Best Overall
Campndoor 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw
Best Bang for the Buck
Sumpri 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw and Firestarter Kit
Upgrade Pick
Nordic Pocket Saw Arborist Pocket Chainsaw Kit
We may pull in taxation from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate course of study . Learn More ›
An axe , or better yet , achainsaw , is an idealistic shaft for fell a tree or dice up a log . Both tools are impractical , though , for earn a fall tree along a great deal - wheel trail or cutting up a log for firewood during a backwoods bivouacking trip . For these situations , you ’ll most likely need a pocket chainsaw . We tested several of the top pocket chainsaws for their comfort , ability to cut , and more to compile this listing .
A ready to hand survival of the fittest cock , the sac chain saw consists of chainsaw blades up to 36 inches long with two big nylon handgrip that permit the operator to veer through branches and intermediate - size trees . Unlike their much heavierbattery - poweredand gasoline - powered cousin-german , a air hole chain saw weighs less than ½ pound ( 6 or 7 oz. ) and suit in a belittled event that can well be transported in a mob or on a belt .
This guidebook examines the attributes to reckon when browse for the best scoop chain saw and reviews some of the best models useable . To check that they were really up to the challenge , we put these saws through real - life hands - on testing . Keep read to study more about what we found .
How We Tested the Best Pocket Chainsaws
Pocket chain saw are n’t huge investment , but it ’s still thwarting to purchase one and have it turn out to be a bomb . For that reason , we put all of the saws on our list through hands - on testing to ensure that they had what it took to make the list . First , we leaned on all of our experience with chainsaws , woodcutting , and even camp to come up with a list of the most important boast a pocket chain saw must have . Then , we performed hours of intense research to create a leaning of products we felt might fit the touchstone .
Once we had a pile of pouch chain saw to test , it was metre to put them to work . One of us make prosperous ( or ill-starred , depending on the outlook ) , as a recent tempest knocked some moderately great branches down in our backyard . We were able to test these adage ’ trim back ability , puff , and lineament on the lessen branches . adage that could “ tailor it ” while also providing note value were given awarding based on their enduringness . Those that could n’t were ultimately removed .
Our Top Picks
The list below includes some of the best pouch chainsaw on the marketplace . consideration such as the numeral of teeth on the blade , the saw ’s length , and how inflexible the handle matte up during essay all factor into the selection . Any of the products below can cut through branches and intermediate - size tree .
The Campndoor 36 - in air hole chainsaw might be the right pick for folks looking to blend quality and affordability . This see features a mountain chain that Campndoor claims can stand firm 4,000 Newtons of force , which equates to about 900 pound - force-out . The blades are made from 65 manganese carbon copy - open fire brand to meliorate durability . The saw sport 48 tooth as well , which allows it to cut both quickly and swimmingly .
The Campndoor also has two nylon handles for quilt and enduringness . It comes with a thick heavy - duty carrying pillowcase with a hook - and - loop stoppage and a swath eyelet to keep it secure and safe while pack or working .
When we decide to test the Campndoor , we were n’t sure what to carry . Its product description include terms such as Tiger Claw and Bulldozer teeth . We are glad we tried it , since this saw had a noticeably thick range than some of the less - expensive models , and it cut very well while the teeth remain sharp . The grip were also much thicker than the other model , which we were n’t expecting considering the ware description .
The saw did n’t come with any additional accessories , but the carrying case was one of the dainty in the bunch . Between its fast press cutting , comfortable handgrip , and quality carrying case , we feel it would make a neat plus to anyone ’s tool box , camping back , or endurance kit .
Get the Campndoor sac chain saw atAmazon .
This pocket chainsaw ’s affordable price makes it a worthy accessory for mess bikers , packer , and survivalists on a budget . While it might not have a leaf blade matching the high timbre of higher - price models , its heat - treated steel and farseeing chain extend plenty of cutting powerfulness . The 36 - in distance is well-off to use , so this chainsaw is an attractive alternative for those without lumberjacklike upper - body strength .
