8 Best Multitools to Pack for Camping (October 2026)
The best multitools for camping include the Leatherman Wave Plus for all-around camp tasks, the Victorinox Swiss Champ for a broad tool selection, and the Leatherman Surge for demanding camp repairs.
On this page (7 sections)
- Which multitool is best for camping?
- The best multitools for camp tasks
- What tools matter most in a camping multitool?
- How much should a camping multitool weigh?
- Should you choose a multitool or a Swiss Army knife for camping?
- How do you choose the right camping multitool?
- Which camping multitool should you pack?
The Leatherman Wave Plus is the best multitool for camping for most campers, with a saw, spring-action scissors, pliers and outside-accessible blades. Choose the Swiss Champ for 33 functions in a pocket knife, or the Rebar for a lighter tool with a saw and locking implements.
Camping jobs range from opening food packaging to tightening a loose screw or trimming a small branch. Think about your usual campsite tasks, then weigh that tool set against what you want to carry.
For a lighter pack, compare these picks with our lightweight multitools for hiking. If a pocket knife format sounds better than pliers-based tools, our guide to Swiss Army knives for home and outdoors explains that style.
Our picks at a glance
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Which multitool is best for camping?
The Wave Plus is the best multitool for camping for most people because its saw, scissors, pliers and accessible blades cover a broad range of common camp tasks. The Swiss Champ is a good fit if you prefer a pocket-knife shape and a larger selection of functions.
We compared the listed tools by their outdoor-use features, carry weight and the kinds of jobs they can handle. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Weight | Useful camp tools | Wire cutters | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Wave Plus | all-around camp tasks | 8.5 oz | Saw, scissors, pliers, blades | Replaceable | 9.1 |
| Victorinox Swiss Champ | a broad tool selection | 6.5 oz | Wood saw, scissors, pliers, corkscrew | 8.9 | |
| Leatherman Surge | demanding camp repairs | 12.8 oz | 8.8 | ||
| Leatherman Rebar | a straightforward tool set | 6.7 oz | Saw, pliers, wire cutters | 8.7 | |
| Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X | a compact Swiss tool kit | 7.4 oz | Wood saw, scissors, pliers | 8.4 | |
| Leatherman Wave Alpha | a premium blade and scissors | 8 oz | Saw, scissors, pliers | 8.3 | |
| Victorinox Work Champ | sawing and wire tasks | 8 oz | Wood saw, metal saw, pliers | 8.3 | |
| Gerber Multi-Plier 600 | quick one-hand access | 8 oz | 8.0 |
The best multitools for camp tasks
The right camping multitool depends on whether you value a balanced set, many pocket functions, heavier repair capacity or lower carry weight. Each pick below has a distinct reason to bring it along.
Leatherman Wave Plus: Best for all-around camp tasks
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Outside-accessible blades
- Replaceable wire cutters
- 8.5 oz
A balanced set of camp and repair tools includes a saw, spring-action scissors and outside-accessible blades. The 8.5 oz weight is manageable for a full-size multitool.
Pros
- Saw and spring-action scissors
- Outside-accessible blades
- Replaceable wire cutters
Cons
- Sheath sold separately
The Wave Plus makes a useful center-of-the-pack choice for campers who want several practical tools without carrying the heaviest option here. It includes a saw, spring-action scissors, ruler and outside-accessible blades, with replaceable wire cutters for ongoing use.
At 8.5 oz, it is lighter than the Surge and still offers tools for cutting, measuring and basic repairs. The scissors may help with small camp tasks where a knife blade is less suitable.
The Wave Plus is also listed among Leatherman’s best-selling all-rounders for household fixes, DIY and outdoor exploring. The sheath is sold separately, so plan another way to carry it if a belt sheath matters to you.
Choose it for a broad mix of camp jobs and general use. For more detail on the model’s place in a daily carry setup, see our guide to full-size multitools.
Victorinox Swiss Champ: Best for a broad tool selection
- 33 functions
- Wood saw
- Scissors
- Pliers
- 6.5 oz
The Swiss Champ packs 33 functions into a 91 mm pocket knife, including a wood saw, scissors and pliers. It suits campers who value a wide range of tools in one pocket carry.
Pros
- 33 functions
- Wood saw and scissors
- Lighter than several full-size picks
Cons
- Many functions add complexity
The Swiss Champ suits campers who want a pocket knife with many built-in functions. Its 33 tools include a large blade, scissors, pliers, wood saw, fish scaler, magnifying glass and corkscrew.
At 6.5 oz, it weighs less than the Wave Plus and Surge. The tradeoff is a dense tool selection in a pocket-knife format, rather than the plier-first design of the Leatherman picks.
Its 91 mm length and 33 functions make it a versatile option for camp chores and quick fixes. For help deciding whether that style fits your needs, read what each type of multitool does.
