Being prepared for anything is vital to survival in any environment. Although you might feel like you have all of the correct survival gear, having a survival multi-tool can potentially make your life a lot easier.
They can save you from trying to find equipment in your survival backpack, and if you lose a piece of gear, a multi-tool can make a great backup for many things.
With so many unique styles of multi-tool available, how do you choose the best survival multi-tool for your needs?
Advancements in technology have allowed survival multi-tools to develop into genuinely useful tools packed with various features to help you. They are no longer seen as just a fancy gadget in the survival world.
With that in mind, we’ve reviewed five of the best survival multi-tools to help you utilize every tool available to you as best as possible.
RoverTac 14 in 1 Multitool
Despite being a more budget-friendly option, the RoverTac 14 in 1 Multitool still offers a variety of tools that work great in the wilderness.
A unique aspect compared to other multi-tools on our list is the hammer feature. This feature is ideal for survival environments and instances where you need to build a shelter or set up a tent. It also includes a hatchet, which could save you taking a separate hatchet and make your backpack lighter.
These features in particular are appropriate for wilderness survival. However, it also includes a fish descaler, a knife blade, a saw, a Phillips screwdriver, and a bottle opener, so you are guaranteed to use this multi-tool for more than just chopping wood.
Although it does come with a solid nylon pouch for easy transportation, it is worth noting that this multi-tool is on the heavier side. Despite being an overall sturdy product, the 14.9oz weight is not ideal to have on your person all the time, and could become an inconvenience when you need to be at your most efficient.
Read the full post_title; ?> review
Pros
- Includes a hammer and hatchet, making it great for wilderness survival
- Budget-friendly
- Durable stainless-steel design
- Solid nylon pouch for easy carrying
Cons
- 14.9oz makes it the heaviest multi-tool on our list
LEATHERMAN Super Tool 300
Leatherman are well-known in the survival industry for their multi-tool products. As it is a trusted name, we had high expectations for this product.
And it did not disappoint. The Super Tool 300 comes with 19 unique functions that could come in handy for a variety of scenarios. These functions include a 420HC clip point knife with a straight edge, a 420HC sheepsfoot serrated knife, replaceable wire cutters, a saw, and a screwdriver, to name a few highlights.
Although you may wonder if all of the features are useful, you may be surprised how often you could reach for the Super Tool 300. It can help you out with more unexpected problems such as electrical faults, and you never know when that could come in handy when disaster strikes.
It is also a durable multi-tool, built from stainless steel for long-lasting use. It weighs around 9.6oz, so although not extremely lightweight for a multi-tool, it is not difficult to carry and is easy to store away.
A notable feature of the Super Tool 300 is the cut-outs on the handles, which give you a secure grip both with and without the use of gloves. It is comfortable to hold, and the grip allows for increased safety.
Read the full post_title; ?> review
Pros
- 19 different functions for use in a variety of scenarios
- Stainless steel design for durability
- Well-known brand, offering a 25-year warranty
- Secure grip with cut-outs on the handles
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
Gerber 07400 DET Multi-Plier 600
If you are looking for a tactical, military-style multi-tool, then Gerber’s DET Multi-Plier 600 could be the option for you. Many people in the military field use this tool, and this mainly due to the functions it includes.
It features needlenose pliers with blasting cap crimper, a RemGrit saw, two types of screwdriver, a wire crimper, and a wire cutter, amongst other functions. Although these tools can be used in military environments, they would also come in handy in most, if not all, survival situations in some way or another.
In addition to the high-tech tools it provides, this multi-tool also has practicality high on its list of features. It only requires a one-handed flick of the wrist to access the pliers, unlike many multi-tools in which you have to unfold them manually. In a high-pressure, high-stakes scenario, this time-saving feature could come in especially handy.
However, as this is arguably a military-style multi-tool, some of the usual features found in other tools aren’t included. Scissors and screwdrivers, that are typically standard in most survival multi-tools, are not to be found here, so bear this in mind when thinking about the purpose of your multi-tool.
Read the full post_title; ?> review
Pros
- Great for tactical and high-pressure scenarios
- One-handed flick of the wrist to open the pliers
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
- Quite heavy to use as an everyday carry
SOG PowerAssist Multi-Tool (S66N-CP)
With 16 different functions, the SOG PowerAssist Multi-Tool is a useful and high-quality piece of survival equipment. It includes both straight-edged and fully serrated knife blades, a three-sided file, hard wire cutter, and screwdrivers in three different sizes.
The variety of functions it provides makes it a great tool for any survival situation. It is also great to have on hand, due to its lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for an everyday carry.
Built from 420 stainless steel, its components are durable and will hold up well against all kinds of terrain and environmental conditions. It’s also a compact and sleek multi-tool, measuring at 4.6 inches when closed.
However, it is worth considering how safely designed the product is. Some customers have found that the swing mechanism of the blades can be quite dangerous. When the blade opens, there is a slight arc, which can cause your finger to connect with the blade edge.
The overall tool deployment is also not the most straightforward, with some users reporting that the blades do not open properly.
