I hunt with the Eberlestock J104 back pack which has the large zip open meat compartment. The pack is designed to go in light and come out heavy, if you are successful of course. Even a small axe gets very heavy with a 100lb quarter of meat in your pack. In my line of work the only way I could carry an axe would be if it was issued to me(usually the absolute cheapest model available) Anything visible strapped to my rucksack has to be authorised kit, so I can at least hide my folding saw in a cargo pouch. So far, for me at least, I have found that my saw can do most of what an axe can do(withen reason) in a much lighter and easier to carry unit. Everyone has a different need I suppose.