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Five Axes That Carry the Camp

CRKT Freyr | Hults Bruk Kisa | DWFKHT Camping Hatchet | Hults Bruk Arvika Racing Axe | Hultafors Hultan Hatchet

There’s an old truth whispered around campfires: a man with a good axe never fears the night.

These aren’t just tools, they’re companions shaped by centuries of craft. From the battlefield-inspired CRKT Freyr to the timeless Swedish steel of Hults Bruk, every swing echoes with history. Compact hatchets for the trek, full-sized felling axes for timber, even racing axes honed for power; here you’ll find the edge that keeps the fire burning and the shelter standing.

15.7" Camping Hatchet

Hand-forged axe with sheath and beechwood handle. Ideal for splitting, carving, and survival use.

Buy

Hults Bruk Arvika Racing Axe

4.5 lb razor-sharp head on a 32" handle. A competition-grade beast for serious lumberjacks and wood warriors.

Buy

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An axe ain’t just for chopping wood. It’s for making camp.

Emergency tool: In a pinch, it’s a pry bar, hammer, or even a makeshift tent stake driver.

It’s how you shape the wilderness into something that works for you. You’ll use it more than you think, and when you need it, nothing else will do.

Firewood prep: You don’t need to haul split logs when you’ve got an axe and some good trees nearby.

Clearing camp: Make trails, prep a site, clear out fallen limbs.

A cheap axe will bounce, chip, or just plain suck. But a good one…. a real, honest steel head on a solid handle…. becomes part of your rhythm at camp.

You’ll swing it, rest it, lean on it, and curse yourself the one time you forget it.

Pro tip: Keep it sharp and dry. A dull axe is more dangerous than a sharp one, and rust doesn’t care how manly it looks.

Hults Bruk Kisa Felling Axe

Balanced 2 lb felling axe with a 26" handle. Traditional forestry design perfect for clearing and camp prep.

Buy

Hultafors Hultan Hatchet

Classic Swedish craftsmanship from Hults Bruk. A compact, reliable trekking companion built to last.

Buy

CRKT Freyr Axe

Viking-style deep beard design forged from carbon steel with a thick hickory handle. Looks brutal, chops clean.

Buy

“Steel alone is nothing. But when haft meets hand, an axe becomes an extension of the soul. I recall felling fir on frozen fjords, each strike a rhythm of survival. These blades; Freyr, Kisa, Hultan, Arvika, DWFKHT, each carry that spirit. Some are for racing, some for felling, some for kindling. All are forged for men who endure.” -Odin Tu

〰️

“Steel alone is nothing. But when haft meets hand, an axe becomes an extension of the soul. I recall felling fir on frozen fjords, each strike a rhythm of survival. These blades; Freyr, Kisa, Hultan, Arvika, DWFKHT, each carry that spirit. Some are for racing, some for felling, some for kindling. All are forged for men who endure.” -Odin Tu 〰️

-Odin Tu

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You don’t need a hundred tools; you need one that does a hundred things. That’s what your blade is.

Whether it's:

Cutting cordage,
Chopping firewood,
Cleaning fish,
Shaving kindling,
Or keeping the “what was that noise?” monsters away...

A good blade doesn’t just make you feel safer, it makes you more capable. And there’s nothing more valuable in the wild than capability.

Don’t skimp. No gas station knives. You want something that holds an edge, doesn’t slip when wet, and feels right in your hand. The right blade becomes an extension of you.

Five Recommended Knives for the Wild

SOG Seal Strike | Morakniv Bushcraft | KOMWERO Fixed Blade | Buck Zipper Guthook | Mossy Oak Tanto

From backwoods chores to big game field dressing, these blades have proven their worth. Each one is built to be more than a tool… it’s the edge you can trust when the trail gets rough.

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KOMWERO Fixed Blade Knife

Full tang D2 steel blade with G10 handle and Kydex sheath. Built for bushcraft, survival, and serious field work.

Buy

SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife

Tactical knife with a 4.9" partially serrated blade and survival sheath. Built for durability and mission-ready utility.

Buy

Buck Zipper Guthook Knife

Iconic Buck 191 with guthook blade and leather sheath. Field dressing tool trusted by hunters for decades.

Buy

Morakniv Carbon Bushcraft Knife

Carbon steel fixed-blade with molded sheath. Reliable edge retention and rugged Swedish performance.

Buy

“Knives aren’t gear, they’re lifelines.”

| Backwoods Survival | Specialized Hunting | Everyday Carry |

Mossy Oak 10" Tanto Knife

Full tang 14C28N steel with tactical tanto tip and sheath. Built for survival, camping, and combat utility.

Buy

“Knives are more than steel; they’re lifelines. The right blade will clean a trout, cut tinder in the rain, or split a sapling for shelter. This section isn’t just about shiny edges, it’s about proven companions in the field.”

-Karl, Eternal Outdoorsman

“Trust in the Timber”

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Kakadu Canvas Swag Tent

The Australian swag is more than a shelter, it is a tradition. With rugged canvas, a built-in foam mattress, and simple ground-level comfort, the Kakadu swag carries bush heritage into modern camping.

“Rugged canvas, built-in comfort, camp ready.”

“The shelter you carry becomes the home you trust.”

When you step into the backcountry, you are taking on weather, terrain, and time. Food and fire give strength, but shelter is what keeps you alive when the night stretches long. A good tent is more than fabric and poles, it is the barrier between you and the elements, the difference between restful sleep and a night spent shivering and wet. Choosing the right tent means balancing weight, strength, space, and seasonality.

A tent that is too heavy wears you down on the approach. One that is too light may not hold up when the weather turns. The wrong design can leave you fighting condensation, pooling rain, or bending poles in a gale. Picking a tent is not about chasing a single feature, it is about matching shelter to purpose.

For backpackers, weight and packability come first. An ultralight tent lets you cover more miles without fatigue, but you must be mindful of durability. For alpine climbers and four-season trekkers, storm resistance is the priority. Double walls, sturdy poles, and guy-out points mean you can ride out snow and wind when turning back is not an option. Car campers and hunters may value space and comfort, where a heavier build is worth the load for extra room.

A tent’s season rating matters. Three-season models handle spring, summer, and fall well, keeping out rain and wind but not designed for heavy snow. Four-season tents sacrifice some ventilation for strength, with steeper walls and tougher fabric. Then there are specialized shelters like hot tents, built to pair with a wood stove for warmth and cooking inside. Each has its place, and knowing your trip style and conditions is the key to choosing well.

Among the many designs, the Kakadu Canvas Swag Tent stands apart as a piece of heritage carried into modern times. Born in the Australian outback, the swag is a ground-level tent designed for simplicity and rugged durability. The Kakadu pairs a polycotton canvas shell with a thick 2.75-inch foam mattress and integrated LED lighting. Waterproof and weather resistant, it sleeps two in comfort without the fuss of multiple poles or delicate fabrics.

The swag is not built for ultralight backpacking or high-alpine expeditions. Instead, it shines in overland travel, car camping, hunting camps, and bush living. You roll it out, unclip the bag, and your bed is waiting. The canvas breathes in warm weather and seals tight against storms. The built-in mattress means you can leave the pad at home. It is heavy compared to a nylon backpacking tent, but the weight pays back in simplicity, durability, and comfort.

The lesson of the Kakadu Swag is this: choose shelter to fit the life you live outdoors. If you want to shoulder everything and cross mountain passes, reach for a lightweight double-wall tent. If you chase storms or winter hunts, invest in a four-season fortress or hot tent. If your style is rolling out by the truck or horse trail, and you want comfort without compromise, a swag gives you that no-nonsense security.

A tent is not just fabric overhead. It is the single piece of gear that stands between you and the cold hand of the wild. Pick wrong, and you will pay in sleep, comfort, and safety. Pick right, and the tent disappears into the background, leaving you free to enjoy the hunt, the hike, or the quiet of a star-filled night.

The right tent, whether it is a featherweight for the trail, a storm-ready four-season shelter, or the rugged canvas of the Kakadu Swag, is the cornerstone of every good camp. Invest well, match the tent to the journey, and you will carry not just shelter, but peace of mind into every adventure.

“This is a lifestyle product with a story built in. Canvas equals heritage, mattress equals comfort, LED light equals convenience. That blend appeals to campers who want both tradition and ease.”

-Axeman Dan

Kakadu Canvas Swag Tent

Rugged polycotton canvas with integrated foam mattress and LED lighting. Waterproof and wind resistant. Sized for two and built for year round comfort and durability.

