Best multi tools for camping UK: leatherman or a swiss army knife? Expert reviews of the Wave+ to Victorianox
Headed off camping, or odd jobs around the house? An excellent multi tool can help with a host of tasks - here are the best of the current bunch
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When out in the wild, you never know when a situation calls for a tool that you wouldn’t pack by default.
Whether it’s opening packets of food, carrying out a repair, attending to a medical emergency or something altogether far less serious, a good multitool, if used properly, can in many situations be your best friend when out and about.
Carrying separate knives, pliers, screwdrivers and other handy tools with you when you go camping or on an adventure can be tedious and a hassle at best and at its worst a bit of a liability.
They need to be stored, carried and looked after properly, and for many of us we simply don’t have space to fit them all in when we go out into the wild.
This is where a multitool comes in - they tend to feature a number of different tools in one handy package, and offer a great deal of versatility to allow you to carry out a number of different tasks seamlessly.
Best leatherman and multi tools at a glance
- Best for everyday use: Victorinox Trailmaster Swiss Army Pocket Knife
- Best for saving weight in your pack: Leatherman Bond
- Best for size: Leatherman Free T2
- Best for rugged ability: SOG PowerAccess Multi-Tool Pliers with 2.4 inch Folding Knife
- Best for price: Victorianox Hiker Swiss Army Knife
- Best multi tool overall: Leatherman Wave+
- Best budget buy: Mountain Warehouse 12-in-1 Multitool
What to look for in a multi tool
Useful they may be, but there are a few things to think about. Firstly, the size and weight of the tool needs to be small enough to carry around in your pocket or on your belt.
Secondly, think about what you need the tools for and make sure you pick the right combinations and amount of tools available.
Thirdly, think about ergonomics - there are some great multi tools out there that don’t quite measure up to standards as they can feature confusing layouts and tricky opening procedures. Do a little research, and you can be sure of a multitool for life.
Get kitted out for your hiking and backpacking adventures.
We have detailed guides to the best backpacking tents for your adventures here. Want to steady your stride? These are the best walking poles for hiking.
Keep it comfy with the best camping folding chairs, and sleep on the best air beds around, as listed here. And keep things illuminated with a great camping head torch.
We love these hiking backpacks, and our expert endores these all-season sleeping bags.