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If you’re lazy to read the rest of the article and you just want to know what’s the best bow saw for camping, our answer for you will be the Sven Saw. And no worries, if you’re looking for alternatives, we have prepared a list for you to choose from! Read further on.
Nothing beats camping in terms of fun and the thrill that comes with being in the woods. It is euphoric. Well, camping is definitely fun, but wait until you lack some basic necessities such as firewood to keep you warm during the night.
This is where bow saws come in; you see, when you are in the woods you will need a tool to help you cut branches for use as firewood. You will need a portable tool that you can easily fit in your bag or camping kit. Fortunately, we came up with a list of some of the best saws for camping and the features you ought to consider when shopping for bow saws.
- Bahco Ergo Bow Saw
- Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw
- Bahco All-Purpose Bow Saw
- Truper 30255 Bow Saw
- Sven Saw
Best Bow Saw For Camping Buying Guide
For every product you buy, there are certain considerations and features you have to factor in, before making your decision on which product to buy. The same case applies to bow saws for camping. Below are the key features to consider.
What will you use the bow saw for?
Bow saws are designed with various uses in mind, some for sawing logs to size while others for cutting branches, shrubs, etc. Bow saws are best used when you only have a few trees to cut down.
In addition, if your main interest is speed and not a fine cut or a near finish, then the bow saw is the best option for you. Bow saws come in different size and capacities, your choice will depend on your intended use.
Where do you intend to use your bow saw?
The most notable features of a bow saw include a long straight blade combined with a bow-shaped frame. Since the frame is made of a hollow metal, it tend to make the bow saw easy to maneuver. This makes the bow saw a very useful tool especially when working in less than ideal situations.
It can be used virtually in any situation or place as it does not require gas, cable nor does it run on an engine. They are designed to be light, which makes them easy to carry as well as grip.
How good are you at cutting trees?
Before you attempt to use the bow saw, you ought to have prior experience about using the tool, or you could even get an expert to help you get through the exercise. If it becomes too intense for you; you can hire a professional to handle the task.
How safe is it?
In all tools, safety should always be the first priority of the user. You need to ensure that the bow saw has a guard that you can fit over its teeth as cutting tools can prove to be very dangerous if not handled correctly. There should be a clear exit especially when cutting trees in the woods.
You need to know the factors that will influence the direction of fall of the tree. You have to consider the weight of the tree, the height of the tree and the distance it is likely to ensure that it does not fall on someone or anything else that could be important.
Features to look for
Blade
Depending on the technicality of the task at hand, the blade can be detached to make it easy for you to cut through tree branches and shrubs. The two major types of blades include:
- Peg tooth blade: all its teeth have a triangular shape and feature a group three arrangement that includes a gap between each group. It easily cuts through hard and dry wood without
much hassle. - Raker tooth blade: the raker tooth blade has triangular shaped teeth that are designed to slice through wood while the raker teeth chip out the wood.
Size of Blade
Bow saws come in different size. The smaller models are usually 15-17” long while the longer blades can go up to 30” in length. Before choosing the ideal size for you, you have to consider the type of projects you intend to undertake. If its camping, you will need the larger models as they can easily chop logs or lop down trees.
Sheath
It is advisable that you choose a saw with sharp teeth as this makes it easy to cut through wood. The best bow saw for camping ought to have a good sheath. It should fit neatly over the blade, leaving nothing exposed to prevent likely injuries.
Tension
Top-notch bow saws have a feature that allows you to adjust tension. You can increase your efficiency when working simply by manipulating the tension. If the blade is too loose or too tight, you’ll have trouble trying to cut through wood efficiently.
In most cases, tension adjustment is done using a simple thumbscrew. However, newer models come with automatic tension adjustment.
Handle and hand guard
You obviously want a bow saw with a comfortable handle that gives you an adequate grip. You also want a bow saw with a built-in hand guard. The hand guard is designed to ensure that your hand stays in place in case you slip.
