Multi-Tools

Hey everyone, I am loving all of the stories people are sharing on here about their experiences in the back country and now it is time to sort of share mine. I went snow shoeing in the Rockies with some friends from work as we tried to make it to an old ranger station we say while working in the area. He had a long walk up a hill that was covered in snow (think 0.75 meters deep while wearing snow shoes) and to make a long story short, my leatherman fell out of its case when I fell into the snow.

There was no way to find it, so I just conceded defeat and continued on my way. This leatherman was probably about 40 years old as my dad gave it to my brother who gave it to me; I think it is time for a new multi tool. I am considering leatherman again as they are amazing but wanted to see if anyone has any other suggestions for a good multi tool/pocked tool I can buy first. Thanks in advance.

Many around here have given up on large multi-tools in the name of simplicity. I still have a certain nostalgia for my big swiss army knife I bought when I was a kid, but have been considering toning it down a bit.

Before looking for a multi-tool I would try to define what tools you need/want and look for the tool that hits those without too many extras. For me, I find in the backcountry I use scissors quite often. Tweezers get used fairly often for splinters. Unlike some in the lightweight hiking community I find I need a decent sized blade to hack through the most unruly salami's I regularly encounter while backpacking.

I've been eyeing up the leatherman Style CS for a while, but I'm not sure if the knife is long enough for me.

Those salami can be quite a handful, almost makes me want to bring my Bowie.

If you think the CS blade might be small then a Skeletool might be the one for you. I am going to keep searching, I used to have a Wave and probable use half the tools so slimming it down is a good idea.

So I decided to get a couple mutli-tools as I realized that only having one can be a recipe for disaster. I went and got a Leatherman Skeletool and also some small multitools that I found in my local outdoors man shop. Thanks for the advice, made me think about what I really want.

The only multitool that I have is a swiss army knife. Its really useful and handy.

I have been carrying a Leatherman Mica in my first aid kit because it is light and has a great pair of scissors. For many years backpacking I carried the simple little classic Swiss army knife (now called cadet, I think). A small pocket knife is all you will probably ever need. Don't get in the trap of taking something heavy "just in case". If weight were not a consideration I would carry the Rambo III Stallone Signature Edition Knife. But weight is a consideration, and it would be foolish to carry such a tool/weapon. Same for a pistol. If it didn't weigh anything I'd carry one. But it does, and I have never needed one, even in Alaska in bear country.

A multi-tool is a must for me. If you are looking for a new one do list out which tools you have regularly used in the past.

For me: pliers, scissors & screw driver pretty much do it. Occasional saw and tweezers. And knife! Interestingly my Featherlite was a 'blade as extra' purchase? And a week before my most recent trip the blade broke (at the hinge). Their policy of "you break it - we fix it" held true. It was returned in time for the trip. Warrantee is a factor worth factoring in.

+ buy the best you can afford. Cheap online is very different from cheap on the trail.

I've had a Leatherman replaced on warranty as well. It was quick and hassle free.

Just noticed my typo - featherlite? Not quite sure where the brain was located
> Leatherman it was for sure.