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The only reason you really need a hatchet is to 1) build a shelter or cabin, 2) chop wood to put into a wood stove. For an open campfire, simply drag the wood and put the end in the campfire. As it burns through, slide more of the limb into the fire. Smaller limbs can be broken by hand or in the "V" of a tree.
There are other times a hatchet is handy, especially in winter. Its always a good idea to carry enough dry sticks to start your next fire, but when the woods are really wet this isn't always that easy. Also in winter travel is slower, so traveling extra for water or fuel is more difficult. A 1 pound hatchet might not ever be essential, but its often handy. There are actually several uses for a hatchet. None are essential, but they add up. My last winter trip I only used it to hammer in one small nail, but I will still bring it again this winter coming.

Hatchet uses
1) hammering small nails or tent stakes
2) making and driving wooden stakes, for tarps or snares
3) chopping and splitting wood fuel, kindling, and tinder
4) making poles for emergency lean-to or debris shelters
5) slashing spruce boughs for emergency bedding, shelter
6) improvising an emergency stretcher or sled or snow shoes
7) chopping a hole in ice for water or fishing
8) you might sleep better at night if afraid of coyotes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Not really needed, but as backup that extra pound on a winter trip might be more useful than an extra pound of shelter, sleeping bag, clothing, or food, assuming you are already well covered in those essential areas. Especially with a large group it makes sense to have one hatchet. If you might get wetter than expected and colder than expected and slower than expected a hatchet can be worth bringing along, as a time and energy saver. I don't use it much, but I don't get into emergencies every trip either, plus I just like bringing it along in winter and I still pack pretty light in total. It depends alot on the type of woods your in. It works for me.