Ok, so some of you are probably backpackers or at least hikers. Which spydie would you recommend for this activity? The catch is that it should be lightweight as to not add a bunch of weight, folder, and also long enough to give some sense of protection (being false as it may be). This is what I am looking for in a knife. I dont have any stores near me, so everything I buy is usually just from the pics online. Thanks in advance!
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Best Spydie for backpacking
- Thread starter jlamb
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- Jun 30, 2006
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Military. Easier to clean than the backlock models (Endura etc.) and the extra blade makes it more useful than the Para.
Edge holding is better than on the Salts and imho the blade shape is also better for use while hiking.
The Millie is also Spyderco's best folder imo
Sverre
Edge holding is better than on the Salts and imho the blade shape is also better for use while hiking.
The Millie is also Spyderco's best folder imo
Sverre
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
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- 415
I think one of the recently released full flat grind Enduras would fit the bill nicely. The blade is 3 3/4 ".
It is also available in brown, purple and green.
It is also available in brown, purple and green.
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- Mar 14, 2009
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I bought a Pacific Salt to serve in similar capacity.
as much as I agree with NoFair on the above statement, I'd suggest a Mule, if you prefer a fixed bladeThe Millie is also Spyderco's best folder imo
the last iteration in S35VN will hold up particularly well for any usage you may encouter on the track IMHO
So is the Temperance and BushcraftSave some scratch and get the FFG Endura like in catamount123's post. Put the extra money into some in-your-pocket survival items if you don't already have them.
Sorry, I've had 2 out of 3 Milis with less than perfect locks so I just don't trust the liner lock anymore. But I know that's not the usual experience for most of us so that doesn't mean you shouldn't trust it.
Sorry, I've had 2 out of 3 Milis with less than perfect locks so I just don't trust the liner lock anymore. But I know that's not the usual experience for most of us so that doesn't mean you shouldn't trust it.
Delica...Light and small is better. Backpacking you are bringing most of your gear for element protection, cooking, shelter etc with you. Ounces count and the knife is just used for food prep, minor cutting tasks. If you are overly concerned with "survival" scenarios when backpacking you probably need more experience to build confidence. Most realistic scenarios you can think of are handled by proper prep and planning. I have 10K plus miles under my belt and did most of it with a SAK or small lockback. Long, > 5 days, winter trips where I used a sled and skis I would sometimes carry a small forester's ax. Even then proper prep with caches it is not a necessity. If I was way off the grid in spring or summer maybe a small machete for trail clearing.
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- Nov 20, 2005
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A Delica is certainly another good option, but the OP prefers a longer blade. I really don't see how the extra 1.1 oz and 3/4" of the Endura vs. Delica makes any appreciable difference
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- Jan 31, 2007
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I take a Pacific Salt (Though I'm going to be switching to a fixed blade for this summer's trips (ESEE Izula)). Big, lightweight thanks to not having liners, tough, no-fuss design. Centofante 3 wouldn't be a bad choice either (Good balance of size and weight), or, for a bit more weight, the Stretch FRN.
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I like the recommendations for the endura and pacific salt. For backpacking I'd give slight favor to the pacific, as it's nice to have a solid FRN handled rust proof knife. This lets you simply wash the knife out without worrying about whether it's totally dry inside. It's somewhat lighter, certainly enough to notice. Further, I've found H1 to be very tough and easy to get sharp.
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- Mar 9, 2009
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I don't go anywhere without my UKPK. The blade's length and shape are handy as all get out and the weight is almost nothing. If I knew how awesome this knife was, I'd have bought one sooner. I plan on getting another but in foliage to match my Manix2. I also plan on getting one for my father. I get so sick of buying him golf crap all the time.
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- Nov 21, 2009
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Yes the new FFG Endura would be a great option for you to take backpacking, they are very light weight for their size, and the FFG blade is a great slicer, they are also tough knives too.
A Delica is certainly another good option, but the OP prefers a longer blade. I really don't see how the extra 1.1 oz and 3/4" of the Endura vs. Delica makes any appreciable difference
When you are putting a lot of miles in a day 20+ there are things that can become irritating. It's 90+ degrees with 80% humidity and your shorts are soaked. Large knives clipped in your pocket are a bother so you end up draping it from your pack or harness. Smaller, lighter is better, less chance of chaffing, rubbing or flopping around on you.
Part is personal preference. I rarely lit fires or built shelters. Typical things I used knives for were cutting moleskin or duct tape, dicing potatoes, cleaning a fish or opening a package. In general the usual EDC tasks you use your knife for at home with more emphasis on cooking and eating.
It is a the philosophy that ounces add up to pounds and if a 2 oz knife will do the same as a 3.5 ounce knife why not. Save an ounce off of 16 things carry and that results in an additional 1/2 liter of fuel or lb. of peanut butter. That means more miles or days you can stretch.