Buy Now

“Back in my day, a swag was just a roll of canvas and a blanket. This one’s got a mattress and lights built in. That ain’t just camping, that’s living good out under the stars.”

-Papa Gramps

“I’ve rolled out swags in red dust country and along alpine rivers. A swag is as simple as it gets, and the Kakadu gives that old style with just enough modern comfort.”

-Karl

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Hot Tent with Stove Jack – 4 Season Waterproof & Windproof Shelter for 1–4 People

A rugged 4 season hot tent built for 1 to 4 people. Lightweight yet tough, this waterproof and windproof shelter pairs with a stove to keep your camp warm in the coldest backcountry nights. Ideal for camping, hunting, fishing, and alpine treks where fire belongs inside your walls.

All-Season Design: Built for year-round use, sheds snow and rain with ease.
Stove-Ready: Integrated stove jack allows safe in-tent heating and cooking.
Spacious Shelter: Room for 1–4 people without weighing down your pack.
Durable & Portable: Lightweight yet reinforced against wind and storm.

“Carry the fire with you — warmth and shelter in one.”

Buy Now

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Essential Gear to Pair with your Hot Tent

Also Bought

“Son, I’ve sat through winters where a fire outside near froze my fingers while I stirred the beans. The first time I lit a stove in a hot tent, I knew I wasn’t just surviving anymore. Steam rolled off the stewpot, snow piled a foot high outside, and I leaned back warm as toast. You do not forget a night like that. It is the difference between gnawin’ on cold bread and eatin’ like kings when the storm howls.”

-Papa Gramps

Inside the Hot Tent

A 4-season hot tent is more than shelter, it is a moving lodge. With the right gear you can carry fire into the storm, cook hearty meals, and sleep warm while winter rages outside.

“There’s no sound like the hiss of snowflakes hitting a hot stovepipe, knowing you’re warm inside while winter claws at the canvas.”

“This tent does not just shelter, it upgrades the whole story. Think basecamp, not just camping. The fact that you can cook, heat, and dry gear inside means fewer cold retreats and more comfortable overnights. From a buyer’s eye this is a product that says thrive in the storm instead of barely make it. That is why it stands out.”

-Axeman Dan

“The first time you step out into a frozen dawn and see steam rolling from your tent flap, you’ll understand why Adventurers and Wanderers swear by hot tents.”

Suggested Gear

Portable Titanium Wood Stove -

Lightweight, foldable, and built to burn clean. A stove small enough for the pack but mighty enough to turn a tent into a cabin.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

The unsung hero of hot tenting. Compact, battery powered, and the difference between safe warmth and risky heat.

Spark Arrestor & Fireproof Mat
Stop the sparks before they reach your fly. A proper pipe cap and a Nomex ground mat are worth their weight in peace of mind.

Winter Sleeping Bag (0°F or Lower)
The stove will not burn all night, but a true cold-rated bag will carry you through till dawn.

Durable Cookware Set
A pot big enough for stew, a pan tough enough for bacon, both built for open flame or stovetop heat.

15.7” Camping Hatchet
From kindling to stove length, a sharp edge makes fuel easy. Look for a balance of portability and bite.

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Naturehike Mongar UL 1-2 Person Backpacking Tent, 15D Nylon Waterproof Ultralight One Person Two Person Tent with Footprint

15D nylon fly with silicone coating rated to PU1500 plus. 20D nylon floor with silicone coating rated to PU3000 plus. Footprint fabric 210T polyester rated to PU4000 plus. Imported. Ultralight and compact at 4.19 pounds with eco friendly 8.5 mm aluminum alloy poles. Packed size 16 by 6.3 by 6.3 inches for hiking, bikepacking, mountaineering, and camping. Expandable awning adds shade and keeps rain and snow out while you cook or rest. Interior size 82.7 by 51.2 by 41.3 inches with dual pockets. Dual doors, mesh windows, and adjustable vestibule height for airflow and low condensation. Includes rain fly, inner tent, single pole set, twelve stakes, four wind ropes, storage bag, and footprint. Total weight 4.19 pounds.

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“Go light, stay dry, keep moving.”

The Mongar UL is the kind of shelter that makes you double-check your pack because it feels like you forgot something heavy. It’s light, it’s quick to pitch, and it has enough space for two backpackers who actually get along. Or, if you’re solo, it’s the perfect palace where you can stretch out and pretend you’re some kind of backcountry king.

