Multi-Tools

Recent Multi-Tool Reviews

Leatherman Squirt PS4

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is my go-to backpacking knife and multi-tool. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. The Leatherman PS4 Squirt is a key-chain sized multitool that comes in at 55g. It took me a few tries to find a multitool that has the perfect balance of utility and size for backpacking. The big sell was having both scissors and pliers. I have used all the tools on this Leatherman out on the trail, whereas I have only used half the tools on my Victorinox Tinkerer Deluxe after… Full review

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic

Best-of-breed ultralight hiking "medkit" knife. Overview: Victorinox are the company who have been producing offiziersmessers (officer knives) since the late 19th century; the original 1890 Model had a blade, can opener, reamer, and a screwdriver (required to disassemble and service the Swiss Schmidt–Rubin rifle). Over the decades Victorinox "Swiss Army Knives" (SAK) have gained a reputation of being some of the most reliable, best-made, useful knives in production. They are a Swiss icon and unlike… Full review

Outdoor Element Firebiner

Well made carabiner with fire wheel that sparked pretty much every time. Also has a sharp cutting tool, bottle cap opener, etc. Enjoyed trying out the fire wheel to get a fire started. With the tinder from Outdoor Element or other homemade ones, we were able to get a fire started in a couple of seconds each time. We got a couple of these for a recent camping trip since I thought they’d be fun to try out with the family. Having never used anything other than a lighter or matches to start a fire,… Full review

Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Parang

This parang is great at chopping material for a wide range of activities. Its small size and light weight makes it perfect for stuffing into a bag and not having to worry about it taking up too much space or adding too much weight. The Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Parang is great! It’s a good option for those concerned with size and weight, but still want functionality. I generally just use this when I go camping, but I have taken it on one backpacking trip. I use it to chop long thick sticks into… Full review

Sheffield Camper 12-in-1 Multi Tool

This 12-function tool showcases a small hatchet. The overall quality of the tool is okay, but the function of the tool is questionable.   The concept of having a hatchet on a multitool is really neat, I’ll admit. But this particular design raises some concerns for me. The placement of the hatchet makes it very easy to cut yourself when trying to deploy the folding tools. It doesn’t make it any better when it’s a real struggle to access those folding tools. I’ve found that when trying to… Full review

Leatherman Super Tool 300

This is a tool for every task, in every environment, for every situation. The Leatherman Super Tool really is a super tool. It's saved me when my car has broken down. I now have a Leatherman in the glove box of all my cars. It's the first tool I grab and throw in my pocket when I start any home project, and it's the tool I took when I backpacked 100 miles on part of the John Muir Trail.   Full review

Columbia River Micro Tool and Key Chain Sharpener

This keychain tool is a decent tool. It’s great to have an extra field sharpener around. This is a good extra tool to take with you on the trail. I mainly got it to have an extra field sharpener, and I carry it on my keys when I’m camping/hiking/backpacking. The sharpener works well to put a decent edge on a blade. And the strap cutter works great to cut cordage and such. The strap cutter comes extremely sharp and is very efficient. The strap cutters cover tended to fall off, and at some point… Full review

Leatherman Wave

Great tool to have in a hiking backpack. I always have it with me because of the versatility. A good choice in Leatherman without being too expensive.  Full review

Tekton Everybit Tech Rescue

This precision bit kit is perfect for maintaining, taking apart, and putting back together gear. Made for electronics, this kit is excellent for all sorts of gear with small screws such as knives, multitools, flashlights, lanterns, etc. This bit driver set is exceptional. It has virtually every bit you’ll need for gear maintanence. It’s perfect for helping disassemble knives and multitools for cleaning (which is what I use it for). I’ve also found it helpful in helping me take apart flashlights… Full review