Leatherman Surge: Best for demanding camp repairs
- 21-in-1
- Large pliers
- Long blades
- Interchangeable saw blade and file
- 12.8 oz
The Surge has large pliers, long blades and an interchangeable saw blade and file for heavier repair tasks. Its 12.8 oz weight is a tradeoff for the larger tool set.
Pros
- Large pliers and long blades
- Saw and file can be swapped
- 21-in-1 tool set
Cons
- Heaviest pick in this roundup
The Surge is the heavy-duty pick for campers who expect more demanding repairs. It has large pliers, long blades and an interchangeable saw blade and file, so you can swap the cutting tool for smoothing or trimming work.
That added capacity comes with a 12.8 oz weight, the heaviest in this roundup. It makes more sense when you have a specific need for its larger tools than when your main goal is to keep a day pack light.
The Surge can suit a base camp, vehicle kit or work-focused trip where the extra weight is acceptable. If your camping plans overlap with vehicle or equipment repairs, compare it with our multitools for mechanics and car work.
Leatherman Rebar: Best for a straightforward tool set
- 17 tools
- All-locking tools
- Saw
- Replaceable wire cutters
- 6.7 oz
The Rebar has 17 all-locking tools, including pliers, a saw and replaceable wire cutters. At 6.7 oz, it offers a compact option for campers who do not need scissors.
Pros
- All-locking tools
- Saw and replaceable wire cutters
- 6.7 oz
Cons
- No scissors
The Rebar gives you a simpler full-size tool set with 17 all-locking tools, including pliers, a saw, wire cutters, screwdrivers, a file and openers. Its listed weight is 6.7 oz, making it a lighter Leatherman choice than the Wave Plus or Surge.
There are no scissors in its tool list, so consider whether that matters for your camp routine. The replaceable wire cutters and all-locking tools add practical repair features for a compact, straightforward setup.
Choose the Rebar if your priority is pliers, a saw and basic repair tools without a longer feature list. Our multitools under 100 dollars guide compares it with other options for buyers weighing features and budget.
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X: Best for a compact Swiss tool kit
- 24 functions
- Wood saw
- Scissors
- Needle-nose pliers
- Leather pouch included
The Spirit X combines 24 functions with a wood saw, scissors and needle-nose pliers. A leather pouch is included for carrying and storage.
Pros
- 24 functions
- Wood saw and scissors
- Leather pouch included
Cons
- No listed weight advantage over lighter picks
The Swiss Tool Spirit X brings 24 functions together with needle-nose pliers, a wood saw, scissors, a metal saw and a file. It also includes a leather pouch, which gives you a ready-made way to carry it.
At 7.4 oz, it falls between the Swiss Champ and Wave Plus in listed weight. Its broad mix of cutting and repair tools fits campers who want a Swiss-made multitool with a pouch included.
Choose it if you want both saw and scissor options along with pliers. If your tasks mostly call for a pocket knife, compare the Spirit X with the Swiss Champ before deciding.
Leatherman Wave Alpha: Best for a premium blade and scissors
- MagnaCut blade
- Full-size spring-action scissors
- Saw
- One-hand opening
- 8 oz
The Wave Alpha pairs a MagnaCut blade with full-size spring-action scissors, a saw and one-hand opening. Its 8 oz weight keeps it close to the Wave Plus in carry weight.
Pros
- MagnaCut blade
- Full-size spring-action scissors
- One-hand opening
Cons
- Sheath sold separately
The Wave Alpha combines a MagnaCut blade, full-size spring-action scissors, a saw and pliers in an 8 oz tool. Its thumb stud supports one-hand opening, which may appeal when you want to reach a blade without unfolding the whole tool.
Its listed features overlap with the Wave Plus, but the Alpha adds G10 handle scales and a MagnaCut blade. The sheath is sold separately, so include that in your carry plan if you prefer a belt setup.
Choose the Alpha if those blade and handle materials matter to you and you want full-size scissors. The Wave Plus remains a compelling option for campers who want a familiar blend of outdoor and DIY tools.
Victorinox Work Champ: Best for sawing and wire tasks
- 21 functions
- Wood saw
- Metal saw and file
- Pliers
- 8 oz
The Work Champ includes a wood saw, metal saw and file alongside pliers and wire tools. Its 21 functions suit campers who expect both outdoor and gear-repair jobs.
Pros
- Wood saw and metal saw
- Pliers and wire tools
- 21 functions
Cons
- No sheath detail provided
The Work Champ suits campers who expect to saw and make small wire or gear repairs. Its 21 functions include a wood saw, metal saw, metal file, pliers, wire cutter and wire crimper, plus scissors and screwdrivers.
At 8 oz, it is close in weight to the Wave Alpha. Its 4.4 in length is worth considering for pocket carry, and the tool list emphasizes workshop-style functions as well as outdoor cutting.
Choose it if the two saw types and wire tools fit your planned tasks. For a pocket knife with a more general range of outdoor functions, compare it with the Swiss Champ.
