The Ten Essentials:
#6: Knife & Tools
Having a pocket knife or multi-tool is essential for building shelters, campfires, and repairing backcountry gear.
A reliable knife or multi-tool is one of the most versatile items you can carry in the outdoors. From food preparation to gear repair and emergency survival, knives and tools are essential for staying prepared on any adventure. Compact and lightweight, they provide a wide range of functions without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.
In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of carrying a knife or multi-tool, recommend the best gear to include, and share tips for using them effectively in the backcountry.
Why Knives & Tools Matter
- Food Preparation: Cutting ingredients or opening packaged meals.
- Gear Repair: Fixing broken straps, cutting rope, or making quick adjustments to equipment.
- First Aid: Cutting tape, bandages, or fabric for medical purposes.
- Fire Building: Striking ferro rods or shaving wood for tinder.
- Survival Situations: Crafting shelter, creating tools, or defending against potential threats.
Types of Essential Knives & Tools
When selecting a knife or multi-tool, prioritize these features to match your adventure’s needs:
1. Fixed Blades
A fixed-blade knife has a solid, non-folding design, making it strong and reliable for heavy-duty tasks. They are often carried in a sheath for safety and easy access.
- Best For: Survival situations, splitting wood, crafting tools, and other rugged tasks.
- Why It’s Great: The durable design can handle more force than folding knives, making it ideal for tough jobs like batoning wood or building shelters.
2. Pocket Knives (Folding Blade)
A folding knife with a compact design, pocket knives are lightweight, portable, and perfect for everyday outdoor use. They typically feature a single blade and may include a locking mechanism for safety.
- Best For: General hiking tasks, food preparation, and simple cutting jobs.
- Why It’s Great: Easy to carry in your pocket or pack, pocket knives are versatile tools that prioritize convenience and portability.
3. Swiss Army Knife-Style Multi-Tools
These iconic multi-tools include a variety of fold-out features, such as small blades, scissors, tweezers, screwdrivers, and bottle openers. They are compact and lightweight, designed for quick, light-duty tasks.
- Best For: Everyday use, light gear repair, and minor emergencies.
- Why It’s Great: Their variety of tools in a small package makes them perfect for hikers looking for an all-in-one solution without added weight.
4. Leatherman-Style Multi-Tools
A robust, full-sized multi-tool that typically includes pliers, knives, saws, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and more. These are designed for heavy-duty use and are perfect for handling a wide range of tasks.
- Best For: Gear repair, advanced survival tasks, and backcountry emergencies.
- Why It’s Great: With high-quality construction and a broad range of functions, these tools are the ultimate choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be ready for anything.
How to Use Knives & Tools Effectively
Never used a knife before? It’s easier than you might think! Here are a few tips to get started:
Before You Go
- Practice Using the Tools: Familiarize yourself with the features of your knife or multi-tool to use it efficiently in the field.
- Keep the Blade Sharp: A dull blade is less effective and can be more dangerous to use. Pack a small sharpener for multi-day trips.
While On The Trail
- Use Safely: Always cut away from your body and keep your blade sheathed or folded when not in use.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Clean your knife or tool after use to prevent rust and maintain functionality.
In An Emergency
- Craft Emergency Gear: Use your knife to cut branches for shelter or to fashion splints for injuries.
- Signal for Help: A blade can be used to create sparks with a ferro rod or reflective surfaces to signal rescuers.
Best Practices and Tips
Check out these essential fire-starting best practices to ensure you’re ready to build a fire effectively and safely in the backcountry.
1. Consider Practicality
While a multi-tool seems like the logical choice to access more gadgets, it also becomes harder to use the main knife feature as it gets thicker and harder to hold. Consider sticking to a simple pocket knife unless you think there is a realistic chance you will require additional tools. With the right training, a knife can take care of many of the same tasks (like opening a can or peeling bark).
2. Practice Your Knife Skills
You can do a lot with a good, well-constructed knife. From foraging for food or repairing hiking gear, to hunting and cleaning animals and preparing wood and tinder for a campfire. Build your skills before you head into the backcountry.
3. Keep Your Knife Accessible
You are likely to use a knife or multi-tool for many different tasks, from building a campfire to preparing food. Keep it somewhere in your backpack like an exterior pocket so you can quickly grab it when needed.
Recommended Knives & Multi-tools
While it’s usually cheaper to assemble your own first aid kit, buying one ensures it has everything you need for your next adventure. Here are some first aid kits and supplies I personally recommend based on my own experiences in the backcountry.
Top First Aid Kits
These four first aid and medical kits provide a range of options for almost any kind of outdoor adventure or recreation trip.
1. Leatherman Signal Topo Multi-Tool
Designed for the outdoors, this multi-tool includes 19 functions, such as a knife, pliers, fire-starting ferro rod, and a saw.
- Features: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and includes a safety whistle.
- Why It’s Great: Combines essential survival tools into one durable device, perfect for backpackers and campers.
2. Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool
This compact multi-tool includes a knife, pliers, wire cutters, and a carabiner clip. Its sleek design minimizes weight without sacrificing functionality.
