Campsite gear can get bulky fast, which is why a solid multitool earns its place in the pack. Leatherman has built a huge following by packing serious utility into pocket-size hardware, and a few models stand out especially well for outdoor use. From fire-starting help to lightweight carry and all-around toughness, these picks cover the stuff that matters when the trail gets messy.
The Leatherman Signal is the obvious outdoor star in the lineup. It leans hard into camping needs with a ferro rod for fire-starting and an emergency whistle, two features that feel right at home when a lighter goes missing or a situation turns sketchy. It also brings 19 tools total, including a 420HC combo blade, saw, hammer, pliers, drivers, a carabiner, and a diamond-coated sharpener, all in a 7.5-ounce frame.
That mix makes the Signal feel built for dirt, sparks, and rough hands. The blade and saw help with cordage and small branches, while the hammer can come in handy for tent stakes that decide to quit early. At $149.95, it is not cheap, but it lands in the zone where serious campers can justify the price without blinking too hard.
The Leatherman ARC takes a different route and goes big on premium performance. It is the most advanced tool in the group and comes with a MagnaCut steel blade, which is the kind of detail knife people get excited about because it holds an edge and takes abuse well. That alone makes it appealing for camping, where one dependable blade can save a lot of hassle.
Beyond the knife, the ARC offers 20 tools in a compact 4.25-inch package that weighs 8.6 ounces. Some of its features, like the wire stripper and electrical crimper, are not exactly campfire heroes, but the saw blade, pliers, pry tool, impact surface, and bottle opener absolutely fit the setting. It is pricey at $249.95, yet it feels like the tool for someone who wants top-shelf gear and does not mind paying for it.
For campers who care more about keeping the load light, the Skeletool CX hits a very different sweet spot. At just five ounces, it is one of the leanest options in Leatherman’s lineup, and that makes a huge difference when every ounce starts to feel heavier after a few miles on foot. Its 154CM stainless steel blade gives it real cutting power without turning it into a brick in your pocket.
The Skeletool CX keeps things simple with nine tools, including pliers, needle-nose pliers, a bit driver, a carabiner, bottle opener, and wire cutters. That stripped-down setup may not wow gadget lovers, but it nails the basics for trail life and slides easily onto a backpack strap or into a pocket. At $99.95, it also sits in a much friendlier price range than some of the flashier options.
The Wave Plus has long carried the reputation of being the dependable workhorse, and that label fits camping surprisingly well. It is not marketed as a campsite-special tool, but with 18 tools and stainless steel construction, it handles outdoor chores with no drama. The kit includes a 420HC knife, saw, pliers, drivers, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, and a diamond-coated file.
Its history gives it extra credibility too. First introduced in 1998 and unveiled at the SHOT Show, the Wave became popular fast, partly because it allowed one-handed access to the knife features. That detail still matters when one hand is busy, wet, cold, or holding something awkward around camp.
Then there is the Wingman, which makes sense for campers who want to stay light without spending a fortune. It weighs seven ounces, folds down to 3.8 inches, and still packs 14 tools, so it lands in that practical middle ground where convenience matters more than bragging rights. The tool set includes two plier heads, a 420HC combo knife, drivers, a can opener, a wood and metal file, and a bottle opener.
At $49.95, the Wingman is the easiest on the wallet and one of the most approachable options for casual campers. It skips some of the specialized extras found on pricier models, but it still covers the core jobs that keep a trip moving. For anyone who wants useful gear without dragging around excess weight, it fits the bill nicely.
