Best Multi-tool for Backpacking and Survival

To survive in the wild, you need a top-quality multi-tool. Any such tool that can keep you protected in the wild is always worthwhile. A handheld tool is always a great necessity whether it entails needing something for cutting small bits of wood, making foods, or securing first aid materials.

Here are a few of the best multi-tools you can find right now to help tackle almost any survival situation. Each individual tool includes its own specific features inside a compact body for the ultimate survival kit.

1. Leatherman Skeletool

Designed with a stainless steel body, the Leatherman Skeletool is the first choice to utilize. It includes a 420HC knife that locks into the handle. The knife secures itself automatically and requires you to open a separate latch to get it out again. The locking mechanism keeps the knife from accidentally sticking out.

All the tools are hidden inside the handles. Each part requires a small bit of pressure to be released. All pieces are accessible regardless of whether the Skeletool is in its closed or open arrangement.

Tools Included

• Standard pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Hard cutters
• 420HC knife
• Carabiner with bottle opener support
• Bit driver

2. Gerber Dime

The stainless steel Gerber Dime is popular for being light in weight at only 2.2 ounces. The Dime offers twelve tools and yet is only 2.75 inches in length when all its pieces are opened out.

The body of the knife is not too thick but it is still sturdy enough to where you could quickly hold onto it without losing your grip. The butterfly design also provides you with quick access to each individual piece—making it great survival gear.

Tools Featured

• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutter
• Tweezers
• Bottle opener
• Basic pliers
• Compact scissors
• Sanding file
• Flat head driver
• Small cutting blade; this is designed with retail packages in mind

3. Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet

The traditional design of the Swiss Army knife has been adapted for the twenty-first century with this Victorinox multi-tool. The Cadet knife is about 3.3 inches long and has a sharp 2-inch blade. The stainless steel body includes silver Alox scales to create a better grip, thus keeping you from losing a hold of the tool.

The aluminum handle also keeps the entire unit light in weight at just 1.62 ounces. The material resists rusting and corrosion.

A key ring is on the end part. Secure the ring to fit the knife right onto a backpack, belt buckle, or another small accessible area that you might to keep it around.

The Cadet knife is designed with basic needs in mind although it is compact and straightforward. It only takes a moment to get it open and ready for your use.

What Tools Are Featured?

• Standard blade
• Bottle opener
• Large and small screwdrivers
• Can opener
• Nail file
• Wire stripper

4. Thomas Weyker 14-in-1 Multitool

Thomas Weyker makes this tool for those aiming for something more functional and versatile. The stainless steel body has been fully heat-treated to create a sturdy build. The 3D-machined grip also adds a non-slip design that is easy to support.

The 3D machined texture includes a sheath and belt holster. It adds a simple arrangement so you can keep a good grip on the setup at any time.

Tools to Find

• Spring action pliers
• Wire cutters and stopper
• Straight knife
• Bottle and can opener
• Wood saw
• Metal file
• Three separate slotted screwdrivers in different sizes
• Additional Phillips screwdriver

5. Spyderco ClipiTool

For basic needs, the Spyderco ClipiTool helps you stay protected. While there are not as many tools on the ClipiTool as what you would find elsewhere, this model does include plenty of versatility. The blade is pointed and sharpened on all ends to keep it functional.

The handle has a small groove that fits well on either hand. The non-locking slip joint also uses a forefinger choil to give you a better grip. The choil is curved perfectly and yet is far enough from the blade to keep you from cutting yourself. The knife also stays in place thanks to a locking feature that activates as it is open all the way.

You would be better off with this knife if you only have a few basic needs for such a model. The simplistic body is designed to be quick and easy to use without lots of clutter. It is not necessarily for more in-depth needs but it can make a difference if you require something that is easy to secure and add to your backpack.

What Is Highlighted?

• Flat blade screwdriver
• Plain edge knife
• Bottle opener
• Pocket clip hole

6. Survivor Eagle 5-in-1

The last of the tools to explore is the Survivor Eagle 5-in-1 unit. It is a folding knife that uses five separate tools in one large body.

One part is the LED flashlight. No batteries are needed to keep the light on. It does not stick out far too much from the rest of the unit, thus keeping the slim profile intact. The beam is also carefully focused so you can concentrate on illuminating one small space at a time.

The 420 stainless steel blades are sharp and easy to maintain. The aluminum body which covers those metal parts offers a powerful design without adding too much weight. A wood finish adds a refined look.

The handle has a groove on it that supports either hand. The flat and dull part of the knife is revealed slightly with a simple grip to move it out and in. The choil is also slightly curved to create enough of a gripping point.

Tools Included

• Folding knife
• Serrated blade
• LED flashlight
• Belt cutter
• Glass breaker knob

Each of these multi-tools for backpacking and survival needs is designed to give the help you need while outdoors. Every model is light in weight and comes with its own series of special functions to make them helpful. The individual parts vary by each option, so it does help to see what makes every choice around stand out. Be certain that you look at the choices that are available so you find one that fits in with your needs.