Coghlan's Camp Axe

Cheap, car camping axe is worth the 11 bucks you will spend on it.

Cons

Let's start with the cons. There are many cons. It does not come sharpened. The bit is poorly tempered and dulls very quickly. The handle is a hollow tube so it can bend very easily. The rubber handle gets loose in the heat.

Pros

It is 11 dollars. The head is soft enough to hammer it without chipping. The handle can be bent back. It is reasonably light.

Review

That right there is a picture of a Coghlan's axe that has been used to split over a cord of small logs since it was purchased. I have many axes. A wonderful Council Tool single bit Jersey-pattern. A Kelly Axe & Tool Co, double bit Michigan from the 1920s. A Plumb Co. splitting maul from the 1960s. Yet, despite that, I have used this cheap little axe just as much as any of them.

Why? Because it is in with my car camping stuff.  

Why not get a "better" hatchet? Because this is pretty perfect for car camping.

The bit and head may be too soft for cutting and the chisel point means even sharpened it isn't that great for chopping. What it is perfect for, however; is splitting small to medium size logs. The exact kind you have when you are at a campground.

The soft steel in the head means you can hammer away on the poll without fear of chipping and if you slam the the handle to hard you can always bend it back.

Plus this hatchet is dirt cheap. Splitting in a poor location because of rocks or mud? Accidentally leave it out in the rain? Left it on the table and some one nicked it? Not a problem because it is 11 dollars.

Conclusion

Totally worth it for car camping based on price alone. If you want to carry an axe in your pack there are lighter better options.