8 Best Lightweight Multitools for Backpacking (November 2026)
The best lightweight backpacking multitools include the MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 Multitool (best overall for camp and trail), the PERWIN Multitool for one-hand opening on the move, and the GIRIAITUS 16 in 1 Multitool Camping Survival for fire and shelter chores.
On this page (7 sections)
- The best lightweight multitools for backpacking, pick by pick
- How these lightweight multitools compare
- What should you weigh before buying a backpacking multitool?
- Which multitool tools matter most on trail?
- Should you pick a full-size or a pocket multitool?
- How should you carry a multitool in a backpack?
- Which multitool suits your trip?
The MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 Multitool is the best lightweight multitool for backpacking for most hikers who want real capability in camp. Its self-locking tools and full bit set cover stove repairs, tent stakes and fire prep in one sheath.
The catch is weight: it runs 454 g. If every ounce counts, the Gerber Dime at 2.2 oz or the SOG PowerPint at 5.12 oz gets you most of the everyday jobs for a fraction of the load.
This guide treats "lightweight" as a range, not one number. A thru-hiker counting grams and a weekend camper who wants pliers both need a multitool, but not the same one.
The gap between the lightest and heaviest pick here is wide, so the job you plan for decides more than the spec sheet.
One habit helps before you shop: list the repairs you actually did on your last three trips. Most hikers find a short list, often cord cutting, a loose screw and a bent stake.
That list narrows eight picks to two or three fast.
Our multitool for hiking guide covers the trail-focused picks in more detail. If you mostly car-camp, the multitool for camping roundup covers heavier tools with axes and hammers.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for fire and shelter choresGIRIAITUS 16 in 1 Multitool Camping Survival
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
The best lightweight multitools for backpacking, pick by pick
The MOSSY OAK wins for most backpackers because it packs locking pliers, a saw and a bit set into a sheath that rides on a pack strap. Every other pick solves a narrower problem, from cutting grams to gripping hard in a small tool.
MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 Multitool: Best overall for camp and trail
- 21 tools
- Self-locking tools
- Nylon sheath with bit pocket
- Folds to 4 x 1.8 x 0.8 in
A full tool set with self-locking blades and pliers, carried in a sheath that mounts on a pack strap.
Pros
- Self-locking tools
- Bit set stored in the sheath
- Pliers and saw for camp jobs
Cons
- Heavy for its tool count
- Bulky for a hipbelt pocket
MOSSY OAK suits the backpacker who uses a multitool every day on trail, not just in emergencies. All 21 tools lock open, so a saw or blade stays put while you work on a bent stake or a stove part.
The self-locking structure means you press the lock and fold the tool back when done, and the accessories stay put in the handles.
The set covers needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a magnetic hexagon sleeve, a serrated knife, a wood saw, a metal and wood file, a leather punch, a bottle opener with slotted screwdriver and an 8-in-1 bit set. Bits live in an elastic pocket on the front of the sheath.
That sheath slips over a belt or a pack strap, which keeps the tool reachable without digging through a lid. The 3D hollow structure and smooth edges make long grips more comfortable than flat-stamped handles.
Folded size is 4 x 1.8 x 0.8 in.
At 454 g it is no featherweight. That weight buys real pliers and a full bit set, so it earns its place on trips where camp repairs happen.
Leave it home on a fastpacking weekend where a tiny tool is enough.
PERWIN Multitool: Best for one-hand opening on the move
- 17 tools
- 440A stainless steel
- Side-lock design
- Nylon sheath
Slim enough for a jacket pocket, with a blade you can open with one hand and side locks on every tool.
Pros
- One-hand blade opening
- 440A steel at 54 HRC
- Thin 0.78 in profile
Cons
- Heavier than the pocket-sized picks
- Pliers heads do not lock
PERWIN suits the hiker who needs a blade out fast while wearing a pack. Its main blade opens with one hand, so you can cut cord or open a food bag without setting anything down.
The knife, saw, file and scissors are all built for one-hand opening, which saves time when your other hand is holding a pack or a tarp.
The 440A stainless steel is rated at 54 +/- 2 on the Rockwell hardness scale, and PERWIN says it resists rust. Side locks hold every tool except the plier heads open during use, which matters on a saw or driver.
The replaceable wire cutter is a nice touch for anyone who cuts fencing or wire on a regular basis.
