detail to help you decide if it`s the right survival hatchet for you.
Quick Thoughts on Ozark Trail Hatchet
This survival hatchet from Ozark Trail is surprisingly light.
At just a hair over 11 ounces, it`s one of the lightest hatchets I`ve personally used. But, despite its light weight, it`s proven very strong and durable so far.
Of course, I`ve just used this hatchet for normal camping tasks like chopping up kindling to make a campfire. I haven`t used it in a true survival situation where you need to trust all of your tools 100%.
I also really like that this hatchet has a paracord-wrapped handle. It not only makes for a more comfortable and secure grip, but it`s always handy to have paracord around in an emergency (to tie survival knots and make survival shelters among other things).
Another useful extra feature is the included fire starter. It`s made from magnesium alloy. Just scrape it on the back of the blade to start a fire. Sure, it`s more difficult than using matches or a lighter, but it works well in an emergency.
This survival hatchet also features 3 different size hex wrenches milled into the blade itself 3/8″, ½”, and 5/8″.
All in all, this is a handy little outdoor hatchet that gets the job done. The blade is sharp and the handle is sturdy. It`s even sharp enough to double as a knife!
Pros and Cons of Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet
After using this Ozark Trail Hatchet on several short camping trips, here`s my opinion of its pros and cons for camping, backpacking, survival, and more.
What I Like About the Paracord Axe Hatchet
A few of the things I like most about this survival hatchet include:
- Light This Ozark Trail Hatcher is super lightweight at just 11 ounces. It`s a great option for backpacking.
- Sharp The blade on this camp hatchet is very sharp and easy to sharpen with the right tools.
- Strong Despite its lightweight design, this hatchet has held up very well so far to regular use on camping trips.
- Affordable Perhaps the best reason to buy this survival hatchet is because of its very affordable price. It`s an excellent starter hatchet.
- Accessories This tool comes with a paracord handle, a magnesium fire starter, and three built-in hex wrenches.
What I Don`t Like About the Paracord Axe Hatchet
A few of the things I don`t like about this survival hatchet include:
- Too Light Honestly, I prefer something with a little more heft. This hatchet is super light and also very thin. It`s not suitable for big jobs.
- Not Strongest I don`t have any real-life data to back this up (yet) but the Ozark Trail Hatcher just feels flimsier than others I`ve used. This is likely due to its super lightweight design.
Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet Features and Specs
Here are the most important features and specs for this Ozark Trail Hatchet:
Weight: 11 Ounces | Size: 12.5 x 7 x 0.75 Inches |
10-Inch Paracord-Wrapped Handle | Rust-Resistant Steel Blade |
Comes w/ Magnesium Fire Starter | 3 Sizes Hex Wrenches in Blade |
Comes w/ Carrying Case/Sheath | Thin & Flat for Easy Storage |
Visit Walmart.com to learn more about the Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet`s features and specifications.
My Experience with the Ozark Trail Hatchet
I`ve used the Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet on several short camping trips.
So far, I`ve been very happy with its performance and functionality. It`s incredibly sharp, comfortable in the hand, and seems quite durable despite its light weight and low price.
The magnesium fire starter, paracord handle, and built-in hex wrenches are nice touches, although I`ve yet to use them personally.
For the purposes of reviewing this hatchet, I`ve taken it with me on camping trips and used it for all my usual camping tasks like chopping firewood and hammering in tent stakes.
Although it`s performed well at all of these tasks, I personally feel that this hatchet is better suited as a backup hatchet for emergencies rather than your go-to survival hatchet.
I`ll probably take it with me while I`m backpacking, but I prefer something with a little more heft for camping, hunting, and fishing.
Another great use for this Ozark Trail Hatchet is to stow in your vehicle emergency kit. It`s so compact and thin that it will even fit in the glovebox of most cars.
So, stash it somewhere in your vehicle and forget about it until you need it. You`ll be happy you did.
Alternatives to the Ozark Trail Hatchet
There are a ton of great alternatives to the Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet.
As mentioned above, I`m a big fan of the Fiskars X7 Hatchet for general use at the campsite and around the house. I also really like the Gerber Pack Hatchet for backpacking.
For a dedicated survival hatchet, I really like the Kershaw Deschutes Axe Hatchet thanks to its incredibly rugged design that will hold up to the wear and tear of the harshest survival situations.
Although there are a ton of awesome hatchets for survival, I recommend the Fiskars X7 most highly for survivalists and preppers looking for a great all-around survival axe hatchet at an affordable price.
What`s the Verdict?
This Ozark Trail Hatchet is a quality camping hatchet at an affordable price.
I highly recommend it to all campers looking to buy a budget hatchet that`s strong, durable, and sharp without breaking the bank.
It`s also a great option for backpackers thanks to its lightweight. In fact, this is probably the activity that I`ll use this hatchet for the most.
As far as prepping goes, this Ozark Trail Hatchet is a decent option if it`s all you can afford. But there are much better survival hatchets.
I recommend you spend a tiny bit more for a more durable and well-built hatchet that you can completely trust to do the job without fail in a survival situation.
Buy the Ozark Trail Paracord Axe Hatchet with Firestarter from Walmart.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.