Best Spydie for backpacking

For hiking, I like to carry my Military. I plan to do a Thru next year and the Military is currently my top contender for EDC folder. The other consideration for me is the Stretch 2.
 
For a folder, I'd pick my Endura FFG FRN VG-10. If I thought I needed protection, first thing I'd do with my folder is make a spear/hiking staff.
 
My choice would be the Military, nice and big, excellent utility blade and ergonomics. I can't think of any other Spyderco folder that is a better balance between size, strength and weight
 
My CF BG42 Military is my current choice for hiking. I keep it on my person while my fixed blade rides in or on a pack. It's light, tough and a great slicer. With that in mind for me it's generally more of a backup/food prep knife as I like to keep it as sharp as possible in case of emergencies on the trail. My F1 currently does most of the hard work.

The next in line would probably be my umnumzaan or endura.
 
jlamb said:
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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H1 Spyderhawk in your choice of SE or PE (personally, I would go with SE)

It's lightweight FRN, it is a folder, and if this knife won't give you "some sense of protection," I don't know what will! Mine seems to give someone a case of the willies every time I open it up. :D

Oh yeah, and it won't rust up from moisture either.
 
For backpacking, I have used a Para and a UKPK. Both work very well, and the UKPK is quite light.
 
Pacific Salt PE - light and easy to sharpen even with improvised means.

Get the Profile set of stones which would be a great compliment to your kit. If you are really watching ounces, cut the stones in half with a cutoff wheel and leave half the brown and half the white at home.

Also, you could cut the storage sheath in half and sew up the part that has both ends open (original opening and the cut you made), then reinforce the stiching at the new opening so the original thread does not unravel and spread green rouge on the back of the storage sheath (for stropping if interested), then carry your new small version in a ziplock bag and you have a very nice little sharpening kit and an extra waterproof bag with you.
 
vvk said:
my vote goes for the military - light, fast and sturdy, unless you are afraid of scaring the sheeple. If you need something sheeple friendly take Mora 2000.
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I like your suggestion of the Military model for outdoor uses of all kinds. But I also like the fact that you've added a fixed blade inyour recommendation as well.

I think everyone should have a folder and a fixed blade for any outdoor activity. And Spyderco is getting a much better array of fixed blades.

I also like the other brother's recommendation of the Endura. I would go with one of the ZDP-189 Endura models and also carry one of Spyderco's Hawkbills if you have room to do so.
 
I always, always take two knives into the bush, One folder for food etc and one fixed for wood and other jobs...(an old Eka folder and a Cold Steele R.C.) I was hoping to change the Eka to a Spydie but the darn thing is indestructible.
 
I hike with my Temperance 2 - I just cannot say enough good things about that knife!
Snapped to my shoulder strap is a full spyderedge remote release 2. A great combination
 
The military is nice, but it just hasn't hit it off with me. Perhaps it will eventually.
I LOVE the Gayle Bradley and suspect that the blade can take a bit more abuse.
Today at the gun show I handled a Stretch and was deeply impressed with it. It's light and doesn't take up much room - backpacking blade is what came to my mind specifically. Stretch is a mighty fine implement, indeed.
The military would be the easiest to keep clean of debris out of the three I've mentioned.
 
perksy said:
The stretch of full flat grind endura..
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I cannot see using a Stretch with the thin and oh so delicate tip for anything other than slicing things. When I think of hiking, I think hard use, and Stretch does not come to mind at all.


Im going to go against the general grain here:

1 - Spyderco Bushcraft (if you were lucky to be able to pick up a new one, or a 2nds model). That knife is awesome in every way.

2 - Spyderco Mule (CPM-M4 or CPM-S35VN) Again, handles for these can be purchased from many skilled makers here or via some online places. As well as a nice kydex sheath.

3 - Spyderco Military - Fully serrated. Lightweight knife that doubles as a small saw when used correctly.

I mean, if you are going hiking and not just for a casual stroll, you should ahve some level of knowledge of tools to use. When I go hiking in the Catalinas or by Mt. Lemon, I take a Bushcraft and a fully serrated Military.
 
I recon the stretch has a stronger tip than the military. I have been using my stretch for close to a year now and have never worried about the tip strength, it is however a folding knife, so I dont beat the hell out of it.
 
I'd get the Pacific Salt if you don't want to worry about rust and corrosion. While out camping, you don't always have access to proper cleaning and maintenance supplies. The Manix 2 is also one I'd recommend. Tough as nails, if you get the hollow grind it will be a very strong blade, plus it's available in partial serrations, giving you a sawing edge if needed. Endura is also a great choice, as I've used back lock knives for years and never had a problem.

I think your biggest challenge is not going to be finding a knife that suits your needs, but choosing only one knife out of all the candidates. Spyderco has such a great selection with many different varieties that meet your requirements. A lot of it will come down to your personal preferences.
 
jlamb said:
and also long enough to give some sense of protection (being false as it may be).
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Rethink your statement :) If it is false, there's no need in picking a knife based on that requirement.

Don't know what the best is, but I have picked my tenacious a couple of times and my persistence a couple of times. Both did a fine job :thumbup:
 
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