Be Prepared with the Best Multitool to Carry Everyday
1. Leatherman Signal – Editor’s Pick
Leatherman is the Kleenex of multi-tools. Hold up a multi-tool to most folks, ask them what it is, and they will probably say, “Leatherman.” They’ve earned that reputation. The Signal is just another notch in their belt, showing off their innovative and creative product design. Not everyone will use a multi-tool the same way, and while the Signal can work for anyone, its design excels for those folks who are heading into the backcountry, and that’s why it earned the Editor’s Pick. It included 19 tools in all, and while most are what you would expect, four really stand out; removable sharpener, ferro rod, hammer, safety whistle. Part of preparing for being off the grid is preparing to be there far longer than expected, and those three tools are unique and potentially life-saving additions that make this the top choice.
2. Gerber Truss – Budget Pick
The Truss multi-tool from Gerber finds the sweet spot in a couple ways. It strikes a really strong balance between 17-tool functionality, while still remaining relatively compact. It also finds a great price point to settle into as well. The Truss uses the familiar folding plier-handle design to store tools, and you can see that the skeletonized plier handles help save weight and heft in your pack. It’s a full-size tool that doesn’t seem quite that big or bulky. The 17-tool lineup is pretty much what you would expect to find in a multi-tool, with no surprising additions or omissions. Overall, it’s a rock-solid choice for those on a budget.
3. SOG PowerPint – Compact Pick
If you’re really concerned about weight and size, or if you just want to make a multi-tool part of your everyday carry and want something that can easily slip into your pocket, not something that needs its own pack pocket or sheath on your belt, here it is. The PowerPint from SOG comes in at a full HALF the weight of some of the other options on this list, while still delivering 18 tools for quick deployment. The only thing limited with the PowerPint, is its size. The functionality is totally full-size. Again, the tool assortment isn’t anything out of the ordinary, what sets the PowerPint apart is the insanely small size SOG was able to fit all those tools into. If you have to have a compact multi-tool to fit your needs, this is the one.
4. Havalon Evolve – Hunter’s Pick
The Evolve multi-tool from Havalon has a definite tilt towards hunters who are looking for a multi-tool. Depending on your needs, it may be exactly what you are looking for even if you aren’t a hunter, but its design certainly has the hunter in mind. The Evolve deploys the Havalon Piranta quik-change fitment so blades can be replaced easily for both the knife and the saw. It also has a fixed gut hook for cleaning game. It also incorporates traditional non-hunter options that are quite useful, like the bit driver with storage for additional bits. Certainly, non-hunters would still find the Evolve a clear option, and some hunters may choose a different multi-tool for their needs, but the Havalon Evolve certainly fits the bill for those hunts that take you further from your truck and your tools than you’d like to be.
5. Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X – Classic Pick
A multi-tool probably wouldn’t exist today without the legendary Swiss Army knife leading the way in pocket-sized multi-function tools. Who originated the Swiss Army knife? Victorinox. So, it’s safe to say that Victorinox all but invented the idea of the multi-tool. They’re still hard at work developing and building some of the finest multi-tools you can buy, and the Swiss Tool Spirit X is proof of that. With the highest tool count on this list, the 24-tool option is a serious piece of hardware, but still manages to get everything into a relatively compact 4.1-inch and 7.4-ounce package. The tools are all pretty standard options for multi-tools, with no real surprises, aside from the fact that it’s getting 24 tools into a platform that other manufacturers can only fit 15-19 into. The heritage is there, and so is the care and craftsmanship. If you have a touch of nostalgia, and want to be able to throw everything and the kitchen sink into your multi-tool, here’s your option.
Deciding upon size
Any good bladesmith will tell you that most people think they need far bigger knives than they really do. While it may make you feel cool to pack a blade like Rambo or Crocodile Dundee, the reality is those big bowie knives can make a good number of jobs harder instead of easier. For general purposes, including cleaning came up to the size of elk, a blade in the 4”-5” range will be enough to handle the job.
Tools for the backcountry
The tools you need will likely be determined by what you are taking into the field with you. If you have other gear with screws or bolts, then drivers and wrenches may need to be accounted for with your pack or multi-tool. If that type of thing isn’t part of your gear list, you’re really looking at basic survival tools. Things like blades and saws can go a long way if you have a little bit of tradecraft.
Is it legal to carry a multitool?
The short answer is yes, because the knife blades are under 3 inches. However, it is your responsibility to know the exact laws of where you are, just to be sure. Schools, for instance, are generally a no-go.
Who makes the best multitool?
Personally, I like the Leatherman. However, it is up to you to decide upon which is best for you. Look at what tools you need, and how it all folds up. Also take the warranty into account. That is a big one for many of us.
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