Best Pocket Chainsaws of 2024

An axe or chainsaw is great for cutting down trees or splitting logs, but neither is practical for clearing a fallen tree from a mountain-biking trail or cutting firewood on a camping trip. In these cases, a pocket chainsaw is your best option. We tested several pocket chainsaws for comfort, cutting ability, and more to create this list.

A pocket chainsaw is a lightweight survival tool, with chainsaw blades up to 36 inches long and large nylon handles for cutting through branches and medium-sized trees. Unlike bulky battery or gas-powered chainsaws, a pocket chainsaw weighs under half a pound and fits in a small case, making it easy to carry in a pack or on a belt.

This guide covers what to look for in a pocket chainsaw and reviews top models. We put each saw through real-world testing to ensure they can handle tough jobs. Keep reading to see what we discovered.

List of 5 Best Pocket Chainsaws:

• VIKROM 25-Inch Pocket Chainsaw
• Alytree 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw
• Nordic 25.6-Inch Pocket Saw
• POWLIF 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw
• Sportsman 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw

How Process for Testing the Top Pocket Chainsaws

Although pocket chainsaws aren’t a big investment, it’s disappointing to buy one that doesn’t perform well. To prevent that, we tested all the saws on our list through hands-on trials. We drew on our experience with chainsaws, woodcutting, and camping to identify the key features a pocket chainsaw needs. After extensive research, we compiled a list of products that seemed to meet those standards.

With the saws in hand, we put them to the test. A recent storm provided us with large fallen branches in our yard, offering a perfect opportunity to evaluate each saw’s cutting power, comfort, and durability. Those that performed well and offered good value earned a spot on our list, while those that fell short were removed.

Our Best Pick:

Here are some of the best pocket chainsaws available. We based our choices on factors like blade teeth, saw length, and handle durability during testing. All of these options are capable of cutting through branches and medium-sized trees.

VIKROM 25-Inch Pocket Chainsaw

The VIKROM 25-Inch Pocket Chainsaw is a compact and efficient tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and survivalists. Its 25-inch flexible chain is equipped with high-carbon steel teeth, providing durability and sharpness for cutting through branches and small to medium-sized trees with ease. The chain is designed to cut in both directions, making it faster and more efficient than single-direction saws. With its lightweight design, weighing just around half a pound, it’s easy to carry in a backpack or attach to a belt for quick access in the wilderness.

Product Specifications:

1. Length: 25.6 Inches
2. Teeth: 33 Sharp teeth
3. Handle material: Nylon

The saw comes with sturdy nylon handles that offer a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during use. The handles are securely attached to the chain to prevent slipping, making the VIKROM pocket chainsaw reliable for tough cutting tasks. Additionally, the product includes a compact storage pouch for easy transportation and storage. Ideal for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and trail maintenance, the VIKROM 25-Inch Pocket Chainsaw is a practical tool for anyone needing a portable and powerful cutting solution.

Purchase the VIKROM pocket chainsaw on Amazon.

Alytree 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw

The Alytree 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw is a versatile and efficient tool ideal for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and emergency situations. It features a 36-inch chain with 48 bi-directional, heat-treated carbon steel teeth, designed to cut through branches and medium-sized trees quickly and smoothly. The bi-directional design ensures efficient cutting with each pull.

Product Specifications:

1. Length: 36 Inches
2. Teeth: 48 Sharp teeth
3. Handle material: Nylon

The saw’s soft nylon handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, minimizing hand fatigue during extended use. Weighing just under 6 ounces, it’s lightweight and comes with a compact storage pouch, making it easy to carry in a backpack or attach to a belt. The Alytree Pocket Chainsaw is a reliable tool for anyone needing a portable cutting solution for outdoor survival or everyday tasks.

Purchase the Alytree pocket chainsaw on Amazon.

Nordic 25.6-Inch Pocket Saw

The Nordic 25.6-Inch Pocket Saw is a durable and efficient tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts, perfect for cutting firewood, clearing paths, and handling various survival tasks. Made from heat-treated high-carbon steel, its 25.6-inch chain features 33 bi-directional teeth, allowing it to cut smoothly in both directions. This ensures faster, more efficient cutting when working on branches or small to medium-sized logs, making it an ideal companion for camping, hiking, or emergency situations.

Product Specifications:

1. Length: 25.6 Inches
2. Teeth: 33 bi-directional teeth
3. Handle material: Nylon

The saw’s ergonomic nylon handles are built with durability in mind, reinforced with three bar tack seams for extra strength. These handles are designed to fit comfortably, even for larger hands, and can be used while wearing gloves in cold weather, making the saw versatile for all seasons. Lightweight at just over 5 ounces, the Nordic Pocket Saw is easy to carry and comes with a compact storage pouch, making it highly portable for any outdoor adventure​(Forestry)​(Nordic Pocket Saw).

Purchase the Alytree pocket chainsaw on Amazon.

