And recommendations for a good folding saw? I'm thinking the kind that is 12" ( 33 cm) or less and that the blade folds into the handle.

Teacher

I've got one of these, and it has worked pretty well.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1278989

The price seems high, but I also did not buy the one I have.

Sturdy old Sven saw, 20-30 years and running strong.

I haven't done field testing or anything, but the Bahco Laplander has been given high marks from many: http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=420

Doug has some thoughts about saws here: http://www.equipped.org/devices24.htm

I've used a Laplander on a daily basis (when on a field project in appropriate terrain) and would be hard pressed to switch over to anything else. It just keeps hacking away while others' saws have turned to scrap.

The Gerber Gator folding saw has gotten me out a jam a few times.
http://www.gerber-tools.com/Gerber-Gator-Exchange-A-Blade-Saw-6036.htm

It’s probably not as important who makes the saw you have as it is that you have one with you.

The gerber and like are nice saws.. many brands many work well.

Either a Laplander or:

A Silky Saw. They are the saw of choice amongst tree surgeons.

http://www.camping-gear-outlet.com/camping-gear-65147.html
Model shown is a 170.



Usual disclaimer re link.

What do you want to cut?

Green wood?
Dry hard wood?
Meat & bone?

For each there would be a different answer. If you want to have one in your pack that will do all of the tasks quite well, I prefer the Bahco Laplander.

In picking a folder, the ruggedness of the hinge is my biggest concern.

The lanyard hole and a 550 cord to your pack is probably the absolute most important accessory.