Want to be prepared when heading out into the wilds of the world? Whether you’re trekking, camping, mountaineering or hunting, a multi-tool this is a piece of hiking gear that always comes in handy. It’s like a tool box you can fit into your pocket. These are also excellent great gifts for outdoor lovers. So, how do you find the best survival multi-tool?
One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to gearing up for the outdoors. In this article, we’ll tell you what to look for when choosing a multi-tool and show you some of the best models of the year.
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Quick Answer - The Best Survival Multi Tools
- Swiss Army SwissChamp
- Leatherman Wave
- Leatherman Supertool
- Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier
- Leatherman Charge
- Gerber DET Multi-Plier
- Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool RS
- Leatherman MUT
- Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool CS
- SOG PowerAssist
Comparison Table - Best Survival Multi Tools
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Number of Tools | Weight | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Army SwissChamp | 14 | 9.6 oz | $$$ | 5.0 | Read Review |
| Leatherman Wave | 17 | 8.5 oz | $$ | 4.7 | Read Review |
| Leatherman Supertool | 19 | 9.6 oz | $$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier | 11 | 9.0 oz | $ | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Leatherman Charge | 18 | 8.3 oz | $$$ | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Gerber DET Multi-Plier | 12 | 7.8 oz | $ | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool RS | 21 | 10.0 oz | $$ | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Leatherman MUT | 16 | 11.0 oz | $$$ | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool CS | 37 | 10.0 oz | $$$ | 4.7 | Read Review |
| SOG PowerAssist | 16 | 9.6 oz | $ | 4.4 | Read Review |
| Name | Number of Tools | Weight | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Multi Tools for Survival
Swiss Army SwissChamp
Specs
- Weight: 9.6 oz
- Number of Tools: 14
Features
- Aluminum handle
- Acid-resistant plastic cover
- Stainless steel tools
- Tweezers and toothpick
- Magnifying glass
- Lifetime warranty
- Leather storage pouch
BEST FOR: ADVENTURERS LOOKING FOR A CLASSIC MULTI TOOL
PROS: All basic tools plus useful extras, durable, quality materials, easy to use
CONS: Expensive
Leatherman Wave
Specs
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Number of Tools: 17
Features
- Stainless steel construction
- 25-year warranty
- Four exterior blades
- One-handed operation
- Leather/nylon combination sheath
- All locking features
BEST FOR: DURABILITY
PROS: Small, lightweight, has all the tools you might need
CONS: Rather pricey
Leatherman Supertool
Specs
- Weight: 9.6 oz
- Number of Tools: 19
Features
- Outside tool access
- One-handed opening
- Stainless steel construction
- All locking tools and blades
- Leather sheath
BEST FOR: CAMPING TO HOUSEWORK
PROS: Durable, strong pliers, sturdy and solid design, great price/quality ratio
CONS: Large
Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier
Specs
- Weight: 9.0 oz
- Number of Tools: 11
Features
- Open-frame design
- Easily accessible butterfly opening
- Ballistic nylon sheath
- Stainless steel construction
- Saf.T.Plus locking system
BEST FOR: BEGINNERS
PROS: Lighter than most other multi tools, very affordable, comes with add-on tool kit, good grip
CONS: Lower-quality springs, small saws and blades
Leatherman Charge
Specs
- Weight: 8.3 oz
- Number of Tools: 18
Features
- All locking features
- Outside-accessible tools
- Removable clip
- Removable quick-release lanyard ring
- One-handed operation
- Leather sheath
- Stainless steel construction
BEST FOR: FISHERMEN
PROS: Lightweight, comes with a “gut hook”, requires less maintenance
CONS: Expensive, lack of scissors, tiny screwdriver
Gerber DET Multi-Plier
Specs
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Number of Tools: 12
Features
- Non-reflective black finish
- Stainless steel construction
- One-handed opening mechanism
- Nylon sheath
BEST FOR: SURVIVALISTS LOOKING FOR A MILITARY-STYLE MULTI TOOL
PROS: Lightweight, unique military- and gun-specific tools
CONS: Fewer tools than many other multi tools, less suitable for everyday use, lacks some tools
Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool RS
Specs
- Weight: 10.0 oz
- Number of Tools: 21
Features
- Nylon pouch
- Stainless steel construction
- Slide-release lock
- OneStep access
- Lifetime warranty
BEST FOR: EMERGENCY AND RESCUE PURPOSES
PROS: Tools accessible from outside, super-easy to use, sturdy and durable
CONS: Heavy
Leatherman MUT
Specs
- Weight: 11.0 oz
- Number of Tools: 16
Features
- Replaceable pocket clip
- Handle bit storage
- Scope adjustment wrench
- MOLLE sheath
- One-handed operation
BEST FOR: SURVIVALISTS AND HUNTERS
PROS: Replaceable bronze carbon scrapping tool
CONS: Very heavy, expensive, large, less suitable for everyday use
Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool CS
Specs
- Weight: 10.0 oz
- Number of Tools: 37
Features
- Stainless steel construction
- Leather belt pouch
- Individual tool springs
- Outside tool access
- Lifetime warranty
BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND USE
PROS: Numerous functions and tools, high-quality materials
CONS: Heavy, large, rather pricey
SOG PowerAssist
Specs
- Weight: 9.6 oz
- Number of Tools: 16
Features
- Nylon sheath
- Tool locks
- Stainless steel construction
- Lifetime warranty
BEST FOR: EVERYDAY USE
PROS: Affordable, good for simple everyday use
CONS: Large, lacks a saw
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SURVIVAL MULTI TOOLS
You can use a multi-tool for countless different purposes. Preparing camp food, setting up camp and fixing clothes are just a few of those. Small, light and extraordinarily useful, they are among the most ingenious tools in the world.
More often than not, they include a mind-boggling variety of tools and functions. You most likely won’t need all the individual tools of a survival multi-tool, though. Yet, you will find that many of them are more convenient than you first expected.
PURPOSE
The first step in finding the best survival multi-tool is figuring out what the purpose of your multi tool will be. Is it going to be used on an everyday basis around the house and only sporadically on outdoor adventures? Or are you going to use it on hunting or fishing trips? Or maybe mainly while camping and cooking?
FUNCTIONALITY
Once you’ve figured out the main purpose(s), you can zoom in on the functionality of the survival multi tool. Multi tools can include a huge variety of features. From magnifying glasses to toothpicks, saws and scissors, basically all popular tools are available.
Think about which specific tools you might need most. Fishermen, for example, will want a so-called gut hook. Avid campers might focus on can openers and knives. Wrenches and pliers are popular features among DIY enthusiasts. Write down the tools you’ll need and use most and use that list as a guide when comparing multi tools.
IS IT EASY TO USE?
Many people tend to focus on functionality and the number of tools. The easiness of use, however, is an important thing to consider as well. Search for a survival multi tool that offers easy access to its tools, a good handgrip and convenient storage.
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