You don't need to clear away vines and large amounts of undergrowth in the north, you do on the other hand need to chop relatively hard wood. Trying to chop frozen wood for a fire (or shelter or whatever) in winter in the northern pine forest with a machete is only for the most masochistic and patient among us.Really, I don't know much about the uses for a machete in the south, what I do know is that I want an axe in the north.
For winter camping I prefer to carry a saw. I was able to cut through this fallen tree with a Silky Super Accel 210 in a minute or two.(Image removed from quote.)That's a Bark River Aurora for size reference.(Image removed from quote.)
How about carrying one of these?(Image removed from quote.)
I'm sure a saw can be useful, but I'm not skilled at hunting with one and wouldn't like to try taking down a boar or go fishing with one. Also I don't dig the inbetweeners like a kukri or a shovel. A stainless garden trowel/hand spade that takes up no room and weights nothing, sure.
Quote from: Gareth on September 24, 2012, 07:06:57 PMHow about carrying one of these?(Image removed from quote.)Didn't ya know, that's all us Canadians use!!(Image removed from quote.)