6 Best Pliers For Setting Up Tents That Justify Their Weight

The wind is picking up, the sky is turning that ominous shade of grey, and you’re wrestling with a tent stake that’s wedged between two rocks. Your fingers are raw, the stake head is bent, and frustration is mounting. It’s a moment every camper has faced, where a simple task becomes a significant obstacle between you and a dry night’s sleep. This is where a small, seemingly insignificant tool proves its worth ten times over.

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

Why a Good Pair of Pliers Belongs in Your Tent Bag

When you’re counting every ounce, adding a tool that seems like a luxury can feel wrong. But pliers aren’t a luxury; they’re a problem-solver. Their primary job during setup and takedown is providing a mechanical advantage your hands just can’t match. They can grip and pull a stubborn stake from frozen, rocky, or root-bound soil without a second thought.

Beyond stakes, their utility is immense. A good multi-tool with pliers can repair a bent tent pole, fix a jammed zipper pull, adjust a loose trekking pole lock, or even pull a nasty splinter. Think of it less as a single-use tool and more as a compact repair kit. The right pair adds a level of self-sufficiency and confidence that far outweighs its minimal penalty in your pack.

Leatherman Skeletool CX for Versatility & Power

If your adventures range from car camping basecamps to multi-day backpacking trips, the Skeletool CX is a formidable companion. It’s built around a robust set of needle-nose and regular pliers that provide serious gripping power for yanking out even the most difficult MSR Groundhog stakes. This isn’t a flimsy keychain gadget; it’s a workhorse.

Weighing in at 5 ounces, it’s certainly not for the ultralight purist. However, its weight is justified by what it replaces. With a high-quality 154CM steel knife, a versatile bit driver, and a carabiner clip that doubles as a bottle opener, it consolidates your knife, screwdriver, and pliers into one streamlined package. For the camper who values capability and is willing to carry a bit more for it, the Skeletool is a backcountry toolbox.

Leatherman Squirt PS4: The Ultralight Gold Standard

For the thru-hiker, fast-packer, or anyone who scrutinizes every gram, the Squirt PS4 is legendary. At just 1.9 ounces, it virtually disappears in a hip belt pocket or ditty bag. Yet, its spring-action pliers are surprisingly capable, offering more than enough grip to pull thin shepherd’s hook or DAC V-stakes from compacted dirt.

The genius of the Squirt is its efficiency. It provides the core functionality needed for minor trailside repairs without any unnecessary bulk. Alongside the pliers, you get a small blade, a file, and some of the best scissors found on any multi-tool this size. It won’t help you rebuild a camp stove, but for the most common tasks—pulling stakes, cutting cordage, and gear first-aid—it’s the undisputed champion of lightweight utility.

Gerber Dime for Compact, Budget-Friendly Utility

The Gerber Dime occupies a similar space as the Squirt PS4 but offers a compelling package for those on a tighter budget. It’s another sub-2.5-ounce tool that won’t weigh you down, making it a great choice for weekend warriors and scout troops. The spring-loaded pliers are the main attraction, perfectly suited for managing tent stakes and other light-duty camp tasks.

What sets the Dime apart are a few clever additions, like tweezers that are stored externally for quick access and a unique blade designed to safely open retail packaging. While the fit and finish might not match its premium competitors, its practical toolset provides incredible value. For the backpacker who needs a reliable "just-in-case" tool without a significant investment, the Dime delivers.

Knipex Cobra XS: Unmatched Grip in a Tiny Package

Sometimes, you don’t need a dozen tools in one. You just need one tool that does its job exceptionally well. The Knipex Cobra XS is exactly that: a dedicated pair of water pump pliers shrunk down to a pocket-friendly 4-inch size. It has no knife, no scissors, and no screwdriver.

What it does have is an unparalleled, self-locking grip. The push-button adjustment allows the jaws to clamp down on a stake head, a bent pole segment, or a frozen nut with incredible force, and it won’t slip. For winter campers dealing with stakes frozen solid into the ground or anyone who prioritizes raw gripping power over all else, this 2.1-ounce specialist is a game-changer. Pair it with your favorite lightweight knife, and you have a minimalist toolkit that can handle seriously tough jobs.

SOG PowerPint: Compound Leverage for Tough Stakes

The SOG PowerPint strikes a fantastic balance between the ultralight keychain tools and the heavier, full-sized models. Its secret weapon is SOG’s Compound Leverage technology. This gear-driven system effectively doubles the force you apply at the handles, meaning you get twice the gripping and squeezing power at the plier jaws.

This feature is a lifesaver when you’re trying to extract a stake that feels welded into hard-baked clay or a web of roots. At 4.2 ounces, it’s a manageable weight for backpacking, and it comes packed with a solid array of locking tools. If you frequently camp in challenging terrain and find minimalist pliers lacking the necessary muscle, the PowerPint provides a significant boost in strength without a huge weight penalty.

Victorinox Deluxe Tinker: Classic SAK Reliability

No gear discussion is complete without the iconic Swiss Army Knife. The Victorinox Deluxe Tinker is a classic for a reason, offering a time-tested suite of tools built with legendary Swiss precision. The integrated pliers are more than capable of handling tent stake duty, especially the thinner wire or aluminum types.

The true value of the Deluxe Tinker is its holistic approach to camp utility. Beyond the pliers, you get two excellent knife blades, a fantastic set of scissors, an awl for repairing fabric, and multiple screwdrivers. It’s a complete maintenance and camp-life tool. For the traditionalist who appreciates reliability and a tool that can whittle a stick, open a can of beans, and pull a tent stake with equal aplomb, the Deluxe Tinker remains a top contender.

Choosing Your Pliers: Weight vs. Functionality

The "best" pair of pliers is the one that fits your adventure style. There is no single right answer, only a series of trade-offs. The key is to be honest about your needs and the conditions you’ll likely face.

Use this framework to make your decision:

• Ultralight & Thru-hiking: Weight is your primary concern. Your best options are the Leatherman Squirt PS4 or the Gerber Dime. Every gram is dedicated to essential, high-frequency tasks.
• All-Around Backpacking: You need a balance of capability and reasonable weight. The SOG PowerPint offers excellent power, while the Victorinox Deluxe Tinker provides all-around utility.
• Car Camping & Overlanding: Weight is not a factor, but power and versatility are. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a robust, do-it-all tool that can handle serious repairs.
• Specialized & Demanding Conditions: You anticipate frozen ground or frequent, tough repairs. The unmatched grip of the Knipex Cobra XS, paired with a separate knife, is a pro-level combination.

The most important consideration is you. Don’t feel pressured to carry a heavy tool if you only need to pull a few stakes. Conversely, don’t skimp on capability if you know you’re hard on your gear. Choose the tool that gives you the most confidence to solve problems and get back to enjoying your time outside.

Ultimately, the perfect gear list is a myth. The right tool is simply one that solves a problem efficiently so you can focus on the sunrise, the trail, or the crackle of the campfire. Choose wisely, pack it, and then go make some memories.