6 Best Multitools For Scouts That Troop Leaders Actually Trust

A tent pole clip snaps in the middle of a windy night. The adjustment buckle on a backpack strap works itself loose a mile down the trail. A camp stove sputters and dies right before dinner. These are the small, frustrating moments where a prepared Scout with the right tool can turn a problem into a lesson in self-reliance. A good multitool isn’t just a gadget; it’s a compact toolbox that empowers young adventurers to solve problems, build skills, and take ownership of their gear and their experience.

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What Makes a Multitool "Scout-Approved"?

When a troop leader looks at a multitool, they aren’t just seeing pliers and a blade. They’re seeing a tool for teaching responsibility. A "Scout-approved" tool prioritizes safety, simplicity, and durability over having the most functions. It should be intuitive enough for a Scout to use effectively without being overwhelmed, and tough enough to handle the bumps and scrapes of a weekend campout.

The most critical factor is aligning with the Scout’s knife policy, often called the "Totin’ Chip." This means understanding the rules on blade length and, most importantly, locking mechanisms. Many troops and councils prohibit locking blades to reduce the risk of accidents, making classic non-locking designs or specific safety-oriented models the go-to choices. Always confirm your troop’s specific rules before making a purchase.

Ultimately, the goal is to match the tool to the Scout’s age, maturity, and experience level. A younger Scout doesn’t need a heavy-duty tool designed for complex repairs. They need something that helps them open a can, tighten a screw, or cut a piece of cordage safely. It’s a balance between providing real utility and ensuring the tool is a positive part of their outdoor education.

Leatherman Leap: The Safest First Multitool

Imagine handing a brand-new Scout a tool that lets them master pliers, screwdrivers, and saws before they ever handle a blade. That’s the genius of the Leatherman Leap. It’s the only multitool designed with a removable knife blade, allowing a Scoutmaster or parent to add it only when the Scout has demonstrated the necessary responsibility and earned their Totin’ Chip.

This safety-first design extends to the entire tool. The blade itself has a rounded sheepsfoot-style tip to prevent accidental pokes, and the ergonomic handles are built for smaller hands, ensuring a secure grip. The toolset is practical and not overwhelming, featuring essentials like spring-action pliers, wire cutters, scissors, and screwdrivers. It’s a complete learning system in a single package.

The Leap is purpose-built for the journey of a new Scout. It’s not the most robust tool for an Eagle Scout building a pioneering tower, but that’s not its mission. Its mission is to build confidence and safe habits from day one, making it the top recommendation from countless troop leaders for a Scout’s very first multitool.

Victorinox Tinker: A Classic Non-Locking Option

For troops with a strict "no locking blades" policy, the Victorinox Tinker is the gold standard. This iconic Swiss Army Knife is the epitome of simple, effective design and has been a trusted companion on the trail for generations. Its slip-joint (non-locking) mechanism makes it compliant with even the most conservative troop guidelines.

The Tinker focuses on the absolute essentials for camp life. It features two blades (large and small), a Phillips head screwdriver, two flathead screwdrivers, a can opener, a bottle opener, and an awl. This is the perfect toolset for basic gear maintenance, food prep, and first aid tasks like making a fuzz stick or cutting moleskin. It’s lightweight, disappears in a pocket, and is incredibly reliable.

The primary trade-off is the lack of pliers, which are a cornerstone of Leatherman-style tools. For tasks like handling hot cook pots or bending stubborn tent stakes, pliers are invaluable. However, for its weight, simplicity, and universal compliance with safety rules, the Tinker remains a beloved and highly recommended option for Scouts of all ages.

Leatherman Wingman for Experienced Scouts

When a Senior Patrol Leader or experienced older Scout is ready for more capability, the Leatherman Wingman is a fantastic step up. This tool is a true workhorse, built for bigger tasks and more complex repairs you might encounter on a high-adventure trek or during a service project. It’s a significant upgrade in both function and responsibility.

The Wingman’s standout feature is its spring-action pliers, which are robust and easy to use with one hand. It also includes a powerful set of spring-action scissors, a package opener, and multiple screwdrivers. The main blade is accessible from the outside of the tool, allowing for quick, one-handed deployment. This is a tool designed for efficiency and confidence on the trail.

