[shawn_c2000]

If I had to bug out and only grab one what would be better / more versatile a good machete or a good hatchet?

[Mosin]

THIS is what you want...hands down.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=woodman%27s+pal&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps&hvadid=1695069524&ref=pd_sl_7wjbm1ex6 s_e

[NitroxAZ]

A good Kukri is a versatile choice also.

[Bushwhacker]

Machete, hands down. Trust me on this one I've got 38 years of experience clearing brush. The machete does a much better job of cutting, is almost as good for splitting, and would make a better weapon.

[winds-of-change]

I agree on Machete. It just seems more versatile.

[TLuker]

Another thumbs up on the machete (or any really big knife such as a kukri), but it has a good one with a heavy blade.

[Mosin]

Have you guys never used a Woodsmans pal?... All the rangers up in Maine swear by them.
They work like a machete or an axe, and they have a hook on the end for gripping things like branches, etc....

I have gone through machetes, and prefer Cold Steel, I have hatchets and axes for chopping and splitting wood, but the Woodsmans pal is the best, hands down, for clearing brush, etc... I really like the hook too, because you can grap limbs that are just out of reach and pull them down. Plus the handle is very comfortable.

[HOSSFLY]

My choice-

[Mosin]

Hossfly... Lol

[Kai]

I use a kukri...it chops like a hatchet and cuts like a heavy camp knife.