The 10 Best Pocket Chainsaws

Not only does it slide through wood with impressive speed, the LivWild Wilderness (about $25) is constructed with bright orange, nylon handles that offer excellent visibility and a reliable grip. Its versatile 26-inch length makes it suitable for just about anyone to use.

When you’re in the midst of an ambitious outdoor trip, you’d probably prefer to conserve energy for more important things, which is why the minimal effort you’ll exert operating the Sportsman Long (around $20) makes it a highly attractive option.

Overhead branches, deadfall, young tree trunks — whatever stands in your way, the Canadian Shield Tactical (around $20) will attack it with ferocity. It’s lightweight, flexible and resharpens quickly, making it a useful addition to your survival kit.

The staggered teeth on the Sumpri Survival (about $16) allow for cutting in both directions, which helps you reduce your time spent slicing through thick wood. The fire starter that comes with it has a protective cover to prevent damage if you’re out in rough conditions.

Like most models, you can operate the Overmont Standard (around $35) by yourself, but it’s even more effective if you join forces with someone else to pull it back and forth, amplifying your cutting power. It’s not bulky, adding very little weight to your traveling gear.

A fallen branch or pesky tree limb with a diameter of three or four inches will be no match for the Wealers Portable (around $11), which fits in a little holster case you can attach to your belt. It provides an efficient, fluid cutting motion, and less binding means less fatigue.

The extra-large hand straps on the Chainmate CM-36SSP (about $21) are built to accommodate formidable winter gloves, which makes this a nice option if you don’t let the cold get in the way of an exciting outdoor adventure. The chain itself is made with durable carbon steel.

Those who seek more than a just-in-case emergency model will want to consider the RelyOnUs Saw (about $9), which is constructed with sharp, bidirectional teeth that don’t go dull after a few uses. It even comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Even if you’re not necessarily a hunter, the camouflage design of the SOS Gear Hand (around $16) just feels apropos when you’re trekking through the woods. This kit includes a fire starter with a built-in compass for navigation purposes.

Packing gear for an extensive excursion can sometimes be more difficult than the trip itself, but the ultraportable Skyocean Hiking (around $14) simplifies the process by folding from 24 inches in length into a neat, compact bundle. It features tough, military green handles.