There isn’t a more useful item category out there than pocket tools (also known as multi-tools). These small tools contain anywhere from a couple to over 20 different useful tools such as knives, screw drivers, scissors, bottle openers and more. The problem is that there are a lot of sub-par products out there. A lot have bad reputations for breaking and potentially letting you down when you least expect it. So which are the best pocket tools out there? Which ones should you take on your next camping trip?
Here are our picks for the top 10 best pocket tools that money can buy:
Leatherman
The undisputed leader in pocket tools is absolutely Leatherman. For good reason too. All Leatherman tools have a full 25 year warranty. And if you had to crown one winner, it would undoubtedly be the Leatherman Wave. This is the go-to pocket tool for anyone that needs the best tools for the job in a very compact and durable package. The Wave has a whopping 17 tools made our of 420HC steel. Take a quick look online and you will consistently see the Leatherman Wave mentioned as by far the most recommended pocket tool available. And we would tend to agree. This is far and away the most fully featured one you can buy.
The bigger brother to the Leatherman Wave is the Surge. It ups the number of tools to 21 but continues the tradition of great quality, durable construction. It’s basically just as good as the Wave but the Leatherman Surge is slightly larger at 12.5 ounces verses the 8.5 ounce Wave. We tend to favor the slightly smaller Wave due to its increased portability. But of course the choice is yours.
We also love the Leatherman Juice S2 as a model for people that don’t want quite as much bulk. At just 4.6 ounces, this is one of the lightest tools, but it also covers the main tools you’ll need in the field: knife, 4x screwdriver heads, wire cutters, scissors, pliers and a bottle opener.
One of my personal favorites is the Leatherman Skeletool. This unique tool takes everything you love about other Leatherman products and slims it down, removing unnecessary weight and bulk to make a more sleek pocket tool. Of course this sleek design comes at a cost. It only has 7 tools. But for most cases out in the wild this will get the job done. I personally carry this tool with me when traveling. The knife and bottle opener alone have saved me in many circumstances while overseas. This tool is only 5 ounces due to the unique cutout design across the whole tool. It is absolutely up there with the best of the best. Although I do wish it had a pair of scissors from time to time.
Victorinox
Victorinox has always been a crowd favorite in the pocket tool space. All of their products are designed and manufactured in Switzerland. Two of our absolute favorites are the Victorinox SwissTool and the Swiss Army SwissChamp. The Swisstool is a direct competitor to the best pocket tools out there from Leatherman, Gerber and others. With a stainless steel body, that quite frankly looks sexy as hell, this tool contains a whopping 27 functions! The smaller SwissChamp is a more typical Swiss Army knife. But it somehow packs in 32 different tools into a small body. We love both of these models and it just depends on what your style is and how much you will want to use the larger pliers on the SwissTool.
Gerber
Gerber makes a great product as well. Perhaps not quite as high regarded as Leatherman, but great nonetheless. There is a reason why the US Army gives each soldier a Gerber tool. The two main models that we recommend are the MP400 and the MP600. These are basically just the same tool in two different sizes. Gerber makes a great locking mechanism on both of these models which is awesome. There’s nothing mind blowing about either of these models but I do love the way that the pliers slide out as you push the locking mechanism. You not only look cool, but it is just great design.
SOG
SOG is another company that makes a great pocket tool. Their B61 and S61 models are both awesome (the B61 has 3 more tools for a total of 19). They both come with a lifetime warranty and a really great set of pliers. If you think you’ll be using the pliers a lot consider looking at either of these due to their patented compound leverage design. We love these pocket tools!
Here is the full list of our top 10 best pocket tools from least to most expensive:
LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Nylon Sheath, Built in the USA, Stainless Steel
$95.96 in stock
2 used from $92.99
Features
- A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer the expected & unexpected, transforming everyday challenges into triumphant moments
- Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools are built to last a lifetime, embodying the innovation & perseverance of our founder, Tim Leatherman
- Our Best-Selling All-Rounder: From household fixes & DIY pursuits to gardening and exploring the outdoors, Wave+ helps you do it all; Weighing just 8.5 ounces, this pocket-sized tool is perfect for everyday carry
- A DIY Must-Have: This multi-tool empowers you to DIY like a pro; Includes tools like a saw, easy-to-use spring-action scissors, a ruler & more to help you conquer any DIY project, big or small
- Ready for Anything: A fresh upgrade to our most popular multitool; Now includes premium replaceable wire cutters, so you can keep using this professional-grade multi-tool for years to come
LEATHERMAN, Surge Heavy Duty Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters and Spring-Action Scissors, Limited Edition Black/Silver with Premium Nylon Sheath
Features
- A MULTITOOL POWERHOUSE: The Surge is one of our largest multitools for heavy-duty use, built with our largest pliers, longest multitool blades and easy-to-use locks
- 21 TOOLS IN 1 HAND: Features a unique blade exchanger, replaceable premium wire cutters and four outside-opening blades give you quick access to any of its 21 premium tools
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- ONE-HAND OPENING: Open and use all tools with one hand, even the ones that aren't accessible from the outside; All-locking features mean you can use it with confidence
- ALWAYS ON HAND: With its heavy-duty yet portable size and lanyard ring, your Surge is always within reach and ready to work
LEATHERMAN, Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool with Pliers, Knife, and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
Features
- READY FOR ANYTHING: Let's get back to basics. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary features, making it the perfect tool for everyday use and carry.
