Compact saws like a folding pruning saw or collapsible bowsaw pair great with a hatchet when you’re preparing a shelter or a fire. The saw that I think of needs to be durable and light weight and that can easily be stored on a backpack. Below are a few saws
SWISS TECH ANDERN
14″ stainless steel blade
Total weight 1.3 1b.
Folded length 14″
Medium to large branches up to 9″ in diameter
Aluminum frame with rubberized handle
Limited LIFETIME WARRANTY
Special Features
Ultra-compact, packable folding design
Tool-free breakdown for safe storage
Secure, snap-locking blade
CORNA RAZOR TOOTH SAW
10″ Chrome plated blade
Total weight 1.0 lb.
Folded length 11″
Small to medium branches up to 6″ in diameter
RUBBERIZED, NON-SLIP GRIP
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Special Features
CUT 2X FASTER with RazorTOOTH Saw® technology
3-SIDED TEETH are impulse-hardened to stay sharp longer
EASY-TO-LOCK folding blade conceals teeth to prevent injury when not in use
Corona 10″ Folding Saw
Strengths
- Excellent weight‑to‑power ratio: About 1 lb with aggressive triple‑ground teeth that cut efficiently on the pull stroke, reducing binding and fatigue. [homedepot.com]
- Compact & backpack‑friendly: Folds fully closed with teeth enclosed—easy to stash in a pack side pocket or lid. [coronatools.com]
- Proven durability: High‑carbon steel blade with impulse‑hardened teeth used widely by arborists and campers. [homedepot.com]
- Quiet & controlled: Ideal for campsite use where a chainsaw isn’t appropriate.
Trade‑offs
- Shorter blade means slower on larger logs.
- Teeth aren’t intended to be resharpened; blade replacement is the norm.
Best Use
- Backpacking, minimalist camping, trail clearing
- Firewood prep up to ~6 in
- Pairing with a hatchet for efficient shelter or fire prep
Swiss+Tech Ändern Folding Bow Saw
Strengths
- Longer 14″ blade + rigid frame: Cuts larger diameter wood faster and with less flex than a folding pruning saw. [swisstecho…tdoors.com]
- Light for a bow saw: Roughly 0.74–1.3 lb depending on source—significantly lighter than traditional bow saws while retaining performance. [swisstecho…tdoors.com], [walmart.com]
- Wide cutting clearance: Frame design allows tackling thicker logs efficiently. [swisstecho…tdoors.com]
- Tool‑free folding: Packs flatter than fixed bow saws.
Trade‑offs
- Bulkier when folded than a 10″ folding saw.
- More parts = more potential failure points than a simple folding saw.
- Less convenient for quick, small cuts.
Best Use
- Base camps, car camping, shorter hikes
- Processing larger firewood
- Users who want bow‑saw performance without carrying a full-size model
VP & Co-Founder – Overlanding Unlimited
