Picture this: you’re out in the woods, surrounded by nature, and it’s just you and your camping gear. Suddenly, you realize that you are facing a multitude of inconveniences or emergencies, and you do not have enough tools. One item that could enhance your experience and ease the burden of carrying so many bulky tools with you is a multi-tool. You might be thinking, “Isn’t a pocket knife enough?” But oh, how wrong you are. A multi-tool for camping is essential!
In this article, we’ll explore the top three reasons why a camp multi-tool should be at the top of your packing list for your next camping trip. From versatility to real-life examples, we’ll show you how a compact, versatile tool can make all the difference in your outdoor adventure and what we consider is the best multi-tool for camping.
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1. Multi-tool Camping Versatility and Portability
The most glaring reason to bring a multi-tool camping is portability. The multifunction tool is a pocket-sized gadget that is incredibly lightweight and compact, allowing you to easily slip it into your pocket or attach it to your belt with a belt sheath or pocket clip. It reduces the need for carrying and being weighed down by separate tools that take up too much space in your backpack. It’s the perfect multi-use tool to carry on hikes or excursions away from your campsite.
Just because it’s a small full-featured multitool doesn’t mean it’s not powerful! This compact, all-in-one gadget features multiple tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, and knives, to conquer almost any situation. From setting up your tent to preparing your next meal, a multi-tool can help you accomplish a job quickly and efficiently. Plus, it can be a valuable tool in emergencies where you need a specific tool, like a knife to cut tangled ropes or flathead screwdrivers to fix broken equipment.
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2. Emergency Preparedness with a Camping Multi-tool
In addition to being a helpful multitasking tool, a good multi-tool can also play a crucial role in ensuring your safety in cases of an emergency while camping. From cutting ropes, repairing broken tent stakes, pulling food off a campfire or opening cans of food, the multi-tools versatility makes it handy to have when you need it most.
Not only is a camping tool practical, but it is also an essential part of survival gear and should be a part of your survival kit. When you’re out in the wilderness, a multi-tool can be a lifesaver in emergencies, like cutting wood to start a fire, making a shelter, making spears, hanging traps, signalling for help, harvesting your prey or aiding in first aid. It can even be utilized as a weapon in self-defence situations and of course, dealing with that nasty splinter or two.
As you can see, incorporating a multi-tool into your camping gear can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Combine that with being prepared, and you’ll have the peace of mind to enjoy your camping trip fully.
Below is a short video on how to make a snare with a multi-tool, which comes in handy if you find yourself in a bad situation.
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3. The Efficiency of an All-Purpose Tool
We’ve already covered how one tool eliminates the need to carry varied tools. The more features your multi-tool has, themore efficient you can be while doing your chores around a campsite, from simple set-up tasks like staking a tent with the built-in hammer to cutting cordage for hanging tarps. When making a campfire, use the built-in saw to cut down branches, then use the Ferro rod to start a fire. If you hurt yourself, the multi-tool tweezers can help remove splinters or debris from your wound. You can also use the scissors to cut dressings to size. When preparing any meal, besides opening cans, use the multi-tool pliers to remove hot pots from the campfire. The knife to clean fish or cut up vegetables. Even the cutting hook comes in handy, if you find yourself in an emergency where you need to process game to feed yourself. There are countless tasks that you can accomplish without the need for extra tools. Even emergency car repairs can be completed with a multi-tool as it can fit into the tighter spaces of the engine bay.
We’ve put together a list of multitool uses with real-life examples of what you can do with the tools, which include setting up a tent, cooking, and navigating tricky terrain. Trust us; you will thank yourself for bringing a multi-tool when setting up camp in a rush and needing a tool ASAP.
How to Use Common Multi-tool Features
All these tasks take less time with a multi-tool, which makes this tool for camping a wise choice to incorporate into your camping gear. With increased efficiency, you have more time to enjoy the surrounding wilderness, without worrying about not having the correct tool for the job.
What to Look for When Buying a Multi-Tool?
Multi-tools come with many features, but not all tools are created equal. Since this is a multi-functional tool, I would opt for one of higher quality as it will quickly become your everyday use. These tools are made to withstand wear, are tough and have high hot hardness, not to mention phenomenal warranties. It should also have enough features to help you with whatever situation arises.
For a tool for camping, you’ll want to look for a pocket tool with various blades, such as serrated, straight and saw. Your camping multi-tool also should include flat and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers and wire cutters. A plus would be a hammer and Ferro rod. Also, ensure that the features have a locking mechanism when in an open position and have corrosion resistance. Without this locking feature, you risk injuring yourself.
Multi-tools also come in various sizes; small enough to fit onto a keyring and large enough to fit into your pocket or on your belt. Be careful of the smaller multi-tools, as they become useless if too small. You should be able to complete your task without struggling to use the tool. If you do find yourself wrestling with your multi-tool, it is time to consider an upgrade. A few brands of multi-tools we would recommend for camping are Leatherman, Gerber and Swiss Army Knife. Leatherman is our preferred choice. It is our favourite and a favourite amongst the preppers and survivalists.