Read the full post_title; ?> review
Pros
- A versatile product, suitable for a variety of survival situations
- Durable stainless-steel design
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Safety issues with swing mechanism
- Not the easiest tool deployment
Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multitool
A super tool is a handy item to include in your survival kit; it is an essential multi-purpose tool and will assist you in a range of activities.
In total, this Leatherman multitool offers 19 tools. It includes knives, screwdrivers, wire cutters, bottle and can openers, a saw, and so forth.
The material used is stainless steel, which doesn’t corrode or rust, making it durable in wet conditions. It includes a leather sheath for protection.
Stainless steel isn’t as durable as carbon, but with the number of tools included, we can see why Leatherman has decided to go with stainless.
It’s worth mentioning that carbon steel isn’t water-resistant.
This is a safe and secure product. The all-locking features mean that every tool (all except for the pliers head) and the knife will lock when fully opened – keeping you and your fellows safe, and the tools securely in place.
With a weight of 1 lb, this product is portable in size and can always be within reach and ready to work.
This product is a reasonable price for what it is and what it offers; however, it may turn off some potential customers due to its lack of budget-friendliness.
Read the full post_title; ?> review
Pros
- Includes 19 tools in total
- Portable size
- Stainless steel
- Heavy-duty
- Includes leather sheath
Cons
- Some customers claim this product to be heavy in weight
Fit for Purpose
When choosing a survival multi-tool, it is essential to consider in what setting you will be using it. Although you can’t always guarantee what environment you will have to survive in, you can narrow down your choice of multi-tool by assessing what features will be most necessary for you.
For example, if you are anticipating hunting while in the outdoors, there will be features in a multi-tool better suited to this. Some multi-tools are even specifically designed for preppers, and will include items such as compasses and fire starters.
Once you have established whether your multi-tool needs to suit a specific environment, you can then start to look at which features would need to be included. Multi-tools range widely in the features that they offer, so look closely at what’s available to you.
Most, if not all, multi-tools will include a standard knife. This in itself is multi-purpose, and works to cut through rope and cord, as well as preparing food for survival.
In addition to this, you can expect many other useful tools included, such as a serrated knife, a screwdriver, and pliers. It is important to watch out for multi-tools with lots of unnecessary tools, however.
You should try to assess what features are actually going to be of use to you, and which ones are simply for fun. Remember, you need to try to conserve space and make the most out of every tool you have.
Safety
Survival multi-tools are arguably one of the more dangerous pieces of survival equipment to carry around, especially as they will be on your person at all times.
However, there are several features to consider which can improve the safety of your multi-tool. You need to make sure that your multi-tool can easily and safely open with one hand, without causing any injuries to yourself or others.
Another factor to consider is whether one part of the multi-tool can be used safely while other parts of the tool are exposed. This safety measure will make things far more convenient, and prevent any accidents from happening.
Some multi-tools also come with a safety lock. A safety lock can save you worrying about your multi-tool falling into the wrong hands, and also prevents any parts of the tool from sticking out unnecessarily.
Lightweight and Compact
The size of your multi-tool is pretty important, as it is likely to be on your person at all times. Anything too bulky or awkwardly shaped will be a nuisance, and you won’t want to carry it around with you.
Ideally, the multi-tool should be slimline in shape to fit comfortably in your pocket or backpack. It should be lightweight and compact, and, for extra convenience, some multi-tools can attach to a belt or backpack exterior.
Ease of Use
Arguably, the whole point of a survival multi-tool is to increase convenience and save you from needing lots of equipment. With this in mind, you don’t want a multi-tool that is too difficult to use.
For maximum convenience, it should work straightforwardly, with tools that are simple to use and easy to access. Additionally, the multi-tool should have a secure handgrip to prevent it from slipping or being dropped.
As you need to save as much space as possible in a survival situation, the multi-tool should be able to be stored easily and quickly when you are finished using it.
Trustworthy and Durable
The quality of your multi-tool will likely impact its performance, so aim to find a tool made from a trusted survival brand.
In the wilderness, you never know what obstacles might come your way. That’s why a good survival multi-tool will be constructed with durable materials that can endure all kinds of conditions.
Typically, stainless steel will be the best bet for a sturdy and reliable multi-tool. For extra protection against the elements, some tools are coated or sheathed as well.
Once you have found a high-quality multi-tool, you should consider checking if the product comes with a warranty. All survival multi-tools are built differently, so if you encounter any issues or confusion with the product, a warranty allows you to contact the manufacturer for advice.
Our Pick
Recap
A survival multi-tool is one of the most effective and efficient tools to have on hand. While there are many options to choose from, my pick for the best survival multi-tool would be the LEATHERMAN Super Tool 300.
This excellent multi-tool provides a plethora of functions, making it a versatile choice and a truly multi-purpose survival tool.
Anyone passionate about survival should think about investing in a survival multi-tool. We hope our review of five of the best survival multi-tools has helped inform your decision and made the choices seem less overwhelming.
Please let us know your feedback in the comment section below. If you have any ideas for topics, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
Good Luck and Happy Survival Prepping!
Share the Love
If you found this post useful, please let others know about it by sharing it.