Best Camping Knives & Multi-Tools (2026) — Reviewed

At a Glance: All 4 Options Compared

Rank	Product	Score	Price	Weight	Type	Why It Made the List
1	Leatherman Wave+ Best Multi-Tool	9.2/10	$110	8.5 oz	Multi-tool	18 tools in 8.5oz. Spring-loaded pliers, scissors, saw, and blade. The definitive camp multi-tool with a 25-year warranty.	Read Review
2	Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Best Lightweight Multi-Tool	8.9/10	$55	3.3 oz	SAK	Swiss Army knife with 15 functions at 3.3oz. Scissors, saw, can opener, and blade. Best weight-to-capability ratio.	Read Review
3	Morakniv Companion Best Fixed Blade / Best Value	8.8/10	$20	4.1 oz	Fixed blade	Swedish fixed blade, 4.1oz, $20. The best camp knife at any price. Used by guides and AT thru-hikers alike.	Read Review
4	Gerber Center-Drive Plus Best for Gear Repair	8.4/10	$80	7.5 oz	Multi-tool	Center-axis driver for full torque on screws. 7.5oz, bit driver, needle-nose pliers. Best for mechanical and gear repair tasks.	Read Review

Full Reviews

#1 — Best Multi-Tool

Leatherman Wave+

18 tools in 8.5oz. Spring-loaded pliers, scissors, saw, and blade. The definitive camp multi-tool with a 25-year warranty.

9.2/10

$110

#2 — Best Lightweight Multi-Tool

Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman

Swiss Army knife with 15 functions at 3.3oz. Scissors, saw, can opener, and blade. Best weight-to-capability ratio.

8.9/10

$55

#3 — Best Fixed Blade / Best Value

Morakniv Companion

Swedish fixed blade, 4.1oz, $20. The best camp knife at any price. Used by guides and AT thru-hikers alike.

8.8/10

$20

#4 — Best for Gear Repair

Gerber Center-Drive Plus

Center-axis driver for full torque on screws. 7.5oz, bit driver, needle-nose pliers. Best for mechanical and gear repair tasks.

8.4/10

$80

How to Choose a Camping Knife or Multi-Tool

The question is not whether to carry a knife — it is which knife to carry. A multi-tool and a fixed blade serve different purposes, and for most backpackers, one or the other (not both) is the right call.

Multi-tool vs. fixed blade

A multi-tool (Leatherman Wave+, Victorinox Huntsman) gives you pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, and a saw in addition to a blade. It is the right choice for hikers who need to fix gear, cut food, and handle camp tasks. A fixed blade (Morakniv Companion) is simpler, lighter, and better at the core tasks of cutting and food prep.

Weight vs. capability

The Leatherman Wave+ weighs 8.5oz and does everything. The Morakniv Companion weighs 4.1oz and does one thing very well. For ultralight AT section hikers, the Morakniv is the right call. For car camping and weekends where weight is less critical, the Leatherman earns its place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What knife should I bring backpacking?

For ultralight backpacking: the Morakniv Companion at 4.1oz and $20 is exceptional value with a fixed 3.2-inch blade. For a multi-tool that handles gear repair, food prep, and emergency tasks: the Victorinox Huntsman at 3.3oz is the best multi-function option under 4oz. The Leatherman Wave+ is overkill for pure backpacking but ideal for car camping.

Is a multi-tool or a fixed blade better for camping?

Multi-tools are more versatile — pliers, scissors, saws, screwdrivers, and a blade in one package. Fixed blades are stronger, lighter, and better for tasks requiring a full grip. For backpacking where weight matters: fixed blade. For car camping where you might need pliers and screwdrivers: multi-tool.

Are Leatherman tools worth the price?

Yes, for the right user. The Leatherman Wave+ at $110 is expensive but has 18 tools in 8.5oz including spring-loaded pliers, scissors, and a saw. Leatherman's warranty covers defects for 25 years. For a car camper, family camper, or someone who needs to fix gear regularly, it pays for itself over time.

What is the best budget camping knife?

The Morakniv Companion at $20 is the best budget camping knife by a significant margin. Swedish stainless steel, 3.2-inch blade, rubber grip, and a plastic sheath. It outperforms knives at 5x the price for basic camp tasks. Used by wilderness guides and AT hikers for decades.