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Best multi-tools for camping: 8 picks, from Leatherman to Swiss Army

Best overall Leatherman Wave+ 18 tools in a pocket-size body, with a 25-year warranty

Best value Gerber Suspension NXT 15 tools at a lower price, with over 23,000 ratings

Best mid-range Leatherman Wingman Spring-action pliers and scissors with one-hand opening

Best for the outdoors Leatherman Signal Leatherman’s outdoor model

Best lightweight Leatherman Skeletool CX A pocketknife with pliers, at a light weight

Best Swiss Army Victorinox Huntsman 15 functions, including a wood saw and scissors

Best stocking stuffer Victorinox Classic SD A tiny 7-function knife with tweezers

Best budget PERWIN 17-in-1 Multitool 17 tools for a low price

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Updated November 13, 2026

How we picked these

How we choose

We compared maker specs, sizes and owner feedback on Amazon. We have not tested these products ourselves.

We looked for picks that suit families who drive to the campground, and we note who should skip each one.

We list price levels instead of prices, because they change often. Availability was checked on November 13, 2026.

How we choose

Product	Best for	Tools (maker’s claim)	Price level	Price
Leatherman Wave+	Best overall	18	Premium	Check price on Amazon
Gerber Suspension NXT	Best value	15	Budget to mid-range	Check price on Amazon
Leatherman Wingman	Best mid-range	14	Mid-range	Check price on Amazon
Leatherman Signal	Best for the outdoors	19	Premium	Check price on Amazon
Leatherman Skeletool CX	Best lightweight	7	Mid-range	Check price on Amazon
Victorinox Huntsman	Best Swiss Army	15	Mid-range	Check price on Amazon
Victorinox Classic SD	Best stocking stuffer	7	Budget	Check price on Amazon
PERWIN 17-in-1 Multitool	Best budget	17	Budget	Check price on Amazon

Best overall

RESEARCHED

Leatherman Wave+

Leatherman calls it its best-selling all-rounder: 18 tools in 8.5 ounces, made in Portland, Oregon, with a 25-year warranty. It handles camp fixes, gear repairs and food prep.

Who it's for

Campers who want one tool for everything.

Who should skip it

Anyone who only needs a blade and scissors.

What owners praise

Owners call it well built, with no gimmicky or flimsy tools, and a great gift.

What owners complain about

Durability and value get mixed reviews, with some reports of the pliers breaking.

Check price on Amazon

Best value

RESEARCHED

Gerber Suspension NXT

Needle-nose pliers, wire stripper, drivers, scissors, can and bottle openers and a 2.25-inch partly serrated blade, with a butterfly opening and a tool lock.

Who it's for

Most families and first multi-tools.

Who should skip it

Anyone who needs heavy-duty pliers every day.

What owners praise

Owners say it’s well made and versatile, with a sharp blade that holds an edge.

What owners complain about

The clip feels flimsy to some, and durability gets mixed reviews.

Check price on Amazon

Best mid-range

RESEARCHED

Leatherman Wingman

14 tools, including a knife, pliers, scissors, wire cutters, screwdrivers, a file and a ruler, with one-hand opening and Leatherman’s 25-year warranty.

Who it's for

Campers who want a Leatherman for less.

Who should skip it

Anyone wanting a saw.

What owners praise

Owners find it well made and complete, and say the blade is very sharp out of the box.

What owners complain about

Not enough detail in the reviews we read to summarize. Check the newest reviews on the product page.

Check price on Amazon

Best for the outdoors

RESEARCHED

Leatherman Signal

Leatherman designs the Signal for camping, hiking and fishing, with 19 tools in a compact body, made in the USA. It’s one of the most expensive tools here.

Who it's for

Campers and hikers who want an outdoor-focused tool.

Who should skip it

Budget shoppers.

What owners praise

Owners like the design and the range of tools in a small package.

What owners complain about

Value and the locking mechanism get mixed reviews.

Check price on Amazon

Best lightweight

RESEARCHED

Leatherman Skeletool CX

7 tools: a straight-edged blade, pliers, a bit driver, wire cutters and a bottle opener. Leatherman suggests it for people new to multi-tools.

