What are the best multi-tools for outdoor activities, and what should you look for in a multi-tool? As usual, the context of your trip or hike will determine what kind of multi-tool may be best for your needs more often than not. However, most of the time, a knife, bottle opener, pliers, and scissors are the bare minimum modules you’ll need on a multi-tool. Keep reading for a more detailed guide on what makes for the best multi-tool.
How Useful Are Multi-Tools for Outdoor Adventures?
In the wild, you can never be sure of the surprises you may encounter. Of course, that doesn’t mean “bring the full toolbox with your standard-issue equipment”; quite the opposite, keep that stash at home – carrying it around would hardly be practical. Packing light is certainly the better way to go about things, but what can you do when something unexpected happens, requiring just the right tool in that precise circumstance?
Enter the humble multi-tool. As you should know, one critical aspect that should underline any of your trips and adventures is to always try to be as prepared as possible. With a compact device that packs several tools into one versatile, handheld item, achieving that goal becomes significantly easier.
As the perfect complement to your array of camping survival skills, multi-tools can save your skin in innumerable situations outdoors. Here are just a few scenarios:
- Patching up & setting up a tent and campsite
- Opening cans or bottles
- Removing splinters
- Camp cooking
- Other minor repairs
Of course, there are many more situations, but that just highlights the importance of having a quality multi-tool on you at all times to confidently and easily handle any problem. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or considering picking one up as a gift for your outdoorsy dad or somebody else, it’s certainly a worthy investment.
Picking the Right Multi-Tool for You – What to Look For?
To pick the right multi-tool for your needs, you’ll have to look at it from two different perspectives: what you typically get up to outdoors, and overall usability metrics.
Favorite Outdoor Activity
How you prefer to spend your time during your adventures will dictate the specific needs the multi-tool’s functionality will have to answer. Even though they all take place outdoors, hiking, fishing, and camping are all different activities, and you may need to account for different situations to consider yourself prepared.
For backpacking, it’s best to opt for a lightweight and compact multi-tool with the most essential features. Small knife, pliers, maybe a can opener if you like.
Avid fishermen need to look out for built-in tools to sharpen fish hooks, as well as something with holes to feed a lanyard and attach a carabiner so the multi-tool doesn’t end up at the bottom of the lake or riverbed. Of course, something with extra rust resistance would come in handy as an extra precautionary measure as well.
Campers usually benefit the most from versatility – and that’s what our multi-tool recommendation is all about. Essentially, the more, the better. However, there is one thing that needs to be stressed: look for a multi-tool with more-than-reliable pliers for tent adjustment to keep it standing strong if need be. If that shelter comes down, you’re in for a challenging night.
Performance Factors
Regardless of your primary activity, the best multi-tool for outdoor use must also meet a range of performance-related criteria. These ensure that the tool not only functions well in ideal conditions but also performs reliably (and safely) when the stakes are high.
Take a look at these extra considerations:
- Safety: Your multi-tool safety locking mechanism should work as intended, that is keep all tools securely sheathed when out of use, and prevent them from wiggling around when deployed in your hand. Otherwise, you risk harm to your fingers and hands.
- Ergonomics: Ideally, you’ll want a multi-tool that’s compact and feels good in your hand. Choose something that fits your grip and doesn’t limit your dexterity or range of movement.
- Ease of Use: Some types or models of multi-tools are designed to enable one-handed usage for increased versatility.
The Takeaway
Multi-tools for outdoor activities can be a true lifesaver, always forming an appropriate answer to even the most unexpected demands of your journey. Heading out into the wild without this must-have piece of equipment is basically asking for trouble. Hopefully, with this guide, you’ll be able to make a more informed purchase and meet any challenges you encounter head on.
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