- Features: Carbon-fiber handle, stainless steel blade, and a built-in bottle opener.
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for lightweight adventurers who need versatile tools in a small package.
3. Gerber Armbar Scout Multi-Tool
A multi-tool designed for hikers, it includes a folding knife, scissors, and a can opener. Its slim design makes it pocket-friendly.
- Features: Durable construction and a pry bar for added utility.
- Why It’s Great: Compact and budget-friendly, it’s perfect for day hikes and shorter trips.
4. Benchmade 533BK-2 CF Elite Mini Bugout Knife
This ultralight folding knife features a premium steel blade and ergonomic handle for precision cuts.
- Features: High-quality construction, ambidextrous opening, and a secure locking mechanism.
- Why It’s Great: A lightweight, high-performance knife for backpackers and climbers who value reliability and sharpness.
Explore More
Return to The Ten Essentials Guide home or continue exploring the essentials:
FAQ: Knives and Multi-tools
Q: Do I need a knife or multi-tool for every hike?
A: Yes, carrying a knife or multi-tool is part of the Ten Essentials for a reason. Even on short hikes, these tools are invaluable for basic tasks like food preparation, gear repair, or emergencies. In unexpected situations, they can become life-saving tools for building shelter, starting a fire, or crafting improvised gear.
Q: What’s the difference between a knife and a multi-tool?
A: Here are the main differences:
- Knife: A single-purpose tool, typically with a fixed or folding blade. It’s best for cutting tasks requiring strength, precision, or simplicity.
- Multi-Tool: A versatile device that includes multiple functions, such as pliers, screwdrivers, and scissors. Multi-tools are ideal for hikers who need additional repair or utility functions beyond cutting.
Q: How do I choose between a fixed blade and a folding knife?
A: It depends on your needs:
- Fixed Blade: More durable and suitable for heavy-duty tasks like batoning wood, crafting tools, or survival scenarios.
- Folding Knife: Lightweight, compact, and portable, making it ideal for everyday hiking tasks or cutting small items.
For most hikers, a folding knife or multi-tool is sufficient, but fixed blades are essential for advanced survival or bushcraft activities.
Q: What should I look for in a multi-tool?
A: The best multi-tools balance functionality and weight. Key features to look for include:
- Pliers: Essential for gear repair.
- Knife Blade: A reliable cutting tool is a must.
- Screwdrivers: Useful for fixing hiking poles or camp stoves.
- Saw: Great for cutting branches for fires or shelter.
- Durability: Stainless steel or high-carbon steel tools last longer and resist rust.
Leatherman-style multi-tools are particularly durable and versatile, making them great for backcountry use.
Q: Should I carry both a knife and a multi-tool?
A: It depends on your activity and needs:
- For short hikes or light packing, a single multi-tool with a blade is sufficient.
- For longer trips or advanced activities, carrying both a sturdy knife and a multi-tool provides greater flexibility for survival tasks, repairs, and cooking.
Q: How do I maintain my knife or multi-tool?
A: Proper maintenance extends the lifespan and usability of your tools:
- Clean the Blade: Wipe down your knife or tool after each use, especially if it comes into contact with food or moisture.
- Sharpen Regularly: A dull blade is harder to use and more dangerous. Pack a small sharpener for longer trips.
- Oil Moving Parts: For folding knives or multi-tools, use a light oil to lubricate hinges and prevent rust.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for loose screws, cracks, or corrosion before every trip.
Q: Are knives or multi-tools allowed in all outdoor areas?
A: Most outdoor areas allow knives or multi-tools, but there may be restrictions in certain locations, like national parks, urban green spaces, or when traveling internationally. Always check local regulations before your trip. Additionally, keep tools sheathed or folded to avoid accidents.
Q: How do I safely use a knife in the backcountry?
A: Knife safety is critical to avoid injuries:
- Cut Away from Your Body: Always direct the blade away from yourself and others.
- Stabilize the Object You’re Cutting: Secure branches, rope, or food to prevent slips.
- Fold or Sheath When Not in Use: This reduces the risk of accidental cuts.
- Use a Sharp Blade: Dull blades require more force, increasing the risk of slips.
Q: What size knife is best for hiking?
A: A knife with a blade length of 2.5–4 inches is ideal for most hiking tasks. This size is compact enough to carry but large enough for versatility. Multi-tools often have blades in this range, combining portability with functionality.
Q: How do I decide which tool is best for my trip?
A: Consider your activity, terrain, and expected tasks:
- Day Hike: A pocket knife or small multi-tool with basic functions like a blade and scissors is sufficient.
- Backpacking Trip: A lightweight multi-tool with pliers, a knife, and screwdrivers offers versatility for repairs and camp tasks.
- Survival/Bushcraft: A fixed blade paired with a robust Leatherman-style multi-tool provides durability and functionality for heavy-duty needs.
If in doubt, opt for a versatile multi-tool that covers multiple scenarios without adding unnecessary weight.
