How to Select the Best Multitool for Backpacking
Table of Contents
If you are planning on taking a backpacking trip a multitool can be invaluable to have on you so that you have all the necessary tools to get through your backpacking trip safely. Depending on your budget and the functions that you need your multitool to perform there are a lot of different options on the market. So then who makes the best multitool for backpacking? Keep reading below to see my recommendations.
Ultimately selecting the best multitool for backpacking is going to be your decision depending on what functions you need your multitool to be able to perform. If you are looking for a full-fledged multitool I would go with one that has plenty of tools implemented within it.
If you want your multitool to be as light as possible for a backpacking trip I would recommend going with a keychain multitool. I’ve outlined what the different types of multitools are out on the market and what you should look for when selecting your backpacking multitool.
Folding multitools
The main type of multitools is going to be folding multitools. This type of multitool is designed to be folded open to reveal the different tools and functions. This is going to be the most popular type because of the number of tools that you can fit into the multitool.
Keychain multitools
Keychain multitools are also going to be a popular option. Keychain multitools are going to be designed to be very small so that they can be clipped onto your keychain. I usually have my keys with me most places that I go, with keychain multitools you will always have a multitool on you at most times.
Wallet multitools
Another option in regard to how you can attach or carry your multitool is the wallet multitool. A wallet multitool is going to be designed to have a few different tool options, typically at least a bottle opener, but be thin enough to be stored inside of your wallet. Like the keychain multitool idea, most people carry their wallet on them most of the time, with a wallet multitool you should have it within arm’s reach most of the time.
One-piece multitools
This type of multitool is designed to be portable as well, the one I have is a variation of keychain multitools but is not a full-fledged multitool which is why I want to make the distinction.
The one-piece keychain multitool that I have is very basic but is designed to offer a few different tools if you are really in a pinch. What I typically use it most for is the bottle opener, but it also has a screwdriver, wrench, and nail puller.
I like it because I can carry it on my keychain and it is roughly the size of a key, so it doesn’t take up a whole lot of extra space on your keychain. If you want to check out the keychain multitool that I would recommend on Amazon click here.
Functions
Most multitools on this list are going to come with a set of needle nose pliers, a couple cutting attachments, and flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. Outside of that, it’s going to be a crapshoot as to what tools the multitool will come with.
If you are planning on going as light as possible on your backpacking trip then you may be better off going with a multitool with just a few tools on it that fulfill your basic needs.
There are multitools that are designed to be robust and offer a wide assortment of tools and there are multitools that are designed to be barebones and offer a small variety of tools you need to choose what kind will benefit you the most.
If you are planning on needed to cut wood on your backpacking trips and don’t want to carry along a hatchet some multitools will come with a small serrated saw that you can use to cut through small pieces of wood and rope.
This can come in handy if you are planning on needing to cut a lot of things out on your backpacking trips or thing that you could use the saw frequently. Personally, I don’t think that I would use the saw tool that much.
Certain multitools on this list will come with wire cutters and wire strippers I personally look to get a multitool with wire strippers because I think that is a useful tool because having a wire stripper on hand around the house is nice and I need to strip wires occasionally. I use my wire cutters more for cutting plastic tags off of clothes that I buy than for cutting wires.
Some multitools on this list will come with interchangeable bit drivers, I think that this is a useful feature that could be used a lot if you don’t have a full tool set on hand with you. You could keep your multitool and a small bit set hidden in a storage closet around the house so that you don’t have to drag out your full toolset for small jobs around the house.
Portability
The portability of your multitool is going to be a factor if you plan on using it for a backpacking trip. Some multitools on this list will come with a pouch that you can store your multitool in to be able to clip it onto your belt loop or backpack.
Other multitools will come with a pocket clip that you can use to clip the multitool to your pocket. A few multitools will also come with a lanyard loop or are designed to be attached to a key ring.
Because you are planning on taking your multitool backpacking I would recommend that you go with one that is as small as possible so that you can easily carry it on you without it getting in the way or being too bulky. You should try to get one that is as small as possible but still has all of the tools and features that you would want.
On the other hand, you could get a multitool that offers a lot of different tools and features just in case you run into a scenario where you need a specific tool. The larger the multitool that you go with the more tools it will typically have at its disposal.
Depending on your aversion to risk you can decide to go with a minimalist multitool or one that is more feature packed. You would want to decide if you are looking for a multitool that you are just planning on taking on backpacking trips with you or if you want to be able to carry it on you every day.
If you are planning on carrying the multitool on you every day then you would really want to make sure that the one you get is small enough to fit in your pocket, belt loop, or on your keychain. The larger the multitool the less likely you will want to carry it on you all the time.
Some multitools on this list will be advertised as MOLLE compatible, this just means that it can be clipped onto the military style nylon vests that military personnel wear.
