I have had quite a few months under my belt with the CRKT Pack Axe. In fact, I began using this little axe back in the late summer of 2018. So it has been through the steamy months of summer when I wanted to pack as little as possible in my haversack. And well into the winter months when I have needed my tool selections to be as effective as possible since I’m already carrying a lot of other heavy items.
Honestly, I’ve dragged my feet a little bit on this review because I was waiting to find something wrong with it. Or some condition in which it didn’t perform well. But, it’s safe to say, at this point, that the CRKT Pack Axe is a winner within its category of tools. Let’s dive into this full review and discuss it…
CRKT Pack Axe
The CRKT Pack Axe is no doubt the smallest hatchet on my tool rack. But that doesn’t stop it from being effective at its job, which I’ll get into here in a bit. But before we go any further, let’s go ahead and get some reference on its size, weight, and specs.
- Overall Length: 11.25″
- Blade Steel: 1060 Carbon Steel
- Cutting Edge: 2.927″
- Overall Weight: 1lb and 2.3 oz
(there’s no mention of head weight on the CRKT site) - Hammer finished head with lacquer and Hickory Handle
This is indeed a very packable tool as its name suggests. I’ve found myself being able to easily slip the Pack Axe into small nooks and crannies of backpacks, in the back of my Hidden Woodsmen Haversack, and everything in between. The minuscule weight is a real joy when you’re trying to save ounces and pounds as well.
CRKT Pack Axe Performance & Usage
CRKT’s Pack Axe has been a piece of gear that I consistently come back from a trip and rave about. It has honestly shocked me that such a small tool can be so effective.
In regards to its smaller size: This is a perfect tool to use under a tarp or poncho shelter if you’re couped up in the rain. Additionally, around smaller kids, it’s a safer bet than swinging a large axe.
For me, I use this axe a lot around camp for carving/bushcraft types of projects, taking down small diameter trees when I don’t have my saw, then limbing said trees, etc. It’s one of those tools that you don’t fully know how much you’ll use it until it’s on your belt or in your bag.
CRKT Pack Axe Edge & Sharpness
The Pack Axe has held a really nice and sharp edge in the field. It has gotten a few chips in it here and there…But that is almost certainly because I don’t baby the edges of my axes as much as I do my knives. The important thing for me is the chips easily come out with my Lansky Puck and they’re really small when they do occur.
CRKT Pack Axe Value & Missing Mask
At the time of this review, the CRKT Pack Axe is going for $59.99 on Amazon. Based on my usage and intentions for this tool within my kits, I think this is a very fair price. This has been a nice, well performing, premium and tightly fitted axe for its price range. CRKT has honestly been hitting a lot of homerun’s as a company lately and the Pack Axe is adding to that track record.
My one complaint about this axe is the fact that it does not come with a mask/sheath and CRKT doesn’t have one advertised to fit it either. However, I am going to save you all the headache of trying to find one because I already have. The Cold Steel Frontier Hawk Nylon Sheath is a great fit for the Pack Axe. And it’s only $5 and some change. While I wish CRKT would go ahead and include one with the axe I can stand to spend the extra $5 for the Frontier Hawk sheath.
CRKT Pack Axe Review (9 out of a 10)
The CRKT Pack Axe has been one of my favorite tools since I picked it up and began using it. I always tend to reach for it when I’m trying to save weight in my pack or just want to use a smaller tool. It has been more than effective throughout my extended use and I would recommend it for sure.
Just keep in mind that it does not come with any sort of mask or sheath (which is why I docked it a point in my rating). So you’ll need to pick up the $5 Frontier Hawk Nylon Sheath here.
Shown Above (my lightweight 3 tool kit): CRKT Pack Axe | Condor Mini Indigenous Puukko | Opinel No.12 Saw
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Read Next: My Summer Haversack Kit | CRKT Nobo Tomahawk Review | Check out my Outdoor Kits
Ethics Statement: CRKT sent the Pack Axe for the purpose of an extensive field test and non-bias CRKT Pack Axe Review. CRKT have not previously proof-read or influenced this article in any way. All opinions, statements, and content are my own.
