Camping Panda
Camping is all fun and games, at least until the unavoidable happens and you need some tools to fix a tent, cut some rope, or simply defend yourself. By now, you should probably know that any camper should carry at least a camp knife.Â
But if you want to leave nothing to chance, your best bet is to invest in a multitool. Due to the variety of tools each model can have, finding the right one could be daunting. To make things easy, check the rundown below to find the best multitool for you.
Features
Is it multipurpose?
Comfort
Is it designed for comfort?
Grip
Is it ergonomic?
Usability
Is it easy to use?
Portability
Is it easy to carry?
Design
Is it practical?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
12
Hours Researched
19
Products Evaluated
3k
Reviews Considered
3
Sources Researched
The LEATHERMAN Skeleton Multitool is undeniably your best choice for both car camping and hiking. While it doesn’t include an abundance of tools, you’ll still get seven of the most common choices.
Made from durable stainless steel, it feature the two-fold design. All tools are easily accessible and easy to unfold with just one hand, and you can easily fit it in a backpack pocket. Lightweight and ultra-functional, it’s also backed by a 25-year warranty.
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Affordable and multifunctional, the Stansport campers multitool is perfect for anything, from splitting smaller logs to cutting food, opening cans, and even hammering tent stakes in tougher ground.
While it’s not as light as the LEATHERMAN, it delivers more versatility, thanks to the 12 included items. The tools are made from high-quality stainless steel and are made to last. No doubt, an excellent choice if you don’t want to break the bank.
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Victorinox is the epitome of quality in the survival world, and the Swisschamp doesn’t disappoint. This item is light and compact, yet it incorporates a whopping 82 tools. Besides the basics, such as knife, file, and bottle opener, this versatile option also includes a folding saw, a magnifying glass, and even a built-in clock.
Like all Victorinox tools, this one is made from stainless steel and features red ABS sides. Quality craftmanship and durability are either highlights. All these will cost you, but considering that it comes with lifetime warranty, it’s well worth the investment.
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The Kopwin might not be the smallest multitool out there, but it’s an excellent choice for camping, fishing, and hunting alike. Twenty tools bring outstanding value, not to mention that you can turn it into an almost full-size shovel.
The multitool comes complete with a knife, saw, as well as a mini compass, fire starter, and multi-functional screwdriver. Made from quality materials, it’s also designed to last. It packs compactly in its own storage pouch, and comes at a price that won’t break the bank.
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Comprising everything from wire cutter to bottle opener, this multitool with safety locking is another great choice for camping and backpacking. Sleek and compact, it comes in its own carrying case and fits seamlessly in a pocket.
Like the Victorinox, it’s made from quality stainless steel and comes with a saw. It also includes two knives, can opener, as well as a nail file. Like our best choice, it boasts a two-fold design. The tool is also ergonomic and comfortable to use – perfect for shorter trips as well as quick home fixes.
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Designed with survivalists in mind, the SULKADA tool is perfect for preppers and adventurers. It is light, compact, and incredibly functional. It might not have a knife, but comes with a saw tooth, fire starter, glass breaker, and paracord.
Furthermore, we particularly like the included fishing line, hook and sinker – a complete kit that can help you survive in the wilderness. Super-compact, it can fit into a pocket or backpack without effort. Perhaps not your average multitool, but undeniably a versatile choice that’s worth your attention.
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Victorinox makes its second entry on our list of best multitools with the Swisstool – another item in the brand’s iconic Swiss Army collection. It’s not as versatile as our premium pick, but you’ll still get 27 fully functional tools, which is much more than the other brands offer.
Like you can expect from such a reputable manufacturer, the tool is made from quality, polished stainless steel and is made to last for a lifetime. The knife, saw, and scissors are razor-sharp, and the unit also includes a wire cutter, pliers, and a wire stripper.
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While most campers prefer to buy a folding knife as a standalone tool, the RoverTac pocket knife appeals to those who like multifunctionality. More than a knife, this multitool includes two pliers, a screwdriver, can opener, and even comes with a variety of screwdriver bits.Â
Its quality may not match the quality of a Victorinox, but it’s still made of stainless steel and comes at a fraction of the price. The black oxide coating also protects the item from rust and corrosion, while attention to detail makes it a great gift for yourself or your outdoor-freak buddy.
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The Gerber Armbar is another multitool you should consider for both camping and EDC purposes. Small yet functional, it comes with all you need to cut some food, open a can or bottle, and even fasten a screw.
We particularly like its high-quality finish. The satin stainless steel resists scratches better than the polished kind, although it gets stained easier. That said, the tool comes sharp and ready to use straight out of the box. It’s affordable and functional. A great choice for yourself or someone you love.
