Multi-tool for Bug Out Bag

N

newbie_nick

Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
83
Hey gents,

I'm not somebody that needs a multi-tool for everyday use, but I would like to stash a "decent" one in my bug out bag. I have a Scrapyard SOD in my bag with a nylon sheath, and the sheath has a small pouch that is for a sharpening stone. I was thinking that I could stash a multi-tool in that pouch.

I'm not 100% sure what tasks that the multi-tool will be used for, but I think that I would like to have 1) pliers, 2) Phillips/Flat screwdrivers, 3) small blade, and 4) a small saw (if that's possible).

Overall, I really would like to find a multi-tool that has a good value. I don't need a lot of features or the "best of the best", but I need functionality that isn't a piece of crap. In knife terms, I need the Becker BK2 of multi-tools. ;o)

Thanks gang!
Nick
 
LM Wave? Has everything you need including a saw, and you can get the bit kit for it to add to the functionality.
 
Get the Leatherman Blast. Great quality, functionality, and price! Only 6 ounces as well!
 
Since this is for a bug-out-bag, and not EDC, I'd recommend the Surge. It's heavy, but has a large blade, kick-ass scissors and an awl. One of it's biggest advantages is that it has a removable diamond file, which you can use to sharpen the Surge's plain-edge blade. :thumbup:
 
Swisstool RS

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The already mentioned Leatherman Wave has all tools you asked for. I kept mine in my rucksack for multiday hiking trips and camping trips. For me it was the best option for the money; it has useful tools, it's strong, durable and dependable. It has never let me down.

I recently bought a Charge ALX and use that one now, the Wave has moved to the toolbox. Although the Charge has a better fit and finish and feels more comfortable, the Wave costs half the price of a Charge, at least where I live.

So I'd recommend the Wave.
 
I have a Mapedition Octa pack that I keep in my truck with the very basics. The multi-tool that I chose for that pack was the Leatherman Juice Xe6. The size makes it perfect for the pack and the tool combination is nice for the size.
 
Hi. For a bug out back I definitly would want a full size Plier. My Top 3 would be:


Leatherman Core (or new Supertool)
SOG Power Lock
Swiss tool


Ofcoarse there are many other good one too! :D
 
hey Nick ;)

any of the suggestions would work and are good :)

if your pouch on your Sod can support a larger MT like that Kick (good value) that would be nice.

Larger (more stuff and price) MTs are a sweet too but like you said maybe too much.

I tried larger MTs (like a Sog) and they fit/worked fine but I ended up just keeping a SAK (swiss army knife) "Farmer" in my Scrapper-6 cordura pouch.

Then with the added space I put some kind of fire-starter in the pouch. You don't get pliers with a Farmer but a good little saw and all the rest you wanted.

Some like saws, some like pliers more, up to you and what you think your needs will be.

but you said a "B.O.B." and in mine I keep a larger MT because it fits fine and I like over-kill! :D
 
Definitely get something with all locking tools. The locks make a huge difference in functionality.

I'd go with a Supertool 300 or Surge, but you'd do fine with a Wave, PowerLock, or Blast if you want something a little bit smaller.
 
I just bought a Leatherman Squirt PS4 for my mini survival/1st aid work bag. It's tiny (1.9oz) but has the main things I was looking for in one tool: light weight, scissors and pliers. Or go for the bigger Juice S2 (4.4oz). The wave is great but 8.5oz.
 
First off, I am going to admit that I haven't read all of the replies before this post.

I am inclined to go ahead and recommend the Leatherman Blast. It seems to have all of the tools that you listed that you wanted, and I personally think that it's a fairly lightweight tool.

However, since it's going to be kept in a bag most of the time, I really would go for a heavier-duty tool that you could truely rely on in a worst-case scenario. I EDC the Leatherman ST300 everyday and I don't think it's an overly heavy tool personally.

I am a pretty big guy though.

But again, if it was going to be in a bag most of the time, I would get a heavy-duty tool myself.
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions, gang. My biggest struggle right now is cost versus functionality. Since this will sit in a bag 99% of the time, I have a hard time spending a ton of cash on it. It seems like the Blast might be the best choice/compromise because it has the functions that I want, it is fairly sturdy, and it is on the cheaper end. From my research, it seems like I can get one in the $40 to $50 range.

Awesome thread...thanks again!
Nick
 
If you shop around you should be able to find most of the above mentioned tools for under $50. After a few months, you won't know what happened to the few dollars difference, but you'll have the tool for years.
 
My vote went to the Leatherman Wave.
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This multi tool has a functional set of tools, and I like the way it feels. And all the blades/tools lock open eliminating accidents when least needed. ;)
-Bruce
 
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