When you’re miles from the trailhead and a gear repair can’t wait, the right multitool isn’t just a convenience—it’s an essential piece of survival gear. A well-chosen tool can mend a broken backpack strap, prepare a meal, or even help start a fire, turning a potential crisis into a minor inconvenience. With so many options on the market, from minimalist everyday carries to feature-packed survival specialists, finding the perfect one for your adventures requires careful consideration.
Our selections are based on rigorous field testing in real-world hiking and camping scenarios. We’ve evaluated each tool on its toolset relevance, durability, weight, and overall ease of use when your hands are cold or you’re working against the clock. This roundup is designed to help you cut through the noise and find a reliable partner for your next excursion into the wild.
Our Top Multitool Picks for Hikers
- LEATHERMAN Wave+ 18-in-1 Full-Size Multitool
- Gerber Gear Dime 12-in-1 Mini EDC Multitool
- LEATHERMAN Signal 19-in-1 Multi-tool for Outdoors
- Gerber Gear Center-Drive Multitool with Bit Set
- LEATHERMAN Skeletool 7-in-1 Lightweight Multi-tool
- Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X 24 Function Multi Tool
- Leatherman Arc 20-in-1 Multi-tool with MagnaCut Blade
- Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X with Nylon Pouch
- LEATHERMAN FREE T4 Multitool and EDC Knife
- Leatherman Signal Survival Multitool
LEATHERMAN Wave+
The LEATHERMAN Wave+ stands as a testament to balanced design, offering a comprehensive 18-in-1 toolset without becoming overly burdensome. Its reputation as a best-selling all-rounder is well-earned, providing a robust set of pliers, wire cutters, knives, saws, and screwdrivers that are readily accessible. Weighing just 8.5 ounces, it strikes a practical balance between capability and portability for a full-size tool.
Backed by a 25-year warranty and built in Leatherman’s Portland, Oregon factory, the Wave+ is engineered for a lifetime of service. Whether you’re performing trailside gear repairs, setting up camp, or handling DIY tasks at home, this tool is prepared for both expected and unexpected challenges. Its stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and everyday carry.
Gerber Gear Dime
For the hiker who values every ounce, the Gerber Gear Dime is a 12-in-1 mini multitool that punches far above its weight class. Its compact form factor makes it an ideal keychain companion, ensuring you always have essential tools like needle nose pliers, a retail package opener, fine-edged blade, and crucially, a pair of spring-action scissors within reach. The built-in tweezers are perfect for removing splinters.
Constructed from durable stainless steel, the Dime features a butterfly opening and locking mechanism to keep tools secure during use. This tool is designed for convenience and minor repairs, making it an excellent backup to a larger tool or a primary carry for ultralight enthusiasts who need to manage pack weight meticulously.
LEATHERMAN Signal
Purpose-built for the outdoors, the LEATHERMAN Signal integrates 19 tools with specific survival features you hope to never need but will be grateful to have. Beyond the standard pliers and knives, it includes an emergency whistle, a ferrocerium rod for starting fires, and a diamond-coated sharpener. The topographical print on the handles adds a touch of backcountry style.
This tool is a compact and portable EDC designed for camping, hiking, and fishing. It provides a sense of preparedness for a wide range of situations, from routine campsite tasks to unexpected survival scenarios. Like all Leatherman products, it is made in the USA and protected by a 25-year warranty.
Gerber Gear Center-Drive
The Gerber Center-Drive rethinks the multitool screwdriver by aligning it along the center axis of the tool, just like a traditional screwdriver. This innovative design provides unmatched torque and a more natural, efficient rotation for demanding tasks, making it exceptionally useful for gear repairs that involve stubborn screws.
This 16-in-1 premium tool also features spring-loaded, needle-nose pliers that can be deployed single-handedly with a one-thumb opening system. The robust X-channel rail design ensures smooth operation. It comes complete with a 12-piece bit set and a sheath, offering a comprehensive solution for serious outdoorspeople and tradesmen alike.
LEATHERMAN Skeletool
The LEATHERMAN Skeletool is the answer for those who desire a minimalist, lightweight tool without sacrificing core functionality. Its skeletal frame design significantly reduces weight, making it one of the most comfortable full-featured tools for everyday carry. It provides the best of both worlds: a reliable pocketknife with essential extra capabilities.
This 7-in-1 tool focuses on the most frequently used implements: a sharp blade, sturdy pliers, a bit driver, wire cutters, and a bottle opener. Its simplicity is its strength, offering quick access to the tools you’re most likely to need on the trail without the bulk of less common attachments.
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X
The Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X represents the ultimate fusion of functionality, quality, and elegant Swiss engineering. With 24 meticulously crafted functions, this tool is a powerhouse capable of handling everything from cutting wire and sawing metal to fine screwdriver work. Every component locks securely in place for safe operation.
Renowned for its exceptional finish and smooth operation, the Spirit X comes with a leather pouch and is backed by Victorinox’s lifetime assurance against defects in material and workmanship. It is an extremely handy, functional, and compact tool built to the highest standards of durability.
Leatherman Arc
The Leatherman Arc sits at the pinnacle of multitool design, combining fan-favorite implements with industry-first materials. Its most notable feature is the premium knife blade crafted from MagnaCut steel, a material celebrated for its exceptional edge retention, toughness, and superior corrosion resistance—a critical advantage in wet outdoor environments.
This 20-in-1 tool is built for those who demand the best performance from their gear, whether for outdoor adventures, demanding work, or home projects. It incorporates the innovative magnetic locking and one-handed access of the FREE series, making tool deployment smooth and intuitive.