It folds to 4.3 x 1.57 x 0.78 in and weighs 10.56 oz. That thin 0.78 in body slides into a jacket pocket or a pack lid pocket without a bulge.
The 17 tools include needle-nose and regular pliers, scissors, three flathead sizes, a Phillips driver, a wire stripper and a threading needle. A nylon sheath with a metal rivet snap carries it on a belt or strap.
PERWIN backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Skip it if you want the lightest possible kit. Choose it when one-hand opening and a locking blade matter more than shaving ounces.
GIRIAITUS 16 in 1 Multitool Camping Survival: Best for fire and shelter chores
- Axe and hammer
- Flint fire starter
- Whistle
- Nylon case
An axe, hammer and fire starter in one tool, meant for splitting kindling and driving stakes rather than pocket carry.
Pros
- Flint fire starter and whistle built in
- Hammer and nail claw
- Pipe grip pliers
Cons
- 6.2 in long when folded
- Heaviest tool set for the fewest everyday tools
GIRIAITUS suits the backpacker who builds fires and pitches a tarp with stakes. It combines an axe, hammer, nail claw and flint fire starter in one folding frame.
The 16 tools include pipe grip pliers, wire cutters, needle-nose pliers, a knife, saw, serrated knife, file, flathead and Phillips drivers, a whistle and a bottle opener. The flint rod and magnesium ignition mean you can light a fire without a separate lighter.
In an emergency the whistle gives you a way to signal beyond arm's reach.
It folds to 1.1 x 4 x 6.2 in and comes in a double-layer nylon case. That size sits at the bottom of a pack rather than in a pocket.
The body mixes stainless steel with wood and nylon details.
This is the pick for wood processing and shelter work. The axe head and hammer make short work of kindling and tent pegs that a pocket tool cannot drive.
The nail claw pulls a stubborn stake when the ground grips it.
The trade-off is everyday usefulness. It is long when folded and carries fewer small tools than the PERWIN for the same pack space.
Choose it for cold-weather trips where fire matters, not for a summer fastpack.
RoverTac 14-in-1 Multitool Camping Axe: Best for belt or pack-strap carry
- Axe and saw
- Anodized aluminum handle
- Nylon sheath
- Lifetime warranty
A hatchet-style multitool with a saw and pliers, sold with a sheath that clips to a belt or pack.
Pros
- Axe plus saw for wood
- Sheath attaches to a pack
- RoverTac offers a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Large 6.9 in folded size
- Not a pocket tool
RoverTac suits the hiker who wants an axe on the belt without giving up pliers. Its 14 tools include an axe, saw, knife, hammer and pliers, all in a stainless steel body with a black anodized aluminum handle.
The handle adds grip when your hands are wet or cold.
The nylon sheath attaches to a belt or a backpack, so the tool stays outside the pack until you need it. That makes it handy for quick wood collection at camp without unpacking.
The set also lists assorted wrenches and a fish descaler, which matters more to anglers than to most hikers.
It folds to 6.9 x 3.5 x 1 in. That is large for a pocket but fine as a belt-carried camp tool.
The set also includes a file and three screwdriver sizes, plus a can opener and bottle opener.
RoverTac backs it with a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship. The premium gift box makes it an easy present for a hiking friend.
Its size is the trade-off. For a solo backpacker counting grams, the GIRIAITUS packs more fire-starting gear into a shorter frame.
Pick RoverTac when belt carry suits you and the axe is the main job.
Gerber Dime: Best for ultralight kits
- 12 tools
- 2.2 oz
- Spring-loaded pliers
- Keychain ring
The lightest pick here, with spring-loaded pliers and scissors for gear repairs and cord cutting.
Pros
- 2.2 oz weight
- Spring-loaded pliers and scissors
- Fits a keychain or lanyard
Cons
- Small pliers limit heavy gripping
- 2.75 in closed means short blades
Gerber Dime suits the ultralight backpacker who wants tools for small jobs only. At 2.2 oz and 2.75 in closed, it disappears into a hipbelt pocket or onto a keychain.
Its overall length when open is 4.25 in.
The 12 tools cover needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, a bottle opener, a package opener, a plain-edge blade, scissors and flat and cross drivers. Spring-loaded pliers and scissors make cord cutting and gear repairs quick.
The tweezers are the tool you reach for on splinters and fishing line knots, jobs a large multitool fumbles.
The retail package opener is a small blade shaped to score plastic without opening the main blade. A bottle opener sits outside the frame so you can reach it while the tool stays closed.
