Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet - 3.5" Steel Blade Axe

Curated from 58 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 28, 2025

Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet - 3.5" Steel Blade Axe

Brand: Gerber Gear
Price: $36
Snoop Score:
7.5
Sentiment
6.7
Popularity
7.1
Technical
7.7

Snoop's Take

The Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet is a compact and versatile camping tool featuring a 3.5" steel blade designed for bushcraft and outdoor adventures. With its full tang construction and ergonomic grip, this hatchet is engineered for durability and ease of use, making it an essential accessory for camping, hiking, and survival situations. Consumer feedback highlights the hatchet's effective performance, especially its balance of ease of sharpening and edge retention. Users appreciate its affordability, with one stating, "it's good enough to use regularly and when I hit a rock or a knot trying to do something I don't give a shit because, you know, $60." However, some concerns were raised regarding its wood processing capabilities compared to competitors, with one user noting, "I see no feature of the Gerber that would persuade me to get it over the X7 for wood processing tasks." Overall, the Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet is recommended for those seeking a reliable and budget-friendly tool for outdoor activities. While it may not surpass some competitors in specific features, its durability and compact design make it a suitable choice for casual users and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Axes & Hatchets

main thing i’d lean toward gerber is it is $24 vs $34, and it is full tang so won’t worry about damaging handle if i have a missed swing

Positive Feedback

I see no feature of the Gerber that would persuade me to get it over the X7 for wood processing tasks.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.5
Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet - 3.5" Steel Blade Axe
Wood Splitting and Kindling
8 / 10
Camp Setup and Shelter
9 / 10
Survival and Emergency
7 / 10
Throwing and Recreation
8 / 10
See how this compares to all Axes & Hatchets