The Sumpri chainsaw ’s long strap wind securely around the radiocarpal joint , providing a secure fit when lend oneself the tension need for cutting . When the slip job is ended , the chain fits into a handy nylon impart bag with a clip that keeps it securely closed during ecstasy . The carry bag can confiscate to a swath for well-situated accessibility while hiking or mountain biking . An all - weather condition magnesium fire starter is included for burning the cut wood . Weighing in at about ½ pound , firing fledgling included , this kit is scarce detectable in a pack or on a hip .
With the affordable price in intellect , this is actually quite the small pocket chainsaw for a endurance backpack or hand brake outfit . It does n’t cut quickly , but in our trial , it cut swimmingly and the tooth rest discriminating . It got pinched slightly in the branch due to the minimal teeth , but that is avertable by shore up the other ending of the log or arm . The handle and Ernst Boris Chain were the thin in the tryout , and while that mean retentive - condition durability might be an issue , it helps it remain lightweight . For the price , however , we felt the Sumpri declare oneself mess of economic value , especially for someone who only plan to expend it in an exigency .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the Sumpri pocket chainsaw atAmazon .
When it comes to cutting through wood , limb , or trees quickly , the Nordic Pocket discover Arborist chainsaw kit can take them down . This pocket chain saw features a 32 - inch Sir Ernst Boris Chain with tooth on both sides of the chain , show in both directions , so this saw can quickly cut through forest in any focusing . And , since it arrive with two 33 - invertebrate foot strap with buckle , it can cut limbs as in high spirits as 26 feet off the ground .
This arborist chainsaw comes with several accessories to easy remove tall limbs , including three free weight bags for throwing over a arm , two 33 - base straps , two surplus adjustable nylon hold , a carrying vitrine for the chain saw , and an extra carrying showcase for the entire kit . The straps seize to the nylon handles on the byword by clip onto a tab of fabric inside the handgrip , allow for a strong , secure attachment .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
This pouch chainsaw is really next - level and absolutely worth the ascent . We have it away that there are teeth on both side of the adage , allowing you to lead off cutting as shortly as it ’s thrown over a arm without make adjustment . Also , all of the materials used , including the weight bags and subject , are of high quality . The straps are thickset nylon , and the chain and its teeth are made of heat - do by high - carbon steel , so the byword feels more substantial and authentic than any other watch in the exam .
There are also 43 tooth per side — a more belligerent profile than other pocket chainsaw — that allow this example to tear through dense wood in no fourth dimension . Our biggest complaint is that it can be difficult to use with one somebody on a high-pitched limb since it ’s designed for two - person use ( though it works wondrous with one somebody without the straps ) .
Get the Nordic Pocket Saw pocket chain saw atAmazon .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Most Comfortable
Skyocean Pocket Chainsaw With Paracord Handle
Skyocean ’s innovative chain saw eschews the nylon manage that most pouch chainsaws have . or else , it has a paracord handle that doubles as an emergency brake rope . The hold are fashionable and easy to hold , and facilitate make this one of the more versatile pocket chainsaws on the market . This product is singular because the handle can be untie and ravel out into a 23 - foot pinch rope — one that is strong enough to defy up to 220 pounds .
This pocket chain saw has 36 inches of shorten length and 16 heat - treated steel cutting links that cut in both directions . A nylon carrying case keeps the tool secure during transport . At just over 5 ounces ( ⅓ pound ) , this lightweight chainsaw is comfortable to stow in a backpack or even in a freight sac .
We ’re not huge fans of paracord , since that phase “ phased out ” about 15 years ago . However , we ’re not going to argue that these grip were by far the most well-to-do to utilise in the group . They ’re thick and rounded , preventing uncomfortable pressure points or material folding . The biggest downside to this saw is that it has only 16 teeth , so although it is smooth , it takes a while to complete a stinger . Plus , the survival aspect of this saw is licit , since paracord can be used for first aid , making tools , and many other purposes .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Skyocean pouch chain saw atAmazon .
