6 Best Multitools With Pliers For Camping That Handle Real Camp Repairs

The critical moment always arrives when you least expect it. Your trusty camp stove sputters and dies miles from the trailhead, a tent pole connector cracks under a surprise gust of wind, or a boot lace grommet pops loose on rocky terrain. In these moments, that tiny knife on your keychain won’t cut it. A real multitool, built around a solid set of pliers, is the difference between a minor inconvenience and a trip-ending disaster.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

What to Look for in a True Camp Repair Multitool

When you’re miles out, your multitool isn’t a gadget; it’s your portable toolbox. Forget the 50-in-1 novelties. You need a tool that can grip, twist, cut, and drive screws with authority. The absolute heart of a useful camp tool is the pliers. Look for a design with both needle-nose tips for precise work, like pulling a stray thread from a zipper, and a regular plier section for grabbing stubborn nuts or crimping a fuel line.

Beyond the pliers, focus on the core essentials. A strong, locking knife blade is non-negotiable for everything from slicing cordage to making tinder. You’ll also want at least one Phillips and one flathead screwdriver for adjusting trekking poles, tightening camp chair bolts, or fixing stove pumps. An awl is surprisingly useful for punching new holes in a leather strap or helping repair a torn pack.

Finally, consider the ergonomics and accessibility. Can you open the main tools with one hand? Do all the implements lock safely in place? A tool with a dozen functions is useless if they’re impossible to deploy with cold or wet hands. The goal is not the highest tool count, but the highest number of usable tools for realistic camp problems. This is a classic trade-off: a heavier, more robust tool might be overkill for a weekend hike but essential for an extended overland trip.

Leatherman Wave+: The All-Around Camp Workhorse

If you could only choose one multitool for every kind of camping, the Wave+ would be it. It’s the standard by which all others are judged for a reason. It strikes an almost perfect balance between size, weight, and capability, making it just as at home in a backpacker’s lid pocket as it is in the glove box of a car camper’s rig.

The design brilliance of the Wave+ lies in its four outside-accessible tools: a plain-edge knife, a serrated knife, a saw, and a robust file. You don’t have to open the entire tool to get to your most-used blades, which is a massive convenience. The pliers are strong and precise, and the inclusion of replaceable wire cutter blades means you can work hard without worrying about permanently damaging your tool. Add in the versatile bit driver, and you can tackle almost any screw you’ll encounter in the wild.

This tool is the definitive jack-of-all-trades. It’s robust enough for serious repairs but not so heavy that it becomes a burden on a multi-day trek. For anyone from a weekend warrior to a seasoned outdoor pro, the Wave+ provides a comprehensive and reliable toolset that handles 95% of campsite problems with confidence.

Leatherman Surge: Heavy-Duty Pliers for Tough Jobs

Sometimes, you need more than just a tool; you need leverage. The Surge is Leatherman’s answer for when "good enough" won’t do. Imagine trying to bend a thick, bent aluminum tent stake back into a usable shape or needing to wrench on a seized bolt on your roof rack at a remote campsite. This is where the Surge shines.

This is a multitool built like a tank. Its pliers are the largest and strongest in Leatherman’s lineup, designed for serious gripping and twisting force. Like the Wave+, it features outside-accessible blades and replaceable wire cutters, but it adds a unique blade exchanger. This allows you to swap in a standard T-shank jigsaw blade, dramatically expanding its cutting capabilities beyond the included wood saw.

Let’s be clear: the Surge is big and heavy. This is not the tool for an ultralight thru-hiker. But for car campers, overlanders, or anyone who views their multitool as a primary piece of their repair kit, the weight is a worthy trade-off for its incredible power and versatility. If your adventures involve vehicles, heavy canvas tents, or the potential for serious mechanical fixes, the Surge is your pocket-sized toolbox.

Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X: Precision and Polish

Where many multitools feel rugged and utilitarian, the SwissTool Spirit X feels like a precision instrument. If your camp repairs are more about finesse than brute force—like adjusting the delicate burner on a canister stove or fixing the arm on your sunglasses—this tool’s refined build quality is a joy to use.

Every single tool on the Spirit X, from the screwdrivers to the chisel, opens from the outside of the handle and locks firmly into place. There is no fumbling around or opening the pliers to get to what you need. The ergonomic, curved handles are noticeably more comfortable in hand during prolonged use than traditional blocky designs. The polished finish isn’t just for looks; it makes the tool easier to clean after a messy job.

The pliers themselves are finer and more pointed than many competitors, excelling at detailed tasks. While they can handle general camp duties, they aren’t designed for the same heavy torque as a Leatherman Surge. The SwissTool Spirit X is for the discerning user who values excellent craftsmanship, superior ergonomics, and a toolset geared toward precision work alongside general camp readiness.

