Let’s face it, when we go backpacking, we want to be prepared for anything that could possibly happen. Whether you are backpacking in another city where there are grocery stores and other convenience stores available 24/7, or if you are trekking through unknown paths in distant lands where you don’t know what you might encounter beyond the next bush or tree, it’s always better to be prepared!
One of the best items to take along with you on your trip is a multi-tool with several functions—knife, can opener, bottle cap opener, screwdriver, scissors, and more, than carrying all these pieces scattered around your backpack. Not only is it easier to find where your tools are, it lessens the risk of tearing up or destroying something in your backpack because you forgot to pack them as properly as they should have been.
To guide you in your search for the “perfect” multi-tool, check out our top picks of the best multi-tools for whenever you go backpacking!
1. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, Huntsman Pocket Knife
Where do I begin about this wonderful multi-tool? The classic Swiss Army knife is made of sturdy, durable material—Swiss-made stainless steel, to be exact, and it is encased in the traditional, polishes red ABS scales that Swiss knives are known for (it comes in other colours too, but I just love that well-known red case).
It features 15 functions:
- Large Blade
- Small Blade
- Corkscrew
- Can Opener with
- – Small Screwdriver (also for Phillips Screws)
- Bottle Opener with
- – Large Screwdriver
- – Wire Stripper
- Reamer
- Key Ring
- Tweezers
- Toothpick
- Scissors
- Multi-purpose Hook
- Wood Saw
The Huntsman is a perfect companion to anyone, whether you are an avid adventurer to roads not travelled or an everyday user who just wants to work efficiently. Its small, compact size makes it easy to carry around without having to give up much space for it and can fit in your pocket or bag or wherever you want to put it.
Should the blade ever become blunt or the other tools be in need of cleaning, the Huntsman is easy to sharpen and the other tools easy to clean (just wash in water and apply a little oil to maintain the optimal locking mechanism).
Victorinox is one of the most well-known makers of the Swiss knife and the multi-tool and they have spent years perfecting their craft so you definitely can’t go wrong with this one!
- Number of Functions: 15
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 3.4 ounces
- Other features: Stainless steel, made in Switzerland
2. Bravedge Multi-Tool Axe
Perhaps not as small or as sleek as the Swiss army multi-tool, but the Bravedge Multi-Tool Axe will make your backpacking trip easier for you!
This multi-tool features 12 functions:
- Axe
- Hammer
- Knife
- Hex Wrench
- Nail Puller
- Nail File
- Slotted Screwdriver (large)
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Slotted Screwdriver (medium)
- Phillips Screwdriver (CRV PH1)
- Phillips Screwdriver (CRV PH2)
The Bravedge Axe is an ideal partner for any outdoor activity. With this tool you can split small logs, cut branches and make small wood for the fireplace, stove, barbecue, or campfire. The Bravedge Axe is tough and lightweight and is great for camping, hiking, and survival activities. It is made of premium stainless steel and can easily be reground once you feel like it is losing its edge. You can tuck it in your belt or put it in your bag as a way to bring it around.
In case you’re worried about safety and how to carry it around, you needn’t fear because it comes with a nylon sheath that makes it easy and safe to carry around. There is also a rubber cover on the end of the axe blade to guarantee safety for the user.
The Bravedge Axe is sturdy and durable and will not rust for a long time so you can be sure of several years of reliable performance. With it, you can split small logs, cut branches and make small wood for the fireplace, stove, barbecue, or campfire. It’s a great tool for any time and any place!
- Number of Functions: 12
- Dimensions: 6.7 inches
- Weight: 14.8 ounces
- Other features: Stainless steel construction with PVC wood grain handle
3. Senu Aluminum Fishing Multi-Tool
If you’re going on a backpacking/camping/fishing trip, then this might just be the multi-tool you’ve been waiting for.
The Senu Multi-tool has 12 functions:
- Flat Hammer
- Cone Hammer
- Flat Nose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Wire Cutter
- Knife Blade
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Slotted Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Scraping Fish Scales
- Saw
- Nail File
If you are looking for a premium, heavy-duty pocket multi-tool, then this is the one for you as it was designed with the toughest soldier and outdoorsman in mind. It has even been recommended by skilled army officer veterans! The Senu Multi-Tool makes sure you’re prepared for any situation. It’s something you can leave in the glove compartment of your car or at home in case you should need it.