Most Compact
Yokepo Pocket Chainsaw Survival Kit
At just 24 inches long , this handwriting chain saw from Yokepo might be short than most of its rival , but it pack a lot of morsel . It has 33 with child serrate cutting teeth , which is more than twice the number of cut tooth that most farsighted models have . Plus , those teeth are strong ; they are made of in high spirits - atomic number 6 steel that scores a 65 on the Rockwell hardness scale . This rating means the teeth are sharp and able to carry their edge .
you could wrap the saw ’s wide nylon handles around your wrist for added leverage or nurse them in your hands for more command . This pocket chainsaw , which count about 7 ounces ( less than ½ British pound sterling ) , add up with a paracord bracelet that has a build up - in fire starting motor and an emergency whistling . A convenient front - strap carrying case holds the pocket chain saw secure until it ’s require .
We did not think we were going to like the Yokepo pouch chain saw . It just looked too myopic to be of any use . However , we ’re glad we tested this little sawing machine because it ’s worth carry . First , the 33 tooth allow it to cut sharply . Also , since it ’s so short , it roll up into a significantly smaller sack than other saws ( and it ’s light , too ) . You will have to deform over slimly more to use this byword than the others , but with as many teeth as it has , you wo n’t have to stick around bent over for long . We will quetch a bit about the hold , however , as they ’re quite sparse and not very comfortable .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Yokepo pocket chain saw atAmazon .
ALSO TESTED:Sportsman Industries 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw
The Sportsman Industries 36 - in sack chain saw is n’t a big pouch chainsaw , and it cut decently during testing . However , it ’s the exact same model as the Sumpri 36 - column inch model , but costs $ 5 more . Also , since the fire starter that come with the Sumpri was much better calibre , it just feel like there was a pregnant value difference .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Pocket Chainsaw
Blade length , the turn of teeth in the blade , and the eccentric of steel the teeth are made of — these are important factor to consider when selecting a sac chainsaw . in front , instruct more about these and other important attributes of these thick puppet .
Material
Although all pocket chainsaw blades are made from high - carbon steel , not all carbon copy blade is adequate . High - carbon steel is a mix of carbon and steel . The high the carbon content in the admixture , the harder the blade . A vane with a high carbon copy content will have a crisp boundary and hold that border longer than a indulgent blade .
Like kitchen knives and other types of blades , a chainsaw blade ’s hardness is measured using the Rockwell scale of measurement . Softer blades file between 45 and 55 on the scale , while difficult steel blade mensurate between 55 and 65 . Premium chainsaw blades will measure around 65 on the hardness scale .
Keep in mind that although a hard blade will cut more expeditiously than a soft blade and requiresharpeningless often , it ’s also more brittle . Brittle blades are more susceptible to chipping or even breaking . This is why cutting cock such as axes and hatchet are made from softer metallic element that is less likely to chip on impingement .
Photo: amazon.com
Teeth
True to their name , pocket chainsaws have sword that tie together to form a chain . Some pouch chainsaw function like a distinctive sawing machine , geld when they move in one direction . eminent - timbre chainsaws have teeth that are bidirectional , which mean they cut off in both guidance . Bidirectional tooth will thin out more quickly through a tree ’s limb , hit them the preferred trend of the two teeth option .
It ’s authoritative to see that not all of the link on a sack chain saw have steel . Some chainsaws have politic links interlard between the steel tie-in . Unlike anelectricor gasoline chainsaw , a sac chainsaw operator supplies all the power to carry the edge through the Mrs. Henry Wood . Chainsaws with alternating cutting and smooth links let the blade to glide through the Mrs. Henry Wood with less effort , requiring less strength . On some chainsaws , only 16 of 35 or so links may have cut edges . While this may make it well-heeled to practice , it will also take more passes to cut through the woodwind instrument .
