Multi tools are perfect for every occasion. Well, pretty much every occasion. You wouldn’t necessarily take one to a fancy cocktail party, but in almost every other situation, you’ll find a way to use your multi tool in some way. Actually, even at a cocktail party – you could use it to open bottles of beer and wine… So they are actually useful in literally every situation! All jokes aside, the best survival multi tools are just about the most versatile and multi-functional tools in your pack. They’ll come in handy across a multitude of different outdoors and survival functions, including:
- Building shelters
- Starting fires
- Manipulating and hanging tarps
- Making repairs to cars, electronics, or other tools and equipment
- Crafting fishing lines and hooks
- Campfire cooking
- Building small game traps
- Making splints and other first aid uses
- Carving or shaving wood
And the list goes on and on and on.
We’ve had a good few over the years and have tried a bunch of different brands and styles. One thing’s for sure, though, it’s one of our favorite and most used tools. We take it camping, fishing, use it for DIY and yard work.
Recently, we decided to put together a list of the best survival multi tools for outdoorsmen, prepping enthusiasts, and survivalists. The best survival multi tools each have their own pros and cons, with different features and tools included, so it’s not always an apples to apples comparison.
Features:
- Outside tool access
- 19 tools
- One-handed opening
- Stainless steel
- All-locking features
- Leather sheath
The Leatherman Supertool 300 is pretty much the definitive multi tool, the one every other one gets compared to. Its stainless steel body holds 19 tools including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl, and a ruler. It weighs 9.6 oz.
It’s tough as nails, meaning you get superior durability. Every tool and knife on the Supertool 300 locks into place for safety and ease of use. It’s heavy duty enough for the biggest jobs, but still compact and light enough to have with you whether you’re on the job or on an outdoors excursion.
The 25 year warranty means that if you ever need your Supertool fixed or replaced, you can send it to Leatherman and they’ll get it done for you. Leatherman is an American company and its multi tools are both manufactured and repaired right here in the US.
It feels awesome to hold and sturdy to use, and it comes with a leather sheath so you can keep your survival multi tool away from the elements when needed. When it comes to utility, durability, quality, and value, we think the Leatherman Supertool 300 stands at the top of its class, which is why it’s our pick for best survival multi tool overall.
Check price of the Leatherman Supertool 300
- Super strong and durable pliers
- Every tool and knife locks in place for safety
- Sturdy and solid design
- Great price
- 25-year limited warranty
- Not the most compact multi tool on the list
Features:
- Special design allows for access to tools outside of handle
- 26 functions
- One-handed opening
- Stainless steel
- All-locking features
- Nylon sheath
The Victorinox Swisstool X is a folding tool with 27 tools including 3 different screwdrivers, wire cutters, a bottle opener, two knife blades, two saws, a can opener and rulers.The stainless steel makes for excellent durability, and the number of functions (26) included in the Swisstool X can’t be beaten – it’s the most on this list. At the same time, Victorinox has somehow managed to keep the Swisstool X reasonably lightweight and compact, allowing for good portability. It weighs ~10 oz and has a 4½ inch length when closed. The locking mechanism for each individual tool is intuitive and allows for greater safety and comfort when in use.
Victorinox also offers a lifetime warranty on all of its products, and the Swisstool X is no different. Not that you’re likely to need it – Victorinox has always been known as a company that produces the best of the best, and that definitely applies here to the Swisstool X. It demonstrates superb craftsmanship from an excellent company. If you feel like you’re willing to splurge to get the very best there is, then the Swisstool X is going to be the best survival multi tool for you. The quality, durability, and utility are unmatched – the only drawback is the price. That’s why is our choice for the best premium survival multitool.
Check price of the Victorinox Swisstool X
- Lightweight and extremely durable
- Intuitive access to all functions and tools
- Easy to manipulate and feels great
- Locking mechanisms for safety and comfortable usage
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Lifetime guarantee
- More expensive than other choices
Features:
- 14 tools
- One-handed opening
- Spring-loaded pliers (and a few other tools)
- Stainless steel
- All-locking mechanism
- 25 year warranty
- Made and repaired in USA
The Leatherman Wingman is lightweight, economical, and efficient. It has 14 tools included, which is pretty much the most you’ll need for most situations. Tools include including a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, a package opener, bottle and can openers, a file, and a ruler.
