Our Top Picks
Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 Multitool PliersOne Size4.25 x 1 x 4.25 inches0.4 poundsCheck on Amazon
14-In-1 Multitool with Safety Locking3.9 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches3.9 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches0.6 poundsCheck on Amazon
The Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 is the best overall multitool on this list for most campers: it is a proper pliers-first tool with spring-loaded needlenose jaws, a locking knife blade and a compact folded body. A camping multitool is a single folding or hatchet-style tool that bundles pliers, blades, drivers and openers so you can fix gear, prep food and handle camp chores without carrying a full tool roll. If you want chopping and hammering from the same tool, the RoverTac axe-style models are the better fit, while the remaining generic listings are lesser-documented alternatives to check carefully before you commit.
Quick List
- 16-in-1 Axe Survival Multitool – best for campers who want an axe, saw, pliers and whistle in one bundle
- RoverTac 14-in-1 Camping Axe Multitool – best for car campers who want a hatchet-style tool with a sheath
- 18-in-1 Axe Hammer Multitool – best for anyone who values the widest tool count and an emergency escape feature
- RoverTac Multitool Axe (Gift Edition) – best for gift buyers who want a RoverTac axe tool in giftable packaging
- Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 – best overall for pliers-first everyday camp repairs and backpacking
- 14-in-1 Locking Pliers Multitool with Sheath – best for a pocket-style pliers tool with a safety lock and nylon carry sheath
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Backpack, count ounces and mostly need pliers, a knife and screwdrivers | Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 |
| Drive to camp and want to split kindling or drive tent stakes | RoverTac 14-in-1 Camping Axe Multitool |
| Want the most tools on the spec sheet, including an escape feature | 18-in-1 Axe Hammer Multitool |
| Need a hatchet-style tool plus a whistle for signaling | 16-in-1 Axe Survival Multitool |
| Prefer a pocket-pliers format with a nylon sheath and a locking mechanism | 14-in-1 Locking Pliers Multitool with Sheath |
| Are buying a present for a camper and like the RoverTac design | RoverTac Multitool Axe (Gift Edition) |
| Want a recognized brand with published weight and dimensions | Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 |
The simplest way to decide is to ask whether you will actually chop anything. If your camping is mostly cooking, gear repair and tent fixes, a pliers-style tool is lighter, safer to carry and quicker to use. If you build fires at drive-in sites and want a hammer head for stakes, the axe-style tools earn their extra weight. Whichever way you go, treat every tool count as a marketing figure and judge the tools you will really reach for.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. 16-in-1 Axe Survival Multitool – Best for an axe-and-pliers bundle
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This listing is a hatchet-style camping multitool whose name advertises an axe, saw, pliers, whistle, hammer, screwdrivers and bottle opener, for a stated 16 functions. The brand is not obvious from the visible listing name, so treat it as a generic design and read the product page for materials and dimensions. It suits car campers and hobby survivalists who want one chunky tool to leave in a camp box.
In practice, a tool like this lives in the trunk or the camp kitchen box rather than on your belt. Its appeal is simple: one object covers the odd jobs that come up at a site, such as pulling a bent stake, snipping a loose wire or opening a bottle at dinner. The risk with any lightly described listing is that fit and finish vary, so check the product page for sheath details, steel type and any mention of a lock before you decide it earns a spot in your kit.
- Stated function count: 16-in-1
- Headline tools: axe head, saw, pliers, hammer, screwdrivers, bottle opener
- Signaling: a whistle is named in the listing
- Format: hatchet-style body rather than a folding pocket tool
- Materials and weight: confirm on listing
Pros:
- Combines chopping, hammering and plier work in one body
- Whistle adds a basic signaling option
Cons:
- Brand, steel type and tolerances are not stated in the visible name
- A tool this crowded tends to do each job less comfortably than a dedicated tool
Compared with the 18-in-1 axe tool, it offers a slightly shorter feature list but the same overall idea, so choose between them on the details of the listing rather than the count.
