I was attracted to this product for backpacking and camping. I camp at least once a month in Central Texas. I recently used it for a 2 night kayaking and camping trip. I compared this to several similar products and decided on this one because it is the only one that looked like the handles separated from the saw. I figured this would be good if I wanted to put long ropes on it for throwing in trees and cutting high limbs (which I've done with rope and a regular chain saw chain).
This started out as a great product. I love that it stores easily in the provided canister, which is also useful for keeping it oiled without getting oil all over your gear. The handles were sturdy and comfortable. I did about a dozen cuts through 2 - 5 inch logs without issue. The larger ones were a lot of work so we'd team up, one man on each end, pulling in tandem. Either way, it was a lot more efficient and easier than trying to use a hatchet.
The product is simple, a chain, two wire loops, and two handles. You thread the handles through the big hole in the loops and thread the small end of the loops through the chain. All the problems with this product begin with the loops. They are made to go on/come off easy so that you can put the chain in the storage canister. However, they come off too easy. As soon as you let off slack the loops would come loose from the chain. This was annoying when you were sawing, relaxed for a second, and tried to continue only to realize you were pulling on air. The biggest problem with the loops are that they are the weakest link. The larger hole in the loop is held with a weld. While sawing on our second night this weld broke on one of the loops. Unfortunately we had no suitable substitute with us, but at least we had enough wood for the night. It could have been the heat from doing a lot of cuts in a row that weakened the weld, but I expect this type of use to be acceptable. It lasted two nights and a little over a dozen cuts. Because of the way it's made, I can still use the parts and probably repair it with strong hooks instead of the loops. Still, I'm going to look at other products.
Pros:
- Canister to keep chain clean and oiled (can re-use the canister for other products)
- Breaks down small, can use different handles/ropes
- Cuts much easier than a hatchet
Cons:
- Handle loops disconnect easily from chain, constantly have to reset after cuts
- Weld on handle loops isn't strong enough, breaks rendering saw useless
Summary:
Skip this product unless they make stronger loops. Try other saws as will I.