Naturehike Mongar UL Tent

Lightweight gear opens the trail. The Mongar UL is built for hikers who count every ounce but still want shelter that stands firm when storms roll in. With room for two or a palace for one, it is a flexible tent for thru-hikes, alpine runs, and weekend escapes.

“The lighter the load, the longer the miles.”

“I’ve carried heavy canvas and felt every pound on the climb. The Mongar is different. Light in the pack, strong when it’s pitched, and enough room to stretch without feeling boxed in.”

Backpacker Focused

Light on the Back | Built for Miles | Room for Two

added Recommendations

Ultralight Backpacking Stove
Fire-Maple "Fixed Star 1" – ultralight, reliable ignition, and fast boil.

Sleeping Bag for Backpackers
BUERTS down Sleeping Bag – lightweight, compressible, EN-rated for -7°F.

Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT – warm, ultralight, packs small.

Rechargeable Headlamp
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp – rechargeable, compact, and bright enough for late-night setups.

Lightweight Cookware
TOAKS Titanium Pot 750ml – durable, ultralight, perfect for solo or two-person cooking.

“Light enough for miles, roomy enough for smiles.”

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BISINNA 4 Season Tent for Backpacking – 2 Person Lightweight Cold Weather Double Layer Tent

BISINNA all season tent with snow skirt keeps the inside dry and warm in snow or cold weather. Made from sturdy 210T tear resistant polyester with a PU3000mm waterproof coating and excellent UV protection. Spacious 82.6 × 59 × 43.3 inch interior comfortably fits two people with a waterproof foyer for extra gear storage. Lightweight at 6.4 pounds and packing down to 18 × 7 × 7 inches, it fits easily into a backpack for hiking, bikepacking, or motorcycle trips. Features two doors, two windows, and a double layer mesh and fabric design for airflow and reduced condensation. Freestanding with two aluminum poles and simple hooks, it is quick to set up or take down solo even with no prior experience.

Buy Now

BISINNA 4-Season Backpacking Tent

Built for two, this ultralight winter tent balances toughness and packability. With strong poles, double walls, and fast setup, it is a reliable partner for four-season adventures.

“A good tent does more than block the weather, it buys you rest when the storm would rather steal it.”

Alpine Shelter | Adventure Ready | Four-Season Reliability

Bisinna 4 cold weather Gear Set recommended

Field tip: Add two extra guy points mid panel with stick toggle anchors in deep snow. It quiets the fly and boosts wind performance.

“The night feels shorter when you trust the shelter you’ve pitched.”

From a buyer’s point of view this is the crossover tent. Ultralight appeal for backpackers, true four-season performance for winter travelers.

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“When the snow stacks high and the wind howls, you’ll want a tent that doesn’t flinch. The BISINNA 4-Season Tent holds firm with aluminum alloy poles and a double-layer build that laughs at sleet, rain, and mountain gusts. Light enough for the trail, strong enough for the storm; it’s a true companion for two in the backcountry.”

-Karl (Eternal Outdoorsman)

When you're miles off-grid, your tent is more than a place to crash, it’s your sanctuary. Weather turns quick, and nature doesn’t care how tough you are. A good tent keeps the cold out, the rain off, and the creepy crawlies from using your face as a racetrack.

Cheap tents leak. Don’t learn that the hard way.
Zippers matter. If you’ve ever fought one at 2AM while it’s raining sideways, you know.
Setup time = survival time. You want fast, sturdy, and idiot-proof.

Bottom line: a good tent means better sleep, and better sleep means better decisions. That’s how you keep yourself and your crew safe.

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Gazelle Tents™ T4 Overland EXP Hub Tent, Extended Season Camping Tent, Sleeps 4

Extend your camping season with the Gazelle T4 Overland EXP Hub Tent. Mesh roof with zippered panels adapts for colder weather. Constructed from 210D Ripstop fabric with TriTech mesh for lasting durability and protection. Foundation Feet provide extra stability, while upgraded all terrain stakes and reflective guy lines lock it down in harsh conditions. Packs down to 57 inches to fit in most backseats or trunks. Two D shaped doors with tight weave mesh screens. Includes cord port for electrical access, two closeable vents for heaters or AC, removable gear loft, rainfly, and a 300D Oxford weave footprint. Comes with an oversized water resistant duffle bag with external stake pouch and reinforced carry handles.

