If you only have one tool…

Whenever I trek into the backcountry, I always have my Leatherman multi-tool (It’s one of my ten essentials).

We all pretty much know what these are: it’s basically a folding knife with a bunch of other handy little items folded into the housing.

Mine has a serrated knife, a file, screwdrivers, needlenose pliers, a flint, bottle opener, scissors, and the housing itself is a ruler. It includes a leather sheath with a belt-strap, although I tend to carry it in the pack.

It comes in handy in almost any situation, like when I need to cut up some kindling, rig up a bear bag, or repair a torn backpack. I’ve used it for those things and more. All of these tools separately would weigh a ton, but together they weigh less than a pound. It’s a very effective little device.

It got me wondering: Continue reading →