The 4 Best Survival Multi Tools — Leatherman & Others Review 2023

best survival multi tool, best leatherman for survival, leatherman pocket survival tool

Photo by Brian.ch / CC BY

Multi-tools promise to be able to fix any problem, at any place and time. However, only high quality multi-tools are able to deliver on this promise. As long as you know how to use it in appropriate situations, a multi tool can be your best friend in a survival situation. To help steer you in the direction of buying the perfect product that will pull you out of any bad situation, we’ve compiled a list of the 4 best survival multi tools on the market:

Stanley 12-in-1 Multi-Tool

The Stanley 12-in-1 Multi-Tool is exactly what it says it is: it contains twelve functions and all in the same tool. Specifically, the Stanley Multi-Tool contains four screwdrivers, two knives, two pliers, a wire cutter, a saw, a file, and a bottle opener. Each of these twelve tools will hold up well under duress thanks to the solid stainless steel construction. And it all comes in at a weight of just over half a pound, with dimensions of eight and a quarter by five and a half by two inches. You can pack the Stanley wherever you go in a top of the line nylon sheath. This is one of the top pocket survival multi tools for the money.

Gerber Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier


The Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier is not just lightweight, it is strong and lightweight. Even though it’s made predominately out of aluminum, it still offers the same level of strength and quality that you would expect out a stainless steel multi tool of the same size. In addition, this multi tool is easy one of the safest and most secure that you could ask for since it comes equipped out of the box with Gerber’s Saf.T.Plus system that keeps all of the components locked securely. In addition, the actual multi-tool will be kept very secure while you are traveling out in the elements thanks to its nylon ballistic cloth. This should belong any list of the best survival multi tools.

Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool


Three traits that come to mind with the Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool would be affordable, functional, and medium sized. This multi-tool is neither too large nor too small, and it’s equally at home for work at home or at a campsite. All of the tools are constructed out of a very strong and yet light stainless steel, which includes a pair of spring regular pliers, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, wire stripper, scissors, three screwdrivers, bottle and can openers, metal file, and a knife. The knife in particular can be opened with one hand for quick action if necessary. The Wingman comes in at a total weight of seven ounces and a total size of 3.8 inches when folded. If there’s a best Leatherman for survival, this just might be it.

Gelindo Premium Pocket Multi-Tool

It’s always frustrating when you lack the tools that you need for any task. However, all of that frustration that you feel will leave once you have the Gelindo Premium Multi-Tool, as it is easily one of the most versatile and handy little tools for anything from emergency tasks to simple home repairs. In stark contrast to flimsy multi-tools, the Gelindo is a workhorse. In fact, the Gelindo comes with fifteen differ tools within it, including knives, screwdrivers, and pliers. The Gelindo also ships with a very durable sheath holster, has a compact folding design with a non-slip handle. Plus, Gelindo sells all of their products with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. This is the best survival multi tool if you want yours to be built like an Abrams tank.

Which of these Multi-Tools Do You Need?

Any one of these multi-tools will work great for anybody, but in determining which of these four should be your top choice, you will need to determine what your exact needs are. For example, do you need a multi-tool that is better suited for home and office repairs, for fishing and hunting, or for more heavy duty usage in construction and in emergency situations? This is why that we highly recommend you write up a list of the needs and uses you require a multi-tool for, and then shop for a multi-tool based on those needs.

Granted, if you need a multi-tool for a specific purpose and that one purpose only, such as fishing or fixing bikes, then specialized multi-tools for those kinds of tasks exists. For example, companies sell multi-tools that are meant to fix and maintain bow and arrows or for fixing skateboards, meaning those multi-tools come with tools that are unique to those tasks. In contrast to this, the multi-tools that we have listed out for you are more general. Nonetheless, one will fit a better role for things than another.

Multi-tools are very useful because they offer you a lot of capability in a very light and compact package. Even so, you should be careful to never mistake a multi-tool as being a replacement for a complete tool kit. If you need an Allen wrench to fix your car wheels, then you need an Allen wrench and not a multi-tool.

Additionally, you will want to avoid using a multi-tool for more heavy work. So rather than making your multi-tool a substitute for other important tools, you should instead make it a component with your other tools, or use it as your first line of attack or defense since it’s a tool that you can easily carry with you as part of your EDC.

But for all intents and purposes, a multi-tool will by way and large be the most useful to you in a survival situation, since it’s the only compact tool that offers you the ability to repair your pack, clothing, tent, and other gear and equipment while stranded in the outdoors. And while it’s certainly debatable, many would argue that the best survival multi tool is even more versatile and useful in a dangerous situation than a good belt or folding knife is, since it comes with more capabilities within it.

  • Owner of Reloaderaddict.com, Boyd Smith is a major handgun enthusiast, and although he owns Glocks, he prefers the revolving wheel type. His go-to guns are a Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center for carry and a Ruger GP100 in the nightstand biometric safe (he has kids). He loads both revolvers with old-school 148-grain Federal Gold Medal .38 wadcutters. It’s OK if you think he’s a wimp. Email him.

Share the Post and Images

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *