6 Best Multitools for Camping

You’re setting up camp as the sun dips below the ridge, and the perfect spot for your tent is blocked by a downed, wrist-thick branch. Your knife can’t get through it, and hacking with a hatchet feels like overkill and a safety risk. This is where the humble saw on a multitool proves its worth, turning a frustrating obstacle into a non-issue in under a minute. More than just a gadget, a multitool with a capable saw is a versatile problem-solver that earns its place in any pack.

09/16/2026 02:01 pm GMT

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Why a Saw is Your Most Underrated Camp Tool

When you think of campsite tools, a knife or an axe usually comes to mind first. But for many common tasks, a saw is safer, more efficient, and far more precise. Trying to process firewood by batoning with your primary knife can dull or even damage the blade, while a saw zips through branches with minimal effort, creating clean, manageable fuel for your fire.

Beyond firewood, a saw is a master of camp craft. Need to clear a small, fallen limb from the trail? A saw does it cleanly without disturbing the surrounding area. Want to build a simple pot hanger or notch a piece of wood for a tarp stake? The control offered by a saw blade is unmatched. It’s the tool for construction, not just destruction.

A good multitool saw excels at tasks where brute force is the wrong answer. It allows you to work smarter, conserving energy and reducing the risk of an accident that could come from a glancing axe blow or a slipping knife. It’s the quiet workhorse of a well-run campsite.

Leatherman Wave+: The All-Around Campsite Fixer

Imagine you’ve just pulled into a state park for a weekend of car camping. One of your tent poles has a cracked ferrule, a camp chair has a loose screw, and you need to prep some kindling. The Leatherman Wave+ is built for exactly this kind of multi-problem scenario. It’s the jack-of-all-trades that handles most common campsite repairs and chores with confidence.

The saw on the Wave+ is robust enough for processing small-diameter firewood or clearing nuisance branches around your site. It’s not a dedicated wood saw, but it’s sharp, effective, and locks securely in place. Its real strength lies in its partnership with the Wave+’s other tools: a sharp primary blade, pliers for grabbing hot pot bails, and screwdrivers for gear maintenance.

This tool strikes the perfect balance for most campers. It isn’t the lightest, nor is it the most heavy-duty, but it provides an incredible range of functional tools in a proven, durable package. For the weekend warrior or dedicated hobbyist, the Wave+ is often the only tool you need to throw in your pack.

Leatherman Signal for Bushcraft & Survival Tasks

You’re deep in the backcountry, miles from the trailhead, and a sudden storm rolls in. You need to get a fire going fast with damp wood. The Leatherman Signal is designed for these higher-stakes moments, integrating survival-focused tools with a capable saw blade.

The Signal’s saw is a key part of its emergency preparedness system. Use it to process wood for your fire, then shave fine curls for tinder. Strike the integrated ferro rod to get your flame going, and use the built-in whistle to alert your group. It’s a tool where every feature is designed to work together when things don’t go as planned.

This isn’t the tool for routine camp chores; it’s for the adventurer who practices bushcraft skills or wants a reliable backup for serious wilderness travel. The tradeoff is fewer everyday tools (like scissors) for more specialized survival functions. If your trips take you far off the beaten path, the Signal provides peace of mind and genuine utility in a single, well-designed package.

Victorinox RangerGrip 79: A Superior Saw Blade

Picture this: you’re tasked with preparing all the firewood for a group backpacking trip. You need something more capable than a typical small multitool saw, but don’t want the weight of a separate folding saw. The Victorinox RangerGrip 79 shines here, functioning almost as a dedicated saw that happens to have other tools.

The star of the show is its long, aggressive, and incredibly sharp locking saw blade. It cuts on both the push and pull stroke, making quick work of branches that would bog down smaller saws. The ergonomic handle with rubberized "Grip" inserts provides a secure and comfortable hold, which makes a huge difference during prolonged use.

While it includes a solid locking knife blade and a few other essentials, the RangerGrip 79 is for the person whose primary need is wood processing. It’s a fantastic choice for canoe trips, winter camping, or any adventure where a reliable fire is a necessity, not just a luxury. It prioritizes cutting performance above all else.

Leatherman Surge for Heavy-Duty Firewood Prep

Your basecamp is set for a week, and you have permission to process fallen deadwood for a communal fire pit. This is a job for the Leatherman Surge. This is not a lightweight backpacking tool; it’s a portable toolbox meant for serious work.

The Surge features a large, tough saw blade that can be swapped out with other T-shank jigsaw blades, offering incredible versatility. Paired with its beefy pliers and full-size knife blades, it’s designed to handle bigger tasks, from sawing through 3-inch thick limbs to making significant gear repairs. Its weight is the price you pay for uncompromising strength and capability.

This tool is best suited for overlanding, car camping, or any situation where weight is not the primary concern but durability and power are. If you find smaller multitools flexing or failing under pressure, the Surge is the step up you need. It’s built for the user who doesn’t just fix things at camp—they build things.

SOG PowerPint: The Compact Saw for Backpackers

You’re on a multi-day trek, and every ounce matters. A tiny, dead branch is poking through the side of your tent’s rainfly, threatening to rub a hole in it overnight. The SOG PowerPint is the perfect tool for this moment—a minimalist problem-solver that disappears in your pocket.

The saw on the PowerPint is small, but it’s surprisingly effective for its size. It’s not for processing a night’s worth of firewood, but it’s perfect for trimming a hazardous branch, notching a tent stake, or cutting cordage. The real magic is its size and weight; it provides the utility of a saw and pliers for a minimal penalty in your pack.

