One of my very first purchases before backcountry camping was a multi-tool. Specifically, I bought a Leatherman Skeletool.
And, since I didn’t have a dedicated camp knife at the time, I figured the multi-tool can fulfill all my cutting needs as well as provide additional tools and functionality while I’m in the remote wilderness with limited supplies.
So, the question is – do you really need a multi-tool for camping?
Well, as an avid camper, outdoor enthusiast and self-proclaimed do-it-yourselfer… I can’t imagine camping without it now! It’s a staple item on my camping checklist, and I always carry it into work, and while traveling.
However, if you are a beginner camper and already have a decent camp knife, saw, and axe, and plan on only doing only basic camp related activities, you probably do not need a multi-tool.
Regardless, let’s dive into why, when, and how a multi-tool is useful while camping so you can find out if it’s worth the purchase.
Article Contents:
What is a Multi-tool?
We’ve all heard the term used ubiquitously, but let’s first define what exactly is a multi-tool.
- Generally, a multi-tool is a piece of equipment that has multiple functions built into a singular device.
- A multi-tool allows an individual to solve a variety of problems without having to carry an extended tool-kit.
Most multi-tools are designed and built to suit a particular niché. For example, some multi-tools are geared towards gun owners, whereas others a meant for audio and visual technicians.
Because there’s an underlying motive behind the design, multi-tools have very specific tools that they come with.
So, it’s best to align your wants and needs with the right multi-tool before you make a purchase. That way, you’ll actually carry a useful tool.
What Tools Come Installed on a Multi-tool?
If you’re like me, you don’t want to carry around a massive multi-tool that is choke-full of tools you won’t be using. Likewise, carrying a multi-tool with limited functions will make it useless in the field.
- For most camping and outdoor adventures, the primary tools you need are a knife, combination pliers and wire cutter, and bit driver which is usually a Phillips-head or Robertson-head screwdriver.
These three tools can help you tackle the majority of issues that might come up, either at camp, along a hike, or even en-route to your adventure.
Secondary tools you may need for camping include a bottle opener, can opener, wood saw, metal/wood file, scissors, ruler, and awl (tool for boring holes).
How is a Multi-tool Useful While Camping?
A multi-tool is useful while camping because it allows you the ability to fix, repair, modify, or enhance other equipment in the remote wilderness with limited resources.
Case-in-point, during almost every camping trip I’ve been on so far, something has come up where I’ve had to pull out my trusty multi-tool.
Whether it’s repairing a broken fishing pole, carving wooden poles for my tarp setup, cutting wire straps, or tightening a loose pan handle screw, my multi-tool was able to save the day.
Here’s a list of some of the other tasks I’ve completed with the help of my multi-tool while camping:
- Cutting rope, paracord, straps, and fishing line
- Removing nails from trees
- Opening bottles and cans
- Removing hooks while fishing
- Creating wood shavings for a fire
- Bushcraft including primitive bow and arrow making
Multi-tools are Essential for Survivalists
If you’ve watched the outdoor survival reality show Alone, you might have noticed that most of the contestants opt to bring a multi-tool as one of their 10 items.
Interestingly, ThePepared.com did a statistical analysis on the winners and found that 77% of the time the winner chose to bring a multi-tool [Reference]. And, a statistical “perfect” 10-piece kit includes a multi-tool.
That’s because, for survivalists who have limited supplies and tools, having a singular tool that is so versatile is essential.
- A multi-tool, along with the right skills and knowledge, can make hunting and trapping, shelter building, fire making, and bushcraft a lot more efficient and effective.
For example, creating dead-fall traps can be made with the help of a camp knife. However, a multi-tool with a built-in blade and saw can make quick work of sticks to create a figure 4 trap.
Likewise, snare wire can be cut using an axe blade or camp knife, if required. However, by using the wire cutters on a multi-tool you can quickly snip the right amount of wire to make and place traps efficiently, thereby increasing your chances of getting food.
And, in a survival situation, every additional advantage you can create without expending vast amounts energy in the process improves your chances of surviving. Or in the case of the show Alone, allows you to outlast the competition for the grand prize.
What are the Best Multi-tools for Camping?
Not all camping trips require the same amount of tools. For example, a short car camping trip inside of an established campground doesn’t require you to bring the best multi-tool on the market.
On the other hand, a multi-day backpacking trip, with limited supplies requires carrying minimal gear, but tools that can solve problems that might arise.
So, here are my top 3 recommendations for multi-tools if you:
- Are camping on a budget
- A beginner to camping
- Want the best tool money can buy
Budget-Friendly Multi-tool
When I first started backcountry camping, I had a limited budget so my options for a multi-tool were also limited at the time.
I ended up purchasing a Leatherman Skeletool, which I still carry to this day over 10 years later! It certainly has passed the test of time, and has been incredibly useful both while camping and at home.
The Leatherman Skeletool includes the following features:
- Folding blade (2.6-inch length) with serrated portion
- Combination needle-noise and regular pliers
- Wire snips
- Dual purpose bottle opener and carabineer clip
- Primary bit driver with built-in secondary bit storage
The only feature that I think is missing is a can opener. However, if I’m in a pinch, I can use the knife and slowly pierce open a can lid (which i’ve done in the past).
It’s lightweight, compact, and contains all the functionality I need for any camping trip.
I love it so much that it’s tossed into my everyday backpack and is the first tool I use for small jobs around the house.
Pro-tip: Check out my in-depth 10 year review of the Leatherman Skeletool.
Multi-tool for Camping Beginners
If you’re new to camping and looking to purchase your first multi-tool, then you want a model that has been tailor-made for the outdoors.
Built with camping and survival in mind, the Leatherman Signal is the first choice for many outdoor enthusiasts.
It has a lot more features than the Skeletool which include the following:
- Folding blade (2.6-inch length) with serrated portion
- Saw
- Combination needle-noise and regular pliers
- Wire snips
- Dual purpose bottle opener and carabineer clip
- Can opener
- Awl
- Ferrocerium fire-starting rod
- Exchangeable bit driver
- ¼” hex bit driver
- Knife sharpener
- Safety whistle
- Hammer
One downside is that because the Signal includes more specialized tools designed specifically for camping and survival, it’s less likely to be an everyday tool you would carry in the pocket.
Best All-around Multi-tool
When form and function align you end up with a tool that’s great for the outdoors as well as perfect for everyday carry.
The Leatherman Wave+ is considered one of the best all-around multi-tools on the market.
Although, it’s not specifically designed for camping, its features are very well suited for it and include the following tools:
- Combination needle-nose and regular pliers
- Wire cutters
- Straight edge knife
- Serrated edge knife
- Bottler opener
- Can opener
- Saw
- Scissors
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Large interchangeable bit driver
- Small interchangeable bit driver
- 8-in ruler
- Crimper
Unlike the signal, it doesn’t contain camping and survival specific tools such as a ferrocerium rod, awl, hammer, or safety whistle.
However, most campers have dedicated fire starting implements whether it be a ferro rod, lighter, or matches.
Likewise, most camping backpacks contain a buckle with a built-in safety whistle which you can use. Also, you can use the butt-end of an axe or even a large stone as a hammer.
So, if you’re looking for a fully functional multi-tool that’s great for the outdoors, as well as at home, the Leatherman Wave is a great option!
Plus, you can use it at home and while on the road since its small, portable, and replicates a lot of tools you might need. For me, this added EDC benefit makes it worth the price!
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