That outside placement saves a step at camp when the rest of the tool is folded.
Gerber gives it a limited lifetime warranty. The lanyard ring lets you clip it to a pack strap so it never sinks to the bottom of a pocket.
Its small pliers cannot match the grip of the SOG PowerPint or the MOSSY OAK. Choose the Dime when weight and size decide everything.
For a step up in capability without much bulk, our small multitool guide compares the next sizes up.
Gerber Suspension NXT: Best for shared camp toolkits
- 15 tools
- Butterfly opening
- Tool lock
- Pocket clip
A mid-weight tool with a pocket clip and locking outboard tools, sized for a pack lid or a group kit.
Pros
- Pocket clip and lanyard point
- Locking outboard tools
- 2.25 in partially serrated blade
Cons
- 6.4 oz is heavy for solo ultralight use
- Larger than the mini picks
Gerber Suspension NXT suits the hiker who shares tools with a partner or carries one kit for the whole group. Its outboard tools all lock open, and the pocket clip and lanyard point keep it reachable on a pack strap.
The butterfly opening spreads the handles so you can put both hands into a hard pull.
The set includes needle-nose pliers, a wire stripper, three flathead drivers, two cross drivers, an awl, a nail file, scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener and a 2.25 in partially serrated blade. The serrated edge cuts rope and cord faster than a plain blade of the same length.
The awl punches through webbing and leather when a repair needs a hole.
It folds to 4.25 in and weighs 6.4 oz. Open length runs 6.5 in.
That puts it in the middle of this group: heavier than the Dime or PowerPint, lighter than the MOSSY OAK. The thin body and pocket clip keep it from swinging when you walk.
The trade-off is weight for a solo ultralight kit. The Suspension NXT earns its place when two people share one tool, or when you want a clipped tool on a belt without a sheath.
For a dedicated camp kit with an axe and hammer, the multitool for camping picks go heavier still.
Leatherman Rev: Best for long-term trail reliability
- 14 tools
- Outside-accessible blade
- Removable pocket clip
- 25-year warranty
A Leatherman with an outside-accessible locking blade and a 25-year warranty, backed by a Portland factory.
Pros
- Leatherman backs it with a 25-year warranty
- Outside-accessible blade
- Removable pocket clip
Cons
- 6.4 oz
- Mid-range tool count for the weight
Leatherman Rev suits the backpacker who plans to keep the tool for years. Leatherman backs it with a 25-year warranty and builds it in Portland, Oregon.
That warranty covers repair or replacement long after a cheap tool would be in a landfill.
The 14 tools include needle-nose and regular pliers, hard and regular wire cutters, a wire stripper, a knife, a package opener, a wood and metal file, can and bottle openers, a ruler and a Phillips driver. All blades lock open.
The package opener handles the plastic clamshells that food and gear arrive in, and the ruler helps measure a tent footprint or a patch.
The blade is outside-accessible, so you can open it without unfolding the pliers. A removable pocket clip lets you carry it on a belt loop or a pack strap.
Take the clip off and it drops into a pocket without snagging on fabric.
It weighs 6.4 oz and folds to 0.4 in. That is the same weight as the Suspension NXT, with a longer warranty and a slightly different tool set.
Skip it if you want the lightest option or the most tools for the weight. Choose the Rev when long-term support and a US-made tool matter to you.
For pocket-sized alternatives, our keychain multitool roundup covers the smallest tools.
SOG PowerPint: Best for grip in a light package
- 18 tools
- Compound leverage pliers
- 5.12 oz
- Magnetic hex bit holder
A compact tool whose compound-leverage pliers grip harder than its size suggests, with 18 tools in 5.12 oz.
Pros
- Compound leverage pliers
- 18 tools in 5.12 oz
- Magnetic hex bit holder
Cons
- Thicker body than the Gerber Dime
- Small blades need care on tough material
SOG PowerPint suits the hiker who needs strong pliers but refuses to carry a heavy tool. Its compound-leverage pliers grip harder than its light weight suggests, so you can straighten a stake or tighten a pot lid.
The leverage also helps when you crimp a wire or twist a stubborn bolt on a stove.
The 18 tools include mini pliers, scissors, two screwdrivers, two blades, a magnetic 1/4 in hex bit holder, a bolt gripper, a wire crimper and a bevel gauge. The straight and serrated blades are 5Cr15MoV stainless steel.