For the thru-hiker or ultralight backpacker, carrying a large multitool is out of the question. The PowerPint offers a functional saw and other essential tools without compromising a carefully curated gear list. It’s proof that even a small saw can solve big problems on the trail.

Gerber Suspension-NXT: A Reliable Budget Option

You’re putting together your first real camping kit or outfitting a vehicle with an emergency tool. You need something dependable that gets the job done without the premium price tag. The Gerber Suspension-NXT is a workhorse that delivers excellent value for its cost.

The saw is sharp and functional, easily handling the kind of light-duty branch clearing and kindling prep you’ll encounter on a typical family camping trip. While it may not have the refined feel of more expensive models, all the tools lock open, which is a critical safety feature. It’s a practical, no-frills tool that you won’t be afraid to use and abuse.

The Suspension-NXT is the ideal choice for the casual camper, as a backup tool in a glove box, or for someone who is tough on their gear. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a safe, reliable multitool with a saw that can handle real campsite tasks.

Choosing Your Saw: Blade Length and Lock Safety

When you’re comparing multitool saws, two factors stand out: blade length and the locking mechanism. These directly impact both the tool’s effectiveness and your safety. Don’t get lost in the details; focus on what matters for the job.

First, consider blade length. A longer blade allows for a longer cutting stroke, which removes more wood with each pass and is generally more efficient. A shorter blade is lighter and more compact but will require more work to get through the same-sized branch.

• Longer Blades (3"+): Better for firewood prep and serious camp craft. Found on larger tools like the Surge or RangerGrip.
• Shorter Blades (<3"): Ideal for quick, small tasks and ultralight backpacking. Found on compact tools like the PowerPint.

Second, and most importantly, is the lock. A saw blade on a multitool must have a reliable locking mechanism. Saws are used with a forceful push-and-pull motion, and a blade that can accidentally fold back onto your fingers is a serious hazard. Always check for a solid, easy-to-use lock before you make your purchase. Your knuckles will thank you.

In the end, the "best" multitool is the one that solves the problems you actually face on your adventures. Don't get bogged down by analysis paralysis. Pick the tool that matches your trip style, learn how to use it safely, and get back outside—that’s where the real memories are made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tools are essential on a multitool for camping?

Essential features on a multitool for camping include a plain-edge knife blade, heavy-duty pliers, a wood saw, a can opener, and scissors. A sharp wood saw quickly cuts kindling or notches tent stakes, while sturdy pliers safely lift hot pot handles off a camp stove. Screwdrivers handle quick gear adjustments on trekking poles or lanterns. Sturdy cutting and gripping tools handle roughly 90 percent of backcountry camp tasks.

What does an outside-accessible blade do on a camping multitool?

Outside-accessible blades on a camping multitool allow users to open and lock the knife without unfolding the entire tool or plier handles first. Models like the Leatherman Wave Plus feature this design so campers can cut cordage or prep food using just one hand. This saves time and provides safer, quicker access during unexpected campsite emergencies. Interior-nested blades require opening both handles, which demands two hands.

How do I clean and oil a multitool after a camping trip?

Cleaning a camping multitool requires soaking it in warm soapy water, scrubbing away grit with a toothbrush, drying it thoroughly, and applying mineral oil to pivot joints. Compressed air helps blow hidden moisture out of tool channels before lubricating. Food-grade mineral oil is preferable to motor oils because multitool blades frequently touch camp food. Once lubricated, open and close each implement several times to work the fluid into hinges.

How do you sharpen a serrated blade on a camping multitool?

Sharpening a serrated blade on a camping multitool requires a tapered ceramic or diamond rod placed directly into each individual curved tooth at a 20-degree angle. Stroke the rod forward across each gullet until you feel a slight burr develop on the flat reverse side of the blade. After finishing every serration, sweep the flat side across fine-grit sandpaper to remove that metal burr. Avoid using flat bench stones.

Which is better for camping a plier multitool or a Swiss Army knife?

Plier-based multitools are better for gear repairs and open-fire cooking, whereas Swiss Army knives excel for ultralight hikers who prioritize food preparation and low pack weight. Full-sized plier multitools weigh between 8 and 12 ounces, giving you the leverage to bend tent stakes and pull cotter pins. Traditional Swiss Army knives typically weigh between 2 and 4 ounces, packing useful scissors and paring blades into a pocketable footprint.

How much does a reliable multitool for camping cost?

A reliable multitool for camping costs between $40 and $150, depending on the steel quality, locking mechanisms, and manufacturer warranty. Budget options like the Gerber Suspension-NXT cost around $40 to $50 and handle casual campsite tasks well. Premium models like the Leatherman Charge cost $120 to $180, offering high-carbon stainless steels like 154CM or S30V that resist corrosion. Spending under $25 often yields brittle steel that bends under load.

Why do multitool joints get stiff and how do you fix them?

Multitool joints become stiff when pocket lint, dirt, and dried sap collect inside the pivot tracks, or when moisture causes surface oxidation between metal washers. Flush the hinges with warm water or penetrating oil while repeatedly opening and closing each tool to dislodge trapped debris. Wipe the hinges dry with a clean shop rag, then apply two drops of light lubricant directly to the pins. Never force a stuck blade open.

Can you carry a multitool for camping in your airplane carry-on luggage?

TSA regulations prohibit carrying any multitool for camping in carry-on bags if it features a knife blade, meaning it must be packed in checked luggage. Blade-free multitools and tools with scissors under four inches are technically permitted, but individual airport agents retain discretion to confiscate any tool. To avoid losing an expensive tool, pack your camping multitool securely wrapped inside a checked duffel bag or suitcase before flying.