Multi-Tool & Pocket Knife: The Best Backpacking Tools You’ll Ever Need!

Hey there! When it comes to backpacking and/ or going on any kind of adventure, there are a few essentials you should never be caught without. Amongst those backpacking essentials should be a pocket knife and some kind of lightweight multi-tools. Despite their lightweight and mini-size will help you in many situations. I have been carrying a Leatherman STYLE® PS multi-tool and a Leatherman JUICE B2 pocket knife all around the world since 2018 and can’t question their usefulness.

Why carry such tools?

Well, in an ideal world, there would be no need really. However, life happens and reality is different. From food preparation to fixing gear, cutting a rope, or wood, removing a splinter from your hand, or anything coming your way, there are lots of situations where you will be happy to have those tools with you.

First up is the multi-tools

A multi-tool acts like a mini toolbox that fits right in your pocket or clips onto your backpack, giving you quick access to a multitude of solutions.
The Leatherman STYLE® PS I use is super compact and won’t weigh you down (44.7 grams only!). But don’t be fooled by its size, it packs a punch with 8 handy tools. Fixing up gear or cracking open a cold one, this tool has got you covered. Note that this tool has no blade, making it easier to travel in plane with a carry-on luggage.

The Leatherman STYLE PS packs 8 tools in a mini form factor

STYLE® PS multi-tools specs:

Weight: 44.7 g
Closed length: 7.5 cm (2.9 in)
Open length: 11.43 cm (4.5 in)
Width: 2.0 cm (0.8 in)
Overall thickness: 0.89 cm (0.35 in)
Materials: Glass-filled Nylon, Stainless Steel.

Multi-Tool And Pocket Knife: The Best Backpacking Tools You’ll Ever Need!

The Leatherman STYLE PS fits in a pocket or clips on your pack or bag for easy portability.

Keep a reliable pocket knife at hand

No backpacking adventure is complete without a reliable knife by your side. Just for eating purposes, it’ll do great along a spork. Let’s talk about the JUICE B2 pocket knife. This little guy may be small (8.2 cm closed), but it’s mighty. Equipped with two razor-sharp stainless-steel blades – one straight-edge and one serrated. It’s perfect for cutting through anything you need. Compact and discreet, it is a comfortable-to-use tool with a decent blade length that will handle just about any outdoor food preparation task or survival situation. The serrated blade allows for cutting/sawing tougher materials such as cordage, cordura, leather, wood etc. Its compact size also means you won’t even notice it in your pocket until you need it. The JUICE B2 is a trustworthy companion throughout your entire journey.
Note: from personal experience, I didn’t have to sharpen this knife in 5 years!

The Leatherman Juice B2, one of the best pocket knife for backpacking

JUICE B2 pocket knife specs:

Weight: 42.3 g
Closed length: 8.2 cm (3.2 in)
Blade length: 6.5cm (2.6 in)
Blade cutting length: 5.6 cm (2.2 in)
Materials: 420HC Stainless Steel, Type II Anodized Aluminium

The Leatherman Juice B2 has one serrated and one straight-edge knife made from high quality steel and backed by a 25 year warranty.

The Juice B2 has a smooth edge blade of 6.5cm compliant with most regulations

Update – 16/12/2023

While the Leatherman STYLE® PS multi-tool is still available on the Leatherman website, the JUICE B2 is not anymore (announced retired in 2022). However, it still appears in other countries’ catalogues (e.g. Turkey) and stocks still exist here and there from various sellers. After a bit of research, I think the Leatherman SKELETOOL® KBX makes for a very good replacement. It features a 50 smooth-edge/ 50 serrated and a bottle opener!

Multi-Tool And Pocket Knife: Final Words

Whichever models you decide on, I would advise you to go for a manufacturer known for excellent build quality. You don’t want your tools to break when you first need them during your adventure.
Both the STYLE® PS multi-tool and the JUICE B2 pocket knife are aesthetically pleasing, small and reasonably lightweight for backpacking. They feature durable stainless steel construction and a robust build that can handle all the challenges you encounter during your backpacking adventures. Rain or shine, they won’t let you down. And you know what’s even better? Leatherman is famous for designing and manufacturing great products that they confidently cover with a 25-year warranty!

So, if you’re serious about backpacking, don’t forget to pack a multi-tool and a pocket knife! Thanks to the years I have been using them, I can confidently state they’re the ultimate companions for every seasoned backpacker out there.

FAQ

Can I fly with a pocket knife in a carry-on luggage?

The answer is not as simple as a “Yes” or “No”. There are specific regulations and restrictions you need to be aware of. The US, EU and UK have each their specifics. But if you want to play safe, I would advise you to carry your pocket knife properly packed (ideally sheathed) in checked-in luggage. But you may want to check with the airline you’re flying with and the country you’re travelling to.
You may want to have a look at this detailed blog post from cabinzero.com

Why 2 tools instead of 1?

Well, for sure, a multi-tool could also have a blade without getting too bulky or heavy. However, due to moving regulations, having two tools gives maximum flexibility. You can still fly with all the tools except the blade in the worst case. The second reason is that some situations require the use of 2 tools at the same time (e.g. holding something firmly using a plier while cutting through). Again, it’s about flexibility.