I Tested 4 Multitools - ONLY 1 Knife Hikes With Me

When you’re out on the trail, a good knife or multitool is more than just a gadget — it’s a problem solver. Come With Us as we show you 4 different tools, the features of each, critical comparisons, and decide which one deserves a permanent spot hiking with you. Let’s Get Started. To watch the video version of this blog click here or continue reading below.

Here are the four knives we’ll be discussing today: The Swiss Army Tinker, the Swiss Army Swiss Champ, the Leatherman Wave, and the Bibury Multitool Pliers BI2038B They are each a little different and clearly not all of them are sold for hiking. But, these are the knives that I’ve taken hiking with me, after doing my own research, and I go back to the same one again and again.

Here are links to the four tools if you would like to follow along:

Victorinox Swiss Tinker 14 function: https://geni.us/Y7axAhJ

Leatherman Wave: https://geni.us/lIQtE Victorinox

Swiss Champ: https://geni.us/Z4Byk

Bibury Multitool Pliers BI2038B, 22-in-1 https://geni.us/lDeYNj

But, first we should ask the question while hiking in Glacier National Park

Should I Bring a Knife While Hiking?

This is a great question for beginner hikers. Bringing a knife on a hike is about being prepared for those small moments when a good tool can make your day easier and safer. It’s sexy to talk about survival. But, I carry a knife mostly for convenience. Whether it’s cutting open a tough snack package, trimming a stray piece of rope for a shelter, fixing gear with a screwdriver on a multitool, or even helping with first aid in an emergency, a knife is one of those versatile tools that makes things easier in unexpected ways. That said, it doesn’t have to be heavy or bulky. A lightweight multitool is often all you need to cover most tasks without adding unnecessary weight. Hike with a multitool and I guarantee you’ll use it more than you expect.

Next we’ll go through features of each knife and then provide a hiker focused comparison. If you want to check any of these out in more details while you watch we’ll put links in our video description for you to check them out.

Is The Bibury Multitool Pliers BI2038B Good for Hiking?

If you’re looking for a budget multitool that still brings a lot to the table, the Bibury 22-in-1 is worth a look. It has pliers, wire cutters, multiple screwdrivers, a knife, saw, bottle opener, and more. At around ⅓rd the price of a Leatherman, it’s surprisingly capable. The pliers are decent for light work, though they don’t feel quite as strong or refined as the Wave’s. The locking mechanism on the tools is a nice safety feature, and it folds up fairly compact for what you get. If you’re just starting out with hiking or camping and want versatility without breaking the bank, Bibury gives you great value with this focused camping tool. It even has a whistle that sounds quite annoying, a flint and hammer for tent stakes. But the Bibury doesn’t have a phillips head screwdriver.

Next Let’s continue the conversation

Is the Swiss Army Swiss Champ Multitool Practical for Hiking?

The Swiss Champ is the Tinker’s big brother — and when I say big, I mean big. It packs an incredible 33 functions, from a magnifying glass to a mini saw, pliers, scissors, fish scaler, and more. Mine does not have pliers but I’ll link to the one that does in the video description. It weighs 6.5 ounces, so you’ll notice it more in your pocket, but if you like being ready for anything, the Swiss Champ delivers. But what I like most about this tool is the saw and the magnifying glass. If you need a little extra zoom to read a map the magnifying glass can help you read the fine print and you won’t have to use your phone and waste battery. The downside? That many tools in one body can make it feel a bit bulky in your hand, and it’s overkill for quick day hikes. But for car camping or longer trips where you want a “do-it-all” pocket toolkit, the Swiss Champ is like having a small toolbox in your pocket.

Before we continue with our next question are you liking this video? Do you want tips, trails, gear, and stories from the outdoors? Subscribe today and join the adventureWe share in this way to give you the most to make your decisions. Subscribe today to learn the best tips for hiking the national parks and more. Ok .

Is the Leatherman Wave Multitool Good for Hiking?

