Whether you’re looking for the best multitool for cooking or catching and preparing your meal on your next backpacking adventure we’re certain you’ll find the best product for you in our top 10 multitools for backpacking list below.
People want different things out of a multitool, and while some are trying to replace larger tools to complete the same or similar tasks while backpacking, others will be satisfied with meeting those demands on a basic level – something all of these multitools can do, and beyond.
Being stranded out in the wilderness with no lighter, knife, a screwdriver to change batteries, or a saw to cut twigs and a knife or blade to cut flint can be devastating to your plans – so read on below to find out which is likely the best backpacking multitool solution for you!
Best Multitool for Backpacking
1. LEATHERMAN – Skeletool Lightweight Multitool
The LEATHERMAN is our top choice because it looks elegant, feels great in the hand, and is constructed with durable, useful materials trusted by construction workers and engineers alike.
At a light 5.1 oz. this is perfect for backpacking and considered to be an “easy access knife and multi-tool.” It also includes strong pliers and wire cutters, which is ideal for setting up or repairing your camping equipment and fishing – to catch your next meal!
Trusted and tested by US marines overseas and DIYers alike, this makes a great gift and is easy to use for fixing lots of different things and makes for the perfect survival tool. Considered “inexpensive” for a Leatherman product, this lightweight multitool includes all the tools you’ll need, minus a straight blade, but customers found the wire snipper, knife and screwdriver very helpful.
Easy to place onto your lanyard, the blade opens easily and locks back into place making this also a very safe multitool. The green color and style make it very visible, includes a useful pocket clip, is not too bulky, and has enough power to open things with one very useful hand.
“Solid as a rock”, this is a multitool definitely worth your investment and trying out. With a 25-year warranty, you can tell the manufacturer has your satisfaction and performance in mind.
2. 12 in 1 Multi-tool with Safety Locking
The RoverTac multitool is solid and hefty, well machined, and includes chrome tools. Each side of this multitool has pressure latching making choosing a tool effortless and safe.
Included are sharp blades and good plier jaws, a confirmation that this manufacturer is trusted for other useful tool combo products, including hammers and hatchet tools for camping.
The reinforced pouch is a nice touch, and husbands love this multitool as a gift. The moving parts and tools on this multi tool are described as being well-built and “snug” which means no wobbling in your pocket or during use – improving both safety and precision. This is a very heavy duty multitool in comparison to competing products.
Customers stated they felt more prepared for anything with the RoverTac! The included case also has enough space to store your extra flint the next time you need to make a fire.
Excellent for maintenance use, this multitool is made with a very practical design and multi-functionality which is everything you should come to expect in a quality multitool product.
All the blades lock into place when fully extended, which is important, and the tools are great for fixing battery terminals to get your lights back online if and when you’re out on the trails late at night or camping.
A good choice as a backup tool on the trails, this is a “guilt-free purchase”, easy to hook onto your camelback, and includes a saw and file knife which are also very useful for survival tasks and camping.
Most importantly, it is much lighter to carry this one RoverTac multitool than multiple larger, heavy tools to get the same or similar effects for basic backpacking and camping tasks. It’ll even cut through 6-gauge wire! Overall, a great buy for the money and highly recommended for both beginner and experienced backpackers.
3. Sharpal 101N 6-In-1 Survival Tool
The Sharpal multitool goes above and beyond to meet all of your backpacking and camping expectations and includes a fire-starter, Ferro rod, tackle box, knife sharpener, and is considered to be an all-around excellent “survival tool.”
It’s also very easy to use, the included fishing hook is practical to catch your next meal, and the whistle is nice and loud. A handy and smaller gadget, it’s perfect for shaving on the trails, and the blade has a great pull through that won’t chew up your blade or lead to unwanted cuts.
“Ready to go” out of the box, this multi-tool will serve as a great secondary fine edge sharpener, and the fixed ceramic and rounded diamond sharpener prove it’s made of good quality.