Buy Now

Gazelle T4 Overland EXP Hub Tent

This is the tent you pack when the truck is loaded and the road stretches toward the horizon. The Gazelle T4 Overland EXP Hub Tent is quick to pitch, tough against the weather, and roomy enough for four campers. Built with ripstop fabric, UV resistance, and a pop-up hub frame, it takes the work out of camp so you can enjoy the journey.

“From road to ridge in minutes — comfort built for four.”

Overland Focused

Overland Ready | Quick Pitch | Extended Season Comfort

Rugged Adventure

Road to Ridge | Storm Tested | Built for Four

Fast Setup | Spacious Shelter | All-Season Design

Pop It Up | Stretch Out | Camp Longer

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“I’ve seen storms come in quick, and a tent that pitches fast is a gift. The Gazelle stands up strong, and inside there’s room enough to stretch without feeling like you’re packed in like sardines.”

“Boys, let me tell you how I came by that ridge camp the other week. Took the truck down an old logging road rough enough to loosen my fillings. Branches scraping, toolbox rattling, potholes deep enough to hide a mule. Thought for sure I was gonna leave a bumper back there as a souvenir. But when I came up on that clearing, hoo, it was worth it. Ridge wide open, mountains rollin’ out to the horizon, wind howlin’ like an old hound that lost the scent.

Now usually, that’s when the show starts. Me, wrestling tent poles, cussin’ under my breath, tarp flappin’ off toward the next county. But this time I had the Gazelle. Hauled it out of the duffel, gave it a pull, and I swear on my cast-iron skillet, the thing stood up straighter than I do in church. I didn’t even get the chance to spit a curse before camp was lookin’ proper.

Inside? Big enough to stand tall, walk around, even dig a pair of socks outta the bottom of the bag without knockin’ my head on the ceiling. Threw in a chair, lantern, and my stew pot, and it felt like a cabin with nylon walls.

When the storm rolled in that night, rain hittin’ sideways, wind rattlin’ the truck, I sat inside spoonin’ chili and grinnin’ like a fool. My buddy showed up late, still fightin’ his tent like it owed him money. I hollered out, ‘Welcome to my humble abode,’ and near spit my stew laughin’ at the look on his face.

That’s the truth of it, boys. A good tent don’t just keep you dry, it keeps your pride intact. And the Gazelle? That one earned my respect the first night out.”

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“A good tent blocks the storm. The right gear makes the storm irrelevant.”

Lightweight Backpacking Tent
For hikers and long-distance trekkers where every ounce matters.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2- ultralight double-wall design, roomy enough for two without slowing you down.

Four-Season Fortress
When storms and snow are part of the plan.
MSR Access 2 Four-Season Tent- tough poles, steep walls, and winter-ready ventilation for alpine conditions.

Hot Tent Shelter
Carry the fire inside your walls, perfect for hunting camps and deep cold trips.
OneTigris TEGIMEN Hot Tent with Stove Jack - stove-compatible, waterproof, windproof, and sized for group use.

Swag Comfort
Classic ground shelter that brings simplicity and durability.
Kakadu Canvas Swag Tent - rugged polycotton build, 2.75” foam mattress, and LED lighting.

Sleeping Bag for All Conditions
The tent blocks the weather, but the bag keeps you alive when temps plummet.
Kelty Cosmic 0 Down Sleeping Bag - EN-rated, warm to zero degrees, and built for backcountry reliability.

Insulated Sleeping Pad
Cold ground robs more heat than cold air. A pad with real R-value is a must.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT- ultralight but warm, with an R-value above 7 for true winter nights.

Compact Camp Stove
Fast meals and hot drinks keep morale high.
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe - fast boil, reliable ignition, and built for all-weather cooking.

Camp Lantern
Because the best shelter feels like home with light inside.
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern - rechargeable, dimmable, and rugged enough for tent life.

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Some nights it is not the hunt or the miles that matter, it is the firelight and the company that lingers. Hanging Around is a story about the gear that holds strong while the people lean back, swap tales, and laugh until the flames burn low. From sturdy packs to smokeless fire pits to the flask that makes its rounds, this feature is about the moments that stay long after the trail dust settles. Tested by the Axemen, trusted in the wild.

