10 Best Multitools in 2022 (Backpacker-Reviewed)

Multitools allow you to have all of your tools available at all times without having to carry around a large toolbox. They're convenient in many different circumstances, such as keeping a multitool in your pocket for easy access when you need it quickly. You can save space and weight by bringing a multitool in your car's glove compartment instead of a toolbox. 

Around-the-house jobs will require a multitool with a greater range of tools. Smaller tools can cover basic needs by providing bottle openers and knives for camping trips, whereas others that contain full-fledged pliers and screwdrivers can substitute a homeowner’s toolkit.

A multitool is also handy if you are going on an outdoor excursion and you need specific tools depending on your desired activity. Outdoor excursions like camping or fishing, for instance, require wire cutters and a firestarter. 

With a large number of brands and sizes of multitools on the market, it's a good idea to make a list and follow these guidelines before making your final decision.

What will you need your multitool for? Are you someone that works a lot on house projects or are you an outdoor person that need to have your tools handy in nature? These different needs will determine which multitool will work best for you. 

Multitools are easy to carry and this is especially important when traveling or hiking. Space and weight are often at a premium and a multitool can help you save both. They can also ensure that you have a wide variety of tools at hand as you never know what situations will arise when you're traveling.

If you're camping, knives and saws are a must-have for tasks like cutting wood to make a fire. In fact, some multitools have saws specifically made for cutting wood. You can also get multitools that have fire starters, and these can be invaluable when camping or backpacking. 

Different knives have different functions. Select a straight blade if you plan to cut with a pushing down motion, like when cooking. However, you should choose a serrated knife blade if you need to apply pressure back and forth to cut something like a rope.

Other tools that can be useful include tweezers. If you're gathering wood for a campfire, you can easily pick up a splinter and tweezers are the best tool for removing them. If you're having trouble locating that splinter, or need to read small print on a map, then a magnifying glass would be an important tool to have as well.

We would highly recommend getting a multitool that has a locking mechanism. It's important that any blade you use is safe and this is best accomplished by blades that lock into place while being used. Blades that don't lock run the risk of sliding or moving when you apply pressure to them and this can result in cut fingers and other injuries.

When you select an everyday multitool, we recommend that you choose one smaller than three inches or one that can easily fit in the pocket of your coat, jeans, or bag. This makes it easy for you to work with your tools and you know that you can have them with you during any activity throughout your day.

It's important to keep your multitool close because you never know when you might need one of the tools. For example, if you catch your clothes on something sharp and a thread becomes loose, you can quickly cut it before your clothes become damaged. Corkscrews and bottle openers are other tools that can always come in handy as you never know when you might need to open a bottle.

Make sure your tool is made from robust stainless steel if you fish. No matter how careful you are, your tools are bound to get exposed to seawater or regular water so it's important that they are resistant to corrosion and rust if you want them to last.

Tools you should look for when fishing include knives, pliers, and screwdrivers. Knives are useful as they can help you when dealing with bait as well as slicing through the fish you've caught. If you need to remove a hook or cut a line, then the best tool for this is a pair of pliers. Screwdrivers, on the other hand, are an invaluable tool when it comes to conducting maintenance on your fishing reel.

If you're looking for a multitool to use around the house, then you should prioritize tools with pliers and scissors. If you conduct wiring or work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning projects, then pliers are invaluable. They're also great for people who do DIY projects.

Scissors can be used to cut materials like paper, cardboard, plastic, or threads. Most multitool scissors won't have the strength to cut anything harder than these materials but they can still be handy for craft projects or simple tasks around the house.

You might also want to consider multitools that have other tools, such as a magnifying glass, corkscrew, tweezers, or a screwdriver. These can be used for a variety of household tasks such as opening bottles, repairing a pair of glasses, reading small print, or threading needles.

Except the different tools and features on a multitool, it's as important for you to decide what size you want to be working with. With a lot of different choices on the market today, there is a range of keychain sizes to full-size tools ready to be used!

Choose the easily down-sized keychain tool for smaller daily tasks. Select a general-purpose tool when you need larger tools to withstand strenuous use. On the other hand, select specialized purpose tools with your custom features for construction or other manual labor jobs.

A keychain multitool is with you everywhere you go. You will sacrifice some strength and ability, but this choice takes no space in your bag. It also makes it easy to keep track of, both for keys and your multitool.

The pocket multitool is a larger alternative to the keychain option, often with stronger tools. The pocket choice is very useful and has a lot of capability in a manageable size. You'll still have to check the size, though, to make sure it fits in your jean or coat pocket.

Small multitools like keychain and pocket options are ideal for backpackers. Neither of them will take up much space in your pack and a keychain can even be attached to the outside of your bag or onto your belt so it's always in easy reach.

This is a full-size option for bigger jobs that you can wear on your hip, or maybe even in the pockets of your cargo pants. They can carry the same amount of tools as a smaller multitool, but the tools are stronger and larger. Some common full-size tools you'll see include pliers or a screwdriver.

These larger tools also often come with a carrying case. However, we recommend reading reviews to make sure that the carrying case is sturdy. If not, you could consider making your own with your new multitool!

When choosing a multitool, it's of vital importance that you choose one that is legal for you to carry. In general, the tool that you have to be careful with is any that has a blade, such as a knife or a saw. Although there is a federal law that applies to knives, it specifically covers switchblades, which are not found in regular multitools. Therefore, whether your multitool is legal or not is a state issue.

There are no state laws against owning a multitool, but there are laws that regulate how it can be carried. Before you make any purchase, you should check the laws in your state. If you plan to travel, check the laws for any states you will be traveling to or through. You should also be aware that the laws can be different in some cities and municipalities, such as in New York City compared to New York state.

Most of the laws concern the length of blades and how the multitools are carried. Concealed carry, where people around you won't be aware you have a knife, is usually treated in a stricter way than open carry, where your knife is visible and easily seen. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as a multitool owner to use it responsibly and ensure everything is legal.

Here's a look at the 10 best multitools for home, travel, and adventure! We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Alec Sills-Trausch.

Multitools are handy when going to the great outdoors, but they aren't the only item you'll need to bring with you on a trip. Check out these other handy tools that may be useful for your next camping or hiking excursion!

If you're still not sure which multitool is for you then you should check out the best sellers on Amazon for some more ideas.

Author: Vicky Taylor

Updated by: Kellie Lacey, 11/26/2021

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