Best Backpacking and Survival Multi-Tools to Buy in 2024

While the majority of hikers will make sure to pack a basic knife and other essential items when heading out to the outdoors for an excursion, a whole lot will probably never consider adding a multi-tool to their load-out.

However, this overlooked gear is more than just a good EDC carry; a good multi-tool can be invaluable when out in the wild, as it can be used from simple tasks around to camp, such as fixing and maintaining the rest of your camping items and even for some basic first-aid!

To help you choose the best model to bring on your next outing in the outdoors, we have selected, in no particular order, 9 of our favourite multi-tools for backpacking and survival situations, as well as for day to day EDC.

Let’s get started.

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Leatherman Wave+

© Leatherman

Steel: Stainless, 420HC, 440C

Weight: 8.5 oz ∙ 240.97 g

The classic Leatherman Wave+ is our go-to choice for every-day-carry, but it’s also full of tools that can be extremely useful during your time in the outdoors!

The Wave+ has 18 tools, including a sturdy pair of pliers that are handy for pulling stuck tent stakes out of the ground or even take care of the occasional splinter, as well small scissors, a saw and a wood / metal file that can be used to prepare tinder and can easily throw sparks when combined with a ferro rod.

In addition to the various tools, the Wave+ is equipped with a reliable 420HC stainless steel blade. The knife is held in place by a liner lock, making unsuitable for heavy duty tasks such as batoning, but it can easily be used for food prepping and light bushcraft. In addition, the blade can easily be opened with one hand, allowing you to quickly deploy the knife when needed.

The only drawback with this multi-tool is that it does not come with a pocket clip out of the box, although you can purchase one separately. Aside from that, it is easy to see why the Wave+ is one of the most popular multitools in the world!

Leatherman Signal

© Leatherman

Steel: Stainless, 420HC, 440C

Weight: 7.5 oz ∙ 212.62 g

If you were ever in doubt about whether or not a multi-tool belongs in the wild, then we suggest you check out the Leatherman Signal; this absolutely awesome multi-tool is designed with the outdoors in mind, and will fit perfectly in your camping and backpacking load-out!

As we said, what sets the Signal aside from other multi-tools is the addition of features meant specifically to be used in the outdoors; these include a built-in ferro rod to start a camp fire, as well as a hammer to pound tent stakes and a safety whistle if things don’t go according to plan. The Signal is also equipped with pliers, a saw and an awl.

One thing that, however, we wish was different is the serrated blade on the Signal’s  liner-locked knife; we know this is a matter of personal opinion, but serrated blades have never really been our thing, and the fact that the Signal does not have an option for a straight edge is something we think you should take into consideration if you’re thinking of buying this multi-tool.

With that said, the Signal is definitely one of the best options to take with you on your next camping trip. From the awesome look to the functional tools, it is as ready for the outdoors as it can possibly be.

Gerber Armbar Trade

© Gerber Gear

Steel: Stainless, not specified

Weight: 3.1 oz ∙ 98 g

If what you want is a simple and utilitarian multi-tool to use as backup, for lightweight tasks around camp or for basic fixes in camping car, then the Gerber Armbar Trade is definitely worth taking a look at.

This minimalist and affordable multi-tool features, among other things, a saw, a pry-bar and a screwdriver with interchangeable bits; all the essentials you need to take care of your camp and the rest of your gear. However, it lack pliers and scissors; this does help keep the weight and size of the Armbar Trade down to a minimum, allowing to take up minimal space in your pack, belt or pocket.

This is also equipped with a sturdy frame-locked blade than can easily be deployed one-handed. It’s made of unspecified stainless steel, but it does a good job when used for food prepping and light bushcraft and is easy enough to take care of.

All in all, the Gerber Armbar Trade is a lightweight multi-tool that offers an incredible value for its price. It’s not as loaded with options as some of the other choices on this list, but it makes for an awesome tool to carry on the trail.

Leatherman Skeletool CX

© Leatherman

Steel: Stainless, 154CM

Weight: 5 oz ∙ 141.75 g

The Skeletool CX is the answer for anyone looking to cut down on the bulk and weight of a regular Leatherman, while still keeping the brand’s essential tools.

Along with a liner-locked, straight-edged knife that can be used for light bushcraft, cord cutting and other light tasks, the Skeletool CX is equipped with Leatherman’s signature pliers and wire cutters, along with an interchangeable bit screwdriver and a carabineer / bottle opener. All in all, it’s a fairly basic but extremely reliable tool to carry as both backup or as a secondary knife while on the road.

As an alternative to this model, you might also want to take a look at the classic Skeletool; the main difference with the CX is that the classic model is equipped with a partially serrated, stainless 420HC blade that is easier to sharpen but doesn’t hold an edge as well as the CX’s 154CM.

