Every backpacking trip eventually has a moment where you need pliers, a blade, or a screwdriver you don’t have — and a good multi-tool solves that in one compact piece instead of five. The question isn’t whether to bring one, it’s which one actually earns its weight in your pack.
Quick Answer: For most hikers, the Leatherman Wave+ is the best all-around pick — 18 tools in a full-size, durable stainless steel body. If you want to shave weight for ultralight backpacking, the SOG PowerPint gives you 18 tools in a mini, pocket-sized frame.
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Full-Size vs. Compact: What Actually Matters on Trail
Full-size multi-tools (Wave+, Signal) carry real needle-nose pliers strong enough for wire work or stubborn gear repairs. Compact tools (PowerPint, Huntsman, Suspension NXT) trade some of that leverage for pocket-friendly weight — better if you’re counting grams for a thru-hike, worse if you’re doing actual camp repairs.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Price | Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Wave+ | Best overall | $129.95 | 18-in-1 |
| Leatherman Signal | Best for camping/survival | $149.95 | 19-in-1 |
| Gerber Suspension NXT | Best mid-range value | $37.96 | 15-in-1 |
| Victorinox Huntsman | Best classic pocket knife | $39.00 | 15-in-1 |
| SOG PowerPint | Best ultralight pick | $32.39 | 18-in-1 |
1. Leatherman Wave+ — Best Overall
Leatherman Wave+ — $129.95
The Wave+ is the tool most experienced backpackers default to: 18 functions including full-size needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, multiple blade types, and screwdrivers, all in stainless steel that holds up to years of trail use. It’s not the lightest option here, but if you only want to carry one tool and trust it completely, this is it.
2. Leatherman Signal — Best for Camping & Survival
Leatherman Signal — $149.95
Built with backcountry survival in mind, the Signal adds a fire-starting ferro rod and a loud emergency whistle to the standard Leatherman toolset — 19 functions total. It’s the priciest tool on this list, but for multi-day remote camping rather than day hikes, those survival-specific additions are worth the premium.
3. Gerber Suspension NXT — Best Mid-Range Value
Gerber Suspension NXT — $37.96
This is the sweet spot for hikers who want real pliers and a full tool set without paying Leatherman prices. 15 functions, stainless steel construction, and a pocket clip for quick access — it won’t outlast a Wave+ over a decade of hard use, but for the price it punches above its weight class.
4. Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman — Best Classic Pocket Knife
Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman — $39.00
If you want something closer to a traditional pocket knife than a plier-based tool, the Huntsman is the benchmark. 15 functions including a large blade, wood saw, and scissors, all Swiss-made. It won’t help with wire or cable work like the Leathermans above, but for general camp tasks it’s hard to beat.
5. SOG PowerPint — Best Ultralight Pick
SOG PowerPint — $32.39
At a fraction of the size of the full-size options, the PowerPint still packs 18 tools into a mini stainless steel frame. This is the one to grab if you’re chasing ounces on a thru-hike and don’t want to sacrifice function count just to save weight.
Which One Should You Actually Buy?
- Day hikes / general camping: Gerber Suspension NXT — enough tool for the price.
- Multi-day remote trips: Leatherman Signal — the fire starter and whistle matter more the farther you are from help.
- Ultralight/thru-hiking: SOG PowerPint — full function count, minimal weight.
- Just want a reliable knife, not a plier tool: Victorinox Huntsman.
- Want one tool for everything, no compromises: Leatherman Wave+.
FAQ
Is a multi-tool worth the extra weight backpacking?
For most trips, yes — a compact multi-tool weighs 3-8 oz and replaces the need to carry a separate knife, pliers, and screwdriver kit, so it’s usually a net weight savings, not an addition.
Leatherman vs Gerber — which is better?
Leatherman tools generally have stronger pliers and better long-term durability; Gerber offers most of the same functionality at roughly a third of the price.
Can I bring a multi-tool on a plane?
No — multi-tools with blades or pliers must go in checked luggage, not carry-on, per TSA rules.
How long do these tools actually last?
Leatherman offers a 25-year warranty on the Wave+ and Signal; Gerber and SOG typically offer shorter warranties.
Do I need the fire starter/whistle features, or are they gimmicks?
For remote, multi-day trips far from help, the Signal’s built-in fire starter and whistle can matter in an actual emergency — for day hikes near populated trails, they’re a nice-to-have rather than essential.
The Bottom Line
If you only buy one multi-tool for hiking and camping, the Leatherman Wave+ covers the widest range of situations without compromise. Budget-conscious hikers do just as well with the Gerber Suspension NXT, and ultralight backpackers should look at the SOG PowerPint instead.