It’s super light and pocket-sized, which mean that it’s got excellent portability. All the tools can be opened one handed, and there’s a removable pocket clip that you can use if you need to keep your hands free but you want easy access to the Wingman.
It also comes with the standard Leatherman 25 year warranty, which should allow you to purchase with peace of mind knowing you’ll be well taken care of if you need a repair or a replacement. It’s also good to know that Leatherman manufactures and repairs its products right here in the USA.
The Wingman feels strong and durable and its smaller size fits well in the hand and allows great maneuverability. It’s also a good bit less expensive than our top two picks. For the level of quality you’re getting with then Wingman, it’s really a steal, which is why it’s our pick for the best value survival multi tool.
Check price of the Leatherman Wingman
- Lightweight and portable
- Unbeatable value for money
- 14 tools covers most situations
- Comfortable grip
- One-handed open on all tools & locking for safety
- 25-year limited warranty
- Removable pocket clip
- Fewer tools than top two choices
- May feel too small if you have larger hands
Features:
- Outside tool access
- 12 tools
- One-handed opening
- Stainless steel
- All-locking features
The Gerber Multi-plier has 12 tools including wire cutters, two knife blades, a saw, scissors, screwdrivers, a can opener, a bottle opener and a useful lanyard hole. It weighs 9.6oz and is 4 inches long. It has a nice lightweight open frame design, but this also makes it feel a little less sturdy than some of the other folding multi tools on this list.
It’s got a nice low price, though, so if you’re looking for something basic, the Gerber Multi-plier is a decent choice. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, it’s not a bad pick for a budget survival multi tool.
Check price of the Gerber Suspension Multi-plier
- Great value
- Lightweight open frame design
- Includes nylon sheath
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Fewer tools than most similar models
- Doesn’t feel as sturdy
- Weaker pliers
Features:
- Outside and interior tool access
- 17 tools
- One-handed opening and all-tool accessibility
- Stainless steel
- All-locking features
The Leatherman Wave Plus comes with 17 tools, including a variety of pliers, replaceable wire cutters, wire strippers, plain and serrated knives, a saw, spring-action scissors, a ruler, can and bottle openers, files, and screwdrivers. It weighs 10.6oz, so isn’t the lightest on this list, but it feels sturdy and strong. We like the Wave Plus a lot, we just prefer either the Supertool 300 (for extra utility at similar prices) or the Wingman (for much better value). Still, if for whatever reason those 2 other Leatherman options aren’t available, we strongly recommend the Wave Plus as well.
As always with Leatherman, it comes with a 25 year warranty and the Wave Plus is manufactured and repaired in the USA.
Check price of the Leatherman Wave Plus
- Super sharp blades
- Feels strong and durable
- Looks good in a black finish
- Interchangeable screwdriver bits
- Doesn’t come with a clip
- Relatively big and bulky
- We prefer the Supertool 300 at similar pricing, or the Wingman for better value
Features:
- Utility hatchet
- 14 tools
- One-handed opening and all-tool accessibility
- Stainless steel
- Safety lock
The RoverTac axe-style multi tool has 14 tools including a hammer, hatchet, pliers, a knife blade, a saw, assorted hex wrenches, screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a file and a fish descaler. All tools can be safety locked. It looks good with a black and red color scheme and its stainless steel body feels nice and sturdy, though it’s actually pretty light. It also comes with a nylon pouch
The hatchet design is pretty unique, and the hatchet and hammer are both useful tools to have that aren’t available with most survival multi tools. If you like this design, then it might be the right choice for you.
Our own preference is to have a standard style multi tool on hand, and also have a dedicated survival hatchet, which is why the Rovertac isn’t higher up. Check out our list of the best survival hatchets if you want to know which hatchets we think are the best in class.
If you like the utility hatchet design, the RoverTac axe-style multi tool is an awesome choice.
Check price of the RoverTac 14 in 1 Axe-Style
- Compact, light and small
- Durable
- Versatile
- Unique axe-style design
- Unreliable blade cover
- Because of its small size, the axe and hammer have limited functionality
Features:
- Interior tool access
- 18 tools
- One-handed opening and all-tool accessibility
- Titanium plated handle and stainless steel tools
- All-locking features
The Bibury Titanium is a solid folding multi tool that comes with 18 tools including screwdrivers, a bottle and can opener, a file, knife blades, a ruler and a wrench.