Crucially, the Wingman features a locking blade. This makes it suitable only for Scouts in troops and councils that permit locking knives. It’s heavier and more complex than a starter tool, but for the mature Scout who has proven their skills, it offers a level of utility that can make a real difference when repairing gear far from the trailhead.

Gerber Dime: The Best Keychain-Sized Companion

Sometimes the best tool is the one you have with you. The Gerber Dime is a tiny, keychain-sized multitool that packs a surprising amount of utility into a featherlight package. It’s perfect for a day hike, as a backup tool in a survival kit, or for a Cub Scout who isn’t ready for a full-sized tool but can benefit from having a pair of pliers and a screwdriver.

Despite its small stature, the Dime’s toolset is clever and practical. It features spring-loaded pliers, wire cutters, surprisingly good scissors, a small blade, and a unique tool designed specifically for opening stubborn retail packaging. It’s the perfect gadget for quick fixes, like tightening the screw on a pair of glasses or pulling out a splinter.

The trade-off is obvious: its size limits its strength. You won’t be performing heavy-duty repairs with the Dime’s small pliers. But for its intended purpose—being an ultra-portable problem solver that’s always on hand—it excels. Many experienced leaders carry one as a secondary tool for its sheer convenience.

Leatherman Rev: A Durable, No-Frills Workhorse

For the Scout who needs a full-sized, durable, plier-based multitool without a high price tag, the Leatherman Rev is an outstanding choice. It strips away the extras to focus on delivering the core tools you need in a tough, reliable package. Think of it as the essential Leatherman experience, built to last.

The Rev is built around a solid set of needle-nose and regular pliers. All the other tools are accessible from the outside, including a 420HC steel blade, a package opener, a can opener, and multiple screwdrivers. It’s a straightforward, get-it-done tool that can handle everything from fixing a camp chair to making adjustments on a hiking pole.

This is a great first "real" multitool for a Scout who has outgrown a starter model. It provides the durability and core functionality needed for weekend camping and week-long summer camps alike. Like other full-sized Leatherman tools, it has a locking blade, so checking with the Scoutmaster on local rules is a mandatory first step.

Leatherman Squirt PS4: Top Pick for Small Hands

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is another top contender in the keychain category, giving the Gerber Dime a serious run for its money. It’s an exceptionally well-built miniature tool that feels more substantial than its tiny size suggests, making it a favorite for those with smaller hands or who prioritize a compact, lightweight kit.

Where the Squirt PS4 truly shines is with its excellent spring-action scissors. For many quick tasks around camp—cutting cord, trimming bandages, or opening food packages—a good pair of scissors is often more practical than a knife blade. It also includes a great set of pliers, wire cutters, a small blade, and a file/screwdriver combo.

It’s an ideal tool for a younger Scout or anyone who wants maximum utility with minimum bulk. It fits perfectly in the small "watch pocket" of a pair of pants or can be attached to a zipper pull on a backpack. The Squirt proves that a tool doesn’t have to be big to be incredibly useful on the trail.

Multitool Safety and the Scout Knife Policy

No multitool, regardless of its features, is a substitute for proper training and responsibility. The first and most important step for any Scout is earning their Totin’ Chip, which certifies that they understand the rules of safe knife and tool handling. The tool is secondary to the knowledge of how to use it correctly.

The Boy Scouts of America’s national policy provides a baseline, but the key is to understand that local councils and individual troops can and often do have stricter rules. The most common variation involves locking blades. While some troops allow them for older Scouts, many prohibit them entirely. Before buying any tool with a locking blade, a Scout and their parent must talk to the Scoutmaster.

Ultimately, a multitool in a Scout’s pocket should be a symbol of their competence and readiness. This means keeping the tool clean, sharp, and in good working order. It means always cutting away from your body, never throwing the tool, and handing it to someone else safely. The best multitool is the one that is respected and used with skill and caution.

Choosing the right multitool is a great step in a Scout’s journey, but it’s just one piece of gear. The real adventure isn’t found in the steel of the tool, but in the skills and confidence built while using it. Focus on finding a safe, reliable option that fits your Scout’s needs, then get outside and put it to good use fixing, building, and exploring.