Rethinking the Leatherman of Camping...

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
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6,105
Hi folks-

As I was on my last overnight trip (I posted another thread about it), I purposely left my Leatherman Wave at home just to see if I would miss it. I instead brought my Opinel #7 as a folder/pocket blade.

After reflecting on the trip, I found that I couldn't find a single duty that would have required the Wave above any other tool. I don't think there would have been many chores for which I'd have reached for the Wave instead of something else.

The main benefits of it are of course the pliers, and some scissors of fair quality. But in the woods, there just aren't that many things requiring those tools above all others.

The blade and saw are still of good quality, but my hatchet is a mainstay that works better than the saw ever will, and the Opinel or fixed blade work better for cutting. The file is not terribly necessary in the wild, nor is a serrated blade, nor screwdrivers (unless you have glasses or rely on battery operated things).

I'm thinking that for my needs, the Wave is an excellent tool to have available in the city, during the day-to-day. It works great for fixing little truck problems, fixing glasses, working on small projects, etc. It really shines in this area and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. But in the woods, there just aren't enough opportunities to need it that the weight is justified. If anything, bringing a small and lightweight pair of needle-nosed pliers would probably fill any void created.

Thoughts?
 
I use the pilers as pot holders, use them to untie frozen knots, screwdrivers to tightened up screws in canoe seats, change props (if i'm running my square stern), fly tying vise.....

I would left my manix at home before I leave my multitool.
 
For instances where I was boating or working with anything mechanical, I'd definitely have them along as well. Something like off-roading, or even if I was tagging along on 'car camping' and a generator was coming, etc..

I suppose my main point is that in the woods, where the only man-made items are the ones I bring with me, I don't find much use (personally) to make it worthwhile. The items I bring with me are always very basic if I can help it.
 
SpookyPistolero said:
After reflecting on the trip, I found that I couldn't find a single duty that would have required the Wave above any other tool. I don't think there would have been many chores for which I'd have reached for the Wave instead of something else.
Click to expand...
...on that particular trip. :)

Hi Spooky. It isn't often I delve into my Charge (or Wave) to make use of it's various components on each trip. BUT, it is nice to have them when I need them. I'd say I use the pliers and can opener more than any other features on the tool. The scissors on the Wave are handy, too. It's my 'primary secondary' tool.

But it is a good feeling actually going throught eh paces you did, and realizing you can certainly get by with something else.
 
The thing I use on them the most is the scissors for opening freeze dried food packs, so that they are usable for heating the food once the water is mixed in. If you've used Mountain House foods you'll know what I mean.
 
I totally understand that you don't "need" a multitool, as I have camped for good 20 years without one. I got my first one about 5 yrs back. My dad had been going without one for over 50 (I bought him one last year for father's day). However, now that I have it, I can't go without it.

I like the can opener better on my old SAK that my multi.
 
You might go days without needing to use your multi-tool in the woods, but then again, you might use it everyday...there's just no telling.
Kinda like carrying a Bic and a firesteel: you'll probably never need more than the Bic on any given camping trip.
But it's nice to know that you have the firesteel with you.

I've used the pliers on my multi-tool many times...
to dislodge fishing hooks from fish,
for peeling strips of bark off of logs,
for crimping sinkers,
for loosening knots,
cracking nutshells,

I once removed a nail from my boot,

I have also used my pliers to pull blowgun darts from a tree,

And they're handy for stuck zippers too...

you just never know when you might need them.
 
I agree - unless I need to mechanically maintain some specific manufactured item like a boat, car, bike, etc. I don't find much need for a multi-tool. If it's just me and my two feet serving as transportation, I don't find much use for pliers, files, can-openers, etc. I'd rather carry the same weight in food or fuel. Pliers are nice for handling hot pots but a bandana weighs a whole lot less.

The farther one goes from civilization the simpler tools seem to get.
 
I use a Leatherman WAVE just about daily, it usually saves mne a trip to the workshop for an actual tool as it is right there. If I am around machines, car, boat, ATV it is on my belt. I also use it 24/7 out at our rural camp property fixing just about everything.

When I got to the bush it goes along, right up until I leave it in my trunk. I just don´t use it for much in the bush but I want it there to help me fix the car on the way out and back.

I am friends with a couple that are riding around the world on BMW bikes. Simon´s only tool is a Leatherman Ti that Leatherman set up for him just to work on their bikes. He has worked miracles with the tool, including a total rewiring of his bike in the Amazon jungle... with a broken bone in his neck. They each had a Leatherman and they also had a small hatchet. I set them up with a 14 inch Tramontina as well.

They are just the ticket for fixing abroken vehicle or piece of critical equipment and could really save the day. I just don´t use them much in the bush. Mac
 
I have used the file on my super tool to touch up the edge on my estwing hand axe while in the woods.The pliers are handy for hot pot lids. The super tool like my pocket knife is always with me weather in the boonies or not so weight is not an issue. if it does become an issue I'll find some other area to save weight. I WILL NOT scimp on my basic tool's .how ever that being said i find new ideas and better ways of doing things on this forum every day ,so my feeling about my leatherman might change if somthing better comes along.
 
I think that's where the main difference is. Around here, you're not getting very far without your canoe/ cross country skis. Both of which usually requires some sort of pliers love. If all I bring are shoes, I can see that you might not find them useful.
 
The vast utility potential of the Leatherman is something which you won't need most of the time. However, when the need does sneak up on you, you'll be wishing you had it.

Why not bring the Opinel AND the Leatherman?

Myself, I'll bring a primary knife and the Leatherman, with the Leatherman serving as a toolbox rather than a knife.
 
I picked up some Fiskar's #5 scissors and they fit int he nylon sheath with an SAK Trekker (or just get the Outrider model). Anyway, the Wave is a good tool, but it's heavy. My opinion of late is to take a knife if walking and a multi-tool if using a motor or pedals.
 
I camp a lot while traveling by motorcycle, so a multitool is a useful complement to a regular knife and to the bike's tool roll. Also, I have found it useful enough for repairing or adjusting other gear that I always have it along anyway. I use the Victorinox Spirit most of the time, as it is my edc. I removed the serrations from the knife blade and beveled both sides of the cutting edge.
 
I think a leatherman or gerber multitool with metal saw, and file, and all the gooodies will come in handy. You can also use one to take trash left out in the woods and make stuff from that with all the tools.

For me, I take a SAK trekker. So far it works for me in the woods. For working construction projects, I have a Schrade Tough tool multitool. Not the highest quality, but it has worked. The wire cutter edge has rolled a little bit though, and is hard to open sometimes. Now I keep it in my car, in reserve. Need to get a multitool sometime down the road, but most likely in a year or two.

Later,
Scottman
 
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