Value
When you are looking for the best multitool for backpacking value will more than likely be a factor for you. With multitools typically, the more tools that they have integrated into them the costlier they will be.
The physical size of the multitool will typically have a factor as well as it would take more materials to make the multitool and thus cost more to manufacture. If you are looking to get the best value out of your purchase, you would want to compare all of the multitools on this list and make a decision depending on the most amount of money you want to spend while including all of the tools that you think you would want in a multitool.
You probably shouldn’t go with the cheapest multitool that you find as it will likely not be built that well. You would want to make sure that the materials made to use the multitool are going to be high-quality steel so that they are able to take abuse and still hold up over time.
I think that the Leatherman Wingman has a good value all things considered. It has 14 individual tools including a knife, pliers, wire cutters, a package opener, scissors, flathead, and Phillips screwdrivers, and a bottle/can opener.
The knife of the Leatherman Wingman has both serrated and straight edge sections so that it could be suited for both cutting tasks. A lot of people have said that the included package opener has come in handy a lot with opening up boxes and plastic packaging of other items. One tool that I could do without is the included file.
To check the current prices on the Leatherman Wingman on Amazon click here.
Durability
When you are looking for the best multitool for backpacking you will want to make sure that it lasts you a long time and will hold up well during your travels and under use. One thing to consider when buying a multitool for backpacking is the durability of the multitool that you end up going with.
In the reviews that I have read for the different multitools on this list, they mention that the smaller keychain multitools like the Gerber Dime and the Leatherman Squirt PS4 may not have as high of build quality as their larger multitool brothers.
By making the multitool smaller the manufacturer also must make all of the pieces of the multitool smaller effectively weakening the tool. This isn’t to say that the smaller multitools are going to be junk but that they will not be able to tackle large jobs and may be more prone to breaking.
It would probably be a good idea to go with a multitool that is made with stainless steel to help it resist rust over time. Because it’s a multitool you may not take extra care to clean and dry off your tools when you are done using them, stainless steel will at least help try to keep your multitool resist corrosion and rust.
Some of the individual tools may be made with different materials than the multitool housing so keep that in mind. The Leatherman Wingman has a combo knife made from 420 high carbon steel.
While this steel is very hard it does not have any rust resistance built into it so you would want to take care to wipe off the knife blade after using it to help keep it from rusting and last as long as possible.
Weight
If you are looking for the best multitool for backpacking then the weight of the multitool should be a factor in your decision. You will want to make sure that your pack weight is as low as possible so that you are not over-encumbered on your trip.
If weight is a huge factor for you then you would probably want to go with one of the smaller keychain multitools on this list such as the Gerber Dime or Leatherman Squirt PS4 as they will be lighter than the normal or full-size multitools on this list.
If weight is not going to be a huge factor for you on your backpacking trip, then you could go with a multitool that offers a lot of different functions so that you have as many tools as possible for your trip.
Handle
Most handles of multitools will be built from the same materials used to make the other tools. Some handles are designed to have an anti-slip grip but with most multitools, you are not going to have that sort of feature. With some Leatherman models, they incorporate a ruler into their handle so that you can measure things in a pinch.
Warranty
Depending on which multitool you end up going with will determine the length of warranty that will be offered to protect your purchase. Leatherman offers a 25-year warranty that will protect the multitool against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty would not cover abuse, alteration, or unreasonable use of the product.
Gerber offers a full lifetime warranty to protect against defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original consumer owns the product. If you live outside of the United States, the warranty is limited to 25 years.
Both manufacturers would repair or replace your multitools at their discretion with a product of equal value.
Best Multitool For Backpacking – Reviews
LEATHERMAN – Wingman multitool
The Leatherman Wingman multitool is designed to be a budget-friendly multitool while still offering a decent selection of tools.
This Leatherman multitool is designed to be lightweight and pocket-sized so that you can carry it in your pocket on all your adventures.
The Leatherman Wingman can be operated with one hand but is going to offer fewer tools at its disposal than the Leatherman Surge with 14 tools.
It still has the basics such as a knife, screwdrivers, wires cutters, wire stripper, and a package opener but is going to fall short if you want to have a bit driver or a variety of blades included. I think that this multitool offers the best bang for your buck and is offered at a reasonable price.
Leatherman – Wave Plus multitool
With the Leatherman Wave Plus multitool, you are getting a more middle of the road multitool it has a lot of the features of multitools with 18 tools included.
It has wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, a bottle opener, and an assortment of screwdrivers.
Leatherman says that this model is the most popular model of a multitool that they sell.
It also comes with a couple of different serrated knives as well as a straight edge knife. With the Leatherman Wave Plus, all the tools can be opened with one hand which can be a plus if you only have one hand to spare.
