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Best emergency/bugout bag multitools?

Carlos

Carlos

Joined
Jul 9, 2000
Messages
1,654
I am not a heavy multitool user, and to be honest I only very rarely have use for any tools whatsoever. However, I think it would be wise to carry a good multitool in my EDC bag for bugout/emergency contingencies.

I've coveted the Swisstool for a long time, but that thing weighs a full pound, and for something I'll only use in a pinch (if at all) I think a lighter weight tool would be easier to always lug around. I don't drive so I literally have to lug every ounce everywhere.

So this is kind of a vague and tall order: what multitool would be best as an emergency tool to cover the broadest range of emergency/survival needs, while being light enough to carry everyday, everywhere in a backpack, attache, or shoulder bag.
 
I may have misunderstood, but if you are planning on carrying it every day, wouldn't you be tempted to use it every day, rather than only in emergencies? :D
So, what we are really talking is an EDC tool, eh? I like Swisstool a lot, but if you find it too heavy, Swisstool Spirit is a lighter version of it. On the other hand, one-handed opening blades on Leathermans might work better in emergency situations.
 
If I need it I'll use it certainly, but honestly I will probably rarely use it. But I want to carry one everyday -- just in case.
 
I would look at the Leatherman Charge. Probably the best combination of functionality and weight. Well made. If you want something lighter, the Leatherman Skeletool would be a good choice. Fact of the matter is, most of us only really need the pliers, a decent blade, and a couple of screwdrivers. At least that's what I reach for first. Those three tools on a Leatherman function quite similarly to 'real tools' ... the rest are compromised due to size. For instance, in a survival situation, I can't really see the advantage to having a tiny pair of scissors or an awl, when I have a knife ... other than to cut my nails or cut bandages etc. I once installed a giant irrigation system with only a Leatherman tool [I was visiting a friend in Australia and it was all I had].
 
the lightest full-plier multitool is probably the SOG paratool. i have one myself (plus the swisstool and the SOG power lock). the paratool is smaller and lighter than comparable multitools but it has interchangable tools like other sog tools. also check out the sog pocket plier if you're interested in something light.
 
I like the 5 oz weight on the Spirit and Skeletool, though 3 oz more gets a lot more tools with the Charge -- including an eyeglass screwdriver, which is a nice desert island addition. I didn't see this as an option on the chart for the Paratool, but it is hard to read the webpage on a Blackberry, I'll recheck the tools on the SOG another time on a pc.
 
I've owned all sorts of multitools, and like you, I don't drive and have to lug my backpack with me everywhere. So every ounce counts. I've settled on the Swisstool Spirit. The quality of the tool, IMHO, is far better than anything that Leatherman currently has to offer. No bit driver to fall apart on you, and no bits to get lost. Very comfortable in the hand. It's darned near perfect.

The only other tools that I'd consider are the original Leatherman PST, because its so pocketable, the old Leatherman Pulse, again for pocketability, and the Gerber Pro Scout, because of the awesomely useful RemGrit blade. But none of them ae even close to being the equal of the Spirit.
 
The problem with a multi-tool is how to use it if you need to use the pliers and the screwdriver at the same time. Since you are packing a BOB, as opposed to wearing something on your belt or pocket carry, how about a good pliers and one of those multi-screwdrivers, along with a SAK.
 
The Spirit and the Versadriver from Countycomm could be a could combo. Don't know how much the latter weighs though.
 
I would go with the Spirit and the leatherman universal tool adaptor . Vic. also makes nice drivers and ratchets for the Swisstool and Spirit . You want a driver system that will run 1/4" hex bits - they are readilly available in lots of flavors . The new Leatherman double ended bits and drivers are very light duty .

The Universal Tool Adaptor takes 1/4" hex bits , and will deploy as a straight , 45 degree , and 90 degree driver .

Chris
 
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