On some trips all you need is a knife. But on others it can be very useful to have a variety available to you.
For example, an overnight fishing trip, a long kayaking trip, or a multi-day mountain biking journey. For gear intensive activities more than one day long, I like to carry a multi-tool. I think the reasons are probably pretty obvious but just in case… It’s nice to have a variety of tools at your disposal.
Essentials in a Great Multitool
I really like having a saw blade too. The more the merrier but I’ve used these the most. I’m not a huge fan of scissors because for me they’re too small and awkward for me to use (plus the knife blade does most of the cutting I need).
Price Guide
$ – Under $50
$$ – $51-100
$$$ – Over $100
Note: Rating is the average rating by Amazon shoppers.
I hope this guide helps you find the best multi-tool for your needs.
Best Multitool Guide
| Image | Multi-Tool | # of Tools | Weight | Rating | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gerber 07550 | 14 | 9 | 4.5 | $ |
 | Leatherman Charge TTi | 10 | 8.2 | 4.8 | $$$ |
 | Leatherman 830039 New Wave | 17 | 12.8 | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Leatherman 831429 Sidekick | 15 | 7 | 4.6 | $ |
 | Gerber 31-001047 Bear Grylls Ultimate | 12 | 11.14 | 4 | $ |
 | Leatherman 850122 MUT | 16 | 15.2 | 4.7 | $$$ |
 | SOG B66-N | 12 | 9.3 | 4.2 | $$ |
 | SOG S66-N | 12 | 9.3 | 4.3 | $$ |
 | Leatherman 831544 Rebar | 15 | 8.8 | 4.2 | $ |
 | SOG B61-N EOD | 14 | 9.6 | 4.2 | $$ |
 | Gerber 05500 MP400 | 11 | 6 | 4.4 | $ |
 | Gerber 08239 MP800 Legend | 12 | 9.8 | 4.3 | $ |
 | Gerber 22-41471 | 11 | 6.7 | 4.4 | $ |
 | Swiss+Tech ST35015 | 12 | 2.88 | 4.7 | $ |
 | Leatherman 830850 Skeletool | 7 | 5 | 4.4 | $$ |
Multitool Maintenance Guide
With more moving parts than a plain knife, it’s even more important to take good care of it so your multi-tool performs when you need it. The last thing you want is for an item to break or get jammed due to lack of care and maintenance.
Like pocket knives, even though they’re stainless you still need to keep the tool dry and clean. Don’t store it in direct sunlight and avoid using a leather holster/sheath. Oil the joints as needed and wipe off the excess. Sharpen your knife blade as needed and be careful not to put too much stress on the pivot point when you’re using it.
Sometimes, especially after a fishing trip, you’ll get sand in your tool. Canned air is great for getting the stubborn grains of sand out. Q-tips can also be useful for wiping up excess oil out of hard to reach places.
Thanks for reading!