Gerber Suspension-NXT: Lightweight and Accessible

Not every camper needs a heavy-duty repair shop on their belt. For many backpackers and casual campers, a tool that can handle the basics without weighing down their pack is the perfect solution. The Suspension-NXT is designed for exactly that role, offering a solid set of essential tools in a lightweight, accessible, and budget-friendly package.

The standout feature here is the spring-loaded pliers. This simple design element makes one-handed use much easier and reduces hand fatigue when you’re working on a repetitive task, like pulling out a series of stubborn thorns from a pack. All the tools are outboard, meaning you don’t have to open the pliers to access them, and a sturdy pocket clip makes it easy to carry without a sheath.

The trade-off for its light weight and lower cost is in its construction. It’s not built for prying or heavy torquing like its more expensive counterparts. But for tightening a loose screw on a camp stove, cutting fishing line, or opening a can, it’s more than capable. It’s an excellent first multitool or a dedicated lightweight option for those who prioritize counting ounces.

SOG PowerPint: Compact Power for Your Camp Kit

What if you want the utility of real pliers but in a package that can disappear into your pocket or first-aid kit? The SOG PowerPint is the answer. It’s impressively small and light, yet it delivers surprising functionality thanks to SOG’s Compound Leverage system, which uses gears to double the gripping power of the plier jaws.

Don’t let its size fool you. The PowerPint packs 18 tools, including a magnetic hex bit holder, scissors, and multiple blades and drivers. It’s a tiny toolbox that punches well above its weight class. It feels more substantial and capable than other "keychain" sized multitools, which often have flimsy, barely-usable pliers.

This is the ideal tool for the minimalist backpacker, trail runner, or cyclist who needs to be prepared for minor repairs without the bulk. It won’t replace a full-sized tool for heavy work, but for quick adjustments, cutting cord, or pulling a splinter, the PowerPint provides incredible utility in a minuscule footprint. It’s the perfect backup tool or the primary choice for fast-and-light adventures.

Leatherman Signal: Built for Survival Scenarios

Most multitools are designed for repair. The Leatherman Signal is designed for repair and rescue. When you’re deep in the backcountry, far from any help, your gear needs to serve multiple purposes. The Signal integrates essential survival tools directly into a capable plier-based platform.

Alongside the standard pliers, knife, and saw, the Signal includes tools you won’t find anywhere else. It has a built-in ferrocerium rod for starting a fire even when wet, an emergency whistle to signal for help, and a diamond-coated sharpener to maintain your blade’s edge in the field. The pommel of the tool is also designed as a hammer, perfect for pounding in stubborn tent stakes.

To make room for these specialized tools, the Signal does sacrifice some of the utility of a tool like the Wave+, forgoing things like dedicated scissors or a full bit driver. This makes it a more specialized choice. If your camping trips take you to remote, challenging environments where self-reliance is paramount, the Signal’s unique feature set provides an invaluable safety net.

Comparing Tool Sets for Common Camp Tasks

Choosing the right multitool is about honestly assessing your needs. The "best" tool is the one that solves the problems you are most likely to encounter on your specific adventures. A tool that’s perfect for a month-long canoe trip might be frustrating overkill on a day hike.

Let’s break it down by common scenarios to help you decide:

• Heavy-Duty Repairs & Car Camping: When weight is no object and tasks can be demanding (fixing camp furniture, vehicle tweaks, bending metal), the Leatherman Surge is the undisputed king. Its large, powerful pliers and robust build are made for real work.
• All-Around Backpacking & General Use: For a mix of trailside fixes and campsite convenience, the Leatherman Wave+ is the gold standard. The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X is a fantastic, more refined alternative for those who value ergonomics and precision.
• Lightweight & Budget-Conscious: If you’re counting every ounce or just getting started, the Gerber Suspension-NXT provides the core essentials without the weight or cost. For the true minimalist, the SOG PowerPint offers surprising power in an incredibly compact form.
• Remote Backcountry & Emergency Preparedness: For adventures where survival tools could be a literal lifesaver, the Leatherman Signal integrates fire-starting and signaling capabilities that other tools lack.

Think about the last three gear issues you had in the field. Was it a loose screw, a broken strap, or something that required serious force? Match the tool to your history and your ambitions. The most expensive, feature-packed tool is worthless if it’s sitting at home because it’s too heavy to carry.

Ultimately, the right multitool is the one you have with you when you need it. Don’t get paralyzed by the options. Pick the one that best fits your style of adventure, toss it in your pack, and get outside. The goal is to be prepared enough to solve problems so you can get back to what matters: enjoying your time on the trail.