Using this multitool makes it very easy and fast to get a good edge, and the Sharpal is ideal for re-sharpening serrated edges and gut hooks. The included Firestarter also throws a lot of sparks which is a great handy feature and tool to have if you’re out and alone or having a hard time starting a fire due to resources and weather.
An excellent gift and product, customers have come back to buy several more Sharpal multitools, give it a “5 Star Rating”, and are happy with this manufacturer trusted line of camping and backpacking products. There is no doubt this multitool will eliminate the need for multiple tools and is the perfect pocket size!
Lightweight, and a popular multitool to put on your 550 paracord, its orange color makes it easy to find, and hard to lose – no matter the weather and conditions on the trails! This is a top choice to get you out of any emergency situation and is also a popular choice among “knife guys.”
Perfect to have in every camping back, this is popular among military and survival gear fans which means it’s also a good choice for your bug-out-bag
(BOB) as it’s a lightweight solution, made from a durable carbide – and also serves as a great gift for any fisherman, outdoorsman, or woman.
4. Lever Gear Toolcard Pro – 40 in 1 Credit Card Multitool.
A handy “Credit Card Multitool”, the Lever Gear Toolcard Pro is a must-have for any man’s wallet that is looking for an everyday tool- whether around the home, camping, or out on the hiking trails.
The Credit Card Multitool also includes a bottle opener which is a good touch, to crack open a beer or other bottled beverage while camping or on the trail. This is great as a minimalist versatile tool, and customers were pleased with the excellent customer service they received with their purchase.
Including a good variety of cutting tools, the closed hex drivers were also a nice touch, it’s easy to store in your wallet and won’t stick out or make it unnecessarily bulky, and best of all its durable!
Some customers have pointed out that this product is “TSA-friendly” but is not recommended for carry-on in some states, so, if in doubt it’s best to throw it in bag-check if you’re traveling – also the same rule apply when traveling to foreign countries with this.
There are no sharp edges outside of the device, which makes this a safe solution, and perfect to stick in your wallet the next time you hit the trails, or in your general day to day activities.
The build quality is “superb”, and the included small instructional manual is thorough. Best of all, it doesn’t rust in the rain or tough weather – and still “looks brand new” after regular use.
Included with this multitool is a lifetime warranty, and 60 days 100% moneyback guarantee, making this a reliable choice and investment for your money – and quotes as being a truly “utilitarian tool for the modern age!”
5. 15 in 1 Portable Pocket Multifunctional Multi-Tool.
The Multitool Knife 15 in 1 is a can opener for your food, folding knife, and more, made with a rugged design and reported to “last a lifetime” under normal use and abuse.
This multi-tool is easy to fold up, strong, and well built. Hard to lose, the design is perfect for making sure you can keep track of your multitool. Customers even said they felt comfortable cutting down a tree with this if necessary, cutting firewood, and building a fire.
If you are looking for a good multitool that will help you catch and scale a fish, cut leaf boughs for a soft bed, and “survive nicely” then this is a great solution – and will only take up a few inches in a small belt holster!
The 15 in 1 also snipes through a small wire with no problem and has quality comparable to a Leatherman according to happy, and experienced customers. This means it is also a good investment and friendly solution for beginner backpackers, fishermen, and supervised young explorers alike.
For a fraction of the price of a Leatherman, but with durable build and performance, this is a great choice. The included rugged case is a nice touch, great for any emergency kit, your car, or backpacking excursions.
Customers were impressed with the quality and functionality – especially because it fits nicely in your hand. All the tools including pliers, wire cutters, knife, and can opener were both tested and found very useful for preparing food or a fire on overnight hiking trips.
Overall, the Multitool Knife 15 in 1 is an inexpensive solution, a useful instrument to have, and a quality that cannot be matched for the price. Customers even had success with overseas excursions in an African bush village with the saw – making this an overall compact, sleek-looking, light, and handy multitool.
6. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
The Victorinox Swiss Army brand is well trusted and has an established market in multitool products. With functional tools and solid, functional mini Philips screwdriver, this is a great choice for fixing small equipment and a must-have for your gear bag.
The Rambler is a perfect choice for your keychain, serves as a great backup knife and will easily fit into your pocket. Customers liked the Rambler and were happy it wasn’t too big, clumsy, or fragile – and best of all its affordable.
If you frequently use or need your knives on the trails, this is a good choice as the blade is reported to stay sharp, and the tools will take abuse with regular use and still function well. Whether for cutting food, fresh meat, or twigs and sticks this will hold up as you would expect a Swiss Army product to.
The included Philips head screwdriver is magnetic which was also a nice touch – small screws and construction screws were no problem for regular use and tasks.
The included small scissors are also super sharp, which is useful on the trails if you need to cut or shred material, clothes, or other gear. Perfect for daily use, both big and small, there’s no task too complex or large! The Swiss Army Rambler also makes the perfect gift, and customers have reported using it for 3 years or more regularly on camping trips – and it still “works like new!”
Another customer reported it worked great after 20 years without replacement, took it on fishing trips, and found it to be a vastly improved product with perfect functionality for modern-day backpacking and trekking! A reportedly risk-free multitool with no downsides.
7. JAKEMY 9 Tools 15 Functions in 1 Multitool
At just over 7 ounces, the JAKEMY 9 is a nice tool, rated as decent value for the price paid. The included file and blade are a good feature, and the device comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee.
With a lightweight aluminum handle and small form, this is a popular choice among backpackers and fishermen – and it serves as a great backup multitool. The pliers are also very strong, and the added flashlight comes in handy.
Customers came back to buy more than one, report it as being a light multitool, and perfect for emergencies, as well as being both reliable and efficient. The JAKEMY 9 is also great for kids and teens or who are still learning how to use tools. With 10 different gadgets included, husbands love it and report that it provides a compact, yet firm grip during use.
One happy customer even touted it as “the tool everyone wants to borrow, but not give back”, built with very durable, strong metal and is extremely useful – a product popular among knife enthusiasts alike.
So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive solution for your “go bag” and a blade that will cut through gorilla tape with no problem, this nice and sharp multitool will serve you in many ways and is simply reliable. The green color is an added touch that will ensure you do not lose the tool on your trails.
8. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
A counterpart to the Rambler, this Victorinox SwissChamp is the whole package, lasts for years of service and carries an incredible amount of various, high-quality tools given its size.
With this tool you’ll never want to leave home without it again and is the ultimate multitool that can accomplish any task, is very compact, and will easily pry up open parts, doors, and repair other backpack or camping equipment when you need it most.
Great to throw in your tackle box, customers were proud to confess that they always keep their SwissChamp with them and have even gone on to write books about their experiences because they are so profound of its design, performance, and quality!
The SwissChamp is a good choice for a backpacking multitool because it fits perfectly into a belt holster or even your jean’s fifth pocket! Designed with “well-executed engineering”, it will hold up to abuse and regular use for years, one customer even reporting it’s lasted for ten years already and continues to work flawlessly!
The magnifying glass is a nice addition and useful for reading instruction or inspecting your gear, fishing equipment, or food. It’s also a good choice for those with smaller hands, and is practical for scraping, such as harvesting tinder from tree bark and is hard to damage.
Military personnel liked this multitool for traveling, and customers in general seemed very nostalgic and satisfied with this product – given the reputation of Swiss Army products.
9. Gerber Curve Multi-Tool
![GERBER Curve Multi-Tool, Gray [31-000206]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415HO7ISajL.jpg)
The Gerber Curve Multi-Tool has been trusted and used by customers for years on their keychain for everyday use and were very satisfied with their purchase for everyday tasks, camping, hiking – and more!
If you’re looking for a light and discreet, handy tool then this is a practical choice for fishing and camping – undoubtedly a good investment and a simple solution to your multitool needs.
