Milwaukee Hatchet Bag
Look, I’m confident that we’ve all been there. You’ve just finished clearing a fallen branch from a green lane, the M18 Hatchet still warm from the abuse you’ve given it, and you’re faced with a conundrum. Do you wrap the still-mucky, potentially sappy, and decidedly sharp tool in an old towel, or do you just fling it unceremoniously into the boot next to your camping gear and a few tins of beans?
If you choose the latter, you’re a menace!
As I wrote earlier on in the year I bought myself the aforementioned Milwaukee M18 hatchet, and to say I’m over the moon with it is an understatement. It's a wonderful piece of kit, making short work of anything from green-lane debris to firewood prep. However, as much as it’s a good looking hunk of machinery, I needed something to store it in, something that would not just protect the hatchet itself whilst in Deux Smurf, or press cars, but to protect the cars themselves. So a quick gander on t’internet brought up Milwaukee’s own bag that’s purposely designed for both my M18 hatchet, and the smaller M12 version.
And, it isn’t just some flimsy canvas sack you could buy down at the market, either.
The Hatchet Bag (Milwaukee code: 4932493811), is constructed from a durable, thick nylon material, similar to what Milwaukee uses on its larger packout bags. It feels robust enough to withstand being dragged through a bog, and importantly, it’s wipe-clean. For us 4x4 enthusiasts, that’s not a bonus, that's a necessity. If it can’t handle a bit of Lancashire mud, it’s no good to man nor beast.
The immediate impression is one of quality construction, far exceeding what many might expect from 'just a carry bag'. The stitching is heavy-duty, and the zip feels substantial, the sort you can yank closed even when your hands are wet, cold, and covered in tree sap. It doesn't snag; it just does the job, which is exactly what you want from outdoor gear.
Internally, the bag is wide enough not just to store the hatchet, but also my battery charger, two batteries, eye protection, gloves, oil and so on. On one side there are two open pockets, and a large zipped pocket opposite - handy for many things.
The best bit is the rigid plastic base on which you place the Hatchet, a brilliant touch that includes two tough internal Velcro straps that keeps the hatchet perfectly in place, even when the bag is bouncing around in the back of your 4x4.
Furthermore, for those of us who tend to be a bit clumsy after a long day of driving green lanes, the bag offers a much-needed layer of insulation. Should you drop the bag, the padding is thick enough to absorb some impact, protecting you investment.
The ease of use is where this bag truly shines, which, let's be honest, is rare for anything labelled 'storage solution.' There’s no fiddly strapping or having to awkwardly twist the tool to get it to sit right. The main compartment unzips fully, allowing the bag to lay flat, which is great when you’re trying to shove the tool back in whilst simultaneously battling a wasp.
Crucially for portability, the bag comes equipped with two substantial, reinforced carry handles for a quick grab, as well as a removable, padded shoulder strap. This means you can sling the hatchet over your shoulder when carrying firewood, or just quickly yank it out of the boot by the handles.
Drawbacks?
I don’t know whether many of you would consider parting with £43.00 a drawback, and you might find cheaper alternatives on 't'internet, but none of them will have the dedicated structure, and robust protection. You're paying for peace of mind, not just the material. If you can afford the M18 Hatchet, don't skimp on the bit that keeps it, and your vehicle safe.
The Colour Palette: It's Milwaukee, so it's red and black. It's bold, it’s bright, and it attracts attention, you certainly won’t lose it as it stands out like a sore thumb, which has it’s own pros and cons.
The Size: Because it's designed to house both the M12 and M18 versions, the bag is naturally quite generous in size. If you only own the M12 Hatchet, the bag might seem a tad roomy. But for the M18 owner, it’s spot on. It’s also compact enough that it fits easily in the footwell, behind a seat, or in one of those slightly awkward corner cubbies found in the back of many modern SUVs.
The Verdict: A Proper Job
Ultimately, the Milwaukee Hatchet Bag is a brilliant bit of kit that transforms an excellent tool into a portable excellent tool. It’s an investment that ensures your expensive M18 Hatchet keeps its edge, its condition, and its rightful place of honour in your 4x4, without turning the interior into a hazard zone.
For anyone who relies on their Milwaukee Hatchet for lane clearing, overlanding firewood duties, or just making sure their garden looks spick and span, this bag is a necessity, not an accessory. It’s tough, perfectly sized, and keeps the muck contained.
Go on, treat yourself. It's only right to look after your gear. And your motor, obviously. I bought mine from Big Red Power Tools over in Preston - excellent service and well recommended.
Official website: Here
Big Red Power Tools link: Here