The last time I camped, I lugged around two full-size axes and an electric chainsaw. It was a bit of excess. As you can imagine, it required a lot of extra effort when in reality it would have been best to bring a hybrid axe rather than the whole ordeal. I’m all for glamping (glamorous camping), especially when family and friends join you, but when you’re by your lonesome, it’s a bad idea. It doesn’t matter how close or far you are from your vehicle, it’s a bad idea. When you’re camping alone, it’s best to plan on packing light, as though you are a backpacker getting ready to venture out on a long hike into the wilderness. Keep it light and keep it simple, and you can avoid feeling as though it’s all a big burden.
I’ve been searching for the right firewood axe for small camping trips and when taking a rucksack is an absolute, and it’s taken me sometime, as I’ve flirted with a variety of styles, old and new takes on the traditional splitting axe. But it was Hults Bruk who nailed what I was looking for. I already worked with their Atran American Felling axe, which is a full size beast of a tree cutter, but it didn’t fit the need I had. I needed an axe that could fit in my rucksack, or be something that I could simply strap on, because having to lug around gear while hiking rough terrain is not only an awful and dangerous idea, but it will wear you down quickly and can easily push you toward making a mistake. What if you were hiking up a rough and steep rocky crag, do you really want an axe in your hand? Just saying.
The Gran splitting axe is a smaller take at the traditional splitting maul, ranging 20” in length and weighing at about 3.3 lbs. It’s not too heavy or too bulky, and can easily fit inside a backpacker rucksack. The make and quality of the axes by Hults Bruk is unique in that they use the best materials and combine some of the finest craftsmanship in the market today. Most axes, especially in the US, are internationally made with cheap materials and struggle to keep an edge for long, let alone being more dangerous to use, because you never know when the thing will break. I trust quality makers and only suggest high quality products on Eye & Pen, and Hults Bruk is one of the best.
The Gran splitting axe is a smaller take at the traditional splitting maul, ranging 20” in length and weighing at about 3.3 lbs. It’s not too heavy or too bulky, and can easily fit inside a backpacker rucksack. The make and quality of the axes by Hults Bruk is unique in that they use the best materials and combine some of the finest craftsmanship in the market today. Most axes, especially in the US, are internationally made with cheap materials and struggle to keep an edge for long, let alone being more dangerous to use, because you never know when the thing will break. I trust quality makers and only suggest high quality products on Eye & Pen, and Hults Bruk is one of the best.
The handle of the Gran Axe is made of hickory and is crafted smooth with a curved shaft, giving the user an ergonomic feel. It’s important to feel comfortable when using an axe and the better the design the easier that is. Besides, you don’t want to be worrying about much when you’re swinging a sharp 2 lbs. steel head. Overall, I came away very impressed with Hults Bruk’s quality and design. The Gran has helped transform my burden when I’m traveling, and is just so smooth to use when you need firewood quick.
If you would like to learn more about Hults Bruk, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
- Overall Weight: 3 1/3 lbs.
- Head Weight: 2 lbs.
- Handle Length: 20"
- Head: Solid Swedish steel
- Handle: Solid American Hickory
If you would like to learn more about Hults Bruk, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
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