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Full tang construction enhances durability
main thing i’d lean toward gerber is it is $24 vs $34, and it is full tang so won’t worry about damaging handle if i have a missed swing
Affordable price compared to competitors
Hatchet/Small axe for your pack Looking for any suggestions on what to get. I’m tired of reading product reviews, any help much appreciated.
Estwing Hatchet or Hand Axe, Gerber, Fiskars.
Good balance of ease of sharpening and edge holding
It’s a good balance of ease of sharpening and edge holding.
Composite handle performs exceptionally well
If you’re going for a composite handle get a Fiskars or Gerber, they’re the same and work exceptionally well.
Improved rubber overmold for better grip
The Gerber Freescape hatchets are Fiskars axes in a different Color (Fiskars owns gerber).
Compact and lightweight for easy transportation
I've always been really happy with my Gerber.
Effective for making feathersticks
The weight makes it easier to make feathersticks than my knife, despite having a larger blade angle.
Good performance for its price
it's good enough to use regularly and when I hit a rock or a knot trying to do something I don't give a shit because, you know, $60.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Lacks features for wood processing compared to competitors
I see no feature of the Gerber that would persuade me to get it over the X7 for wood processing tasks.
Perceived as gimmicky and less reliable
Gerber makes a lot of gimmicks nowadays.
Perceived as similar to Fiskars products
I’ll take fiskars products over Gerber any day. Doesn’t matter what category of product I purchase from fiskars they have always outperformed.
Handle magnet fails to hold knife
The magnet fails to hold the knife in at all, the balance is all off thanks to a partially hollow handle if you remove (or lose) the knife.
The first thing to go is the little magnet in the handle that holds the knife, after that the handle will crack.
Handle too short for effective swinging
Looks too gimmicky to me. Also, that handle is too short to get a good swing.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
LIANTRAL Camping Axe, Folding Survival HatchetLIANTRAL Camping Axe, Folding Survival Hatchet$26
8.7
DetailsBuy
Freelander Tactical Axe 2 PackFreelander Tactical Axe 2 Pack$39
7.9
DetailsBuy
Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet - 3.5" Steel Blade AxeGerber Gear Pack Hatchet - 3.5" Steel Blade Axe$36
7.5
DetailsBuy
WLQiu Camping Axe and Survival HatchetWLQiu Camping Axe and Survival Hatchet$31
7.3
DetailsBuy
SZCO WatchFire 10” Camping/Survival HatchetSZCO WatchFire 10” Camping/Survival Hatchet$15
7.3
DetailsBuy
Husqvarna 9.4-Inch Hiking HatchetHusqvarna 9.4-Inch Hiking Hatchet$76
7.2
DetailsBuy
Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping HatchetEstwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet$44
7.1
DetailsBuy
HX OUTDOORS Mercenarys Tactical Engineer AxeHX OUTDOORS Mercenarys Tactical Engineer Axe$79
6.6
DetailsBuy
KSEIBI Wood Axe, Small Outdoor Camp HatchetKSEIBI Wood Axe, Small Outdoor Camp Hatchet$16
6.5
DetailsBuy
LIANTRAL Survival Camping AxeLIANTRAL Survival Camping Axe$31
5.4
DetailsBuy
Coleman Camp AxeColeman Camp Axe$10
5.4
DetailsBuy
WEYLAND Survival Hatchet & Camping AxeWEYLAND Survival Hatchet & Camping Axe$29
4.8
DetailsBuy
7th Science Gear Camping Axe - Survival Hatchet7th Science Gear Camping Axe - Survival Hatchet$22
4.5
DetailsBuy
Freelander Survival Axe with HoeFreelander Survival Axe with Hoe$42
4.5
DetailsBuy
Shinoske Camping Axe, Survival Hatchet, Folding Portable Tactical AxeShinoske Camping Axe, Survival Hatchet, Folding Portable Tactical Axe$21
4.4
DetailsBuy
SOG Camp Axe - Compact Camping and Survival HatchetSOG Camp Axe - Compact Camping and Survival Hatchet$54
4.1
DetailsBuy
NIPURA Outdoor Camping Hatchet AxeNIPURA Outdoor Camping Hatchet Axe$21
3.9
DetailsBuy
Hitdudu Camping Axe, Folding Portable Survival HatchetHitdudu Camping Axe, Folding Portable Survival Hatchet$25
2.0
DetailsBuy
Hitdudu Camping Axe, Survival Chopping Hatchet with SheathHitdudu Camping Axe, Survival Chopping Hatchet with Sheath$24
0.6
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Debate over benefits of wooden vs composite handles
Thanks for all the help everyone!
Discussion on differences among various hatchet models
Is there a difference between the Gerber freescape and the fiskars hatchets other than the color of the handle?
I see no reason to get the Gerber branded one, unless you really love green and don’t mind paying a premium.
When using his the other day I could not tell a difference.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about various brands and alternatives
Grunsfor Bruk Hatchet if you want to spend a few bucks on something to one day pass onto your grand kids.
Debate over alternatives to hatchets for outdoor tasks
Any realistic options without breaking the bank?
For the same weight as an axe, you could have a good fixed blade and a folding saw.
Axes really only excel at wood processing. I think while bushwhacking you may be better served by a hefty machete.
What do you plan on using it for?
Discussion on axe pricing and perceived value
Paying more =/= better product.
Debate over necessity of high-end brands for bushcraft
Yea contrary to popular belief you don't need a Gransfors to bushcraft.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Debate over the utility of hatchets vs axes in survival situations
Which do you think is better, hatchets or axes Can be for any specific purpose or reason in survival
Ultimately like with most weapons I feel it would differ based on the situation. Like if I am in a narrow hallway with little room to maneuver I will take the hatchet, but if I'm in an open field completely surrounded but have plenty of room to swing then I'm still gonna take the hatchet because it will be easier to swing at my own head than the axe.
I prefer the hatchet regardless. I'm a big guy though. You add a 1' handle to a 3' arm. Honestly, all I really need is the sharp weighted edge and protection for my hand in combat.
With an axe, you have a small sweet spot (the blade) that you want to hit your target with. Like you said, a 3' arm holding a 3' axe creates a theoretical 6' reach.

You May Also Like

Explore more Categories
Fixed Blade Knives
Best Fixed Blade Knives for Camping & Hiking
Best Fixed Blade Knives for Camping & Hiking
Multitools
Best Camping and Hiking Multitools
Best Camping and Hiking Multitools