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Camp Saws

The best camp saws, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

Recent Camp Saw Reviews

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Silky BigBoy

The most versatile of the Silky lineup, the Bigboy can do just about any job a backpacker could ask of a saw. After using Silky's Katanaboy on a trail maintenance gig, I knew I needed one of my own. I mean, the hatchet is useful and all, and a solid piece of trail maintenance kit; but those things are heavy, not really backpacking material. So I treated myself to an early birthday present—right before the pandemic hit. D'oh! Fast forward six months, and I finally got to put my saw to use. And… Full review

rated 4 of 5 stars
Bahco Laplander Folding Saw

This little saw works when both pushing and pulling, which requires less effort, in my opinion, and was the main reason I chose this saw. It is affordable for most budgets, and has held up well in the two months I've been using it. This folding saw does just what I needed it to do, which is to cut up some downed limbs or very small dead trees for campfire purposes. It won't take down anything that big, but I would be leaving those for cavity-nesting birds anyway. I think it's more efficient than… Full review

rated 4 of 5 stars
Opinel No.12 Stainless Steel Folding Saw

A handy, no-fuss pruning saw ideal for small arboreal tasks at a very reasonable price. The classic and simple design has remained unchanged. Functional, affordable with a lovely feel compared to saws with a plastic handle. I have used a Bahco Laplander and an Opinel folding pruning saw and I was interested to compare the two. For me, the Opinel is the superior saw. Unlike the Laplander which failed after a short amount of time, the Opinel has proven to be dependable and durable in cutting through… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Silky BigBoy

I've found nothing more effective for clearing trail. Every hiker should carry one. I stumbled onto one of these at REI a couple of years ago. I had been trying to use a Sven Saw off and on with marginal results, and could saw nothing larger than about 8" in diameter. When I discovered the "Big Boy", and learned it utilized the Japanese cutting orientation of the teeth, I went for it. It seemed expensive at the time but now after two years, it's clearly a bargain. I've likely cut well over 100 trees… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Silky Katanaboy 500

In the family of folding saws, Silky plays the role of the teched-up young prodigal son—and the Katanaboy is his hulking, gym-rat persona. After seeing a few recent reviews of other Silky blades, I thought I should toss in my experience with something a little more sizable. I was working on a trail crew in the PNW and the crew leader brought along his personal blade, along with all the tools supplied by the volunteer organization. I was tasked with building some new steps in a particularly eroded… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Agawa Canyon Boreal 21

Compact cutter. I picked one up having tried one on a bushcraft course. Cuts through soft and hardwood very efficiently. Safe and easy to carry around camp. Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Agawa Canyon Boreal 21

This is a really cleverly designed saw. It is compact, efficient, cuts well, and sets up easily. This is a really cleverly designed saw. It folds up to far more compact (if a little long) than other bucksaws/bowsaws, and the way it folds protects the teeth and other gear in my pack. The best part, however, is the way it tensions: as the saw unfolds, the one part of the handle hinges onto itself, creating a lever which keeps the blade tensions really high (and can be adjusted). I have found this… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Silky Pocketboy

I feel compelled to do trail work whenever I am out for a hike. If I don't do it, when will be the next time a trail crew gets to it? I needed a handsaw to replace another I had lost. Grabbed this SILKY at a local gear store. So happy with how it performs. It's small yet big. I do a lot of different types of trail work for mountain bikes, ski glades, hiking trails. It's a must-have in my pack.  Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Silky BigBoy

This saw is razor sharp. I use it in the winter while sledding and the rest of the year for building, hiking, and camping. It is light enough that I always have it with me on my day pack or multi-day pack. Basically you won't find me in the mountains/bush without it! Ease of Use: You must let the saw do the work. If forcing this saw you will snap the blade! This goes for all the Silky saws I have used. I am a woodworker and faller/arborist. I have multiple Silky products and they last if cared for. Full review

Other Types of Knives and Tools

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Multi-Tools

Axes and Hatchets

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