Axe or machete?

[rollingrock]

I'm planning a backpack trip for a few days in the coming season. Now I'm wondering whether I should pack an axe or a machete. I've found that both have their cons and pros. What do you think?

[.270boy]

I think i would pack one of those half size axes not a hatchet but not full sized axe either, they're about a... 20" handle i think. But this all depends one what kind of bush your gonna be encountering if your in some real thick stuff a machette might be nice to have, you really cant replace a axe though.

[Steeleco]

I use one of these, the shank can be used for striping limbs and the thing can't break, if you do, your in more bother than you thought!!!!

http://www.estwing.com/axes2.htm

[Jelvis]

I use a sharp machette for clearing out trails, in the loops area for the up coming seasons. I clear out debris from deer and moose trails. Once I used a little belt axe to blaze a little trail and came on to a buck who thought i was a buck hitting his antlers on trees. He just stood there, this was in october. A little axe for kindling etc. but machette for clearing trail. Jel

[Radar]

Like Jelvis, I like to use a machette for trails and a small axe for kindling etc. Righ tool righ job, sometimes you just have to carry two.

[Mr. Dean]

For a pack trip I'd carry a small axe. It's better suited for doing both jobs.

[Bow Walker]

http://www.estwing.com/axes5.htm
I use one of these.........never had a problem and it is light & manoeuvrable. Great tool for the bush.

[Phred]

If you expect to encounter small sapplings and bush, take a machete. I use mine, along with an axe, to split moose...it works great.

[.270]

Take the axe, machete doesn't work so good on dry or thicker brush

[sealevel]

Get a axe of good quality like a black diamond you will not be sorry. I have to disagree with the eastwing its a toy at best.