It’s also a great gift to give your adventure-seeking buddies or to your friends who love going backpacking and fishing. It’s portable, practical, and something you can definitely put to good use everyday!
- Number of Functions: 12
- Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.2 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Other Features: Made of aluminum steel, comes with a belt clip pouch
4. Takeflight Multi-Tool Survivor Gear Kit
Instead of being just one multi-tool, Takeflight Gear Kit comes with several handy multi-tools. You can take one with you, depending where you’re going or take all if you’re feeling extremely adventurous!
The Takeflight Gear Kit has EVERYTHING you need whether you’re accomplishing day-to-day tasks or facing emergencies in the wilderness. It’s rugged and heavy-duty and at the same time, lightweight and portable. It holds 4 different kinds of multi-tools (a paracord bracelet, a credit card-sized tool kit, a bottle opener keychain, and a multi-tool knife) that house several different functions, from pliers to can openers to knives, And the best thing yet—it’s housed in a sleek, compact case that makes it easy to carry around! It’s pocket-sized for your convenience and can easily fit into your car glove compartment or your backpack. It’s the perfect item to add to your list of camping essentials!
- Dimensions: 10.3 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Other features: Stainless Steel
5. DONGKER Folding Shovel Portable Multi-Tool
If you love camping trips and outdoor adventures, perhaps DONGKER folding shovel is what you’ve been waiting for!
It comes with 16 functions:
- Shovel
- Stick
- Chopper
- Self-defense Fork
- Wrench
- Rope Cutter
- Saw
- Protective Shield
- Hoe
- Bottle Opener
- Screwdriver
- Whistle
- Fire Starter (Magnesium Rod)
- Ice Piton
- Scraping Fish Scales
- Ruler
The DONGKER folding shovel also features a hollow handle and extension tubes that can store emergency items. It can easily fit your backpack or your car trunk. With the DONGKER shovel, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck. You can easily dig your car tires out of snow, mud, or ice, or even use the shovel head to break glass in case of emergency. It’s foldable, removable, and easy to install and even adjusts to 3 different lengths. The DONGKER shovel is also specially designed with a sinking front spade and anti-skid grip to help in labor-saving and to reduce hand fatigue and wrist strain.
The DONGKER shovel is built of quality material—high carbon steel and aviation aluminum alloy which makes it durable and lightweight. This is definitely a must have for those who love the outdoors, camping, backpacking, exploring, traveling, hiking. This awesome army shovel is assembled with practicality, functionality, and security.
- Number of Functions: 16
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.1 x 2.6 inches (shovel length: 33 inches)
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Other features: High quality carbon steel aviation aluminium alloy, rubber, nylon; item includes shovel head cover, shoulder bags, and colorful box
6. Amenitee Snowflake Multi-Tool
This multi-tool comes in a unique snowflake-shaped design. The creators of the Amenitee Snowflake multi-tool used nature’s perfect shape and combined it with functionality and design to create their compact multi-tool.
The Amenitee snowflake multi-tool comes with 18 functions:
- Flathead Screwdriver
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- #3 Phillips Screwdriver
- 3 Allen Wrench
- 4mm Allen Wrench
- 5mm Allen Wrench
- 6mm Allen Wrench
- Box Cutter
- 7mm End Wrench
- 8mm End Wrench
- 9mm End Wrench
- 10mm End Wrench
- 11mm End Wrench
- 12mm End Wrench
- 13mm End Wrench
- 14mm End Wrench
- Twine Knife
- Bottle Opener
While originally designed to be a snowboarding multi-tool, the Amenitee Snowflake is actually useful for different purposes. It can be strung along in your keychain or carried in your pocket or attached to your backpack. With this multi-tool, you can do so much—open a bottle, turn screws, fix snowboards and bicycles, open boxes, and so much more!
- Number of Functions: 18
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.4 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Other features: stainless steel
Pack lighter. Carrying different tools for your backpacking adventure can weigh you down. It’s better to carry one compact gadget that has everything you need.
True. That’s what multi-tools are for, and fortunately there’s a lot of them on the market. Amazon has some pretty amazing stuff, but there’s also retailers like Walmart and Target, they carry a lot of these types of tools too.