When out in the great outdoors, carrying a bulky toolbox is just too inconvenient. A multi-tool fills in the niche for people wanting plenty of function and versatility without a compromise on portability. Leatherman is a big brand name in the market for multi-tools, offering a wide range of excellent products in the category.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The 5 Best Leatherman Tools for Camping
To save you the time, we did the research for you. Here in this article, we list down the 6 best Leatherman products for camping.
1. Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal was specifically designed with the survivalist in mind and, thus, is easily one of the best Leatherman for camping trips. It comes with a set of 19 tools, which includes a fire starter, a hammer, a whistle, and a diamond-coated sharpener, making it particularly handy in emergency situations while out in the wilderness. Weighing around 8 ounces, the tool is just light enough to not be bothersome to carry around. Like all quality Leatherman products, the Signal boasts superb build quality, and if properly taken care of, will last a lifetime.
Pros
- Great value for money
- 19 tools functions
- Specifically designed for the outdoors
- Relatively lightweight
- 25-year limited warranty
Cons
- Little value outside of the intended purpose
2. Leatherman Wave Plus
With an extremely robust design, plenty of practical functionality, and an affordable price, the iconic Leatherman Wave Plus is the default choice of any Leatherman multi-tool enthusiast. It comes with a total of 17 tools, including knives, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, and surprisingly even a ruler. It is perfect for taking along for outdoor camping as well as for day to day use. The biggest selling point of this Leatherman tool is its matchless build quality. Their products are so durable that Leatherman even includes a 25-year long warranty with the purchase of each product.
Pros
- 17 tools functions
- Great value for money
- Exceptional built quality
- 25-year limited warranty
- One-hand friendly
Cons
- A few competitors offer more functions
3. Leatherman Free P4
The Leatherman Free P4 can free you from plenty of inconveniences when you’re out camping. This multipurpose product comes equipped with a total of 21 tools, which include a saw, scissors, knives, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and even a bottle opener. For better accessibility, it comes with a magnetic lock system which allows the owner to easily open and close the tools one-handed. The overall build is quite rugged and ergonomically designed, and is composed of stainless steel. Compare to competitors on the market, the Leatherman Free P4 stands out by offering more function, greater convenience, and less weight. However, this multi-tool does not come cheap and is, in fact, one of the priciest in the niche. For storage purposes, the multi-tool comes with a nylon sheath, which in our opinion, isn’t exactly of the best quality. Still, it does a decent job holding it securely in place.
Pros
- 21 tool functions
- Ergonomic design
- Magnetic locking
- 25-year limited warranty
- Exceptional built quality
- One-hand friendly
Cons
- Subpar nylon sheath
- Pricey
4. Leatherman Free T4
You can say that the Leatherman Free T4 is the light version of the above-mentioned product. It is half the price of the P4 but also carries half as many tools. Still, judged on its own, this is an exceptional multi-tool knife, granting the owner the versatility and function of a Swiss Army knife and adding in rugged durability of a Leatherman. Overall, this makes it a great value purchase option for use in your outdoor camping trip. Like the P4, the T4 also comes with the magnetic lock system, allowing for one-handed use. With the help of this feature, most tools open and close easily enough.
However, the main knife is another story. Opening it is still surprisingly difficult. Another gripe we have with this otherwise great Leatherman product is that the plastic spacers, while helping reduce the weight, make the tool look cheap and may even have compromised some of its durability.
Pros
- 12 tools functions
- Ergonomic design
- 25-year limited warranty
- Magnetic locking
- One-hand friendly
Cons
- No pliers function
- Knife is hard to open
- Cheap plastic spacers
5. Leatherman Surge
One of the largest multi-tools offered by the brand, the Leatherman Surge is targeted towards those who want a dependable and extremely rugged option that can meet the most demanding of tasks. It comes with 21 tools, including knives, cutters, and a unique blade exchanger. This heavy-duty powerhouse is more than capable of addressing most of your outdoor camping needs. But, if you are still left wanting for more, optional upgrades are available for expanding the capabilities of the Surge. For greater utility, you can add extra 21 double-ended bits, and for greater portability, Leatherman offers an option to add a pocket clip and lanyard ring.
As far as any drawbacks are concerned, the obvious is the fact that is it a bulky tool and may not be a good option for campers who like to travel light. Tool action is also a bit stiff, so unless you have a strong grip, getting them out can be a tad challenging. It comes with a nylon sheath, but its quality feels cheap and leaves much to be desired.
Pros
- 21 tools functions
- 25-year limited warranty
- Super durable
- Additional upgrade options
Cons
- Bulky
- Stiff tool action
- Subpar nylon sheath
6. Leatherman Squirt
For those a little tight on their budget, the Leatherman Squirt is a great option to check out. It is, in simple terms, a heavily slimmed-down version of their multipurpose pliers, carrying just nine of the most essential tools. This small multi-tool is incredibly lightweight (it weighs only 1.9 ounces) as well as small enough to be stored in your jean pocket or used a keychain. The build quality is superb, and this miniature Leatherman lives up to the brand’s reputation as a manufacturer of tough and reliable outdoor multipurpose tools. The Squirt comes with a 25-year limited warranty. Its compact size does come with a drawback. Opening tools on this tiny Leatherman can be tricky, especially for people with big, burly fingers.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight
- One-hand friendly
- Great color options
- 25-year warranty
Cons
- Accessing tools can be tricky
Our Final Thoughts
Over the years, Leatherman has built up a strong reputation for providing highly dependable and durable multi-tool products. Before purchasing a Leatherman multipurpose tool, it is essential to have a realistic assessment of specific needs.
A large and bulky Surge may be overkill if your camping needs are trivial. The Signal is built for the outdoors, but if you would like to use your Leatherman for other purposes, then a more conventional Wave or Free P4 may be overall a better option.
Regardless of the multi-tool you purchase, the wide range of function and versatility, as well as the overall quality of it, will not leave you disappointed.