The Leatherman Wave is the workhorse of the group. This is the one I often grab when I plan overnight trips. When I expect to be fixing or building something on the trail away from the car. It’s made of stainless steel, has 18 functions, and the pliers are strong enough to handle real pressure without flexing. The knives lock into place, the file can smooth down rough edges, and the saw is sharp enough for small wood projects. It weighs 8.5 ounces, so it’s heavier than the Swiss Army knives, but the Wave’s ergonomics make it comfortable to use for extended periods. Compared to the Bibury it is smaller in shape and weight. For hikers who double as camp mechanics or who like to be ready for gear emergencies, the Leatherman Wave is a top-tier choice.

Is the Swiss Army Tinker Multitool Good for Hiking?

If you’re looking for a multitool that’s compact, lightweight, and simple, the Swiss Army Tinker is a classic. It weighs just 2.2 ounces and gives you 12 functions, including two blades, screwdrivers, a can opener, and a reamer. I love the Tinker for day hikes because it’s small enough to disappear in your pocket but still covers the basics. You won’t find pliers or heavy-duty tools here. But what you will find is tweezers and a toothpick. For convenience if you get fruit seeds or similar in your teeth a toothpick may be the only thing between you and a joyful hike. But, tweezers are critical with a knife to get out splinters while you’re on the trail. The Tinker is meant for light tasks, like opening food packaging, tightening a screw on your sunglasses, or cutting small cordage. If ultralight is your goal, the Tinker is hard to beat, but for bigger repairs or camp chores, you’ll want something more robust.

Now that we know about each knife let’s get into the comparison and then pick a winner!

Let’s lay them all out together.

Weight: Tinker – 2.2 oz, Swiss Champ – 6.5 oz, Wave – 8.5 oz, Bibury – about 9.7 oz.

Number of Tools: Tinker – 12, Swiss Champ – 33, Wave – 18, Bibury – 22.

Best for Light Hikes: Swiss Army Tinker.

Best All-Round Capability: Leatherman Wave.

Best for Maximum Tools in One: Swiss Champ.

Best Budget Option: Bibury.

I’m giving my CampBrood Score for each:

Tinker – 9/10 for portability.

Swiss Champ – 8.5/10 for versatility.

Wave – 8.0/10 for durability. But some of the tools are really hard to open

Bibury – 8/10 for value. But the flint and whistle are almost impossible to open and use.

Is a Swiss Army Knife Better than a Leatherman?

No matter which one you choose, make sure it’s accessible in your pack, in your pocket or on your belt because a multitool doesn’t help if it’s buried at the bottom of your bag. For ultralight hikers, the Swiss Army Tinker is a perfect minimalist choice. If you’re the type who loves to be prepared for absolutely anything, the Swiss Champ is like your pocket-sized survival kit. And if you’re looking for a budget multitool that can still handle most trail tasks, the Bibury is a solid entry point. But many people will still choose the Leatherman Wave for it’s durability and pliers. But what I noticed with the Leatherman’s and the Bibury is that I needed a tool to open some of the tools on those 2 knives. If I had to pick just one for hiking and camping, the Swiss Army Tinker gets my vote — it’s durable, functional, lightweight, small, and dependable when you need it most. And you don’t need a tool to use it.

Since we are Hiking here is a gear list of what we usually hike with on day treks:

Teton Sports Hydration Pack Video Review: https://youtu.be/KEBrYwp8RQk Amazon Link: 2021 model https://geni.us/ABGAl3 2022 model https://geni.us/8CvKFjt

Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E hydration backpack Video Review for younger hikers: https://youtu.be/WbRgZr6C20g Amazon Link: https://geni.us/6pYjqVF

Merrell Moab II Men's Hiking Shoes: https://geni.us/FTfvZ

The First Aid Kit we carry: https://geni.us/DlnxOr

Trekking Poles: https://geni.us/67DzA

Tactical Flashlights: https://geni.us/UUjzPJx

Compass: https://geni.us/bFis

Swiss Army Tinker 14 function: https://geni.us/Y7axAhJ

Rescue Rope: https://geni.us/s2fEB

Here are dad joke books for great gifts: Dad Jokes Around the Campfire: https://geni.us/bD0Zua 600 Funniest Dad Jokes: https://geni.us/WHYBfDB To view any product mentioned by us in our videos, click this link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/campbrood As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

To continue learning watch this video next.