Backpacking folder?

assuming i already am packing a SAK and a multitool and still want a folder for quick access to a knife ill stick with me RAT 1 folder. for $30 i have yet found a better knife for the price. it can take a beating.
 
I like to carry 3 blades when backpacking: Koster BushMaster for heavy work, Leatherman Juice S2 for general work, and a Victorinox Classic in my first aid kit for detail work and "people fixing." If needed, I would feel comfortable using the Leatherman blade for backup on harder tasks, I would just have to go slower and be careful.
 
This one usually. Well not this one it's my back up but one exactly like this but well used

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Normally, I have a SAK & a leatherman with me anytime I have pants on, or most of the time with shorts too :D.
Concerning folders (meaning dedicated single blade w/lockback or frame etc), the only time for the past 10 years I haven't carried one as well, is over the last few months I started carrying a Gossman PSK, which previously was dedicated to a survival kit I kept in the car. Personally, I find it one of the few small fixed blades that have both the ergos and the size to make a good pocket carry EDC. (just under 6.5in length, including the kydex)
Lord willing though, this week it will go back in the kit, and I'll move back to a folder; I don't like to carry ANY folder, that I would not feel comfortable to use in short term batonning, without fearing I would trash the knife (or more importantly my fingers) if I had no other option. That being said, I have a limited number of folders that would be my EDC, or dedicated back up to a preferred fixed blade at this point.
It's probably kind of redundant (or whacko) for me to think that way, as 80% of the time, I have a fixed blade accessible, but I think too much about the other 20%, or what if I lost the fixed blade somehow, or something highly, and completely improbable happened..the manufacturers love my OCD, or better said CDO.. the wife says they should be alphabetized, ha, ha, JK..;):
 
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For backpacking I carry an SAK, a Wenger Ranger, as my back-up to my fixed blade(s). The main blade and the saw are larger than those on the other SAKs I have. Sometimes I'll leave the HEST folder that I edc in my pocket also.
 
I love having my Ontario RAT 1 folder in the wilderness, as a complement to my fixed blade knife and Leatherman multitool. As previously noted, the RAT 1 is excellently priced online; I agree with the earlier sentiment that it's the best value knife on the market. The lockup on mine is rock solid, the G-10 handles are wonderfully ergonomic, the AUS 8 blade sharpens easily and holds the edge a surprisingly long time, and the 3.65", flat-ground blade is perfect for food prep and fine work. The 5" long handle gives excellent grip and is quite comfortable.
I think that, for a 4-day backpacking trip, a fixed blade, saw, multitool, and folding knife would take care of any task you come across. I'd leave the hatchet behind to save weight, but sometimes having the right tool for the job is more than worth the extra calories expended to haul said tool.
To answer your question though, yep, I like bringing a folder into the wilds to complement my fixed blade.
 
I am another of those 'minimalists'. I carry a minimum of 4 knives when hiking or camping. :D

A RAT 1 folder is always a comfort. In addition, I like my SAK Trekker, an ESEE Izula worn as a neck knife, and a good bushcraft knife on my hip.

That is not to say there won't be a folding saw, another fixed blade, my Wetterlings Small Hunter ax, and a multi tool in the day pack...............
 
I always keep a SAK in the pack, usually a Trekker or Huntsman. I also carry a folder, and fixed blade. The folder used to be my Benchmade 550 Grip, but now it is my ZT 0551. Fixed blades have been all over the map, but usually something in the 4 - 5 inch range.
 
I've always thought that fixed blades were completely unnecessary when carrying a hatchet. A hatchet and a folder will tackle anything you have to do. So I personally think a folder is more then adequate.

However, that being said I would recommend you ditch the hatchet, the multitool and the saw. You're going to be in Cali in the summer. Wood working tools will just be dead weight. Shelter is less important and getting a fire going when everything is bone dry is easy peasy. Take the fixed blade and the PM2 if you want your blade fix though you'll probably be just fine with just the folder. When I camp in Oregon in the summer I hardly cut anything except salami and goat cheese. We camp fancy.:D
 
I haven't backpacked for years, but when I was young a cheapo gerber EZ-OUT or a sak worked for years. Now I would carry a sak and a F1 and maybe just the F1 or a mora - just like some others above - no real need for screwdrivers, etc.
 
i sometimes bring my spyderco military with me - it's a great slicer so i use it mainly for food prep.
 
Spyderco Endura ZDP-189 FFG. It is tough, thin, and holds a screaming sharp edge better than any folder I have ever owned (I own a lot):
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So, if I understand correctly, you will carry a hatchet, Becker BK 16, saw, and multitool and you want to know what fifth tool to carry in an area where you cannot gather wood.

I'd say ditch the hatchet and saw and fill the gap between the Becker and the multitool with the Spyderco or some such.
 
For Backpacking:

A SAK Huntsman, it has everything I need from a small saw, sissors and even a pot lifter
A clean SAK Classic in my FAK
And in my cook kit, a small Victorinex paring knife that is easy to clean
 
I always have an SAK in my pocket, Farmer model nowdays. When truly backpacking I am usually in areas where there's little to no wood--above treeline or in the prairie, so there's usually little use for even a 4" knife. Been known to do a lot of trips with just the Farmer and an Izula II. Even in wooded areas I will just throw in the little Wetterlings with those and call it good. There's absolutely no need for a whole pile of cutlery.

My first several backpacking trips I only carried one folder, never had issues. We even made campfires--and nobody had a hatchet! It can be easier with one, but it's not necessary.
 
I always have either a SAK Farmer or Huntsman in my pocket when out in the woods. I would be very comfortable with either as my only knife, but I do like to carry others for fun.
 
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