- FIT MORE FUNCTIONALITY: Needlenose and regular pliers, hard and regular wire cutters, 154CM knife, carabiner/bottle opener, and large bit driver.
- LET'S BE PRACTICAL: Sometimes you only have one hand to spare. The Skeletool CX only requires one hand to open and use all the tools, even the ones that aren't accessible from the outside. And with a locking blade, you can cut with confidence.
- ALWAYS ON HAND: With its lightweight design and pocket clip, your Skeletool CX is always within reach and ready to work. Store an extra bit right in the handle for even more capability.
- GUARANTEED: Our 25-year limited warranty ensures that your Leatherman will give you many years of dependable service. Just send it in and we'll fix it up. All Leatherman multitools are made and repaired right here in the USA.
Victorinox - Swiss Tool Spirit & Leather Pouch 30227Lnp
Features
- Needlenose Pliers
- Screwdriver 2mm
- Can Opener with Screwdriver 3mm
- Wire cutter for thin and soft wire up to 40 HRc
- Bottle Opener.Crate Opener with Screwdriver 6mm & Wire Bender.Practical Spirit combi-edge blade.Scissors.Metal File & Metal Saw.Wood Saw
LEATHERMAN, FREE T2 Multitool and EDC Knife with Magnetic Locking and One Hand Accessible Tools, Built in the USA, Stainless
Features
- SMALL AND MIGHTY: An EDC multipurpose tool built for every hand; Compact and incredibly versatile, it packs 8 tools and our integrated FREE technology into this 3.3-ounce workhorse
- ENHANCED ERGONOMICS: Fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and offers one-hand access; Tools pop open with a simple push of your thumb - no more broken fingernails
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- 8 TOOLS IN 1: Includes only the essentials, from a 420HC knife to a bottle opener to a pry tool to a variety of screwdrivers; The perfect lightweight everyday carry package
- MAGNETIC LOCKING: Reduces friction and provides haptic feedback; Newly designed cam locks secure open tools in place; Unwavering reliability for a lifetime of use
![GERBER MP600 Multi-Plier, Needle Nose, Bladeless, Black [30-000952]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41N9ECf4K4L._SL500_.jpg)
GERBER MP600 Multi-Plier, Needle Nose, Bladeless, Black [30-000952]
$65.90 in stock
Features
- 14-IN-1 MULTI-TOOL: Features needle nose pliers, small, medium, and large flathead screwdrivers, Philips screwdriver, file, removable saw, replaceable wire cutters, can opener, bottle opener, scissors, ruler, and a ballistic nylon sheath
- SURVIVAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT: Made from stainless steel that will stand the test of time and conveniently travel with you with a tool lock and sheath; Saf.T.Plus locking feature protects when not in use; Travel-friendly and complies with "no knife" workplace policies
- SLIM DESIGN: Opens with just a flick of the wrist with one-handed opening sliding jaws; Fits compactly in a pocket; Included sheath protects tool when not in use
- WORKSITE AND CAMPING ACCESSORIES: Great for any hunter, tradesman, and the everyday carry; Perfect addition to camping essentials, toolbox, work wear, and fishing and hiking gear
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 3.1" overall length; 9 oz weight; Backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, Red ,58mm
3 used from $22.99
Features
- CLASSIC SD: Beloved by everyday adventurers for more than a century. Combines vibrant colors with sleek functionality.
- EVERYDAY HERO: The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD pocket knife doesn’t just look good, it’s also fully equipped to tackle your everyday tasks with ease. Key features include a small blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, key ring, toothpick and tweezers.
- BRIGHT AND BOLD: Tailor your Classic SD to your own personal style with our bold range of colors, from bright Mango Tango to pretty Cherry Blossom.
- HIGHEST SWISS QUALITY: Victorinox stands for skilled craftsmanship and innovative design. We draw on 13 years’ experience to produce iconic, high-quality knives, watches, luggage and perfumes.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Measurements: 58 mm / 2.3 in long × 18 mm / .7 in wide × 9 mm / .4 in height. Weight: 21 g / .7 oz. Scale material: ABS/Cellidor. Color: Red