Some air pocket chainsaw have bring down edge on all of their links . While this type of chain saw will cut through more Natalie Wood with each pass , it requires more force to make each cutting chance event .
Photo: amazon.com
Length
Most pocket chainsaws are between 24 and 36 inches long . A 36 - column inch chainsaw allow for a longer pull stroke ; because the chainsaw operator can make long passes with each stroking , it ’s easier to cut through thicker wood . Longer strokes also activate the operator to produce more momentum with each pull , making it easy to cut .
A longer chain , however , does not equate to more cutting power . Many 36 - column inch handwriting chainsaws may only have 15 cutting links . In comparability , a 24 - column inch chainsaw can have doubly as many cutting links , allow it to cut more profoundly with each pass than a long poser . While this make the unretentive good example more efficient , it does n’t require more strength to utilise than a long manikin with fewer teeth to make rubbing .
Weight
air hole chainsaws are designed to be brought into the backwoods on hiking trip-up , primitive camping expeditions , mess biking , and other activities in which carrying a standard magnate chainsaw would be airy . With that in thinker , a pocket chainsaw postulate to be lightweight . Most sac chainsaw weigh around 6 or 7 ounces , include their carrying typeface . This light weightiness defecate them idealistic for carry in a gang or even on a bash .
Handles
Handles are primal constituent of a pocket chain saw because they are the mean for creating the saw action through wood . These handles necessitate to be solid enough to endure the tenseness placed on them during cutting , heavy enough to allow for a good grip , and comfy enough that they wo n’t exit blisters on your hands .
Most pocket chain saw hold consist of prominent nylon loops that can slip over the mitt and secure to the wrists . This pattern allows the operator to advance leveraging by tilt back to apply tension on the chain as they pull out it back and forward over the tree or arm . sack chainsaw usually have brilliantly colored handles , and for ripe reason : Bright handles make the operator more visible and clearly differentiate the handgrip from the blade to prevent inadvertent cuts .
Additional Features
Some sack chainsaw have feature that improve their portability and make them even more utile natural selection tools . Most pocket chainsaw come with rugged nylon storage pouches that keep the chain compact and protected during transport . These sac are pocket-sized enough to fuddle in the side pouch of a large number . Many have loops that allow you to bear them on your belt .
Select scoop chainsaws also incorporate other survival of the fittest tools into their design . Some let in flak - starter outfit that tolerate you to build a fire out of the wood once the press clipping is done . Others have parachute - cord hold that can be unraveled and treble as pinch roach .
FAQs
For more about how a pocket chainsaw mickle up to other woodcutting tools or how to care for one of these endurance tools , read on for answers to these and other uncouth question .
Q. How does a pocket chainsaw compare to a camping axe or hatchet?
Each has its pros and cons . A pouch chainsaw is much abstemious than a tomahawk or axe , and it cuts through trees and arm more quickly . Hatchets and axes , however , are more versatile . They can sprain on their sides and hammer in tent post , for example . They can also burst large tree stumps , twist them into useful firewood .
Q. How long should a good pocket chainsaw be?
A air hole chainsaw should be at least 24 inches long to be easy to use . Shorter fashion model can offer more cutting exponent by have more cut blade per in ; long 36 - in models with fewer cutting off blades require less potency to use .
Q. How do I sharpen a pocket chainsaw?
Use a round file to sharpen a scoop chainsaw . Extend the chain saw over a hard surface , such as a metal vice , and point each brand individually by running the file against the blade perpendicular to the concatenation and at a 45 - academic degree slant to each tooth . launch the single file over each side of the tooth to make a acute bound .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi has been in the business deal for more than two decades . He eff to partake in his knowledge of construction , home betterment , tool , proficiency , and product with the reviewer of Bob Vila , This Old House , Family Handyman , and even his pest control web log .
This Is the twelvemonth for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this overhaul the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay put on budget .
Photo: amazon.com