Leatherman – Surge multitool
The Leatherman Surge multitool is designed to be a full function multitool by offering 21 different tools at your disposal.
The knives in the Leatherman Surge multitool are made out of 420 high carbon steel to be as strong as possible and come with a straight edge knife and a serrated blade.
It comes with a can opener and a bottle opener as well as two separate files. This Leatherman multitool also includes a saw.
One of the coolest features I think that this multitool has that you may or may not use outdoors is the bit driver that you can use to interchange with different bits depending on the job. This multitool does not come with any bits included though so keep that in mind.
Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit Plus Ratchet Multitool
The Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit Plus Multitool is the ultimate multitool that comes with 38 different functions.
This Victorinox multitool comes with multiple knives, screwdrivers, saws, and bits. This Victorinox multitool comes with a set of different bits (hex, Phillips, and Torx) that you can use with the multitool.
It also comes with a pouch that you can use to carry the multitool and accessories that come with it so that you can carry all of the accessories with the multitool.
What makes this multitool stand out from the rest on this list is that it includes a ratchet accessory that you can use in combination with the included bits to make it easier to use the bits included. The ratchet also comes with an extension if you need to be able to fit the ratchet into tight places.
Keychain Multitools
Gerber Dime Multitool
The Gerber Dime multitool is a keychain multitool that is designed to be as light and small as possible so that you can carry it on your keychain wherever you go.
The Gerber Dime multitool is equipped with 10 different tools or functions including a retail package opener, bottle opener, file, and tweezers.
Personally, I think that I would use the retail package opener and the bottle opener of it a lot but I don’t think that I would have a lot of use for the tweezers or the file tools integrated into it. I
f you think that you will use these tools the Leatherman Squirt PS4 does not come equipped with either so this would be your better option.
Leatherman – Squirt PS4 multitool
The Leatherman Squirt PS4 multitool is a keychain multitool and is designed to be carried on your keychain so that you always keep it on you in your pocket.
The Leatherman Squirt PS4 has 9 tools on it so it’s going to be on the lighter end as far as the number of tools in the multitool but it’s designed to be as small and light as possible so that you can always carry it on you.
It only weighs 2 ounces so it would be a good option for backpacking because it’s so light. If you are looking for a small multitool that has a limited set of functions but that you can carry on you look no further.
What Multitool Brands Are Best?
Leatherman
Leatherman makes some of the highest quality multitools on the market and is one of the most popular brands. Leatherman makes all of their products in the United States in Portland Oregon.
Leatherman was founded in 1983 by Tim Leatherman who found a need for multitools during his travels abroad. Tim and another college buddy partnered together to create the Leatherman company and the first multitool on the market.
Leatherman also makes other products such as knives and pocket tools but they are known for their multitools.
Gerber
Gerber is another good brand that makes quality products. Gerber is also known for its fine knives that they made for camping and hunting. Gerber like Leatherman is based out of the United States in Portland, Oregon.
They were founded in 1939 and make products designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Gerber makes a wide variety of products from multitools, knives, axes, machetes, hand saws, flashlights, and headlamps.
Victorinox
Victorinox is based out of Switzerland and is the maker of the legendary Swiss army knives.
Victorinox was founded back in 1884 by Karl Elsener. Because Victorinox has been around so long they have perfected their swiss army knife design and offer some of the best swiss army knives and multitools on the market. Victorinox is also known for its knives, watches, and kitchen cutlery.
What multitool do you own?
I bought a Leatherman Kick multitool quite a few years ago that is still holding up well. My Leatherman Kick multitool is basic, it just has one knife, a Phillips head screwdriver, two flat head screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and wire cutters.
One key feature that I wanted with my multitool was a wire stripper as I work on electrical wires often and wanted to have a wire stripper always available if needed. Overall it had everything that I really wanted in a multitool and has been holding up well over the years, so I personally would recommend Leatherman overall as a brand.
I bought my multitool, not for backpacking but to use for camping trips and to have a set of tools that I could keep in my bedroom closet without taking up much space. I would say that I use the wire cutter attachment the most of all the tools for cutting tags off of clothes.
A new tool that wasn’t around when I was looking at buying my multitool is the package opener tool. This can be useful, but the knife tool would probably do just as well with opening packages. It looks like the package opening tool is designed to be a bit safer than a straight edge blade though.
Best Multitool For Backpacking – Conclusion
When looking for the best multitool for backpacking there are a lot of different options and styles as far as what is currently offered on the market. Hopefully, this backpack packing multitool buyers guide was able to help you make a better-informed buying decision when choosing whatever multitool you go with.
If you are just starting on your backpacking or camping journey and have not yet purchased a knife you may be interested in checking out my other article about fixed blade camping knives.