Welcome back, friend. The fire is crackling, the mugs are filled, and the night feels like it could carry on forever.

Inside the Fire Stone Lodge you will find the kind of stories that only surface when the flames burn low and the Council speaks freely. These are not quick product blurbs or surface reviews. They are the deeper tales, the tested wisdom, and the campfire secrets that do not make it into the open trail.

If you want to hear what really happens when the packs hit the ground, the rifles lean on the wall, and the whiskey bottle makes its rounds, the Lodge doors are open. Pull up a chair, settle close to the fire, and see what waits within.

Until then, keep your firewood dry and your stories ready. We will see you later in the Axeman Fire Stone Lodge.

Hanging Around

A Feature Story of Karl’s

The Style of Sleeping Between Trees

There is something about swinging in a hammock that feels closer to the land than any tent ever could. No ground to flatten, no rocks digging in, just the steady sway between trunks and the rhythm of night air moving through leaves.

Karl tells it plain, “One night I strung my hammock over a patch of roots the size of firewood. Slept like a baby while my buddy on the ground cursed every lump. A hammock forgives the earth. That is its gift.”

Al remembers stringing cloth between two birches, centuries before this gear existed, “We would weave hides to hang above the wet ground. Now the fabric is stronger, the straps bear weight with ease, but the spirit is the same. Above the dirt, closer to the sky.”

And Papa Gramps chuckles while stirring the pot, “Boys, I’ll tell you what. In a hammock, you don’t roll onto my cookfire in the night. You stay where you belong, swinging gentle while I keep the stew hot.”

Hammock camping is not just a method, it is a style. It is

lighter,
simpler,
and for many, more comfortable than crawling into a tent. In the right setup, with quilts and cover,
you can ride storms,
stay warm in snow,
and drift to sleep faster than on any ground pad.
It is for those who choose trees as their walls and the sky as their roof.

Miztli Camping Hammock

Portable hammock with netting and tree straps. Great for hiking, camping, or backyard use.

Buy

Covacure Camping Hammock

Lightweight double hammock holds up to 772 lbs. Perfect for the beach, trails, or backyard.

Buy

Axemen’s Take: The Swiss Outdoors Rain Fly Tarp is more than a sheet of fabric... it’s a shield between you and the storm. Karl calls it the quiet roof that keeps the campfire spirit alive. Odin Tu praises its strength as a warrior’s shelter against rain and wind. Dan sees it as the backbone of any lightweight kit, keeping you dry and your gear market-ready for adventure.

Gear to Pair With This Tarp:

Lightweight Hammock (ENO, Wise Owl)
Sleeping Bag (Nemo, Marmot, Kelty)
Sleeping Pad (Therm-a-Rest, Klymit)
Backpacking Stove (Jetboil, MSR, Soto)
Cookware Set (Stanley Adventure, GSI Outdoors)
Headlamp (Black Diamond, Petzl, Fenix)
Multi-Tool (Leatherman, Gerber)
Paracord & Stakes (Atwood, MSR Groundhog)

Pack smart, stay dry, and let the tarp become your camp’s roof under the wild sky.

**There’s something primal about hanging between two trees with the stars above you. A hammock is for the in-between moments ; the post-hike nap, the mid-morning chill, the lazy campfire lounge.**

But a hammock isn’t just luxury. It’s:

Dryer than the ground.
Faster to set up than most tents.
Less weight = more range.

Slap on a bug net and rain fly? You’ve got a full-blown ultralight shelter that swings. Literally.

Pro tip: Always test your trees. Nobody wants to learn tree-rot with their back.

“Whiskey was in play, I will admit that. But not in a way that seemed out of hand. Just regular, respectable whiskey. So really, the hammocks? That was all them. Experts, I suppose.” -Karl, ‘Hanging Around’

Swiss Outdoors Rain Fly Tarp – 12 x 9 ft Green Army

Premium waterproof tarp shelter for hammocks, tents, and camp gear. Lightweight, easy setup, and durable construction for backpacking or rugged outdoor use.

Buy Now

MalloMe XL Hammock Straps

2000+ lbs rated tree straps with 40 loops and carabiners. No-stretch setup for maximum safety.

Buy

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Gear Tested, Links Honest: Axeman Outdoors is reader-supported. If you buy gear through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. That keeps the firewood stacked and the guides coming.