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Why Leatherman Multi-tools?
Our opinion is that Leatherman tools are the best multi-tools money can buy. We have had almost no problems with the Leatherman brand and love the several models of pocket multi tools that we own.
My husband’s favourite edc (everyday carry) and personal preference is the Leatherman Charge Plus TTi. It makes for the best camping multi tool and is the best Leatherman multi tool he has ever owned. You can read our review of the Leatherman Charge+ TTi here. Not only does it feature 19 tools, but it is also made of titanium and high-carbon steel and has lasted for years without any issues. Leatherman recommends the Arc, which is more expensive than the high quality Charge Plus TTi, but it also seems to be plagued with quality issues according to many outdoor enthusiasts.
I carry the Leatherman Free T2 just for the convenience of opening items for my children. It is a no-frills multi-tool, but it does the job. Not everyone wants to use their multi-purpose tool as an everyday carry, and if this is you, Leatherman makes tools specific to your most beloved outdoor activities.
The Leatherman Signal is perfect for camping and is budget-friendly. Amongst the 19 features, you will find a ferro rod for starting fires, a whistle, a hammer and a diamond blade sharpener. Now that’s convenience at your fingertips!
What Can Go Wrong with a Multi-tool
We own multi-tools from other brands like Gerber, Victorinox, etc, but we find ourselves reaching for the Leatherman more often than not. The other multi-tool we like and use frequently is the Gerber Multi-Plier 600. This is a 14-feature tool with a stainless steel body. What my husband likes about this tool, besides it being the #1 tool for the US military, is its one-hand operation. A simple flick of the wrist allows the pliers to come right out for quick and easy use.
What made us invest in the best multitool Leatherman has were the problems that would arise with various multi-tools. While working on a project, a multi-tool fell apart as the screw holding the tool loosened and fell out. We have had blades bend, chip and break when cutting simple items. The best had to be when the Phillips screwdriver twisted because of cheap material. It’s not like we went looking for cheap multi-tools, some of these were well-known brands, but corners were cut to make a sale. After struggling with crummy multi-tools, it was time to make the switch, and we have not looked back. It is a brand that we can stand behind 100%.
Victorinox is another exceptional brand, as their products last for years and make great hand-me-downs. The Swiss Champ has 33 features and being small, it fits perfectly into my pocket. Great for hiking, but for working around camp, we prefer something larger like the Multi-Plier 600 or Charge TTi+.
Multi-tool for Camping Comparison Chart
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Our Top Pick
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Best Value
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Best Budget-Friendly Pick
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|
Primary Rating:
5.0
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Primary Rating:
4.5
|
Primary Rating:
4.8
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Primary Rating:
5.0
|
|
$199.95
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$299.95
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$173.47
|
|
|
Tools:
19
|
Tools:
20
|
Tools:
19
|
Tools:
14
|
|
Weight:
8.89 oz.
|
Weight:
8.6 oz.
|
Weight:
7.5 oz.
|
Weight:
9 oz.
|
|
Closed Length:
4 in.
|
Closed Length:
4.25 in.
|
Closed Length:
4.5 in.
|
Closed Length:
5.125 in
|
|
Blade Length:
2.9 in.
|
Blade Length:
2.76 in.
|
Blade Length:
2.73 in.
|
Blade Length:
2.5 in.
|
|
Materials:
Stainless, Titanium
|
Materials:
Stainless
|
Materials:
Stainless
|
Materials:
Stainless Steel
|
|
Sheath:
Yes
|
Sheath:
Yes
|
Sheath:
Yes
|
Sheath:
Yes
|
|
|
|
How To Maintain and Care for a Multi-tool
When you find the perfect multi-tool, make sure to maintain and keep your multi-tool operational so that it lasts for many more camping trips. Using a rusty multi-tool, especially in emergencies can be dangerous as are sticky or dull blades.
- Ensure that all debris, such as dirt and sand, is removed. You can use compressed air or a toothpick to do this.
- Do not forget to clean your blades after using them to cut anything wet or juicy. Not cleaning or wiping the multi-tool blades may cause corrosion or prevent your multi-tool from operating smoothly.
- If you rinse your multi-tool, feather the tools and allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Use a Nano Oil or Ballistol to lubricate your all-purpose tool.
- Ensure the screws holding the multi-tool together are tight.
A Final Thought to Multi-tool Camping
When it comes to camping, bringing a useful tool is a no-brainer. These top 3 reasons of versatility, ease of use and compact size make the multi-tool a must-have camp tool for every outdoor adventurer and survivalist. So don’t leave for your next trip without one! Remember, being prepared can make all the difference in your camping experience.
Comment below on what your best camping multi-tool is.
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