It’s basic, but it’s excellent value – this is definitely a budget multi tool, so if you’re looking for something cheap that’ll work decently, this is the one. It weighs a little more than the more expensive tools, weighing in a 11.4oz. It has high utility from the number of functions it provides, and while the design is a bit clunky, and it’s not the most durable – but thanks to its price, it’s our choice for the best budget survival multi tool. It does everything you need a multi tool to do, all for a great price.
Check price of the Bibury Titanium 18-in-1
- Great value for money
- Corrosion proof
- Includes nylon sheath
- Heavy
- Window-breaker on end is sharp and poorly placed
- Not as durable as more expensive models
- Not the best craftsmanship
Features:
- Bracelet design
- 29 tools
- TSA approved
- Good durability
Slightly different to the previous tools, the Diamond Survival Multi Tool is a bracelet you wear on your wrist. It weighs 9.6oz, so don’t expect a light piece of jewelry. But included in that weight are 29 different tools including wrenches (including one for an oxygen tank), screwdrivers, a carbide glass breaker, sim card pick, cutting hook, a socket drive adapter and a bottle opener.
Its black color scheme looks awesome, plus it’s TSA approved, so you don’t have to take it off for flights.
We like it thanks to the unique design. If you’re looking for something that’s wearable and like the idea of something that you can take with you on flights, then this might be a good choice.
Check price of the Diamond Survival Multi Tool Bracelet
- Perfect for traveling
- Reasonable price
- Durable and hefty
- Pretty heavy for a bracelet
- No knife
Features:
- Swiss Army knife design
- 33 tools
- Stainless steel
Victorinox make beautiful knives. There’s a reason why the brand is synonymous with Swiss knives. The Swisschamp has a super sharp 2.45” blade, screwdrivers, a bottle opener, scissors, a magnifying glass and a corkscrew, plus many more useful tools. It’s nice and light, weighing in at only 6.5oz and 3.6” long. The iconic red body looks amazing and it feels really compact and solid.
Victorinox have lived up to their reputation and while we’re not sure that it qualifies as a survival multi tool (what makes a multi tool versus a Swiss knife? Swiss knives also have multiple tools available…), the Swisschamp is definitely one of the best Swiss knives in the market, which is why we’re designating it as the best classic swiss knife for the purposes of this list.
Check price of the Victorinox Swisschamp
- Strong and durable
- Well designed
- Light, compact and small
- Super sharp blades
- Reliable, historic brand
- Smaller than the folding multi tools
- Doesn’t have pliers
Features:
- Keychain tool
- Stainless steel with a titanium nitrate coating
- 7 tools
The Gerber Shard is a nifty little keychain tool, small and light enough to carry around on your keys without even noticing it’s there – it’s less than 3” long and only weighs just over half an ounce.
It’s a great piece of survival equipment with 7 tools including screwdrivers, a pry bar and bottle opener (for those real emergencies). It’s a useful thing to have around with you if for whatever reason you’re not travelling with your full multi-tool.
Check price of the Gerber Shard
- Corrosion resistant
- Super convenient, small and compact
- Lightweight
- Airline safe
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Will probably end up as an addition to another tool, not a replacement
Buyer’s Guide
Take a look at these key points to keep in mind when you’re buying a multi tool. Hopefully they’ll help you make the right decision
What will you use your survival multi-tool for?
To make sure you get the right tool, it’s worth asking yourself a bunch of questions. How are you going to use it? Are you going to need pliers? Is it for camping or DIY? Are you going to use it everyday or are you buying it for your First Aid Kit in your car and will rarely touch it?
Your answers to these questions will help you narrow your choice down. If you’re relying on your tool for daily industrial work, it might be worth spending a little more to guarantee the strength and quality you can rely on. On the other hand, if it’s a tool that gets taken out once a year for your family camping trip, maybe a simpler, cheaper tool is for you.
What type of survival multi-tool fits your needs?
Asking yourself what style or design of tool you’re looking for is a great way to eliminate a lot of unsuitable choices. Do you want a Swiss Army knife, a folding multi tool, or a more niche design like an axe, bracelet or keychain tool?
The classic multi tool revolves around the shape of pliers, with other bits unfolding out. The swiss knife is an iconic design, where the knife is the main focus. There are other more unique and novel designs available as well. You’ll need to decide what works best for you, but keep in mind that there’s a reason why either the pliers or the knife have been the focus in the classic designs – both those tools are useful in many situations and need to be as sturdy as possible.