Victorinox Fieldmaster

© Victorinox

Steel: Stainless, 1.4110

Weight: 3.5 oz ∙ 99 g

While the design might be a little outdated, there is no arguing with the legendary quality that Victorinox has been putting out for years. The Fieldmaster is our favourite from their lineup, and is equipped with everything you need to keep your gear and camp in top shape!

The Victorinox Fieldmaster comes with 15 different functions, including a small pair of scissors, a fixed screwdriver, a wood saw and much more. All tools can be used for one way or another around camp, and the compact size and light weight make it even more suitable to bring out into the wild.

The one point where the Fieldmaster comes a little short is the fact that, like all Swiss knives, it lacks any sort of blade lock, meaning that you’ll have to be extra careful when using it for heavier tasks to avoid it closing on your fingers. It will still work fine for food prep and cutting cord, but you should pay extra attention when working with wood.

Aside from that, it’s simple, reliable and easy to use, a classic choice for any hiker!

Leatherman Rebar

© Leatherman

Steel: Stainless, 420HC

Weight: 6.7 oz ∙ 189.94 g

The Rebar is another legendary offer from Leatherman’s lineup, a solid and no-nonsense multi-tool that is perfect for both EDC and backpacking.

With 17 tools that include a saw, a serrated blade, screwdrivers, files and the classic pliers and wire cutters, the Rebar is fully equipped for any sort of maintenance work you might have to take of while on the road. It is a little more limited, however, when compared with more high-end models such as the Wave+, and it lacks an interchangeable bit driver and scissors.

What sets the Rebar above, on the other hand, is the locking mechanism that holds the knife in place; it’s much better than the typical liner lock that Leatherman normally uses, and will allow you to use the knife for much heavier tasks; you’re still not going to baton with this knife, but it will handle bushcraft without too much trouble. The downside is that the knife is located on the inside of the plier handle, making it almost impossible to access it safely with one hand.

All in all, the Rebar is hard to beat, especially considering its price point. It’s an extremely reliable tool, and one that will come in handy in any situation.

Gerber MP600

© Gerber Gear

Steel: Stainless, not specified

Weight: 9 oz ∙ 255 g

The USA-made Gerber MP600 is simply awesome, and really a lot of fun to use!

Unlike the classic butterfly knife opening style of Leatherman, this multi-tool’s pliers can be flicked open one handed, much like a gravity knife. This will allow you to easily deploy the MP600 in any situation.

When it comes to its tools, the MP600 is basic but reliable; along with pliers and wire cutters you’ll get a bunch of simple screwdrivers, a file that is perfect for combining with a ferro rod, a can and bottle opener and two knives, one serrated and one straight. All the tools, including the knives, are held in place by Gerber’s Saf. T. Plus locking mechanism, giving them more strength when performing heavier tasks.

However, much like the Rebar, this means that all the tools are located on the inside of the handle, requiring you to deploy the pliers first, then open your tool of choice and then again close the pliers. This can be a bit of a hassle if you’re already encumbered, or if you need to access a tool quickly.

At 9 oz, the MP600 is also a little on the heavy side, especially when considering that it is not loaded with tools. Still, this is by far Gerber’s best multi-tool, and a must have for any backpacker!

Leatherman Micra

© Leatherman

Steel: Stainless, 420HC

Weight: 1.8 oz ∙ 51.03 g

Weighing in at only 1.8 oz and loaded with features, the Leatherman Micra is one tiny but super efficient multi-tool, and, incredibly, one of the best Leatherman has made so far.

What makes the Micra so awesome is just how many useful features Leatherman managed to fit in such a small package. This multi-tool packs a pair of spring-action scissors, a small knife, tweezers that are perfect to take care of bothersome ticks or splinters, several screwdrivers, a file and more. All in a tool the size of a large keychain.

Now, obviously this doesn’t compare in terms of outdoor efficiency to something the size of a Leatherman Signal or the number of tools of a Victorinox Fieldmaster, but for what it is the Micra is really impressive.

Strap it to your keys or throw it in your pack, so that you can always have this small but powerful tool with you.

Victorinox Rambler

© Victorinox

Steel: Stainless, 1.4110

Weight: 1.1 oz ∙ 30 g

For a pure minimalist, there is nothing better than the Victorinox Rambler. This keychain multi-tool is simple but packs a punch.

The Rambler is the most basic multi-tool on our list, and features two screwdrivers, a pair of scissors, a small knife, a toothpick and a pair of tweezers. All in a package so light, you’ll hardly notice its there. Obviously, this multi-tool is mean to accompany a larger knife or a better equipped device, but it manages pretty well on its own when it comes to small repairs around camp.

All in all there isn’t much to say about the Victorinox Rambler; it’s a small, fun keychain multi-tool that we absolutely recommend!

And there you have it!

These are our favourite multi-tools to carry for backpacking, camping and survival in the wilderness!

From high-end models packed with tools, to small giants that defy all expectations, we’re sure you’ll find a multi-tool on this list to bring on your next outing into the outdoors!

So, which multi-tool is your favourite?

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