Tools that Might Help

When carrying additional tools, it's important to keep half a mind on the combined weight of all the tools. You should also do some looking around to see if there are lighter, more durable, or easier solutions to your dilema.

Cutting

There are several different types of cutting that can be done in the wilderness. If you are cutting to clear foliage from your path, it is best to use a large, lightweight machete that can easily be swung back and fourth.

For medium sized cuttings, such as branches for firewood, a pocket string-saw is the most effecient thing to carry for gathering wood. In fact, they are so small and portable, you can just slip it right into your hip or cargo pocket and forget about it.

For larger things, such as taking down large lumber, a small hatchet will suffice for most of your other needs. Hatchets only weigh in at about 3-6 pounds, fit in most backpacks, and are relatively easy to maintain when cared for properly.

Digging

Digging is another task that may have to be done frequently in the field. Whether it is for a camp fire on a windy day or a latrine hole to safely bury your waste, it isn't practicle to walk around with a garden shovel. In this case, it helps to obtain an Entrenching Tool, or E-Tool for short. These are colapsable, light weight spades that make digging in the wilderness much easier and faster.