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Best Multitools for Bug Out Bags (Top 10)

A quality multitool is one of the most versatile items in your bug out bag. It handles cutting, repairs, food prep, medical tasks, and countless unexpected needs—all in one compact package.

Here are our top picks for BOB multitools.

Quick Picks

Rank	Product	Best For	Tools	Weight	Price Range
1	Leatherman Wave+	Overall	18	8.5 oz	$$$
2	Leatherman Wingman	Value	14	7 oz	$$
3	Victorinox SwissTool	Build Quality	27	10 oz	$$$
4	Gerber Suspension NXT	Budget	15	9 oz	$
5	Victorinox Huntsman	Lightweight	15	3.5 oz	$$

What Makes a Good BOB Multitool?

Essential tools:

Pliers (needle-nose preferred)
Wire cutters
Knife blade (plain edge most versatile)
Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat)
Can/bottle opener
File

Nice to have:

Scissors
Saw (wood)
Awl
Wire stripper

Build quality matters: A multitool that breaks or malfunctions is worse than no tool at all. Stick with reputable brands.

Note

The best multitool is the one you’ll actually carry. A heavy, bulky tool left at home is useless. Consider weight and size alongside features.

Detailed Reviews

1. Leatherman Wave+ — Best Overall

Top Pick

Leatherman Wave+

The gold standard in multitools. 18 tools, built to last generations.

What We Like

18 essential tools
Outside-accessible blades
25-year warranty
Premium build quality
Replaceable wire cutters

Considerations

Higher price point
Heavier than budget options
No scissors on basic model

ℹ️ Wave+ has replaceable cutters, original Wave does not

Check Price on Amazon

The Wave+ is the multitool most often recommended by experienced preppers. It offers the right combination of tools, build quality, and usability.

Why it wins:

18 tools covering all essential needs
Outside-accessible blades (open with one hand)
Premium steel and construction
25-year warranty
Replaceable wire cutters

Considerations:

Higher price point (~$100)
Heavier at 8.5 oz
May be more than some need

Best for: Primary BOB multitool, all-around use

2. Leatherman Wingman — Best Value

The Wingman delivers core multitool functionality at about half the Wave’s price.

Why we like it:

14 useful tools
Spring-loaded pliers (easier one-hand use)
Outside-opening knife
Leatherman quality at lower price
Good everyday carry size

Considerations:

Smaller pliers and blades than Wave
No replaceable cutters
Fewer tools overall

Best for: Budget-conscious builds, get home bags, everyday carry

3. Victorinox SwissTool — Premium Choice

Swiss-made precision with exceptional build quality. The SwissTool matches or exceeds Leatherman in fit and finish.

Why we like it:

27 tools
Legendary Swiss quality
Extremely durable construction
All tools lock open
Lifetime warranty

Considerations:

Heavy at 10 oz
Higher price
Tools require two hands to access

Best for: Quality-first users, those who prefer European engineering

4. Gerber Suspension NXT — Best Budget

Solid performance at entry-level pricing makes the Suspension NXT accessible for tight budgets.

Why we like it:

15 tools
Spring-loaded pliers
Open frame design
Very affordable (~$30-40)
Usable quality

Considerations:

Build quality below Leatherman/Victorinox
Blade steel is softer
May need replacement sooner

Best for: Budget builds, backup tools, testing if you like multitools

5. Victorinox Huntsman — Best Lightweight

Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman

Classic Swiss Army knife with wood saw. Great balance of tools and portability.

Get Home BagBudget-FriendlyLightweight

Pros

15 functions
Includes wood saw
Very portable

Cons

Locking blade illegal some places
No pliers

ℹ️ Many variations - ensure you get genuine Victorinox

Check Price on Amazon

The classic Swiss Army knife with the tool selection BOB users need—including a wood saw.

Why we like it:

Only 3.5 oz (half a Wave’s weight)
Wood saw is excellent
Scissors are genuinely useful
Proven for 100+ years
Fits in pocket easily

Considerations:

No pliers (major limitation)
Smaller blades
Non-locking blades (safety concern)

Best for: Supplement to dedicated pliers, ultralight builds, get home bags

Multitool vs. Fixed Blade Knife

Many preppers debate whether to carry a multitool, fixed blade knife, or both.

Task	Multitool	Fixed Blade
Cutting rope	Good	Excellent
Food prep	Good	Excellent
Batoning wood	Poor	Good
Repairs	Excellent	Poor
Wire cutting	Good-Excellent	None
General utility	Excellent	Limited

Our recommendation: For most BOBs, a quality multitool handles 90% of needs. Add a fixed blade only if you expect heavy cutting/wood processing.

Multitool vs. Fixed Blade: What to Pack?

Our Recommendations

For Most Bug Out Bags

Leatherman Wave+ — The gold standard. Yes, it costs more, but the quality, warranty, and tool selection justify the investment.

On a Budget

Leatherman Wingman — Real Leatherman quality at a more accessible price. Does 90% of what the Wave does.

For Ultralight Builds

Victorinox Huntsman plus separate compact pliers — Saves significant weight while covering core needs.

For Get Home Bags

Victorinox Huntsman or Leatherman Squirt — Lighter tools for lighter bags. You don’t need full-size pliers to get home.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best For	Key Features	Price
Leatherman Wave+ The gold standard in multitools. 18 tools, built to last generations.	Bug Out Bag EDC	18 essential tools Outside-accessible blades	Check Price
Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Classic Swiss Army knife with wood saw. Great balance of tools and portability.	Get Home Bag Budget-Friendly	15 functions Includes wood saw	Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a multitool enough, or do I need a separate knife?

For most emergency scenarios, a multitool is sufficient. If you expect heavy cutting tasks (processing firewood, building shelter from scratch), a fixed blade is more capable. Many people carry both—multitool for utility, fixed blade for serious cutting.

Leatherman vs. Victorinox—which is better?

Both make excellent tools. Leatherman tends to have better pliers and is more repair-focused. Victorinox has excellent knives and scissors. For BOB use, Leatherman's pliers usually win out.

Are cheap multitools worth buying?

For occasional light use, budget tools work. For emergency preparedness where failure matters, invest in Leatherman, Victorinox, or SOG. A broken tool when you need it is worse than no tool.

How do I maintain my multitool?

Keep it clean and lightly oiled. Work the hinges periodically. Clean and dry it after wet use. Sharpen blades as needed. A well-maintained Leatherman can last decades.

Can I fly with a multitool?

Not in carry-on luggage (TSA will confiscate it). Pack multitools in checked baggage only. For travel, consider a bladeless tool like the Leatherman Style PS.

Related:

Best Multitools for Bug Out Bags (Top 10)

How We Recommend Gear

Best Multitools for Bug Out Bags (Top 10)

Quick Picks

What Makes a Good BOB Multitool?

Detailed Reviews

1. Leatherman Wave+ — Best Overall

Leatherman Wave+

2. Leatherman Wingman — Best Value

3. Victorinox SwissTool — Premium Choice

4. Gerber Suspension NXT — Best Budget

5. Victorinox Huntsman — Best Lightweight

Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman

Multitool vs. Fixed Blade Knife

Our Recommendations

For Most Bug Out Bags

On a Budget

For Ultralight Builds

For Get Home Bags

Our Top Picks

Frequently Asked Questions

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