Our Guide to Finding the Best Mini Multi Tool after 2015

You need a quality camping multi tool, but you have no idea which one to buy. I’ve been there before, and I can tell you that the best small multi tool will outperform a Swiss Army knife or competing tool in quality and performance.

Leatherman 831426 Wingman Multi-Tool	Our favorite for 2017
Leatherman 64010101K Micra Multi-tool	A great value option
Gerber Dime Multi-Tool	A great tool from Gerber

A multi tool is a priceless tool to keep in your backpack or on your hip, but choosing the right one is rather difficult at first.

Let’s take a look at a few of the differences you’ll need to compare between each tool:

• Warranty: It may sound trivial, but you want to ensure that the product you buy comes with some form of guarantee. If it breaks (some do), you’ll want to know that it can be replaced.
• Tools: If you don’t own another multi tool, I recommend choosing one that comes with: tweezers, file, screwdriver, pliers and wire cutters. Knives are a nice addition, but they’re often too small and only usable as a utility knife rather than for protection of any kind.
• Opening: It should go without saying that any multi tool should be easy to open. Many are spring-loaded, which means they can be opened with just one hand.

The best, small multi tool will be one that is durable, opens easily, and includes all of the necessary tools you need. If you’re using this as a one-size-fits-all tool, make sure you choose one of the models with the higher tool counts from the list below.

5 Best Pocket Multi Tool Reviews

Gerber Dime Multi-Tool, Black – The Gerber Dime is an exceptional tool, and comes at an affordable price. Made with stainless steel, this multi tool is light and features a butterfly opening, which I find to be much better when using pliers.

The overall length of this model is just 2.75 inches when closed, so it will fit perfectly in your pocket or a small pouch.

My choice for the best camping multi tool, this model features: wire cutters, scissors, bottle opener, tweezers, file, knife, package opener and two different drivers. In total, there are 10 tools included with the Gerber Dime.

Leatherman – Micra – The Micra is another exceptional tool. Stainless steel, this tool includes 10 different tools in total and is made out of durable stainless steel. What is very impressive about the Micra is that it weighs just 2-ounces in total and folds up to a compact 2.5 inches in size.

It’s barely noticeable in your pocket, and there is a metal ring to attach this tool to your keychain.

You’ll receive 3 screwdrivers, a nail file, ruler, scissors, bottle opener, tweezers and knife with this tool. And this model comes in an array of colors.

Swiss+Tech ST53100 – The Swiss+Tech isn’t the best tool on the market, but it’s very reasonable, which means that it will fit in a lot of people’s budget. But don’t let this dissuade you – this is still a high quality tool that is ideal for outdoor use and the handyman/mechanic.

Offering 19 tools in one, this model includes: 6 screwdrivers, 2 hex wrenches, 2 rulers, 2 ruler extenders, wire cutter, wire crimper, bottle opener, pliers and a wire stripper. There is also a file and hand drill included.

This model is really meant for repairs, and it offers a lifetime limited warranty. All things considered, the ST53100 is the best small mini tool that is meant for on-the-spot repairs and fixes rather than survival. Virtually every handyman will love this tool.

Multi-Tool Plier By Magnelex – If you’ve used this Magnelex tool before, you’re probably wondering: “how can it be rated so low?” We really love this tool, but with so much competition out there not everyone be can be a winner!

But if you have the money, this is the absolute best camping multi tool we’re going to list today.

Why? It comes with 22 tools in one small design, and folds up to just 4 inches. This tool is loaded with different accessories, such as: pliers, saw, scissors, serrated blade, long blade, short blade, wire cutter, can and bottle openers, and a connector. The connector allows for “bits” to be added, with 3 Philips and 3 flat head bits, 5 hex key bits and the 1 connector bit.

With a spring-loaded design, you’ll be able to deploy this tool quickly and effectively each and every time.

Leatherman 831426 Wingman – The Wingman is another great tool, and it offers spring-action pliers, wire cutters and scissors for easy deployment. This tool does not include a sheath, but it does include several different extras, such as: 3 screw drivers, needle nose / regular pliers, file (wood/metal), bottle opener and a can opener.

There is also a generously-sized knife tool (2.6 inches in length) that can be used for protection or cutting.

And there is a 25-year warranty included, so if the tool breaks, you’ll be able to get a replacement. Weighing just 7 ounces, this is a tool that can easily fit in your pocket, glovebox or bag without feeling like it’s weighing you down in the process.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Pocket Tool for You

The best pocket tool or camping multi tool will depend on your idea of camping. If you plan on going to a campground and will be in a generally safe area, you may just want a tool with some of the bare necessities, or even a tool that you can use to repair your rifle, electronics or other devices.

But you’ll need to know what you’re actually looking for in a tool in general.

We’ve found that the most important criteria, includes:

• Size: The smaller, the better – in most cases. But if you’re going to be using an included knife or saw, you may want to opt for a model that is a little larger, such as the Wingman which features a 2.6-inch blade.
• Importance: Will you be using this tool for safety, repairs or survival? Many tools will offer several different screwdrivers and pliers, but these are meant more for repairs than survival situations.
• Price: As always, you need to consider your budget. Our first pick by Gerber is a great budget option, and this is also an exceptional all-around multi tool. But you can spend a little more for a more robust tool that gives you everything from a knife and saw to several screwdrivers.

I personally prefer to find something that offers a compromise. I might choose a tool that offers a sharp knife and a medium-sized screwdriver rather than a tool with 2+ screwdrivers because I am looking more for survival than to be Mr. Fix-it when I go camping.