8 Best Lightweight Multitools for Hiking (October 2026)
The best lightweight hiking multitools include the Leatherman Signal for outdoor emergency extras, the Leatherman Skeletool CX for a light plier tool, and the Leatherman Skeletool for a simple pocket carry.
On this page (5 sections)
The best multitool for hiking for most people is the Leatherman Skeletool CX, which weighs 4.96 oz and includes pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver and a straight-edged blade. Choose the 2.65 oz Victorinox Hiker if a wood saw and screwdriver matter more than pliers, or the Signal if you want outdoor extras.
A hiking tool should earn its place in your pack. A lighter tool can be easier to carry all day, while a saw, pliers or fire starter may be useful for particular trips.
For more compact options, see our best keychain multitools and small multitool picks. If your trip involves a larger camp setup, compare these with our multitools for camping.
Our picks at a glance
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How we chose lightweight hiking multitools
The best hiking multitool balances carry weight with tools you may use on a trail, such as pliers, a saw, a blade or a screwdriver. We compared stated weight, folded size and included tools, then matched each option to a distinct kind of hike.
Weight figures can vary between product descriptions and specifications, so treat them as a guide and confirm the exact model before buying. For example, the Signal is described as 7.5 oz in its feature text and 8 oz in its specifications; this roundup uses the specification weight.
A compact knife may be the better hiking choice when you don't need pliers. Our guide to Swiss Army knife versus multitool explains the tradeoff between a pocket-knife tool set and plier-based designs.
| Product | Best for | Weight | Folded size | Outdoor features | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Signal | outdoor emergency extras | 8 oz | 4.5 x 1.5 x 0.63 in | Fire starter, safety whistle, diamond-coated sharpener | 8.6 |
| Leatherman Skeletool CX | a light plier tool | 4.96 oz | 3.25 x 1 x 1 in | 8.6 | |
| Leatherman Skeletool | a simple pocket carry | 5.6 oz | 4 x 1.24 x 0.52 in | 8.1 | |
| Victorinox One-Hand Trekker | a locking trail knife | 4.64 oz | 8.0 | ||
| Leatherman Sidekick | spring-action pliers | 6.88 oz | 7.9 | ||
| Victorinox Hiker | a light saw and screwdriver | 2.65 oz | 7.9 | ||
| Gerber Truss | a broad tool selection | 8 oz | 7.6 | ||
| SOG PowerPint | compact pliers and scissors | 5.12 oz | 7.3 |
Which lightweight hiking multitool fits your trip?
The Skeletool CX is the most balanced choice for hikers who want pliers without a full-size tool set. For a saw, emergency extras or more tools, choose by the tasks you expect rather than by tool count alone.
Leatherman Signal: Best for outdoor emergency extras
- 4.5 in folded size
- 8 oz
- Built-in fire starter and safety whistle
- Pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw and hammer
The Signal brings several trail-focused tools together, including a fire starter, safety whistle, saw and hammer. Its 8 oz weight is higher than the lighter pocket picks.
Pros
- Built-in fire starter and safety whistle
- Includes a saw and hammer
- Compact 4.5 in size
Cons
- Heaviest pick here
- More weight than a minimalist day hike may call for
The Leatherman Signal fits hikers who want outdoor-focused features in one tool. Its fire starter and safety whistle distinguish it from the lighter pocket picks, while the saw and hammer add options for camp tasks.
At 8 oz and 4.5 in long when folded, it asks you to carry more than the Skeletool CX or Hiker. Leatherman also lists pliers, wire cutters, a knife, can opener and diamond-coated sharpener among its features.
The Signal makes sense when those extras have a clear role in your trip plan. For a short day hike where you mainly need a blade and screwdriver, its added weight may be more than you need.
Choose it for trips where the fire starter, whistle and saw matter. If you want a smaller plier tool, the Skeletool CX is lighter and easier to keep compact.
Leatherman Skeletool CX: Best for a light plier tool
- 4.96 oz
- 3.25 in folded size
- Pliers, wire cutters and bit driver
- Straight-edged blade and bottle opener
The Skeletool CX keeps weight low while retaining pliers, wire cutters and a bit driver. It suits hikers who want a few repair tools without carrying a full-size multitool.
Pros
- Lightest plier-based Leatherman in this group
- Includes a bit driver
- Slim folded size
Cons
- Fewer tools than full-size picks
- No saw or scissors
The Skeletool CX is a strong fit for hikers who want a compact set of repair tools. At 4.96 oz, it includes pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver and a straight-edged blade, along with a bottle opener.
Its folded size is 3.25 x 1 x 1 in. That makes it notably shorter than the Signal, while still retaining pliers for tightening or gripping small gear parts.
The CX doesn't include a saw or scissors, so it isn't the most versatile choice for every trail task. It makes more sense when you want core plier functions and prefer to keep the rest of your kit simple.
