Machete's are good for bouncing back and cutting yourself or someone else. I don't allow them to be used for trail work here in my park because the cut is more of a 'mangle' than a clean cut. For cutting twigs and such, a set of loppers works much better, even a small hand clippers. For hiking/camping, a lightweight pocket saw works fine. I carry only a tiny pocket knife. Never needed to cut limbs or bushwhack.