Bright Color
Since you’ll be using it for camping, you want your bow saw to have a bright color thus making it easy to locate it in case you lose it in the woods.
Using a Bow Saw
Bahco Ergo Bow Saw
- Ergonomics: 4.2/5
- Sharpness: 4.4/5
- Ease of Blade Replacement: 4.7/5
The Bahco Ergo Bow Saw is designed specifically for cutting green wood; however, it is also ideal for cutting lumber and dry wood. Being 30” in length, it is arguably the best bow saws for camping, commercial and residential projects.
It has a steel tube that is designed to be durable while still remaining light enough for easy handling. It is painted in orange enamel, which is an easy color to spot from afar.
- Well-fitting sheath
- Durable and lightweight
- Comfortable handle
- Highly versatile
- User must be cautious when adjusting the tension. The tightener may come off when the blade is over-tightened.
Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw
- Ergonomics: 4.5/5
- Sharpness: 4.7/5
- Ease of Blade Replacement: 4.4/5
Next on the list is the super affordable Bow Saw from Fiskars. It features a 21” blade that is more compact than the Bahco Ergo Bow. It is ideal for cutting and clearing overgrown bushes, or hacking intrusive branches.
The blade is made of carbon steel, which means that it remains sharp even after long hours of use. It comes with a very lightweight frame that is not only strong but also solid.
- Combines performance and portability
- Carbon steel blade
- Strong steel frame
- Tension lever gives the user impressive control
- Some users find it hard to create a straight cut
Bahco All-Purpose Bow Saw
- Ergonomics: 4.8/5
- Sharpness: 4.6/5
- Ease of Blade Replacement: 4.8/5
The Bahco All-Purpose Bow Saw features a whooping 36” blade that is capable of construction work and hardcore logging. It is also viable for lighter jobs such as garden use of even camping. If you are looking to cut large pieces of lumber, then this bow saw by Bahco is the best choice for you.
Its handle is so comfortable that it significantly reduces the chances of blistering your fingers. It comes with a hardened steel blade that does not require regular sharpening. It has an outstanding tension system that makes it easy to configure the blade for maximum efficiency.
- 36” blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Highly durable steel frame
- Adjustable tension system
- Some users complain hand guard comes off easily
Truper 30255 Bow Saw
- Ergonomics: 4.5/5
- Sharpness: 4.5/5
- Ease of Blade Replacement: 4.7/5
The Truper 30255 is available in three sizes; there is the 21” blade, the 24” blade and the 30” blade. The Truper 30255 comes with a cam-lever system that guarantees superior results.
It features a quick release system that makes it easy to change the blade in case the need arises. Its bright orange color makes it easy for you to locate your bow saw in case you misplace it.
- Extremely comfortable handle
- Sizes come with 21”, 24″ or 30″ blade
- Great design
- 1st rate cam-lever system for accurate cutting
- Blade seems flimsy
Sven Saw
- Ergonomics: 4.8/5
- Sharpness: 4.7/5
- Ease of Blade Replacement: 4.8/5
Not everyone wants a 36” blade or a 30” blade for use in the camp. In fact, many people would prefer a smaller and portable bow saw, which is exactly what you get with the Sven Saw. Weighing less than a pound and folds neatly, this bow saw gives you superb portability combined with surprising cutting power.
It comes with a 21” blade that cuts through wood, plants, and shrubs with ease. It is a handy traveling companion. Its folding design eliminates the need for a sheath as it keeps the blade tucked safely.
- Weighs less than a pound
- It folds up to fit easily in your backpack
- Strong 21”steel blade
- No sheath required
- Not ideal for thick trees
Conclusion
From our review it is evident that the Sven Saw is the best bow saw for camping, as it is portable, weighs less than a pound, folds up easily to fit in your backpack, the blade size is just perfect and it does not require a sheath due to its folding design.