The bit holder takes standard hex bits, so you can add the size your gear needs.
It folds to 3.2 in closed and weighs 5.12 oz. SOG lists 5 in overall in its bullets.
That makes it the lightest pick here with full pliers, and small enough for a hipbelt pocket.
SOG backs it with a limited lifetime warranty. The stone wash finish hides scuffs from pack life.
The trade-off is a thicker body than the Gerber Dime and blades that need care on tough material. Choose the PowerPint when pliers are the main reason you carry a multitool.
For the smallest tools on a keyring, see the keychain multitool picks.
How these lightweight multitools compare
The table lines up weight, folded size and tool count so you can see what each ounce buys. Weight matters most on long trips, while tool count matters most around camp.
| Product | Best for | Weight | Folded size | Tools | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 Multitool | overall for camp and trail | 454 g | 4 x 1.8 x 0.8 in | 21 | 9.7 |
| PERWIN Multitool | one-hand opening on the move | 10.56 oz | 4.3 x 1.57 x 0.78 in | 17 | 9.5 |
| GIRIAITUS 16 in 1 Multitool Camping Survival | fire and shelter chores | 1.1 x 4 x 6.2 in | 16 | 8.8 | |
| RoverTac 14-in-1 Multitool Camping Axe | belt or pack-strap carry | 6.9 x 3.5 x 1 in | 14 | 8.3 | |
| Gerber Dime | ultralight kits | 2.2 oz | 2.75 in | 12 | 8.1 |
| Gerber Suspension NXT | shared camp toolkits | 6.4 oz | 4.25 in | 15 | 7.5 |
| Leatherman Rev | long-term trail reliability | 6.4 oz | 0.4 in | 14 | 7.4 |
| SOG PowerPint | grip in a light package | 5.12 oz | 3 in | 18 | 7.3 |
Our score weighs specs, features and how well each tool fits what a backpacker wants: low weight, useful tools and a carry method that keeps it reachable. A high score here means the tool earns its place in a pack without wasting grams.
Tool count alone never lifts a score, because ten tiny drivers are not worth as much as one good pair of pliers.
We started with the tools in this category and dropped anything too heavy or too bulky for a pack. Then we checked each product's weight, folded size, tool list, lock design and carry options against what backpackers actually do on trail: fix gear, open food, build fires and drive stakes.
Tools with self-locking blades and real pliers scored higher, because those are the jobs a pocket knife cannot do. Weight counted against every tool, but not equally: 454 g with a full bit set beat 2.2 oz with tiny pliers for most backpackers, because the heavier tool does more.
Warranty length also nudged scores, since a trail tool takes abuse and a long warranty turns a failure into a repair.
We did not test these tools on trail. The scores come from the specs and features each maker publishes and the needs of a backpacking buyer.
What should you weigh before buying a backpacking multitool?
Start with the weight you can spare and the jobs you actually do. A multitool between 2 and 4 oz covers small repairs and food prep, while 6 to 10 oz buys real pliers, a saw and sometimes an axe.
How light can a useful multitool be?
The Gerber Dime at 2.2 oz is about as light as a multitool gets while keeping pliers and scissors. Below that you are into keychain tools with a blade and a bottle opener and little else.
When does a heavier multitool earn its weight?
When you use pliers, a saw or an axe more than once a trip. The MOSSY OAK at 454 g and the GIRIAITUS at its 6.2 in folded length both do jobs a 2 oz tool cannot, such as driving stakes or splitting kindling.
Carry the weight only for jobs you know you will do.
How do tool count and tool quality trade off?
A 21-tool tool and an 18-tool tool can weigh very different amounts. What matters is whether the extra tools match your camp routine.
The MOSSY OAK's 8-in-1 bit set and magnetic hexagon sleeve suit stove and gear screws, while the SOG PowerPint's bolt gripper and wire crimper suit repairs on bike racks and pack frames. Count tools that you will actually open.
Which multitool tools matter most on trail?
The core set is pliers, scissors, a small blade and a bottle opener. Everything beyond that, from a saw to an axe to a flint starter, is a choice you make for your own camp routine.
Which tools handle gear repairs?
Pliers and wire cutters straighten bent stakes and fix pack buckles. Scissors cut cord, tape and fishing line.
A small file smooths a burr on a pot lid or a trekking pole tip. The Leatherman Rev's package opener and ruler round out a repair kit that covers most small fixes without a separate toolbox.
