Best Multitools of 2025

Whether you’re tinkering on a project in the garage, making on-the-go camp repairs like fixing zippers, or dialing in a finicky stove, a versatile multitool is a convenient and efficient way to be prepared in any situation.

Our team of gear testers has tested over 30 multitools over the last 10 years in every situation, including camping trips and backpacking adventures, DIY projects, electrical work, and farm chores. 

After hundreds of hours testing each tool—from portability and operation to ergonomics and tool deployment—we did a thorough side-by-side comparison of top performers from brands like Leatherman, Gerber, and SOG to make it easy for you to find one you’ll love.

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Quick Picks for Multitools

Check out this quick list of our favorite multitools, or scroll to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best Multitool Overall: Leatherman Wave+ ($120)

Best Multitool for First Responders: Leatherman Raptor ($100)

Best Everyday Carry Multitool: Leatherman Skeletool CX ($90)

Best Budget Multitool: Gerber Suspension NXT ($50)

Best Lightweight Multitool: Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman ($57)

Best Simplified Multitool: Gerber Armbar Drive ($45)

Best Function-Packed Multitool: Leatherman Surge ($150)

Best Backpacking Multitool: Victorinox Rambler ($35)

Best Heavy Duty Multitool: Gerber Dual-Force ($75)

Best Keychain Multitool: Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD ($24)

Best Mini Multitool: Leatherman Micra ($50)

Best Fully-Featured Multitool: SOG PowerAccess Deluxe ($50)

Why Trust CleverHiker

The CH team took the cream of the multitool crop and put them to use in task-oriented tests and backcountry repairs. We turned bolts, cut rope and sticks, drove screws, and twisted wire on farms and in forests of the Upper Midwest’s morphing, finicky weather conditions. 

With over five years of hands-on experience in some of the toughest environments, Gear Analyst Steve Johnson tested a wide range of multitools for this review. Over 60 days of targeted testing, Steve put these tools through their paces, evaluating every aspect, from portability to durability. Using these multitools to fix farm equipment or repair outdoor gear in extreme cold, Steve’s comprehensive fieldwork ensures our testing is thorough and accurate. 

His intimate knowledge of these tools’ performance in frigid temps and high-intensity farm tasks gives our reviews a practical, hands-on perspective you can trust. Each tool underwent real-world stress tests, focusing on ergonomics, load-bearing capacity, and material quality, all with the goal of providing you with reliable, actionable insights for making the best purchase decisions.

How We Test & Methodology

We tested multitools based on six key metrics: weight/portability, ease of use, ergonomics, tool deployment, load-bearing capacity, and material quality. We measured each metric through various chores on a walk-intensive Minnesota farm or daily tasks at a basecamp cabin in the Wisconsin woods. 

WEIGHT & PORTABILITY

The weight and portability of each multitool were key in evaluating their practicality for daily use. On the farm, tools were frequently carried in pockets or clipped to belts while moving between tasks like fixing fences or equipment repair. 

At the cabin, tools needed to be lightweight enough for hiking or carrying during outdoor activities from electrical repair at the wood shed to cutting kindling twine. 

We assessed how easily each tool could be retrieved and accessed, considering whether heavy tools hindered mobility or contributed to fatigue during long hours of work. Portability was also judged based on ease of packing for travel, especially for unexpected, on-the-spot repairs.

eASE OF uSE

We tested ease of use by assessing how effortlessly each multitool opened and closed during various tasks. Tools like pliers and knives were used repeatedly for tasks such as repairs on an old Ford tractor and cutting hay bale netting, where ease of operation was critical. 

In northern Wisconsin’s numbing cold, we tested if tools still functioned smoothly when exposed to frigid temperatures—did the spring mechanisms freeze or lose tension? Were the tools still easy to hold onto? We also evaluated for any play in moving parts or signs of spring fatigue after continuous use.

ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics played a critical role in both environments, where extended tool use is common. 

Comfort was essential while performing repetitive tasks like tightening screws or using pliers for long periods. We assessed pressure points when gripping tools during such tasks, ensuring that handles were comfortable and non-slip. 

Ergonomics were tested under colder conditions with gloved hands, and we evaluated the tools’ fit in hand, weight distribution, and how the tool felt when under load. A comfortable grip and confidence in the tool’s stability were crucial when securing wire to fence posts or driving screws.