The Gerber will endure wear over time, and as with all Gerber products comes with an extensive warranty certain to meet or exceed your expectations.
Backpackers that cannot manage or do not desire the added weight of full-sized tools find the Gerber Curve Multi-Tool to be an ergonomic design and to be effective, measuring a total of 3 ½” long with the blade extended, and a curve of 2 7/32” long when closed.
Perfect for cutting or chopping food, cloth, and wire this is a reliable choice if you also frequently fish, or need to prepare food while out on the trails.
The Gerber multitool is also a good deal for basic first-aid tasks, and although small does not mean it is “incapable or dingy” by any measure. Customers found that the color is a good choice, and it is an overall practical multitool to use as a backup, or for small journeys.
10. Micarta Handle Multi-Tool 13-in-1
The Micarta Handle Multi-Tool is a popular, inexpensive solution to and is ideal for longer journeys, trusted by truck drivers, and happy customers reported the tools were sharp and worked perfectly to meet their survival needs and everyday tasks.
Customers came back to order more than one of this multitool for family and friends and reported it looked nice on their belt and to be an ideal fit for fishing and camping. For everyday use, this is also a practical multitool, as the stainless steel is hard and large enough to provide a good knife that holds an edge.
The saw has a double row of sharp teeth which makes it both practical and powerful for cutting and preparing food or equipment. The workmanship on the Micarta is also impressive for the price paid, and it “looks and feels solid.” If you’re looking for a well-balanced multitool this is by no means an investment you should overlook, and customers even reported it to be the “best multitool they have ever bought.”
It also includes a nice quality, good case to keep it in and provides a simple, yet effective design – ideal for those seeking a ‘minimalist tool.’ Finally, the ten-year guarantee is certainly not something look past, and overall the Micarta Multi-Tool seems to speak for itself in quality and performance based on this guarantee alone.
Best Multi-tool Backpacking Guide
Deciding on the best multitool for you should come down to several variables, most namely size, weight, price-range, features, durability, and efficiency.
Other important factors to keep in mind when choosing the right multitool are:
• Do the tools lock easily (and safely) into place
• Is the size compact, and lightweight enough to meet your needs
• For emergencies, camping, and survival needs is a Ferro rod included
• How easy it is to clip onto your belt on backpack/gear bag
• Emergency items such as an emergency whistle
• How sturdy the handle is and if using the multitool with only one hand is possible
• Locking mechanism and added safety features available
• Is cutlery such a spoon, fork, and knife including for preparing/eating food
• Whether the multitool is best designed for short or long trips
• Are the pliers durable, strong, and effective for making repairs/adjustments on your gear
• How sharp the blades are and ease to re-sharpen them
• Slim design and practicality for everyday carry (EDC)
• What type of blade or saw you require, such as large and serrated edges for cutting and sawing tasks
• Replaceable wire cutters and blade exchanger features
• Stainless steel or waterproof design to be weatherproof on your next backpacking trip
• Finally, does it include unnecessary tools or include all of the necessary tools for your backpacking needs?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best ultralight backpacking tool?
The LEATHERMAN - Skeletool Lightweight Multitool with Combo Knife and Bottle Opener is a good lightweight, trusted, backpacking tool that is popular among backpackers and outdoorsmen because of its durability, craftsmanship, and functionality.What is the best backpacking fishing multitool?
The Multitool Knife. 15 in 1 Portable Pocket Multifunctional Multi-Tool is good for scaling fish and preparing other foods or cutting simple meats
What is the best backpacking multitool?
Depending on your specific needs, level of experience backpacking, fishing, and camping there are various options available, in particular with respect to your budget. The Sharpal, Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp Pocket Knife, and the Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler are all very good choices if you’re looking for the perfect balance between quality and performance – for both new and experienced backpackers alike.
The best option for a multi-day backpacking trip?
The Gerber, Leatherman, and Micarta are all fine choices, but will ultimately depend on the size, power, and tasks you’ll likely look to fulfill on your next backpacking trip.
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