Utility/Features
Are there any tools you particularly want or don’t want? Most of the tools on the list come with screwdrivers, wrenches, knives, saws, files, and can openers. But if you want a magnifying glass, a ruler or scissors, this might narrow your field of choice.
Comfort
It’s extremely important that you can use your multi-tool comfortably – that it fits well in your hand, and that you can get good grip strength around the handle. You definitely want to avoid multi tools that slip out of your hand, or don’t allow you to get enough leverage for more challenging tasks. Think about the different when using a good and bad screwdriver – in one case, your hand slips and it takes ages. With good screw drivers, there’s a good fit with the screw and with your hand and it’s a smooth and easy motion.
Comfort and ease of use are extremely important when it comes to all tools, multi-tools included, so if it doesn’t fit quite right in your hand or you can’t apply strength safely, then don’t feel bad about returning it.
Aesthetics
How do you want your multi tool to look? While most high quality multi tools are constructed of stainless steel, many of them come in either silver or black. They also fold closed/open in different ways. While we don’t recommend choosing survival tools based on how their look, if the functionality is the same either way, then pick the one you think looks better.
Durability
If you buy one of the best survival multi-tools, there’s a chance you can continue using it for the rest of your life, especially if you take the time to maintain and care for it. Some of the higher quality brands offer fantastic durability, whereas the more budget brands tend to offer products that don’t necessarily stand up to the test of time. In our opinion, it’s worth paying an extra $40 or $50 to get a product that is truly a ‘Buy it For Life’ product, versus something that might only last a couple of years.
Of course, if you can’t spare that extra money then go with a budget option. Just know that the craftsmanship and construction quality aren’t really comparable if you’re talking about the top quality brands versus the more generic brands.
Product Warranty/Guarantee
The brands that offer the best survival multi tools also offer excellent warranty programs that allow for repairs/replacements in many situations. Again, if you have a “Buy it for Life” mentality, then this is worth taking into account. Leatherman offers a 25 year warranty, and all repairs are made in the USA. Victorinox offers a lifetime warranty. Very few brands have warranties that last this long, so if you go with one of the top survival multi-tool brands and you run into problems 10 years down the line, make sure you take advantage of the warranties that are on offer.
The Best Survival Multi Tool
The best survival multi-tool for you is going to depend largely on how you plan to use it, what features you’re looking for, and what you’re willing to pay for in terms durability/quality. Regardless of what style multi-tool you’re looking for, what features you want, or how much you’re willing to pay, we’re confident that you’ll be able to find the best survival multi-tool for your specific needs somewhere on this list.
Our Top Posts About Survival Gear
More Information about Survival Basics: Essential Survival Tools and Gear
The Best Survival Knife for Any Situation 2020
Best Ferro Rod Firestarter for Survival Firemaking in 2020
10 Best Survival Water Filters for Safe Hydration
Best Survival Hatchets for the Wilderness 2020
Best Paracord Survival Bracelets for Wilderness Cordage 2020
Best Survival Backpacks for 2020 (Buying Guide)
The 8 Best Survival Lighters For the Outdoors 2020
The first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical for survival. Enter your email below to get a checklist of essential items you need in your 72 hour emergency get home bag…
Why You Can Trust Us
Secrets of Survival has been around since 2002 (almost 20 years) and our survival knowledge is the real deal. We were writing and discussing survival and prepping before people even knew what the word “prepping” meant. We also preceded the trendiness of survival media nowadays… for example, we were arround before Bear Grylls filmed his first episode of Man vs Wild.Our contributors and writers over the years have included survival experts of all stripes – including a Green Beret Special Forces Medic, a former Navy SEAL, a leading survival instructor who’s been featured on National Geographic and PBS. Every article is either written or reviewed by someone who is an expert in either survivalism, prepping, or homesteading (or all three) and our goal is to be as practical and educational as possible.
While some of our writers and contributors use pseudonyms in order to protect their privacy (never a bad idea in these times where out of control surveillance is a growing problem), you can trust that everybody who gets to write for us has been vetted for their knowledge and passion when it comes to survival.
Click here to learn more about Secrets of Survival and our writers and contributors.
Leave a Reply