Choose it for lightweight carry with pliers and a bit driver. If you want a similar tool mix in stainless steel, compare it with the standard Skeletool below.
Leatherman Skeletool: Best for a simple pocket carry
- 5.6 oz
- 4 in folded size
- Pliers, wire cutters and bit driver
- Blade and bottle opener
The Skeletool has a similar core tool mix to the CX, with a stated weight of 5.6 oz. It's a straightforward choice when those tools cover your likely trail repairs.
Pros
- Pliers and bit driver in an open-frame design
- Bottle opener included
- Slim profile
Cons
- Heavier than the Skeletool CX
- No saw
The standard Skeletool keeps the same basic idea: pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver, a blade and bottle opener. It weighs 5.6 oz, which is 0.64 oz more than the Skeletool CX based on the stated weights.
Its folded length is 4 in. The tool list is useful for hikers who expect small adjustments or repairs but don't need a saw, scissors or a large set of drivers.
Pick this model when that core tool mix meets your needs and the extra weight is acceptable. If every ounce matters, the CX or Hiker makes a lighter choice.
Choose it for simple plier-based trail carry. For a knife with a wood saw instead of pliers, consider the Victorinox Hiker.
Victorinox One-Hand Trekker: Best for a locking trail knife
- 4.64 oz
- 12 functions
- Locking one-hand blade
- Serrated blade, wood saw and screwdrivers
The One-Hand Trekker pairs a locking blade with a wood saw and screwdrivers. It is a pocket-knife style option for hikers who don't need pliers.
Pros
- Locking blade designed for one-hand opening
- Wood saw included
- Lower weight than the full-size picks
Cons
- No pliers
- Serrated blade may not suit every cutting task
The Victorinox One-Hand Trekker suits hikers who want a locking blade and wood saw in a pocket-knife format. It weighs 4.64 oz and includes 12 functions, including screwdrivers.
At 4.4 in long, it is longer than the Hiker and Skeletool CX. Its serrated blade may suit some cutting jobs, but blade style is personal, so think about the materials you expect to cut.
This isn't a plier multitool, so it won't replace the Skeletool or Sidekick for gripping and wire work. Choose it when a one-hand locking blade and saw matter more than pliers.
Choose it for a saw and locking blade in one tool. If you want an even lighter pocket knife with a saw, the Hiker weighs 2.65 oz.
Leatherman Sidekick: Best for spring-action pliers
- 6.88 oz
- 14 tools
- Spring-action pliers
- Saw, file, ruler and outside-accessible blades
The Sidekick offers a broad tool set with spring-action pliers and a saw. Its weight and larger tool mix make more sense when you expect small repairs on the route.
Pros
- Spring-action pliers
- 14 tools including a saw and file
- Integrated lanyard ring
Cons
- Heavier than the compact knife-style choices
- More tools to carry than a minimal kit needs
The Sidekick is for hikers who want a wider tool set than the Skeletool offers. Its spring-action pliers are paired with a saw, file, ruler and 14 tools overall.
It weighs 6.88 oz and measures 3.8 in folded. That places it between the lighter compact picks and the heavier Signal or Truss, with more tool variety than the Skeletool models.
The Sidekick can be carried in a pocket or sheath, and it has an integrated lanyard ring. Choose it when you expect to use its extra tools, not just because the tool count is higher.
Choose it for spring-action pliers and a saw. If you mainly need a lightweight knife with a saw, the Hiker is less than half its stated weight.
Victorinox Hiker: Best for a light saw and screwdriver
- 2.65 oz
- 3.6 in long
- 13 functions
- Wood saw and Phillips screwdriver
The Hiker is the lightest pick here and includes a wood saw and Phillips screwdriver. It is a pocket knife rather than a plier-based multitool.
Pros
- Lowest weight in this roundup
- Wood saw and Phillips screwdriver
- Compact 3.6 in length
Cons
- No pliers
- No locking blade is specified
The Victorinox Hiker is the lightest choice in this roundup at 2.65 oz. Its 13 functions include 2 blades, a wood saw, Phillips screwdriver, can opener, bottle opener and awl.
It measures 3.6 in long. Unlike the plier-based multitools, the Hiker focuses on pocket-knife tools, so it won't help with gripping or wire cutting.
That tradeoff makes it a clear pick for hikers who value low weight and expect to use a saw or screwdriver. Check the blade rules for your route before packing any knife.
Choose it for a very light tool with a wood saw. For pliers in a compact package, the Skeletool CX is the better match.
Gerber Truss: Best for a broad tool selection
- 8 oz
- 17 tools
- Saw, scissors and two blades
- Includes a sheath
The Truss packs 17 tools, including scissors, a saw and two blades, and comes with a sheath. It suits hikers who value tool range over the lowest carry weight.
