Every now and then, a piece of gear lands in my hands that just makes sense. The Bush Tracks Z9 9″ Camp Hatchet Axe is one of them. For a long time, I’ve been looking for the perfect compact axe—something that’s not just a toy but a genuinely useful tool for camp chores, without being a monster to carry. I’ve been putting this little hatchet through its paces on a few recent trips, from splitting kindling for the campfire to limbing small branches, and I’ve been really impressed. This isn’t a lumberjack’s axe; it’s a focused, smart tool for the weekend adventurer.
The good
- Compact and easy to pack
- Sharp blade right out of the box
- Comfortable, non-slip grip
- Protective sheath for safety
- Excellent for kindling & small wood
The not-so-good
- Not for large logs or heavy use
- Blade coating will wear off
- Can't re-handle if it breaks
What You’re Getting
A compact and durable 9-inch hatchet axe with a forged carbon steel blade and a shock-absorbent fiberglass handle, ideal for splitting kindling and light camp chores.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bush Tracks |
| Material | Forged Carbon Steel Blade, Fiberglass Handle |
| Length | 22cm (9 inches) |
| Weight | 130g |
| Color | Black & Orange |
| Blade Coating | PTFE Anti-Friction |
| Handle | Shock-absorbent, non-slip grip |
| Features | Protective sheath included |
| Use Case | Camping, hiking, splitting kindling, bushcraft |
First impressions
I unboxed the Bush Tracks Z9 and the first thing I noticed was its size. At just 22 cm long, it’s compact, fitting easily into my camp gear box or the side pocket of my pack. The hatchet felt solid in my hand, with a reassuring weight that hinted at its durability. The blade came with a very sharp edge right out of the box, which is a huge plus—no need for immediate sharpening. The orange and black design of the handle stands out, making it hard to lose if you drop it in the bush.
The anti-slip texture of the grip was immediately noticeable; it felt secure even with a slightly damp hand. The included sheath is a simple but effective plastic cover that snaps securely over the blade. It’s not a fancy leather sheath, but it does its job of protecting the edge and keeping you safe. My initial feeling was that this hatchet was designed with a clear purpose in mind and felt ready for a real-world test.
Materials & Build Quality
The quality of a hatchet really comes down to two things: the blade and the handle. The blade on the Bush Tracks Z9 is made from forged carbon steel. This is a robust material known for holding a good edge, and it felt tough enough to take a beating. It has a PTFE anti-friction coating on the blade, which I noticed helped it glide through wood more smoothly, especially when splitting kindling.
The handle is made from fiberglass, which is a departure from traditional wood. I’ve found this to be a big advantage, as fiberglass is incredibly durable and won’t warp, rot, or break as easily as wood might. It also has a natural shock-absorbent quality that helps reduce the sting of each strike. The overall construction feels very solid. The head is securely fitted to the handle, with no wiggle or play. It’s a tool that feels like it’s built to be used hard and last a long time.
Ergonomics
The feel of an axe in your hand is critical, and the Bush Tracks Z9 gets this right. The handle is perfectly shaped to fit my grip, with a slight flare at the end that helps prevent your hand from slipping off on a powerful swing. The anti-slip coating on the handle works exactly as it should, giving me a confident, secure hold even when my hands were sweaty.
For a one-handed tool, the balance is good. The weight is distributed nicely, with the majority in the head, which gives it a good chop without requiring a lot of force. The short handle provides excellent control, allowing me to make precise cuts and even get a bit of a choke-up grip for fine work. While you won’t be felling trees with this, the ergonomics make it an incredibly effective tool for the tasks it’s designed for.
Performance
I’ve put this hatchet to work on a few different trips, and its performance has been excellent for its size. Its main purpose, as the name suggests, is for splitting wood, and it excels at splitting kindling and small logs. I found it made quick work of splitting down deadfall branches into fire-ready pieces. The sharp edge and PTFE coating helped it bite cleanly into the wood. I also used it for some light limbing and cutting away small branches, and it performed admirably there too. The short handle means you get a lot of control but less leverage, so it’s not the tool for tackling large, knotty logs. If you try to push it beyond its limits on big wood, you’ll feel the vibration and realize you’re working against its design. But for preparing a campfire or clearing a small area, this hatchet is a reliable and efficient performer.
Weight
Coming in at only 130g, this hatchet hits a sweet spot for a camp axe. It’s light enough that I don’t hesitate to toss it into my gear box, but heavy enough to have a good feel and power behind each swing. For day trips or shorter hikes where I want to pack light but still have a capable tool, its compact size and modest weight are perfect. I’ve carried other hatchets that feel like a dead weight in my pack, but this one is easy to forget about until I need it.
The weight is well-balanced, so it doesn’t feel clumsy or unwieldy when you’re using it for extended periods. It’s a great example of a tool that has been designed with portability in mind, without compromising on the quality and robustness needed for its intended tasks.
Features
The Bush Tracks Z9 is a tool that’s all about practical, useful features. The forged carbon steel blade with its PTFE coating is a standout. This anti-friction coating really helps prevent the blade from getting stuck in wood, which is a common frustration with cheaper axes. Another key feature is the fiberglass handle. While some might prefer traditional wood, the fiberglass is maintenance-free and incredibly strong. The non-slip grip on the handle is a simple but vital feature that provides great control and safety, especially in damp conditions.
And of course, the included protective sheath is a must-have for safe transport. It’s not just a flimsy cover; it’s a hard plastic sheath that snaps securely over the blade, protecting both the edge and your gear from damage. It’s a simple, no-frills tool, and that’s precisely its best feature.
Conclusion: Bush Tracks Z9 9" Camp Hatchet Axe
The Bush Tracks Z9 Hatchet Axe is a fantastic piece of gear for anyone who needs a reliable, compact tool for camp chores. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for heavy-duty logging, but for splitting kindling, prepping firewood for the campfire, and general camp maintenance, it’s an absolute workhorse. The combination of a sharp carbon steel blade, a durable fiberglass handle, and a genuinely effective non-slip grip makes it a pleasure to use. It’s a tool that proves you don’t need a huge, heavy axe to get the job done in the backcountry.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
f you’re gearing up for your next adventure and have just sorted your camp gear, don’t stop there! Pair your new hatchet with a quality camp knife to prepare a brew, or check out our titanium cookware reviews to prepare a hot meal. We review all the essentials you need to build the perfect outdoor setup.
The Bush Tracks Z9 is a robust and reliable tool that is a significant asset for any camping kit. Its compact size and quality materials make it surprisingly effective for small jobs, and the non-slip grip provides a secure and comfortable feel during use.
This is the perfect tool for weekend campers, casual hikers, and anyone who needs a compact and reliable axe for splitting kindling and light camp chores. It’s an ideal size for stowing in a car boot or a backpack, and its simple, durable design makes it a solid choice for preparing firewood at the campsite.
Given its build quality and performance, this hatchet offers incredible value. It’s a durable tool that will handle years of use without issue. For the price, you're getting a reliable, effective, and safe camp tool that far outperforms many of its competitors. It's a worthy investment for any adventurer's gear collection.
