Our Guide to Finding the Ideal Survival Multi Tool

Camping knives simply can’t match the quality and durability of a camping tool kit. These kits, or multi-tools, offer an abundance of great features that you may find in a Swiss Army Knife, but they often include more.

Multitool – Emergency Survival Pocket Tool – Camping Tool with Multi – Tool Keychain – Stainless Steel – Money Back Guarantee	Our favorite for 2017
CoBean 8 in 1 multi-function stainless steel hammer wrench pliers saw blade knife tools set	A great value option
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-Tool [31-000749]	A fantastic tool from Bear

I really like this tools, not for self-defense, per say, but for versatility. You’ll find that all of these tools are a little different, and comparing them can be hard. I recommend using the following comparison tips to make the right choice for you:

• Hammer / Axe: A small axe is so useful, and I highly recommend them. However, they may not be a necessity. Hammers can also be handy because they can be used to break glass, crack nuts and perform a lot of other tasks.
• Pliers: Virtually every tool will come with a plier, but do you need one? I recommend having one handy, but if you don’t think you’ll need a plier, you may be better off with camp knives rather than a tool.
• Spring Loaded: Tools that have spring-loaded designs are great because they allow you to open the tool with one hand in most cases. If you’re injured or in a tight space, this can literally save your life.

You’re really going to be comparing two things with a multi-tool: durability (we did that for you already) and accessories. Of course, you also need to consider price and reviews if you want to find the best model in your budget.

Top 5 Camping Multi Tools

Whetstone Cutlery Multi-Function 10-in-1 Camping Tool – A camping tool that is so affordable, it’s hard to pass up. This Whetstone model is an exceptional 10-in-1 tool. You’ll find that it’s rather compact at just 5.25” x 2.75” x .75”, so it can easily fit in your backpack, yet it offers an: axe, hammer, nail file, Philips screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, bottle opener, 2” serrated blade, 2.5” fish scaler and a 2.5” flat blade. And we almost forgot to mention that it includes pliers, too.

All of these functions are included in this great tool, and it’s perfect for camping, Boy Scouts, or even hunting and fishing.

I simply can’t get enough out of this multi-tool. It’s long enough that you can get an effective swing with the axe, yet short enough for detailed fish scale removal. And it’s very sharp right out of the bag.

Multitool – Emergency Survival Pocket Tool – Rapsil offers a great multi-tool that is meant for emergency survival situations. Made with heavy duty stainless steel, this tool is weather resistant while being extremely durable at the same time.

You’ll find that this model includes a can opener, pliers (nose and regular), wooden saw, scissors, small and large knife, wire cutter and screwdriver (Philips and flat head). And this model comes in two pieces: a keychain and standalone tool. The keychain features the two knives, scissors and file.

I really like this tool because of the pliers included (they’re real handy), but I did find that it was difficult to open up many of the tools. If you’re after a tool that offers a real set of pliers plus a bunch of other goodies, this is definitely a good choice.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-Tool – Bear Grylls – expert survivalist – doesn’t put his name on just any product. This multi-tool may be a little more expensive, but it is worth every last penny. And you’ll receive a tool that is extremely well-designed.

First and foremost, the grips are made of rubber so that slippage is reduced even in wet weather. Spring-loaded, you’ll be able to open most tools with one hand, and there are a total of 12 components included (all stainless steel).

Military-grade, you’ll never have to worry about breaking this tool, and it offers a Safe T Plus System. This unique system locks the tools in place, so they don’t wiggle or cause potential injuries. The Ultimate Multi-Tool comes with several tools, including: serrated and fine edge knives, saw, Philips screwdriver, 2 flathead drivers, bottle opener, can opener, wire cutters, scissors, lanyard ring and needle nose pliers.

If you have a bigger budget, I highly recommend giving this tool a try.

CoBean 8-in-1 Multi-Function Tool – The CoBean is a good, not great multi-function tool, but it is very affordable. This tool offers a stainless steel design, nylon sheath and measures 6.2” in length when closed. Perfect for outdoor activities, camping, survival and even general all-around household repairs, this tool includes:

• Axe
• Hammer
• Pliers
• 2 saw blades
• Screwdrivers (flat and Philips)
• 1 regular knife

This is the perfect tool for camping, but I do recommend sharpening the blades slightly because they do come rather dull. If you’re a casual camper or want a multi-function tool to keep in your car, I highly recommend this model.

Multi-Tool Plier By Magnelex: Ultimate 22-in-1 – If you’re looking for a camping tool kit, stop your search and buy this multi-tool. Why is this tool #5 on our list? It’s a little more expensive than our other options. But if you’re an avid camper, you should spend the money to purchase this tool.

An ergonomic design allows for grip comfort while the heavy duty stainless steel ensures this tool is able to withstand immense use.

You’ll receive: pliers (spring-loaded), scissors, screwdriver, saws, can opener, short and long blade, and a wire cutter.

What is really neat about this tool is that it has attachments that add 11 attachable bits to the tool. These bits act as an adjustable screwdriver. You’ll receive multi-sized bits, hex keys, flat and Philips bits, and a magnetic bit.

For a complete camping tool kit, this is a great choice.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right Camping Multitool for You

How do you choose the right camping multitool? Thankfully, most of the hard work is done for you. There was a time when tools would come in a variety of different metals, but most camping tool kits, and camping knives for that matter, are made with stainless steel. Affordable and durable, you won’t have to worry about rust or corrosion with these tools.

Here are some other helpful tips to help you choose the right tool for you:

• Budget: It’s good to be frugal, but if you’re going on a dangerous camping trip, don’t put yourself at risk for the sake of a few dollars. If you want a great multi-tool that can last for decades, make sure that you buy something that is up to the job.
• Accessories: Do you need a screwdriver, hammer, axe, saw, pliers, etc? Write down a list of your must-have features. Knowing which features you really need will allow you to narrow down your choices greatly.
• Reviews: Always look at reviews to determine if a tool is worth the money. All too often, a tool will look durable and sturdy, but will wind up breaking after its first use. If the tool has decent reviews, that is a good sign.

Aside from these three points, I would look at the manufacturer’s background and learn about any warranty program that may be offered on the tool. Many manufacturers offer warranties, which provides you with a little peace of mind when making your purchase.