Who it's for

Everyday carry and light packing.

Who should skip it

Anyone who wants scissors or a saw.

What owners praise

Owners find it light and compact, with a sharp blade and strong pliers.

What owners complain about

Some report pieces of the knife breaking.

Check price on Amazon

Best Swiss Army

RESEARCHED

Victorinox Huntsman

A classic Swiss Army knife with a large blade, wood saw, scissors, can opener, awl and two screwdrivers. It’s handy for kindling, fishing line and food prep at camp.

Who it's for

Campers who prefer a pocketknife style.

Who should skip it

Anyone who needs pliers.

What owners praise

Owners find it versatile, with very sharp blades that stay sharp.

What owners complain about

Not enough detail in the reviews we read to summarize. Check the newest reviews on the product page.

Check price on Amazon

Best stocking stuffer

RESEARCHED

Victorinox Classic SD

A small blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, key ring, toothpick and tweezers, in many colors. Several owners give it to older kids as a first knife, so it’s a good gift with a lesson in knife safety.

Who it's for

A small gift or a first knife for an older child.

Who should skip it

Anyone who needs a real camp tool.

What owners praise

Owners say it’s good quality and sharp, and value it as a gift.

What owners complain about

Not enough detail in the reviews we read to summarize. Check the newest reviews on the product page.

Check price on Amazon

Best budget

RESEARCHED

PERWIN 17-in-1 Multitool

Pliers, a pocket knife, saw, scissors, screwdrivers, wire cutter, openers and more, with a self-locking design and a nylon sheath. It’s a good pick for a glove box or a backup kit.

Who it's for

A spare tool for the car or camp box.

Who should skip it

Anyone who wants a lifetime tool.

What owners praise

Owners find it well made for the price, with tools that are easy to reach.

What owners complain about

Sharpness and locks get mixed reviews.

Check price on Amazon

Buying guide

Decide what you’ll use it for

Pliers matter for gear fixes and hot pot handles. A saw helps with kindling. Scissors cut tape and fishing line. Pick the tools you’ll use, not the highest number.

Check the weight

A full-size tool is heavy in a pocket. For car camping it doesn’t matter much, but for hiking a smaller tool is easier to carry.

Look at locks and warranty

Tools that lock open are safer to use. Leatherman lists a 25-year warranty on its tools, which matters for a gift that should last.

Think about who it’s for

Every tool here has a blade. For kids, start with supervised lessons and a small knife, like a Swiss Army knife, rather than a large multi-tool.

Plan for travel

Knives and multi-tools with blades can’t go in a carry-on bag on most flights, so pack them in checked luggage and check the airline and TSA rules first.

And with kids?

Teach knife rules before the trip: cut away from your body, sit down to cut, close the blade when you’re done and hand it over handle first. This is our own guidance.

Keep multi-tools out of reach of young children, and store them closed in a pack pocket, not loose in a tent.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best multi-tool for camping?

For most campers, the Leatherman Wave+, which has 18 tools and a 25-year warranty. The Gerber Suspension NXT is a strong lower-cost choice.

Is a Leatherman worth the money?

For many people who use one often, yes. Owners praise the build quality, and Leatherman lists a 25-year warranty. If it’s an occasional tool, a Gerber or a budget pick can be enough.

What’s the difference between a multi-tool and a Swiss Army knife?

A multi-tool is built around pliers. A Swiss Army knife is built around blades and small tools, like scissors and a saw. Choose pliers for fixes and a Swiss Army knife for lighter camp jobs.

Can I take a multi-tool on a plane?

Tools with blades generally aren’t allowed in carry-on bags. Pack them in checked luggage and check the TSA and airline rules before you fly.

Is a multi-tool a good gift for kids?

Only for older kids, with supervision and a lesson in knife safety. A small Swiss Army knife is a common first knife.

How do I take care of a multi-tool?

Wipe it dry after use, oil the joints now and then and keep the blade sharp. Follow the maker’s care instructions.