POWLIF 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw

The POWLIF 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw is a highly durable and efficient tool, ideal for outdoor tasks like cutting firewood, clearing branches, or emergency preparedness. It features a 36-inch chain made from 65Mn heat-treated high-carbon steel, providing strength and longevity. With 48 bi-directional teeth, this pocket chainsaw is designed to cut smoothly in both directions, making woodcutting faster and more efficient, especially for small to medium-sized branches.

Product Specifications:

1. Length: 36 Inches
2. Teeth: 48 bi-directional teeth
3. Handle material: Paracord

The POWLIF chainsaw also includes comfortable nylon handles, ensuring a secure grip and reducing hand fatigue during use. Lightweight and portable, it easily fits into a backpack or can be attached to a belt, making it a convenient tool for camping, hiking, or survival situations. Its compact design and included storage pouch make it easy to carry and store, making it a reliable and practical tool for any outdoor enthusiast.

Purchase the Alytree pocket chainsaw on Amazon.

Sportsman 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw

The Sportsman 36-Inch Pocket Chainsaw is a robust tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. It features a 36-inch chain made from high-strength 65 Mn heat-treated carbon steel, equipped with 16 bi-directional teeth. This design allows the saw to cut efficiently in both directions, making it ideal for tasks like cutting through large limbs, clearing fallen branches, and even preparing firewood during camping or hiking trips. The self-cleaning teeth ensure smoother cuts and less binding, improving its overall cutting performance.

Product Specifications:

1. Length: 36 Inches
2. Teeth: 48 Sharp teeth
3. Handle material: Paracord

The saw comes with durable paracord handles, which not only offer a comfortable grip but can also be used in survival situations. At just 4.8 ounces, it’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to pack in a survival kit or attach to a belt using the included nylon carrying pouch. Additionally, the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw includes a fire starter, enhancing its utility for outdoor adventures. While it’s highly effective for medium-sized logs, it may require regular maintenance like sharpening and cleaning to maintain peak performance over time.

Purchase the Alytree pocket chainsaw on Amazon.

What to Consider When Choosing a Pocket Chainsaw

When selecting a pocket chainsaw, focus on factors like blade length, the number of teeth, and the type of steel used. These elements impact the saw’s performance and durability.

1. Material: Pocket chainsaw blades are typically made from high-carbon steel, but not all are the same. The higher the carbon content, the harder and sharper the blade, which holds its edge longer but can be more brittle and prone to chipping.
2. Teeth: Pocket chainsaws have linked blades that form a chain. Higher-quality models have bi-directional teeth that cut in both directions, speeding up the process. Some chainsaws only have teeth on certain links, which reduces cutting force but requires less effort.
3. Length: Most chains are 24 to 36 inches long. A longer chain allows for more cutting momentum and efficiency, especially with thicker wood, but having more cutting links matters more than just chain length.
4. Weight: Designed for portability, pocket chainsaws generally weigh around 6-7 ounces, making them easy to carry during hiking or camping trips.
5. Handles: Strong, comfortable handles are crucial for generating sawing action. Nylon loop handles are common, allowing the user to secure them to the wrists and gain better leverage.
6. Additional Features: Some chainsaws come with extras like storage pouches, fire starters, or paracord handles that double as emergency rope. These features enhance the tool’s utility and portability.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, after testing the 5 best pocket chainsaws, it’s clear that each model offers unique strengths for different outdoor needs. From compact designs that prioritize portability to chainsaws with bi-directional teeth for faster cutting, these tools are ideal for tasks like clearing branches, cutting firewood, or handling emergency situations. Durability, weight, and handle comfort are key factors in choosing the right one, with models made from heat-treated carbon steel standing out for their cutting efficiency. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or preparing a survival kit, the right pocket chainsaw can make woodcutting easier and more efficient, ensuring you’re prepared for any outdoor challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the ideal length for a pocket chainsaw?
   Most pocket chainsaws range from 24 to 36 inches. A 36-inch chain offers longer strokes and better momentum for cutting thicker wood.
2. What are bi-directional teeth, and why are they important?
   Bi-directional teeth cut in both directions, making the chainsaw more efficient and reducing the effort needed to saw through wood.
3. How much does a pocket chainsaw weigh?
   Pocket chainsaws typically weigh between 5 to 7 ounces, making them lightweight and easy to carry for camping or hiking.
4. What materials are used for pocket chainsaw blades?
   Most high-quality pocket chainsaw blades are made from heat-treated high-carbon steel, which is durable and retains sharpness longer.
5. Do pocket chainsaws come with extra features?
   Yes, many models include features like fire starters, nylon carrying pouches, or paracord handles that can be used as emergency rope.

We hope this guide has helped you choose the right pocket chainsaw for your needs. Tried any of these models or have tips to share? Join the conversation below. Your insights can help others make better decisions. Don’t forget to share this guide with fellow outdoor enthusiasts!