My camping trips got simpler when I left the multi-tool at home.

I used to carry a bulky multi-tool on every trip, thinking it was essential. Then, on a weekend hike, I forgot it and realized I only needed a simple knife. Now, I advise new campers to focus on basics rather than gadgets. It saves space and reduces clutter in your pack. I know many folks swear by them, but I think they are often overkill.

3 comments

3 Comments

thomaspark29d ago

Saw a good article about this last month where a guy called multi-tools "insurance for your gear." He made a fair point, like Derek did. I still mostly just grab my fixed blade knife for quick trips, it's all I ever seem to pull out. For a week in the woods, I get the want for pliers though. My big one stays in the car now, just in case.

derek_singh29d ago

I get what you mean about only needing a simple knife most of the time, and I definitely pack lighter now too. But I've been saved a couple times by having pliers on a multi-tool to fix a tent pole or a camp stove valve. For a quick overnight, sure, skip it. For a longer trip where you might need to tweak gear, the right multi-tool is worth its weight (just maybe not the giant ten pound one).

bennett.riley24d ago

Insurance for your gear" feels like a stretch. How often does gear actually break in a way a multi-tool can fix? I've done plenty of week long trips and my knife handles 99% of cutting tasks. If a tent pole snaps, you're probably using a stick and some tape, not performing surgery with mini pliers. It just seems like extra weight for a "what if" that almost never happens.