2. RoverTac 14-in-1 Camping Axe Multitool – Best for car camping with a sheath
RoverTac sells several axe-style multitools, and this listing pairs a camping hatchet with a knife, hammer, saw, screwdrivers and bottle opener, plus a carrying sheath. Retailer descriptions of the black version in this family point to a stainless steel construction with a black anodized aluminum handle, and comparable RoverTac hatchet listings give dimensions around seven inches long and a weight near fifteen ounces. Those are family figures, so confirm them for this exact item.
This is the most straightforward axe-style pick for a first-time buyer, mainly because the format is easy to understand and a sheath is part of the package. Think of it as a compact camp helper: it sits near the fire ring, handles small splitting jobs and replaces a separate hammer for tent stakes. It is less comfortable for precise tasks such as stripping wire, so many campers pair it with a small folding tool.
- Stated function count: 14-in-1
- Headline tools: axe, knife blade, hammer, saw, screwdrivers, bottle opener
- Carry: sheath included for belt or pack carry
- Materials: stainless steel with an anodized aluminum handle in this family
- Weight and length: confirm on listing
Pros:
- A sheath makes it safer to pack and carry than a bare hatchet head
- Named brand with several sibling listings, so descriptions are easy to cross-check
Cons:
- Noticeably heavier than a folding pliers tool
- An axe head this small is for kindling and stakes, not felling or heavy splitting
Next to the Gerber, it trades low weight and precision for chopping and hammering ability, which suits drive-in sites better than long hikes.
3. 18-in-1 Axe Hammer Multitool – Best for the widest tool count
The 18-in-1 listing is the longest feature list in this group: an axe, hammer, pliers and knife, with an emergency escape tool and a survival gear framing aimed at outdoor hunting and hiking. It suits people who like having everything in one place, including a window-breaking escape feature for a vehicle kit. As with any extended tool count, the quality of the main four tools matters more than the extras.
The extended feature list makes this the most gadget-heavy listing in the group, and that will appeal to people who build a vehicle emergency kit as much as a camping kit. An escape tool tucked into a glovebox or door pocket is a sensible addition, but remember that it is a secondary feature. Judge the axe edge, the pliers and the grip first, and confirm how the tool is carried before relying on it.
- Stated function count: 18-in-1
- Headline tools: axe, hammer, pliers, knife
- Safety extra: emergency escape tool named in the listing
- Intended use: camping, hunting and hiking, per the listing name
- Dimensions, weight and steel type: confirm on listing
Pros:
- Escape tool doubles as a vehicle emergency item
- Includes pliers, which many hatchet tools lack
Cons:
- Large tool counts often mean small, cramped secondary tools
- Technical specifications are not visible in the listing name
It is the natural alternative to the 16-in-1, and the choice between them should come down to which listing gives clearer material and sheath details.
4. RoverTac Multitool Axe (Gift Edition) – Best for gift buyers
This listing is a RoverTac multitool axe written for gift shoppers, with phrases aimed at dads, husbands and holiday stocking stuffers. The visible name does not state a function count, but it appears to belong to the same axe-multitool family as the other RoverTac listing, so the tool mix should look familiar. It suits a buyer who knows the recipient likes camping and wants a recognizable brand.
Gift listings can be a good way to land a safe, recognizable choice, particularly for someone who camps once or twice a year and does not want to research steel types. The caveat is that this visible name is written around the occasion rather than the tool. Read the product page for the exact tool list, the sheath and the dimensions so the recipient knows what they are getting.
- Brand: RoverTac, named in the listing
- Format: multitool axe with hammer-style head
- Marketing: gift-oriented listing language
- Exact tool count: confirm on listing
- Sheath, weight and dimensions: confirm on listing
Pros:
- Familiar brand name helps a gift feel considered
- Same general design idea as the black RoverTac hatchet listing
Cons:
- Visible name focuses on gifting rather than specifications
- Overlaps with the other RoverTac axe listing in this list
If the recipient already owns a pliers tool, this is a sensible companion; if they do not, the Gerber is the more versatile starting point.
5. Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 – Best overall for pliers-first camp repairs
The Gerber Suspension NXT is a folding multitool with a butterfly-opening design, spring-loaded needlenose pliers and a stainless steel body. According to the maker and retailer spec pages, it packs fifteen tools, including regular pliers, a wire cutter, a combination plain and serrated blade, scissors, a cross driver, three flat drivers, a can opener, a bottle opener, an awl, a file, a ruler and a wire stripper. It suits backpackers, campers and anyone who wants a daily carry tool that also works at camp.
For most people, this is the tool that stays in the pack for years. The butterfly opening lets you swing the handles apart quickly and reach the pliers or blade without hunting through a stack of folded implements. The scissors and bottle opener handle camp-kitchen and first-aid chores, the file and awl help with small repairs, and the can opener quietly earns its place on trips with canned food. It does not try to be a hatchet, and that restraint is exactly why it is easier to carry and use well.
- Stated function count: 15-in-1
- Pliers: spring-loaded needlenose with wire cutters
- Blade: about 2.25 inches, combination plain and serrated edge, per maker figures
- Size: roughly 4.25 inches closed and 6.25 inches open
- Weight: about 6.7 ounces on most spec pages; a few listings differ, so confirm
- Locking: outboard tools lock, and handle tools can be reached while closed
Pros:
- Light and compact enough for a hip belt pocket or small kit
- Pliers and most tools are accessible without opening the handles fully
Cons:
- No axe or hammer head, so chopping jobs are off the table
- Short blade is better for cutting cord and food than heavy bushcraft
Compared with the axe-style RoverTac, it is lighter and far better at fine work, but it will not drive a tent stake the way a hammer head can.
6. 14-in-1 Locking Pliers Multitool with Sheath – Best for pocket-pliers carry
This listing is a stainless steel multitool built around pliers and a pocket knife, with a bottle opener, screwdriver and nylon sheath, and it highlights a safety locking feature. It suits campers who want a traditional pliers-and-knife layout with a belt sheath instead of a hatchet head. Because the brand is not visible in the listing name, read the product page for the exact tool list.
This pocket-style option is the natural middle ground between a hatchet tool and a premium folding multitool. It gives you pliers and a knife in a layout that most people already understand, plus a sheath for belt carry. It suits campers who want something simple and familiar, and who are comfortable verifying details such as blade length and steel grade on the product page before buying.
- Stated function count: 14-in-1
- Core tools: pliers, pocket knife, bottle opener, screwdriver
- Safety: a locking mechanism is named in the listing
- Carry: nylon sheath included
- Weight, blade length and steel grade: confirm on listing
Pros:
- Sheath makes belt carry easy
- Pliers format is more precise than an axe-style layout
Cons:
- Unbranded in the visible name, so build quality is harder to judge
- No chopping head
Its closest rival is the Gerber, which offers more verified detail and a refined spring-loaded design, while this model gives you a sheath-ready alternative.
Specs Compared
| Product | Stated tools | Format | Headline tools | Sheath | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-in-1 Axe Survival Multitool | 16 | Hatchet style | Axe, saw, pliers, hammer, whistle | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing |
| RoverTac 14-in-1 Camping Axe | 14 | Hatchet style | Axe, knife, hammer, saw, screwdrivers | Yes, named | Confirm on listing |
| 18-in-1 Axe Hammer Multitool | 18 | Hatchet style | Axe, hammer, pliers, knife, escape tool | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing |
| RoverTac Multitool Axe (Gift Edition) | Confirm on listing | Hatchet style | Axe and hammer head | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing |
| Gerber Suspension NXT | 15 | Folding pliers | Needlenose pliers, blade, scissors, drivers | Confirm on listing | About 6.7 oz per maker |
| 14-in-1 Locking Pliers Multitool | 14 | Folding pliers | Pliers, knife, bottle opener, driver | Yes, nylon | Confirm on listing |
How We Chose These
We built this guide from desk research rather than physical trials. Each product was compared using its listing name, retailer specification fields and manufacturer pages where a recognizable brand exists. We favored tools that clearly state a format, a locking mechanism or a carry method, and we rated verified specifications above marketing tool counts. Where a listing did not state a value such as weight or steel type, we marked it for confirmation rather than guessing. Products were then grouped by how a camper would use them: pliers-first carry, hatchet-style chopping, or gift buying.