Which tools handle food and fire?
A plain blade opens food bags, and a bottle opener reaches a cold drink when the tool is closed. A saw, axe or flint starter only makes sense if you build fires.
The GIRIAITUS and RoverTac both include wood tools and fire gear. The Gerber Dime's outside bottle opener is the handiest version of this tool for a quick drink at camp without unfolding anything.
Should you pick a full-size or a pocket multitool?
Pick full-size when camp jobs matter and you can carry 6 to 10 oz. Pick pocket-size when every gram counts and small repairs are the main need.
What does a full-size multitool add?
Full-size tools like the MOSSY OAK and PERWIN have longer blades, larger pliers and self-locking tools. They handle stove repairs, tent stakes and food prep with less hand strain than mini tools.
The longer handles also give you more leverage on a rusted bolt or a tight lid.
What does a pocket multitool give up?
Mini tools like the Gerber Dime and SOG PowerPint have shorter blades and smaller pliers. They save 2 to 4 oz and fit a hipbelt pocket.
Choose them when the tool is a backup, not a workhorse. The Gerber Dime's 2.75 in closed size is the extreme end, and its short blades suit cord and packaging more than wood.
How should you carry a multitool in a backpack?
Carry it where you can reach it without unpacking: a hipbelt pocket, a pack strap or a belt sheath. A tool buried in the pack bottom is a tool you stop using.
Sheath, pocket or keychain?
A sheath keeps the tool safe and reachable on a belt or strap, which suits the MOSSY OAK, PERWIN, RoverTac and GIRIAITUS. A pocket clip or keychain ring suits the Gerber Dime, PowerPint and Rev.
Pick the carry method first, then the tool that fits it.
How do you keep a multitool rust-free on wet trips?
Wipe the tool dry each evening and oil the pivots. Store it in its sheath, not loose in a wet pack pocket.
Stainless steel slows rust but does not stop it. The 440A steel on the PERWIN resists corrosion well, and the Gerber and Leatherman tools carry stainless bodies too, but a wet sheath left closed all day can still spot the blades.
Which multitool suits your trip?
The MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 is the best lightweight multitool for backpacking for most hikers, because its locking tools and full bit set cover camp jobs without a second tool. Pick the Gerber Dime for an ultralight kit or the SOG PowerPint for strong pliers in a light tool.
Choose the GIRIAITUS or RoverTac when you build fires, and the Leatherman Rev when a long warranty matters most.
If you mostly hike and camp in fair weather with a light pack, weight wins. If you camp in cold or wet conditions, the extra tools in the MOSSY OAK or GIRIAITUS pay for themselves.
For more on trail-focused tools, see our multitool for hiking picks and the small multitool roundup.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for fire and shelter chores
GIRIAITUS 16 in 1 Multitool Camping Survival
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How much should a backpacking multitool weigh?
Most backpackers carry a multitool between 2 and 7 oz. The Gerber Dime at 2.2 oz suits ultralight setups, while 6 to 7 oz tools earn their place when you use pliers and a saw regularly.
Weigh the tool against the jobs you actually do on trail.
Is a multitool worth carrying when I already have a knife?
Yes, if your trips include gear repairs, stove work or fire building. Pliers straighten a bent tent stake and grip a pot lid, and scissors cut cord and tape.
A plain knife does none of those.
Leave the multitool home if you only open food packets.
What is the best lightweight multitool for backpacking with a small pack?
The Gerber Dime or SOG PowerPint fits best. The Dime closes to 2.75 in and weighs 2.2 oz, and the PowerPint closes to 3.2 in.
Both slip into a hipbelt pocket or a lanyard without crowding a small pack.
Can I take a multitool in carry-on luggage?
No. Security rules in the US and most countries treat a folding multitool with a blade as a prohibited carry-on item.
Pack it in checked baggage, and check the rules for your destination before you fly.
Which multitool tools matter most on a backpacking trip?
Pliers, scissors, a small blade and a bottle opener cover most trail jobs. Add a saw or an axe only if you plan to process wood.
Every extra tool adds weight, so choose the set that matches your camp routine.
How do I keep a multitool from rusting on wet trips?
Wipe the tool dry after each wet day and put a drop of oil on the pivot points. Stainless steel resists corrosion but does not stop it.
Store the tool in its sheath rather than loose in a wet pack pocket.