TOOL DEPLOYMENT

Tool deployment is all about how quickly each multitool could be accessed and deployed in evolving settings. 

On the farm, we tested how fast tools could be retrieved from pockets or tool belts while repairing balky equipment or opening feed bags. Ease of switching between different tools—like moving from pliers to a knife for cutting ropes—was tested in real time. 

At the cabin, the multitool needed to function smoothly even in colder conditions, where freezing temperatures can slow down mechanisms. We assessed one- and two-handed deployment, making sure that the tools could be quickly accessed.

lOAD BEARING CAPACITY

Multitools were tested under forceful conditions, including using pliers to grip and twist metal wires around livestock pens or securing nuts on machinery. We evaluated how well the tools withstood torque during heavy-duty screwing tasks, testing drivers in high-tension situations. 

In each setting, tools were used to cut electrical wire, tighten screws, and perform repairs that stressed locking mechanisms and tool joints. Both environments put tools through demanding scenarios, assessing their ability to withstand force, grip securely, and perform without failure under load.

MATERIAL QUALITY

On the farm, tools were subjected to constant wear and tear from mechanical repairs, cutting, and handling rough materials like wire and wood. 

We assessed the sharpness of cutting blades, the durability of pliers, and the strength of screwdrivers after prolonged use. At the cabin, the tools faced exposure to the elements, especially cold temperatures that can make materials brittle. 

We tested how well tools held up to stress, particularly in relation to pivot points, springs, and lock mechanisms. Tools were examined for rust resistance, surface finish integrity, and overall wear over time to ensure long-lasting performance in tough environments.

Analysis & Results

Here, we analyze our testing results to show how well our top-pick multitools performed in categories including value, weight/portability, ease of use, ergonomics, tool deployment, load-bearing capacity, and material quality.

VALUE

With multitools, value comes down to functionality, durability, and versatility. Field-tested to gauge their mettle, we found a quiver of multitools that stand out as best in class for their overall performance and quality at favorable budget points. 

A perennial top pick among multitool fans, the Leatherman Wave+ is an exceptional choice that strikes a balance between features and usability. With 18 tools, including replaceable wire cutters, pliers, a saw, and multiple screwdrivers, it’s dialed to handle everything from everyday repairs to hiking and camping chores. 

We love the 1-handed operation and quick-deploy tools, even when wearing gloves. The vault-like locking mechanisms keep the tools in place under pressure, and the overall build quality is superb. Our overall favorite, the Wave+ is perfect for everyday carry and more demanding outdoor use.

The Gerber Suspension NXT is another multitool that punches above its weight. With 15 tools, including spring-loaded pliers, a knife, scissors, and screwdrivers, this multitool brings a solid but not overwhelming array of features at a budget-friendly price point. 

The spring-loaded pliers make one-handed use easy, and the ergonomic design ensures extended-use comfort. The Suspension NXT delivers solid performance and intuitive functionality, making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks.

For those who need a multitool that excels in outdoor environments, the Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman is our go-to pick. With 15 tools, including a large blade, wood saw, can opener, and corkscrew, the Huntsman is indispensable for outdoor adventuring. 

As expected from Victorinox, the build quality is impeccable, and the toolset provides everything you need for basic survival, food prep, and wilderness emergency repairs. It’s not as heavy-duty as some larger multitools, but its combination of portability and utility makes it a standout.

WEIGHT & PORTABILITY

When considering weight and portability, the Leatherman Micra, Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD, and Gerber Armbar Drive stand out for their excellent transport mojo without adding unnecessary bulk.

The Leatherman Micra is one of the lightest multitools available, weighing just 1.8 ounces. Compact and portable paired with Leatherman quality. 

Sporting 10 tools, including scissors, a small knife, and screwdrivers, the Micra is a perfect EDC or go-to for minimal gear scenarios such as quick fixes or small, everyday tasks. Its tiny size makes it easy to carry on a keychain or pocket. 

At less than 1 ounce, The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD is another portability standout. This ultracompact includes six essential tools, including a small blade, file, and screwdriver, ideal for DIYers who need the bare essentials in a minimalist form.

Its feather weight is barely noticeable in a pocket. While it doesn’t offer a lot of tool options, its tight design and high-quality build make it a superstar everyday carry.

The Gerber Armbar Drive is another compact multitool that weighs in at just 5 ounces but still offers impressive functionality. It has 8 tools, including a unique bit driver system, and has a slim profile and lightweight construction. 

