A comfortable camping trip requires you to bring along some vital tools. This can be cumbersome when you trek long thru-hikes, especially since some gear can be quite heavy.
The best camping multi tools allow you to save pack weight without sacrificing essential equipment. Continue reading to learn more.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Leatherman Signal Camping Multi Tool
Best Budget
Amazon Basics 15-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Tool
Best Compact
Victorinox Swisscard Lite
Best Overall
Leatherman Signal Camping Multi Tool
Unsurprisingly, a Leatherman tops the list of best camping multi tools. This company manufactures top of the line multi tools used by the military, police, and civilians alike.
The Leatherman Signal was engineered for the modern camper. This durable gadget combines 19 essential camping tools in a lightweight and easy-to-use package.
This multi tool includes typical pocket knife pieces, including a clip-point knife, saw, pliers, and screwdrivers. It also features some vital camping tools like a ferrocerium fire starter rod, safety whistle, and small hammer.
Leatherman is the leading name in camping multi tools for good reason. Their products are durable, American-made, and come with a 23-year warranty. Plus, you can get replacement parts when necessary to keep your Signal going strong for decades.
Pros
- This American-made product is extremely durable
- The Leatherman Signal is designed for camping and hiking
- Leatherman includes a 23-year warranty at no extra cost
Cons
- This premium tool is somewhat expensive
- It is a pocket-sized multi tool not large enough to house a hatchet or shovel
- The paint can chip after heavy use, but this doesn’t affect the functionality
Best Budget
Amazon Basics 15-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Tool
Nature is free for everyone to enjoy, so camping attracts enthusiasts of all incomes. You’ll need some essential camping gear to stay safe and comfortable in the wilderness, like a shelter and sleeping bag. Still, it is easy to find this stuff cheap or second-hand.
One thing you don’t want to skimp on is a quality camping multi tool. After all, you don’t want to deal with a broken knife halfway through your camping trip.
Amazon Basics put together a simple stainless steel multi tool that is perfect for camping. It is solid and durable, despite the low price tag.
This affordable tool features a handful of outdoor must-haves, including a drop point knife, sawblade, scissors, can opener, and more. You’ll need to pack a separate firestarter if you plan to go camping somewhere off the beaten path.
Pros
- Amazon Basics is very inexpensive
- This multi tool is durable stainless steel
- It includes 15 basics tools you’ll need on the trail
Cons
- This option doesn’t include a firestarter
- It is a pocket-sized multi tool not large enough to house a hatchet or shovel
- You might need to sharpen the blades before use
Best Compact
Victorinox Swisscard Lite
Without a Victorinox, a list of the best camping multi tools wouldn’t be complete. The makers of the original Swiss Army Knife designed the ultimate compact multi tool perfect for camping and everyday carrying.
The Swisscard Lite is an ingenious device that packs 13 essential tools into a credit-card-sized case. You’ll find yourself reaching for this camping multi tool both on and off the trail.
Take advantage of everyday items like the built-in LED light, ink pen, scissors, and tweezers. The spear tip knife and 4-in-1 screwdriver bit will also come in handy when you are out in the wilderness.
The Swisscard Lite also includes a 3X magnifying glass you can use to light fires using the sun. Just ensure you bring some char cloth to get the best results using this method.
Pros
- This Swiss-made product is durable and well-crafted
- The handy tools are perfect for daily use
- The ultra-slim case fits in most wallets
Cons
- The knife is tiny, so you will need to pack an additional cutting tool
- It is a pocket-sized multi tool not large enough to house a hatchet or shovel
- The plastic case can crack under extreme pressure
Best Shovel
Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel
A lightweight survival shovel is a necessity when you are wild camping. There are few facilities available in the wilderness, so you will need to dig a camping latrine when nature calls.
You might balk at the idea of dedicating the space and weight to a single-purpose shovel. If you want to get the most use out of this important item, you need a camping multi tool shovel.
The Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel is a small, portable shovel with 23 tools you will need on the trail. The adjustable shovel head converts into a hoe, hook, wrench, saw, ax, and hammer.
The other tools embedded in the handle include an emergency whistle, firestarter, hacksaw, knife, bottle opener, and more. All of this folds into a ten-by-seven-inch case and weighs only 3.5 pounds.
Pros
- This camping multi tool packs a shovel, ax, and hammer in one
- The adjustable shovel head converts into a hoe and general-purpose hook
- This survival shovel is sturdy and durable
Cons
- This option is somewhat bulky
- The 31-inch shovel handle can be awkward for tall users
- The metal is not rust-proof and must be dried before storage
Best Hatchet
RoverTac Camping Multi Tool
A quality hatchet is an incredibly useful tool when you’re camping. You can quickly cut and split firewood more easily than with a saw and knife alone.
