Best multitool for traveling?

H

Heimdall82

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Aug 3, 2021
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Hi there!

I'm starting to plan some traveling (once this Covid show's over) and i was wondering what would be the best multitool to pick? I don't really need it to be "TSA-Friendly" since it's will be packed in my checked luggage but if you have TSA- friendly options feel free to share it. I'm looking for a multitool to carry around town (on my own or in my backpack) and for short day hike, i'm not planning to bring a fixed blade (except if my main project is hiking during my travel) since it can be hazardous to carry it in some country...

Here's a short list of what i think is "essential" on a travel multitool:

-Blade
-Can opener
-Bottle Opener
-Corkscrew (traveling with my wife so....it must be wine friendly!)

Bonus:
-Scissors (Not essential, but very useful for sure!)
-Wood saw (Not essential, but could be useful on hiking...)
-Tweezers
-Bright color, kinda lightweight and compact...

I don't really use pliers that much, so i can skip most of the medium/full size Leathermans...

So far, it's looks like my best options are the Leatherman Juice CS4 (but it's discontinued...), the Victorinox Evo/Evogrip S17 and Victorinox Huntsman (same but different, the new S17 got a locking main blade and new scissor mecanism), also the Victorinox Compact is a nice option if i don't need a wood saw. (Is a wood saw of this size really useful? 🤔) The more minimalist option would be the Victorinox Waiter (Main blade+Corkscrew+Combo tool+Tweezers+Toothpick)

One of my favorite hiking multitool is the Victorinox Hunter (111mm with Main locking blade+serrated rounded blade+combo tool+corkscrew+awl+wood saw+tweezers+toothpick) but it's not so compact and lightweight... My Victorinox Spirit is my go-to bushcraft/camping multitool. I prefer my Leatherman (Skeletool/Wave/Sidekick) for Urban carry...

As for the TSA-Friendly multi-tools (less than 2.36"/60mm), i usually pick one of these and carry it in my carry-on luggage (never in my pocket) on chekpoints.

-Leatherman Style CS
-Leatherman Micra
-Victorinox Nail Clip 580

Had a Gerber Dime... not gonna have another one! 😅

What would be your pick for a travel multitool?
 
I travelled many times with a Compact. Saved the day on several occasions. Later on I only carried a Classic and it handled my food cutting/tag cutting needs while in Munich. A larger blade would have been nice for sausage and cheese cutting, but honestly wasn’t necessary.

Many through hikers in the states only carry a SAK classic. Unless you are bushcrafting, I really don’t think you’ll need the saw.

So my pick is a Classic/Rambler. But if you really want a larger blade, go with a Compact. Having the needle in the scale is pretty handy. Although a safety pin in the wallet does just fine.

Dean
 
shopdoc said:
I travelled many times with a Compact. Saved the day on several occasions. Later on I only carried a Classic and it handled my food cutting/tag cutting needs while in Munich. A larger blade would have been nice for sausage and cheese cutting, but honestly wasn’t necessary.

Many through hikers in the states only carry a SAK classic. Unless you are bushcrafting, I really don’t think you’ll need the saw.

So my pick is a Classic/Rambler. But if you really want a larger blade, go with a Compact. Having the needle in the scale is pretty handy. Although a safety pin in the wallet does just fine.

Dean
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My first idea was to travel with the Victorinox Nail Clip 580: TSA Friendly, Short blade, short file and small scissors but a little bit bigger than Classic SD (65mm vs 58mm), tweezers and toothpick. I usually put it into my grooming kit in my carry-on and had no problems so far. (It's the only tool i take when i travel light).

I really love to have a can/bottle opener and corkscrew when i travel. The Compact and the smaller Waiter are the ones i often carry in my checked luggage for these tools (non TSA friendly because of the bigger blade), i could bring my Vic Hunter if i really plan a lots of hikes but i need to agree a Compact would be more than enough for most of the tasks i could encounter during my travel. I wanted a wood saw for no reasons other than "if i need it" but to be honest... i don't know if a wood saw would be really useful except bushcrafting... i don't really think of any scenario a wood saw would "save the day"...
 
Rupestris said:
The Climber sounds like it'll cover everything except the Saw. The Huntsman if you can lug an extra layer and really want the saw.

The Climber is available in white or translucent blue, silver or red as opposed to the standard red or black.
Click to expand...
I think i would pick a Compact over the Climber, the only differences between the 2 are the Compact have a pen and the Climber have a awl/reamer. The Compact is more lightweight too. (Less layers)
 
When I travel I try to carry two multitools (2 is 1 mentality...), typically a Leatherman Juice CS4 in the backpack (part of my EDC setup) and something smaller in the pocket, like a waiter or a rambler if you want really compact.

If you want to carry only one, I would carry a Compact (scissors are a must for me) or a Huntsman if there is a chance of any significant hiking. On the other hand, Compacts are relatively expensive. A Climber is a bit bulkier but will serve you well and they can often be bought used for about one third of the price of a Compact. If scissors are not particularly important to you, both a Waiter or Sportsman are excellent, compact options, and can be bought cheap, especially the Sportsman.
 
Heimdall82 said:
I think i would pick a Compact over the Climber, the only differences between the 2 are the Compact have a pen and the Climber have a awl/reamer. The Compact is more lightweight too. (Less layers)
Click to expand...

If I was to be completely honest, my Climber or Huntsman recommendation isn't my actual choice. I was trying to keep everything in one package. When I travel, putting all my eggs in one basket doesn't sit well with me.

I've had the Delta airlines baggage people relieve me of an Alox Cadet. It was in a checked bag when I left and gone when I arrived. The small Classic SD in my bathroom bag hasn't piqued the interest of a low life baggage handler.

For scissors, I'd put a VictoriClassic SD in my checked bag and move it to my pocket or keychain when I reached my destination.

For a corkscrew, I'd pack one of these:

CKS.jpg


For an inexpensive knife that has a blade, bottle opener and a can opener I’d pick up a Victorinox Recruit.

They’re under $20 US and if the airline baggage handlers decide to steal it, you’re out $20.
 
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