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Last on our list, the RoverTac is similar to the Stansport multitool for camping. It comes with all you might need for splitting kindling, anchoring a tent to the ground, and even cutting food. It also has a mini-saw as well as an array of other accessories.
Made from stainless steel, it features black oxide coating for greater resistance to elements. It’s not big, but keep in mind that it’s on the heavier side. Coming in two colors, it’s a great alternative to our best value.
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Multi tools gained popularity because their entire purpose is for convenience and capability. You do not have to carry a lot of tools with you but will be able to perform tasks without having to take out your tool box. EDC enthusiasts and people who love to travel are the primary users of a multi tool. Backpackers and campers also carry a multitool with them while they’re outdoors to prepare for unexpected incidents.
They are not substitute for the real tools though, the tools in a multi tool are miniature versions of the real ones and are built to help you carry simple household tasks or to be used during emergency situations.
Having this in mind simplifies your search for the best multi tool for you. The first rule of multi tool buying is; the best tool in an emergency is the one you have with you. This buying guide will present to you the considerations in buying a multi tool so you can get the best multi tool for you.
Full size multi tool: this is like carrying your tool box with you, it has quality tools that lets you carry as many tasks as you can with your tool box. They are quite big and can be carried with leather or nylon holsters . The Kopwin Folding Shovel and Camping Multitool is considered a full-size multi tool with 20 tool set that has an almost full-size shovel included.
Mini multi tool: has lesser tools compared to the full size multi tool. It usually carries the essential and specialized tools. They are small enough to be put inside your pocket like the LEATHERMAN Skeletool Multitool that has 7 of the most common tools used and with its two-fold design, it can easily fit in in a backpack pocket.
Keychain multi tool: primarily functions as a keychain that has the extra feature of the tools. These multi tools usually only have either a bottle opener, knife or flathead screwdriver.
When you’re camping you would want a multi tool that has as many tools it can have. This is to be fully prepared when necessity arises, as we can never fully prepare in advance for outdoor trips emergencies.
More tools equal to more variety; the more the merrier. Check out the 82-tool variety of the Victorinox Swiss Army Swisschamp. It has the basics such as knife and bottle opener but some unique tools are also included in the 82 tools variety like a built-in clock and a magnifying glass.
However it is also wise to consider the type of tool that comes with your multi tool. Would you prefer a combination of a more low key tool like a screwdriver, pliers or knife? Or heavy duty tools like saw blades or wire cutters?
The size and weight of your multi tool when folded is important for you to decide where you are comfortable to store it while traveling. Small versions like the Stansport Campers Multi tool weighing just 1 pound and has 7″ x 1″ x 1.3″ size can be easily put inside the pocket and be ready quicker when the situation calls for it. Bulky versions may need to be stored in your packs as it may get uncomfortable when hiking if placed in the pocket. Carrying 14.9 ounces in your pocket like the RoverTac Multitool Camping Tool may limit some of your movements due to the added weight in your pocket; it may be better to have this inside your backpack pockets.
This is a feature that should not be neglected. Check if your multi tool has a locking capability both while in use and while in storage. The locking capability will keep the tools rigid and in place while in use. This gives you added stability and efficiency in using the tools. The RoverTac Multitool with Safety Locking has a safety lock mechanism that keeps tools in place when not in use and has secured hinged to keep the tool rigid while in use.
The best multitool should not give you calluses or strain your hand when using them. Besides for a multi tool to perform its multi functionalities, they must be comfortable to use and its various features should be accessible.
This can be all attributed to how the handle of the multi tool was designed. The ergonomic quality of a multi-tool depends on how the handle shape’s provide comfort, plus accessibility and utility of the various features. The two-fold design of the Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool makes the 27 tools accessible with just a flip of a finger. It is sleek enough to handled by one hand for accessibility.
The  Victorinox Swiss Army Swisschamp is one of the best multitools on the market today. Including over 80 tools and accessories, it can suit campers, survivalists, as well as scouters or servicemen.
The Skeleton multitool is widely considered one of the best multitools by LEATHERMAN.
It depends on your budget and purpose. Swiss Army by Victorinox delivers utmost quality, but these multitools are usually expensive. They are also smaller in size compared to Leatherman. Leatherman may not last for a lifetime, but are more affordable and will still deliver years of dependable use. At the end of the day, both options are valid, and it’s a matter of preference.
A multitool is an essential item to have with you at all times. Considering that we can’t predict when a natural disaster may happen, such a tool could help you save your life or survive for longer in case of emergency.
There is no general rule, and it depends from manufacturer to manufacturer. For the best value, we recommend at least a knife or other cutting tool – such as a saw or axe – a hammer or rigid tool you can use to break a windshield, scissors, pliers, and file. As for the rest, it’s really up to you to decide which could be the most useful tools to look after.