This mighty mini is an excellent choice for those who want something small and functional without carrying around a bulky tool. The Armbar Drive is perfect for light to moderate tasks, and its innovative design makes it easy to access tools quickly.

EASE OF USE

Efficient tool function, ease of use, and reliability are multitool hallmarks. The Leatherman Surge stands out for its smoothness of operation, especially given its 21-tool quiver. The pliers open and close silky smooth, and each tool function locks solidly. 

From blades to drivers,  the Surge’s robust chassis keeps things right where they belong, with no play or hesitation. The tool has a solid, dependable feel in step with LM’s precision engineering, and it performed flawlessly over extended use in the field.

We love the Gerber Dual Force for its seamless utility, particularly the slip-joint pliers that grip like a lumberjack’s handshake. The pliers, knife, and screwdrivers deploy and perform fluidly, and there’s no noticeable play in the moving parts after extensive use. One-handed opening and closing of the tool is simple, and there’s no fatigue, even after long days of hard use. The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe is another big favorite that works via smooth, compound leverage with minimal effort, especially when using the pliers. The easy-operate locking points are very user-friendly for everything from tightening bolts on cattle stanchions to cutting heavy twine to indoor electrical repairs. Switching between tools is easy, whether in controlled environments or on-trail flare-ups.

ERGONOMICS

When it comes to ergonomics, comfort, and practicality during extended use, we focused on tools that minimized strain, provided a secure grip, and won our confidence in performance. 

The Leatherman Wave+ is always top contender in ergonomics, with contoured handles that fit comfortably in the hand and reduce hand fatigue. 

The rounded edges and smooth finish enhance comfort, and balanced weight distribution doesn’t feel too bulky. The Wave+ boasts easy one-hand operation, and the tools stay locked under load.

The Leatherman Skeletool stands out for its minimalist design, and brings exceptional comfort despite its compact size. Weighing only 5 ounces, it’s lightweight and easy to carry without sacrificing utility, and the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for light to moderate tasks.

Although it’s smaller, the Skeletool is designed for ease of use. Its slim profile doesn’t compromise on comfort, making it ideal for everyday carry.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD is a true minimalist multitool, offering a small, lightweight design that’s still ergonomically sound. At just 0.8 ounces, it fits comfortably in the palm and can be easily carried on a keychain or in a pocket. 

While its size limits some ergonomic features, it’s still comfortable enough for light tasks like opening packages or cutting thread, making it ideal for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing comfort for basic tasks.

TOOL DEPLOYMENT

Multitools are loaded with great features but only work if you can get at them. A key element of our testing was tool deployment speed and efficiency of access. Four in the lineup imparted stellar performances. 

Our overall top pick Leatherman Wave+ offers a well-organized, easy-access toolset, most of which, including pliers, blades, and screwdrivers, can be deployed with one hand, an invaluable multitasking perk. The locking mechanism keeps tools securely housed until needed, and the intuitive design allows for fast transitions between tasks. 

The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe is another multitool that shines in deployment prowess. All 21 tools are accessed smoothly, particularly the gear-driven pliers, and the layout makes it a snap to reach every tool. Like the Wave+, the PowerAccess offers a reliable locking system that keeps tools as solid as an ice sculpture in January.

The minimalist Leatherman Skeletool provides fast tool deployment that belies its compact design. Weighing only 5 ounces and featuring just five tools, it’s easy to open and access tools with one hand. This model quickly became an oft-chosen pick for light tasks and everyday carry.

Victorinox nailed it with their Swiss Army Huntsman, with a simple design that features quick access to 15 tools, including a saw, scissors, and a bottle opener, all of which were tested on an extended backpacking junket on the North Country Trail in Wisconsin. 

The tools open easily with a flick of the thumb, and while it doesn’t have the extensive features of larger models, it’s perfect for quick access and simple tasks.

LOAD BEARING CAPACITY

Larger, heftier multitools need to offer performance matching their size and touted strength in handling force, grip weight, and reliability under stress.

The Leatherman Wave+ again is a top performer in load-bearing tasks. Its burly construction can handle high-end torque with screwdrivers or gripping with the pliers. With tools locked in place, the Wave+ excelled at tightening heavy bolts on a broken-down John Deere, cutting heavy wire, and holding heavyweight items.