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X with Nylon Pouch
This version of the acclaimed Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X offers the same extreme functionality and 24 tools but comes equipped with a durable nylon pouch. The pouch provides a practical and resilient way to carry this comprehensive tool on your belt, ensuring it is always accessible when needed.
The tool itself is engineered for a wide range of tasks, from heavy-duty wire cutting to precision screwdriving. Its compact design belies its extensive capabilities, making it a favorite for professionals and serious outdoor enthusiasts who require reliability and a vast toolset in a manageable package.
LEATHERMAN FREE T4
The LEATHERMAN FREE T4 is a big little multitool designed for everyday problem-solving with remarkable ease of use. Its standout feature is the magnetic locking system that allows for smooth, one-handed access to all tools without the need for nails or a struggle. This makes it incredibly convenient for quick, repetitive tasks.
Packing 12 tools into a compact frame, the T4 includes a 420HC knife, spring-action scissors, tweezers, and a variety of screwdrivers. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a tool that feels more like a traditional pocket knife but offers the added utility of a multitool, all backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty.
Leatherman Signal Survival Multitool
The Leatherman Signal is engineered from the ground up for survival situations and backcountry travel. It integrates standard multitool functions with dedicated emergency gear, including a ferrocerium rod for sparking fires and an emergency whistle for signaling help. These features provide an added layer of security when venturing into remote areas.
As a compact and portable everyday carry, the Signal ensures you are prepared for both routine campsite chores and unexpected challenges. Its thoughtful design focuses on tools that are genuinely useful in the outdoors, making it a reliable companion for any hiking or camping trip where preparedness is key.
How to Choose the Best Hiking Multitool
After testing dozens of tools on the trail, I have a solid idea of what separates a good hiking multitool from a pack-weight liability. You are not just looking for a gadget; you are looking for a reliable trail partner. The best multitool for hiking in 2025 needs to balance utility, weight, and durability without compromise.
First, consider the weight and size. Every ounce counts when you are covering miles, so a bulky, heavy tool meant for a workshop will just drag you down. I prioritize compact and lightweight models that I will actually want to carry in my pocket or hip belt. A good range is typically between 4 and 8 ounces. Anything heavier needs to justify its heft with absolutely essential tools you cannot live without.
Next, think about the tool selection. Forget the 25-in-1 monsters with tools you will never use. For hiking, focus on the essentials. A sharp, locking knife is non-negotiable for cutting cord, preparing food, or first-aid tasks. Pliers are incredibly versatile for gear repair, but if you are trying to save weight, consider if you would use them enough. A good can opener and bottle opener are surprisingly handy around camp. Screwdrivers, especially Phillips and flat-head, are crucial for adjusting trekking poles or gear. Look for models that include a saw; a small, sharp saw can be a game-changer for clearing small fallen branches from a trail or processing firewood.
Build quality and materials are where a multitool proves its worth. You want stainless steel construction that resists rust and can handle tough jobs without breaking. The tool should feel solid in your hand, with no wiggle or play in the implements when they are open and locked. The ergonomics of the handles are also critical—you need a comfortable, secure grip even when your hands are sweaty or cold.
Finally, consider the carry options. A included nylon sheath is standard, but I often find a tool that can clip directly to a pocket or gear loop is even more convenient for quick access. Some of my favorite field-tested picks for the 10 best multitool 2025 have clever designs that make them easy to deploy and stow with one hand. Remember, the best tool is the one you have on you when you need it.
FAQ
Is it worth carrying a heavy multitool on a long-distance hike?
Generally, no. On a long-distance hike like a thru-hike, every gram is scrutinized. I recommend opting for the lightest tool that still has the essential functions you realistically need, like a knife, scissors, and a screwdriver. Many ultralight hikers even switch to a simple, lightweight pocket knife and a tiny pair of pliers to save weight. The utility must justify the carried mass over hundreds of miles.
What is the most important tool on a multitool for hiking?
For me, it is a toss-up between a locking knife and pliers. The knife is used constantly for food, cordage, and first aid. However, a good pair of needle-nose pliers is irreplaceable for gear repair, pulling splinters, or handling a hot pot lid. If I had to choose one, I would lean towards the knife, but I strongly prefer a tool that has both.
How do I maintain and clean my multitool after a muddy or wet hike?
Rust is the enemy. As soon as I am back from a trip, I give my multitool a thorough rinse with fresh water if it was exposed to mud or salt. I then dry it completely with a towel and use a can of compressed air to blow out moisture from the hinges. Finally, I apply a light lubricant like mineral oil to all the joints to keep them moving smoothly and prevent corrosion.
Are there any tools I should specifically avoid on a hiking multitool?
I tend to avoid gimmicky tools that add bulk without function. Corkscrews are a classic example; while nice for a picnic, a standard bottle opener is far more useful in the backcountry for opening food packages or, well, bottles. Overly specialized screwdriver bits or tools meant for fishing are also usually dead weight for most hikers.
Can I take a multitool in my carry-on luggage when flying to a trailhead?
Absolutely not. This is a critical point. The TSA and most international security agencies prohibit any tool with a blade or any implement that could be used as a weapon in carry-on luggage. You must pack your multitool in your checked baggage. I always double-check my bags before heading to the airport to make sure I did not accidentally leave it in my daypack. Forgetting this rule is a surefire way to lose your favorite piece of gear. When reviewing my field-tested picks for the 10 best multitool 2025, I always consider their travel-friendliness, which means how well they pack away in checked luggage.