RoverTac’s camping multi tool hatchet is compact so that you can clip it on your belt. Plus, it is versatile and sturdy enough to handle all of your camping needs.
This cleverly designed tool features a hatchet and hammer combo that opens up to reveal handy locking pliers. The handle houses a drop-point knife, saw, bottle opener, fish scaler, and assorted screwdrivers and wrenches.
The RoverTac Camping Multi Tool comes with a separate whistle and firestarter. This option is great for camping, hiking, and keeping in your car for emergencies.
Pros
- The hatchet is sharp and easy to use
- This lightweight multi tool is compact and easily clips to your belt
- The hammer can break auto glass in an emergency
Cons
- This option is somewhat less durable than other top picks
- The firestarter is separate from the main multi tool
- This tool is small and can be uncomfortable to use
Camping Multi Tool Buyer’s Guide
Not all campers are the same. The perfect camping multi tool depends on your needs and preferences.
Do you want a reliable pocket knife for on- and off-trail use, or a sturdy hatchet perfect for long camping trips? We put together the following brief buyer’s guide to help you choose the best option for you.
Base Function
The primary function of your camping multi tool will likely be the main draw. There are many different base tools to choose from, so you are sure to find what you need.
Common primary tools include:
- Knife
- Pliers
- Flashlight
- Shovel
- Hatchet
- Hammer
- Ink pen
- Carabiner
There are also niche multi tools available that are built off of unique bases, like the Lemasa Multi-Tool Bracelet. These are great for daily use but often lack the functionality needed for serious camping.
Accessory Tools
How many functions do you want in your camping multi tool? You probably don’t need the 87-tool Wenger Giant Swiss Army Knife.
Instead, you should choose a device with 3 – 25 accessory tools. Multi tools featuring more than 25 pieces tend to be unwieldy and usually sacrifice quality for quantity.
Look for accessory tools that make sense for camping. These include sawblades, fishing gear, firestarter rods, bottle and can openers, compasses, scissors, and pliers.
Most multi tools also feature screwdrivers, wrenches, and files. These often overlooked accessories come in handy when you need to fix camping equipment.
Size
Size and weight are important factors to consider for any camping gear. You often haul your pack for miles, so you want to keep your weight down as much as possible.
Camping multi tools are a great way to save space in your bag. They combine multiple bulky tools into one streamlined package.
Some multi tools are so compact you can slip them in your wallet, while most fit easily in your pocket. You can stow larger tools like shovels and hatchets in your backpack when you aren’t using them.
Avoid a camping multi tool that is too large to fit in your pack or weighs more than five pounds. It will get cumbersome on the trail, and you might get tempted to drop it on especially strenuous hikes.
Durability
You need a camping multi tool that can withstand heavy use. You will rely on this tool to complete many tasks around the campsite, and breaking it could ruin your trip.
This is especially true if you are venturing out on a multiple-day hike. After all, you don’t want to get caught without a knife when you are miles away from civilization.
Look for equipment made of stainless steel, carbon steel, and anodized aluminum. The best camping multi tools also come with manufacturer’s warranties and easily replaceable parts.
Cost
Budget is an important consideration when choosing the right camping multi tool. However, you shouldn’t buy a cheap option if it sacrifices quality.
A flimsy knife or saw could snap while you are using it. This can be inconvenient or even dangerous when you are in the wild. Fortunately, our top pick for a budget multi tool is tough, sturdy, and affordable.
Do you have your eye on a specific camping tool that’s too expensive? Keep your eyes peeled for deals, or check your local second-hand store for lightly used options.
Camping Multi Tool Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important tool for camping?
The most important camping tools are a knife and a firestarter. These two tools will have you on the path to survival, no matter what you face.
The humble knife is the backbone of many of the best camping multi tools. This is one of the oldest tools used by humans, and it serves many camping purposes.
You can use a quality knife to cut tinder and kindling, prepare camp food, whittle stakes and spears, and process game. Check out our guide to the best camping knives to find your new favorite knife.
You can also use your knife to start a fire using a simple firestarter rod. Explore this article about Ferro Rod fire starters on Survival World to learn more.
Which camping multi tool is best for everyday carry (EDC)?
Victorinox has long manufactured the best multi tools for everyday carry. The ubiquitous Swiss Army Knife inspired many of the best camping multi tools enjoyed today.
The Swisscard is the Victorinox answer to the modern EDC enthusiast. This slim, durable, and highly functional multi tool is everything you want in an EDC item. Plus, always having a pen on hand is an understated benefit you will love.
The Best Camping Multi Tool for Your Next Trip
Now you are well-equipped with the knowledge to select the best camping multi tool and hit the trails. The only challenge now is limiting yourself to just one of these awesome gadgets.
Are you ready to plan out the rest of your camping trip? If so, explore our camping hub to read the latest gear reviews and in-depth guides.