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Best Multitool for Survival: Top 4 Picks & Options (2023)

| Updated Oct 20, 2023

Since RVers often venture into the wild, it's wise to carry the best multitool for survival with you at all times.

When enjoying outdoor activities, you can never be too careful. No one expects something dangerous to happen, or to find themselves in an emergency situation, but it can happen.

It is always a good idea to carry useful tools to help you in a survival situation. A multitool or survival tool provides a number of useful tools in one gadget. It gives you easy access to a number of different items that can help you out of a jam, and get you back home safely.

They provide a number of tools in one, easy-access location and are small enough for everyday carry. Or you can throw it into your survival kit or bug-out bag so that you can get yourself out of a life-threatening situation.

The following is my list of what to look for when choosing the best multitool for survival, followed by my top picks.

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Options to Look for in the Best Multitool for Survival

When it comes to multitools, there are many different options out there to choose from. Some offer essential tools that can perform different functions, while others can provide convenience to you when on the road and away from home.

From screwdrivers to cutting tools, there are many different, specific tools you might want to consider when selecting the best multitool for survival.

Screwdriver

Whether it is a phillips screwdriver or a flathead, you may need quick access to a compartment that is closed with screws. This is particularly handy if you break down on the side of the road or if you're boating, 4-wheeling, or doing other recreational activities.

Honestly, I don't think a tool should be considered a multitool without a screwdriver.

Wire Stripper

If you are a boondocker like me, then you understand how alone you can be when off the grid. If one of your wires becomes unusable, you may find yourself in need of some wire repair and far away from any help.

That is where wire strippers come in. You never know when you might have to cut or rewire something to make it work again. That is why it is a good reason to have one of these basic tools.

Pliers

Most multiools come complete with pliers that can do the job of regular pliers. Use them to hold something firmly in place, or pull something apart. You never know when you might need pliers while out in nature or working on your RV!

They can even be used to remove splinters and keep ticks off you and your dog.

Nail File

Well, who likes dirty nails? While filing your nails may not be lifesaving (at least most of the time), this is one tool option that may come in handy for you. It can actually file more than nails.

The nail file normally has a blunt edge that you can use to scrape things from under your fingernail. I've used it for its intended purpose as well as for getting things out of tight gaps.

Bottle Opener

This particular tool probably does not need much explanation. A bottle opener will open most bottles and even cans. While opening a bottle of beer may not save your life, you might appreciate that after an emergency situation.

And of course, if your only food left is in a can, this does turn into a life-saving device!

Spring-action Scissors

Instead of resorting to using your teeth, you can keep scissors within reach in a multitool.

Spring-action scissors are slightly different than your average scissors. They offer a single-action design that opens the blades after making each cut. This can greatly reduce your hand fatigue, which would be extremely helpful in an emergency situation.

Other Useful Tool Options

There are many other useful tools that you might find on a multitool, including these options:

  • Wire Strippers & Cutter
  • Needlenose and Regular Pliers
  • Electrical Crimper
  • Wire and Hard-wire Cutters
  • Regular and Serrated Cutting Device
  • Saw
  • Cutting Hook
  • Can Opener
  • Wood or Metal File
  • Diamond Coated File
  • Small & Large Bit Driver
  • Various screwdriver heads

The Best Survival Multi-tools

From Leathermen and Swiss Army Cutting tools to the Gerber brand of tools, there are many excellent products to choose from.

Here is our shortlist of the best survival multi-tools. You may also want to check out our sister site's list of the Best Camp Kitchen Knife.

Leathermen Products

Many people think that Leatherman multi-tools are the best survival multi tools around. That is because they come complete with different types of high quality, heavy duty tools. These top picks are a great addition to any survival gear bag, but are also fantastic for everyday use.

Leatherman products do not offer a lifetime warranty, but they do provide the next best thing: a 25-year warranty. They are also manufactured in the USA with high-quality stainless steel.

The following outlines the different Leatherman models that are arguably the best multi tools you can find. Just brace yourself for the prices, which range from about $120 and up depending on the model's options.

Leatherman Charge

Featuring 19 heavy-duty tools, the Leathermen Charge has been designed for everyday adventures.

It includes two types of pliers, an electrical crimper, replaceable wire cutters a serrated cutting device, wire strippers, saw, cutting hook, spring-action scissors can opener and ruler, to name a few.

Leatherman Surge

The Leathermen Surge comes complete with 21 useful tools.

This piece of gear even offers you extra large scissors, a full-sized cutting device, and replaceable wire cutters. That way, if you use yours and they get damaged, you do not need to replace the entire tool. Of course, it comes standard with an easy-to-use safety lock.

Swiss Army SwissTool

There are many different models of to choose from when looking at this brand of multitool.

Some feature up to 25 different tools, like pliers, crimpers, wire cutters, screwdriver, can opener, bottle opener, hook, files, and crate opener. Some models even have cable cover cutters, chsel and scraper, and can be used in conjunction with a lanyard.

Swiss Army multitools can range from $20 to a couple hundred of dollars. The Victorinox SwissTool comes with everything except the kitchen sink and rings in at $150.

Gerber Suspension Multi-plier

Featuring their SAF.T.PLUS locking system, Gerber brand multi-pliers offer many tools for your convenience. From spring-loaded scissors to cross drivers, you can find a one-stop tool that fits your needs.

The Multi-plier multitools are much more affordable than the Leatherman Charge and Surge. Their prices tend to stay in the $20-$60 range.

A favorite among survivalists and campers is the Gerber Gear 22-01471N. It's a suspension needle nose pliers multitool with a lightweight butterfly design. It has all of the main tools you need for under $30.

Want a deeper dive into survival gadgets for hikers?


Best Multitool for Survival: Top 4 Picks & Options (2023) 5
Mike and Jennifer Wendland

Curious about the gear, gadgets, accessories, and RV products Mike & Jennifer use and recommend?

On this RV Lifestyle Travel blog, our RV Podcast and our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel, we mention all sorts of RV-related products and gear that we use, So we created a special page that links to them. We update this all the time.  CLICK HERE to go to it directly. Have you caught one of our Amazon LIVE events yet? Just go here and Follow us – to be notified every time we go live.


Mike Wendland

Published on 2021-09-05

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

7 Responses to “Best Multitool for Survival: Top 4 Picks & Options (2023)”

September 16, 2022at2:12 pm, 29 Must-Have Camping Gadgets For 2022 | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] multitool can come in very handy when traveling. It can even help save a […]

Reply

May 08, 2022at10:03 pm, 10 Best Hiking Gear to Keep You Safe (Shopping List) said:

[…] (For more options, check out these other great Multitools for Survival.) […]

Reply

March 10, 2022at6:15 am, 10 Top Tools Every RVer Needs To Carry | RV Lifestyle said:

[…] A multitool is great for carrying in your hiking pack, too. Here are some other Top Picks for Multitools. […]

Reply

September 05, 2021at1:08 pm, Rich said:

Love all your tips. Can your mention something about RV insurance and how to find dump sites other than camps.

Reply

September 05, 2021at12:28 pm, William Krueger said:

Change Bottle Opener to Cork Screw/Bottle Opener combo and the list is complete! 🙂

Reply

September 05, 2021at12:03 pm, Frank said:

Good job Mike great articles

Reply

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