Pros
- 17 tools in one multitool
- Includes a saw and scissors
- Sheath included
Cons
- Among the heaviest picks here
- Longer closed length than compact knife options
The Gerber Truss offers a broad set of 17 tools, including needle-nose and standard pliers, wire cutters, a saw, scissors, a file and two blades. It also comes with a sheath.
Its stated weight is 8 oz, and it measures about 4.25 in closed. That makes it heavier than the compact options, but the larger tool selection may suit a hike where the multitool also supports camp and repair tasks.
The Truss has a tool lock and lanyard hole. Choose it when you value having several tool types available and are comfortable carrying more weight.
Choose it for a wide tool mix and included sheath. For a smaller plier-based option, the PowerPint weighs 5.12 oz by its listed specification.
SOG PowerPint: Best for compact pliers and scissors
- 5.12 oz stated weight
- 3.2 in closed
- Mini pliers and scissors
- Magnetic hex bit holder
The PowerPint combines mini pliers and scissors in a short package, with a magnetic hex bit holder. Its stated weight is 5.12 oz.
Pros
- Compact 3.2 in closed length
- Includes scissors and mini pliers
- Magnetic hex bit holder
Cons
- No saw is specified in the feature list
- Heavier than the Hiker and One-Hand Trekker
The SOG PowerPint fits hikers who want mini pliers and scissors in a compact design. It measures 3.2 in closed and includes a magnetic hex bit holder, two blades and 18 tools.
Its stated weight is 5.12 oz. The feature text gives a lower figure, so this roundup uses the specification weight for consistency with the other picks.
The PowerPint doesn't include a saw among its listed features, which may matter if wood cutting is part of your plan. Choose it for its compact mix of pliers, scissors and bit holder.
Choose it for compact pliers with scissors. If a saw is essential, the Hiker or One-Hand Trekker includes one.
How do you choose a multitool for hiking?
Choose a hiking multitool by matching its tools and weight to the tasks you expect on your route. A small repair kit may need pliers and a bit driver, while a pocket knife may cover simple cutting and sawing with less weight.
Is the best multitool for hiking a plier tool or pocket knife?
The best multitool for hiking depends on whether you expect to grip, tighten or cut. Pliers and a bit driver make the Skeletool CX useful for small gear adjustments, while the Hiker's 2.65 oz weight and wood saw suit a lighter pocket carry.
A pocket knife is simpler if pliers would stay unused. If you plan to make repairs, check which drivers and gripping tools the model includes before packing it.
How much should a hiking multitool weigh?
There isn't one ideal weight for every hike; decide what extra tools are worth carrying. In this group, the Hiker is 2.65 oz, the Skeletool CX is 4.96 oz and the Signal is 8 oz.
The difference can matter on a long route or when you already carry a full repair kit. Compare weight against the tool features you'll actually use, not the number of tools alone.
Should a hiking multitool have a saw?
A saw helps if you expect to cut small wood or want that option at camp. The Hiker, One-Hand Trekker, Signal, Sidekick and Truss include a saw.
If your hike is a short day trip and your needs center on gear repairs, pliers and a bit driver may be more useful. Check local fire rules before collecting or cutting wood.
Is a locking blade useful on a hike?
A locking blade can help keep the blade open during use, but it doesn't remove the need for careful handling. The One-Hand Trekker includes a liner lock system, and the Truss has a tool lock.
Use a blade only where permitted, keep it pointed away from yourself and others, and close it safely when you're done. Check the route's rules before carrying a knife.
Which hiking multitool should you pack?
Pick the Skeletool CX if you want pliers and a bit driver in a light tool. Choose the Hiker for the lowest weight with a wood saw, the One-Hand Trekker for a locking blade and saw, or the Signal when its fire starter and whistle justify carrying more.
If you want to compare more pocket-sized options, browse our compact keychain multitool guide or see how different tool styles compare in our multitool types guide.
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Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best multitool for hiking?
For a light plier-based tool, the Leatherman Skeletool CX weighs 4.96 oz and includes pliers, wire cutters and a bit driver. Choose the Victorinox Hiker if low weight and a wood saw matter more than pliers.
The right pick depends on which tools you'll use and how much weight you're willing to carry.
What should a hiking multitool include?
Start with the tasks you expect. Pliers and a bit driver can help with small gear repairs, while a saw may suit trips where you want to trim small wood.
Also consider weight, blade style and whether you want a locking blade.
Carry tools that fit your route and local rules.
Is a pocket knife enough for hiking?
A pocket knife can be enough if you mainly need a blade, saw or screwdriver. The Victorinox Hiker weighs 2.65 oz and includes a wood saw and Phillips screwdriver, but it doesn't have pliers.
Choose a multitool when its extra tools solve likely tasks on your trip.
Is the Leatherman Signal too heavy for hiking?
The Signal weighs 8 oz, so it's heavier than the Skeletool CX and Victorinox Hiker. In return, it includes a fire starter, safety whistle, saw and hammer.
Whether that tradeoff makes sense depends on your route and whether you'll use those outdoor features.
