Everyone – be they a prepper, a survivalist, or an ordinary person – needs a multitool. The best examples for everyday carry have at least a dozen different features to help pull off all kinds of daily chores and survival tasks.
The multitool is one of the handiest and most vital edged tools available. Always keep one within easy reach, even if it isn't an everyday carry. Store spares in the home stockpile, bug-out bag, escape vehicle, survival shelter, and other important locations in case SHTF.
One of its greatest advantages is its unthreatening appearance. Most models contain a small knife and other sharp implements, but a multitool will not provoke alarm in the same way a separate blade does. It is a stealthy way to carry a pocket knife in touchy areas like urban environments. (Related: Prepper hacks: 20 Tips for surviving the next chaotic situation with ease.)
Make sure your survival multitool has these features
A good survival multitool will have the right tools for surviving emergency scenarios. Don't bother with a corkscrew, but get one with a can opener.
Start with a knife blade for various tasks that involve cutting, slicing, and piercing objects. Add a separate serrated blade for tough objects. Use the serrated knife sparingly since it is hard to sharpen.
A wood saw is useful for cutting through soft materials, while the file is for metals and other tougher materials. Some files have diamond-impregnated sides that can sharpen steel.
Pliers might not seem useful in wilderness survival scenarios. However, their ability to hold objects too hot or dangerous to handle with bare fingers will come in handy.
An awl isn't just for stitching. Use it to drill and poke holes into soft materials. Likewise, get a large flathead screwdriver to serve as a chisel, scraper, and a level.
Finally, a bit driver allows bits to be changed. It ramps the versatility of the multitool up to 11.
There is an appropriate multitool model for everyone
The best general purpose multitool is the Leatherman Wave+. Costing $100, it has all the right tools for preppers. The Wave+ is a bit bulky and weighty for an everyday carry tool, but it will still squeeze into most pockets.
Preppers with an extra $70 may want to get the Leatherman Charge+ TTi instead. An improved Wave+, this model is made from lighter and stronger materials like titanium and super steel. It also adds a strap-cutting hook to the back of the saw blade.
The saw of the previous models accounts for a good chunk of their bulk. Other multitools drop the saw blade to reduce their size and weight. They won't be as capable as the bigger ones, but they are much easier for everyday carry purposes.
Pick the Leatherman Skeletool CX over the standard Skeletool. The extra $20 nets a tough and ergonomic knife – the half dozen other tools are a nice bonus.
Traditionalists might prefer a Swiss Army Knife for their everyday carry multitool needs. Get a legitimate Victorinox, preferably a modern Evolution 18 that can lock its blade for safety.
Mini multitools are the most compact option. They are the smallest and lightest of the bunch, but have fewer tools, are less durable, and may be harder to use. Pick either the SOG Sync II for its whopping 11-in-one toolset, the Leatherman Style CS that fits on a keyring or in a small pocket, or the Victorinox Classic Alox for the classic touch.
Last but not least is the "one-piece," a credit card-sized multitool that the TSA will allow aboard an airliner. The toughness and seven-in-one toolset of the Gerber Shard makes it the best model for air travel.
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