Sounds like you need a parang or kuhkri knife, that is if you want something to do it all. You could get a hatchet, which if it was actually cold weather you would probably need. A folding saw doesn't require skill, so always take one of those, too. Get a good fixed-blade knife to your liking, or if it is awkward to display, get a good heavy-duty locking folder. A cheaper locking folder that I like that takes alot of punishment -- I always have it in my car to whittle with -- is a rubber handled Buck Alpha Hunter liner-lock knife. It is too heavy for EDC. The weight and size of the handle is ridiculous when considering the amount of blade given. But it gives plenty of leverage for heavy duty work that some other folders I own cannot.