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Five Axes That Carry the Camp

There’s an old truth whispered around campfires: a man with a good axe never fears the night.

15.7" Camping Hatchet

Hults Bruk Arvika Racing Axe

An axe ain’t just for chopping wood. It’s for making camp.

Emergency tool: In a pinch, it’s a pry bar, hammer, or even a makeshift tent stake driver.

It’s how you shape the wilderness into something that works for you. You’ll use it more than you think, and when you need it, nothing else will do.

Firewood prep: You don’t need to haul split logs when you’ve got an axe and some good trees nearby.

Clearing camp: Make trails, prep a site, clear out fallen limbs.

A cheap axe will bounce, chip, or just plain suck. But a good one…. a real, honest steel head on a solid handle…. becomes part of your rhythm at camp.

You’ll swing it, rest it, lean on it, and curse yourself the one time you forget it.

Pro tip: Keep it sharp and dry. A dull axe is more dangerous than a sharp one, and rust doesn’t care how manly it looks.

Hults Bruk Kisa Felling Axe

Hultafors Hultan Hatchet

CRKT Freyr Axe

〰️

-Odin Tu

You don’t need a hundred tools; you need one that does a hundred things. That’s what your blade is.

Five Recommended Knives for the Wild

From backwoods chores to big game field dressing, these blades have proven their worth. Each one is built to be more than a tool… it’s the edge you can trust when the trail gets rough.

KOMWERO Fixed Blade Knife

SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife

Buck Zipper Guthook Knife

Morakniv Carbon Bushcraft Knife

“Knives aren’t gear, they’re lifelines.”

| Backwoods Survival | Specialized Hunting | Everyday Carry |

Mossy Oak 10" Tanto Knife

“Trust in the Timber”

Kakadu Canvas Swag Tent

“Rugged canvas, built-in comfort, camp ready.”

“The shelter you carry becomes the home you trust.”

Kakadu Canvas Swag Tent

Hot Tent with Stove Jack – 4 Season Waterproof & Windproof Shelter for 1–4 People

Essential Gear to Pair with your Hot Tent

-Papa Gramps

Inside the Hot Tent

-Axeman Dan

Suggested Gear

Naturehike Mongar UL 1-2 Person Backpacking Tent, 15D Nylon Waterproof Ultralight One Person Two Person Tent with Footprint

“Go light, stay dry, keep moving.”

Naturehike Mongar UL Tent

“The lighter the load, the longer the miles.”

Backpacker Focused

added Recommendations

“Light enough for miles, roomy enough for smiles.”

BISINNA 4 Season Tent for Backpacking – 2 Person Lightweight Cold Weather Double Layer Tent

BISINNA 4-Season Backpacking Tent

Bisinna 4 cold weather Gear Set recommended

Gazelle Tents™ T4 Overland EXP Hub Tent, Extended Season Camping Tent, Sleeps 4

Gazelle T4 Overland EXP Hub Tent

Overland Focused

Rugged Adventure

“A good tent blocks the storm. The right gear makes the storm irrelevant.”

Until then, keep your firewood dry and your stories ready. We will see you later in the Axeman Fire Stone Lodge.

Hanging Around

A Feature Story of Karl’s

The Style of Sleeping Between Trees

There is something about swinging in a hammock that feels closer to the land than any tent ever could. No ground to flatten, no rocks digging in, just the steady sway between trunks and the rhythm of night air moving through leaves.

Hammock camping is not just a method, it is a style. It is

lighter,

simpler,

and for many, more comfortable than crawling into a tent. In the right setup, with quilts and cover,

you can ride storms,

stay warm in snow,

and drift to sleep faster than on any ground pad.

It is for those who choose trees as their walls and the sky as their roof.

Miztli Camping Hammock

Covacure Camping Hammock

Gear to Pair With This Tarp:

There’s something primal about hanging between two trees with the stars above you. A hammock is for the in-between moments ; the post-hike nap, the mid-morning chill, the lazy campfire lounge.

But a hammock isn’t just luxury. It’s:

Swiss Outdoors Rain Fly Tarp – 12 x 9 ft Green Army

MalloMe XL Hammock Straps

Shop Gear

**There’s something primal about hanging between two trees with the stars above you. A hammock is for the in-between moments ; the post-hike nap, the mid-morning chill, the lazy campfire lounge.**