Gerber Multi-Plier 600: Best for quick one-hand access
- 14 tools
- One-hand opening pliers
- Serrated knife
- Sheath included
- 8 oz
The Multi-Plier 600 offers one-hand opening pliers, a serrated knife and a sheath. It fits campers who want quick plier access and basic opener and screwdriver tools.
Pros
- One-hand opening pliers
- Sheath included
- 14 tools
Cons
- No saw mentioned among the included tools
The Gerber Multi-Plier 600 is the pick for campers who want one-hand opening pliers and a sheath included. Its 14 tools include a serrated knife, ruler, bottle opener, screwdrivers and wire crimper.
It weighs 8 oz and uses stainless steel construction. The listed tool set does not mention a saw, so choose another model if cutting small branches is a priority.
Its one-hand plier access may be useful for quick fixes around a vehicle or camp setup. The included sheath also makes it easier to carry on a belt than models whose sheath is sold separately.
What tools matter most in a camping multitool?
A camping multitool should match the tasks you expect, with a blade, pliers or saw taking priority for many campers. Scissors, screwdrivers, openers and files are useful when they solve a real need in your kit.
A saw can help with small wood-cutting tasks, but it is not a substitute for a proper saw when you need to process larger branches. Pliers and drivers suit basic gear adjustments, while a blade handles ordinary cutting jobs.
Think about how you store and carry the tool as well. A sheath is included with the Gerber Multi-Plier 600 and Swiss Tool Spirit X, while Leatherman states that the Wave Plus and Wave Alpha sheaths are sold separately.
How much should a camping multitool weigh?
The lightest picks here are the Swiss Champ at 6.5 oz and the Rebar at 6.7 oz. The Surge weighs 12.8 oz, so its larger pliers and long blades come with a clear carry tradeoff.
For a day hike, weight may matter more than a long list of seldom-used functions. For a base camp or vehicle kit, you may be more willing to carry a larger multitool if its specific tools fit the work.
The hiking multitool guide focuses on lightweight carry. If you mainly need tiny tools for simple tasks, our small multitool picks cover smaller options.
Should you choose a multitool or a Swiss Army knife for camping?
Choose a plier-based multitool if pliers, replaceable wire cutters or one-hand tool access are central to your plans. Choose a Swiss Army knife if you want a pocket-knife format with a broad set of smaller built-in functions.
The Swiss Champ is 6.5 oz and has 33 functions, including a wood saw, scissors and pliers. The Wave Plus weighs 8.5 oz and includes outside-accessible blades, spring-action scissors and replaceable wire cutters.
Neither format fits every trip. Our guide to Swiss Army knife vs multitool walks through the tradeoffs.
How do you choose the right camping multitool?
Choose the multitool with the tools you expect to use, then check its weight and carry setup. Avoid choosing by function count alone, since a long tool list can add weight without helping your particular trip.
- For an all-around mix: Wave Plus, with saw, scissors, pliers and accessible blades.
- For many pocket functions: Swiss Champ, with 33 tools at 6.5 oz.
- For heavier repairs: Surge, with large pliers and an interchangeable saw blade and file.
- For a lighter full-size Leatherman: Rebar, with a saw and all-locking tools at 6.7 oz.
- For a sheath included: Gerber Multi-Plier 600 or Swiss Tool Spirit X.
Consider what you already carry, too. A separate knife, repair kit or dedicated saw may make a multitool’s extra functions less useful.
Which camping multitool should you pack?
Pack the Wave Plus if you want one balanced tool for cutting, small repairs and general camp use. Choose the Swiss Champ if a pocket knife with 33 functions suits you, or the Rebar if lower weight and a simpler tool set matter more.
For heavier jobs, the Surge adds larger pliers and long blades at 12.8 oz. If you are still choosing between a pocket knife and pliers-based tool, start with our multitool types explained guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best multitool for camping?
The Leatherman Wave Plus is a strong all-around choice because it combines a saw, spring-action scissors, pliers and outside-accessible blades at 8.5 oz.
Choose the Swiss Champ if you want more pocket functions, or the Rebar if you want a simpler tool set with a saw and pliers.
Is a multitool useful for camping?
A multitool can help with small camp repairs and everyday tasks, such as cutting, opening containers or tightening a screw. The right tool depends on what you bring and how much weight you want to carry.
It does not replace dedicated gear or tools needed for safety-critical repairs.
Should I take a full-size multitool hiking?
A full-size multitool can make sense on hikes where pliers, a saw or multiple repair tools are useful. Weight matters, so compare the tool’s stated weight with your pack and route.
For a lighter carry, see our guide to lightweight multitools for hiking.
What should a camping multitool include?
Start with the tools tied to your plans. A blade, pliers and a saw cover common cutting and repair needs, while scissors, screwdrivers or a file can help with specific gear and camp tasks.
Check which tools you will use before choosing a model for a longer list of functions.
