Leatherman holds a wide lead for camping and outdoor multi-tools. Specific outdoor and survival queries consistently point directly to the Leatherman Signal.
For most camping and hiking trips, I’d pick the Leatherman Wave+. Current 2026 gear testing repeatedly puts it near the top because it balances pliers, knife, saw, scissors, screwdrivers, file, and replaceable wire cutters without becoming excessively bulky.
Gerber Center-Drive — its center-axis driver is its major advantage.
Low weight
Victorinox Huntsman — considerably lighter, but without full-size pliers.
Premium option
Leatherman ARC — MagnaCut blade and magnetic tool deployment, but roughly $250.
Budget
Gerber Suspension NXT — around $45 currently.
My practical recommendation: If you're car camping, weekend camping, or general backpacking and want one multitool that can handle almost anything, get the Wave+. If you're doing ultralight backpacking, I'd go smaller rather than carrying an 8.5-oz multitool just for occasional repairs.
If you tell me your budget (e.g. <$50, <$100, <$150) and whether you're car camping or backpacking, I can narrow it down to 2–3 options.
When choosing the best multi-tool for camping, the right pick depends on whether you prefer a rugged, plier-based heavy-hitter or a lightweight, pocket-friendly classic . Expert consensus and field testing point to a few standout options:[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multitool/)
Best Overall Outdoor Pick: Leatherman Signal
Weight: 7.5 oz
Why it shines: Purpose-built for camping and bushcraft , the Signal packs 19 tools including heavy-duty pliers, a combo knife blade, and a wood saw. Crucially for the backcountry, it features outdoor-specific survival extras: a detachable fire-starting ferro rod, an emergency whistle, and a diamond-coated sharpener. It also has a textured hammer end specifically designed for pounding tent stakes.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multitool/)
Best Lightweight / Minimalist Pick: Leatherman Skeletool CX
Weight: 5.2 oz
Why it shines: If you want full pliers and a great knife without the bulk of a heavy tactical tool, the Skeletool CX strips things down to the absolute essentials. It features a high-end 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver, and a built-in carabiner clip so you can hook it directly to your belt loop or pack.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multitool/)
Best Traditional / Backpacking Pick: Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife
Weight: 3.4 oz
Why it shines: For traditional campers and backpackers who prioritize weight savings and food prep over heavy-duty wire-cutting and pliers, the Huntsman is a legend . It includes 15 practical tools, featuring a remarkably sharp wood saw, scissors, two knife blades, a can opener, and a corkscrew.
Why it shines: If you want solid stainless-steel plier functionality and standard implement locking without spending over $100, this Walmart favorite punches well above its weight class for casual car camping and general camp chores.
To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:
What style of camping do you usually do (car camping, backpacking, or backcountry survival)?
Do you consider pliers an absolute must-have, or would you prefer a lighter knife-based multi-tool?
If you want the best multi-tool on the market right now, I'd narrow it down to three things: build quality, tool selection, and how well it performs in real-world use. The right winner depends on whether you want a pocket tool for everyday carry, a heavy-duty tool for work, or a full-size multitool for camping and emergencies.
For most people, I'd start by comparing Leatherman, Victorinox, and Gerber. Leatherman is especially worth considering if you want pliers and practical repair tools; Victorinox is a strong choice for compact everyday versatility.
The top multitools to buy in 2026
(Best overall — premium)
Leatherman Arc
$249.95
Popular Mechanics and Outdoor Life both select it as their best overall multitool. It has a premium MagnaCut blade, one-handed tool access, and a magnetic opening mechanism. The biggest drawback is its price.
An 18-function workhorse with pliers, replaceable wire cutters, scissors, saw, files, and screwdrivers. OutdoorGearLab names it best for most people in its October 2026 testing.
Best balance of usefulness, durability, and price.
An excellent alternative known for precision fit and finish, smooth tool access, and polished stainless-steel construction. Its pliers aren't spring-loaded, and its wire cutters aren't replaceable.
Best if build quality and refinement matter most.
Gerber Center-Drive
Around $155–160
Designed around a full-size, centered screwdriver for better leverage and practical repair work. Popular Mechanics names it its best heavy-duty pick.
Best for mechanical work, maintenance, and driving screws.
My verdict
Money is no object: Leatherman Arc.
Best all-around purchase: Leatherman Wave+.
Best for serious repair work: Gerber Center-Drive.
Best refined stainless-steel construction: Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X.
The Arc is the premium winner, but the Wave+ is the one I'd recommend to most buyers. You get the functions that matter without paying an extra $120 for premium features.
One question that could change my recommendation: What will you mainly use it for?
If you mean a general-purpose, plier-based multitool, the strongest all-around choice right now is the Leatherman Arc. Multiple 2026 reviews independently put it at or near the top, particularly for everyday carry and general use.
Leatherman ARC Multi-Tool - $229.95 (REI Co-op)
Why the Arc stands out
MagnaCut blade — excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
One-handed access to the tools.
Interchangeable bit driver, making it much more useful for screws than many multitools.
Replaceable wire cutters.
About 8.6 oz, so it's substantial without being enormous.
Its tools lock open, and virtually everything is accessible without unfolding the entire tool.
But there are good reasons to choose something else
Best for heavy-duty work: Leatherman Surge — larger and heavier, but better suited to demanding jobs.
Best slimmer alternative:Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X — 24 functions, slim stainless-steel construction, and particularly good screwdrivers.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X Multi-tool - $145.00 (Swiss Knife Shop)
Best value:Leatherman Wave+ — considerably cheaper than the Arc while retaining the core multitool capabilities.
Best lightweight EDC: Leatherman Skeletool CX — roughly 5 oz and focuses on the essentials rather than trying to include everything.
+ - $119.95 (REI Co-op)
My practical recommendation: If you're buying one multitool to keep for years and use for everything from household repairs to camping, I'd look hardest at the Arc. If you tell me your budget and whether it's mainly for EDC, work, camping, hunting, or home repairs, I can narrow it down considerably.
The [Leatherman ARC ](https://www.leatherman.com/products/arc?variant=43597521748061) is widely considered the overall best multi-tool on the market due to its premium CPM-MagnaCut steel blade and buttery-smooth, one-handed magnetic opening architecture.
Selecting the right multi-tool depends heavily on your specific budget, weight limits, and everyday carry (EDC) style.
Best Overall:Leatherman ARC breaks new ground as the first multi-tool featuring a premium MagnaCut steel blade that stays sharp significantly longer than standard steels. Its magnet-based platform lets you deploy every single tool smoothly with one hand.
Best Value / Workhorse:Leatherman Wave+ has been the gold standard for decades. It delivers outward-opening blades, robust pliers, and solid locking mechanisms at roughly half the cost of flagship ultra-premium models.