The Gerber Dual-Force is like a gridiron superstar that bowls over all challengers. Its compound leverage system offers best-in-class torque and grip when tackling heavy-duty chores. The robust pliers deliver greater force with less effort, and the tools always stayed secure under pressure.

MATERIAL QUALITY

We zeroed in on the durability of components like the blades, pliers, and locking mechanisms to see how they held up after extended duress. 

Leatherman’s lineup always excels in material quality with its high-grade stainless steel construction that resists corrosion and wear. Once again, Leatherman’s Wave+ use of high-use components maintained their sharpness and strength without fail.  

The husky Gerber Dual-Force is built to withstand intense use, especially the full-size pliers that invite heavy tasks without even breaking a sweat. The tool’s steel construction held up well under prolonged use, maintaining its strength and finish even in the mud, rain, and being tossed around the workshop. Finally, the Leatherman Raptor is the gold standard in medical and emergency situations. Made with high-quality stainless steel, the Raptor’s shears and ancillary components resist corrosion and maintain sharpness through the most demanding situations. We tested cutting through an old seatbelt, and the Raptor didn’t flinch.

How to Choose a Multitool

Multi-tools are like a resourceful friend who always comes prepared and sees every mishap as a fun, solvable puzzle. A multi-tool is your pocket-sized backup plan—it won’t replace your full workshop, but it’ll save the day when you’re facing those random moments of mechanical desperation. 

The most-used tools might surprise you. That big blade? It’s not just for outdoor adventures—it’ll become your go-to for random kitchen tasks like slicing cheese or opening pasta bags at basecamp. And pliers and scissors get way more action than those tucked-away screwdrivers.

Ultimately, a truly exceptional multitool doesn’t just contain tools—it makes those tools feel like a natural, immediate extension of your own capabilities and having just enough, exactly when you need it.

DURABILITY & QUALITY

Your multitool needs to be as tough as the environment you’re in. Durability is all about how well a tool stands up to real-world challenges. 

That means its materials are crucial, with stainless steel and titanium the, err, “gold” standard. 

These metals won’t rust after a stream crossing and won’t fail when you’re miles from the trailhead. Little details make a big difference, too, like the quality of the hinges and the strength of the locking mechanisms. 

A multitool is more than just a piece of gear; it’s a trusted expedition partner and lifeline when things go sideways in the backcountry. Your multitool is It’s got to be built tough enough to survive the toughest of tests.

TOOL VERSATILITY & FUNCTIONALITY

The best multitools strike a careful balance of range and practicality by including a well-rounded selection of essential tools that cover a wide variety of tasks, without overwhelming you with unnecessary or redundant implements. 

Core tools like pliers, wire cutters, knife blades, screwdrivers, can openers, and files are the backbone of any multitool, providing utility for common repair work, meal prep, or outdoor maintenance.

Beyond these essentials, additional specialized tools such as bit drivers or scissors can significantly enhance the multitool’s versatility, allowing it to adapt to a wider range of situations. Interchangeable bits, for example, make it easier to tackle various jobs in a snap. 

What sets the best multitools apart is not just the number of tools included, but how well they work together, purposeful and easy to access without being cumbersome or heavy.

WEIGHT & PORTABILITY

A multitool’s weight and size are crucial, especially if you plan to carry it daily. Comprehensive functionality and compact design are key. Professional users, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday carriers have different portability needs, so consider your specific use case when evaluating weight and size. Some multitools are compact and lightweight, ideal for pocket carry or minimalistic use, while larger and heavier models offer more specialized tools. 

EASE OF USE & DEPLOYMENT

This is the critical interface between a multitool’s potential and its practical application. 

Look for smooth opening mechanisms, comfortable grip, one-handed operation capabilities, and intuitive tool selection. The best multitools feel natural in hand and allow flick-of-the-wrist access to the tools you need most frequently.

Mechanism design matters as well, with top-tier multitools featuring smooth pivot points for easy tool deployment, reliable locking mechanisms to secure tools in place, and minimal friction during use. 

The best multitools don’t skimp on comfort either, with a comfortable grip that prevents fatigue, balanced weight distribution, and smooth edges. Textured surfaces provide secure handling, even in wet or cold conditions or when wearing gloves.

Conclusion

Your ultimate multitool choice should match who you are and what you do most, whether that’s all-day chores on the job or all-season adventures. Today’s multitool orbit includes options for tasks large and small, complex or easy. There are a lot of great options out there and we hope our work here helps you bring home the one that works best.