Pocket Capability: 4 Multi-tools That Can Save the Day

Pick the pocket-size gear to round out your arsenal.

It would be ideal if you could tote around a chest full of tools with you everywhere you go, so that you’d always have the right tool for the right job at all times. The cold, hard reality is that hauling around a metric ton of tools with you every second of the day just isn’t feasible. So what multi-tool options does one have to stay prepared when an unexpected need arises?

Enter these multi-tools.

Multi-tools are (for the most part) self- contained units that are packed full of pocket-sized tools that can be deployed at a moment’s notice. As you already well know, proper tool selection is crucial when tackling any job. Selecting the right multitool for your purposes is no different. When shopping for the right multi-tool, it’s good to focus on what you’d potentially need to use it for first.

Multi-tools have gone a long way since they were first introduced. Back then, they were little more than beefed-up pocketknives.

Today, multi-tools are built to cater to many different genres of use. You’ll most commonly find general-use multi-tools that feature popular tools, such as pliers, knives, nut and screwdrivers. Diving a bit deeper, you’ll also find more specialized multi-tools dedicated to everything from electrician’s work, fishing, gardening, crafts, firearms and even a model made specifically for bomb disposal.

Having a multi-tool (or two) packed in your daypack, and in your glove box, can really save the day. Whether you’re using it to help replace a broken part or to extract a painful splinter, having the right multi-tool on hand gives you infinitely more capability than if you find yourself without one.

Let’s take a look at 10 multi-tools that could help us out when we’re off the beaten path. Some of these are more traditional in shape, form and function, while others are a bit more unique. Perhaps you’ll find your next multi-tool in this guide.

12 Survivors Pocket Harvester

HIGHLIGHTS

Made with nature in mind, the Zebra wood-handled Pocket Harvester includes tools for an outdoor lifestyle, including a wood saw and shearing tool that can be used to gather twigs and small branches for fire starting. It also has tools that are suitable for plant pruning, and other food and water-scavenging uses.

WEIGHT

10.9 ounces

CLOSED LENGTH

4.6 inches

MSRP

$12.86

TREAD’S TAKE

If you need gardening-style shears, and size is not a consideration, you’ll want to take a good look at the Pocket Harvester. It is bulky but sturdy, and comes with a nylon carry pouch.

CRKT Septimo Multi-tool

HIGHLIGHTS

The Septimo Multi-Tool is a tactical to everyday carry crossover designed by a seasoned Green Beret to be more than a convenience. He forged it of experience to serve as a lifeline.

WEIGHT

4.40 ounces

CLOSED LENGTH

4.84 inches

MSRP

$56.00

TREAD’S TAKE

While this isn’t the most packed multi-tool out there, it’s smooth and sleek as well as easy to use. If you’re looking for a pared-down, more minimalist option, the Septimo is the way to go.

Leatherman Signal

HIGHLIGHTS

Nineteen tools, including general-use tools, such as needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, a hammer, box wrenches; it also has more specialized tools, like a shaped diamond-coated sharpener for keeping your straight and serrated blade sharp, fire-starting ferro rod, and an emergency whistle. Includes nylon sheath.

WEIGHT

7.5 ounces

CLOSED LENGTH

4.5 inches

MSRP

TREAD’S TAKE

The Signal is built solidly, and its tools are easy to open and use. It has all the essentials along with emergency survival tools, which make it nice to have when traveling into the backwoods.

SOG PowerAccess Deluxe

HIGHLIGHTS

The PowerAccess Deluxe has the most tools of any SOG product to date, with a whopping 21 options. The Deluxe features SOG compound leverage for maximum gripping strength. Housed in a nylon sheath with 12-piece hex bit kit.

WEIGHT

8.7 ounces

Overall LENGTH

6.8 inches

MSRP

$79.95

TREAD’S TAKE

The PowerAccess is simple to use and its fit and finish are top notch. We’re big fans of the large number of tools it offers; while it doesn’t have everything, we’re confident its 21-tool roundup can handle most jobs.

Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the May-June 2017 print issue of Tread Magazine and on treadmagazine.com in October 2017.