What to Look For
Pliers-first or axe-first?
The most important decision is the format. A folding pliers tool such as the Gerber weighs well under half a pound, fits in a pocket and handles wire, cord, screws and food prep. An axe-style tool usually weighs close to a pound and adds chopping and hammering, but it gives up fine control and usually folds nothing away. Match the format to your trips: weekend car camping with a campfire favors an axe head; long walks and fast gear fixes favor pliers.
Locking mechanisms and handle comfort
Any blade or driver you apply force to should lock open. A lock stops the tool from closing on your fingers during a hard push, so it is the single most useful safety feature on a multitool. Look for listings that say tools lock, and prefer designs that let you reach the blade or drivers without fully opening the handles. For pliers, spring-loaded jaws reduce the effort of repeated use, and rounded handle edges keep pressure off your palm when you squeeze hard.
Tool count versus tool quality
A high number such as 16 or 18 usually counts every file edge, ruler marking and function on a shared body. What matters is the quality of the five or six tools you will use constantly: the blade, pliers, wire cutter, screwdrivers and bottle opener. A rule of thumb is to ignore any count above 15 and ask which tools you can name from memory. If you cannot picture yourself using at least ten of them, a simpler and better-built tool is the smarter buy.
Materials, weight and maintenance
Stainless steel resists rust better than plain carbon steel, which matters near wet tents, rain and campfire smoke. Anodized aluminum handles reduce weight while resisting corrosion. After every trip, wipe the tool dry, open every joint, and add a drop of light oil at the pivots if movement feels stiff. Keep the sheath clean, since grit trapped inside can dull a blade. As a worked example, if your three-day pack already weighs 22 pounds, replacing a 15-ounce hatchet tool with a 7-ounce pliers tool saves about half a pound without losing the ability to cut cord or open cans.
Sheaths, carry and where to keep it
How you carry a multitool decides how often you use it. A belt sheath keeps a pliers tool close at hand and shields the blade, but it adds a little bulk. A pocket or hip-belt pouch works for lightweight folding tools. Hatchet-style tools do best in a sheath strapped to the outside of a pack or stored in a camp box, never loose inside a pack where the edge can cut fabric or injure you when you reach in. Whatever you choose, pick one fixed place for the tool at camp, so you can find it quickly in the dark and put it back after each use.
Safety, legality and travel
Sharp tools need sensible handling: cut away from your body, close the blade before putting it down, and keep axe heads sheathed while hiking. Blade length limits and carry rules differ by state and city, so check local rules before carrying a locking blade in public. Airline rules generally prohibit knives and multitools with blades in carry-on bags, so pack them in checked luggage. Keep tools out of reach of young children, and never use a multitool as a prybar on a stuck object, because stressed hinges can snap.
Questions
Is a pliers multitool or an axe multitool better for camping?
For most trips, a pliers-style tool is the better all-rounder because it is lighter and handles fine work. An axe-style tool is better when you need to split kindling or hammer stakes. If you want both, carry the pliers tool and a small dedicated hatchet.
Can a multitool axe replace a real hatchet?
Not for heavy work. The heads on these tools are small and the handles are short, so they suit kindling, stakes and light chopping. For felling or splitting seasoned firewood, a full-size hatchet or axe is safer and more effective.
Should the blade lock?
Yes. A locking blade holds its position under load, which prevents it from folding onto your fingers. Choose a listing that states locking tools or a safety lock, and test the lock by gently pressing the spine of the blade before each use.
How do I clean and store a camping multitool?
Rinse off dirt, dry the tool thoroughly, and put a drop of light oil on the pivots. Store it open-jointed in a dry place so moisture does not collect in the hinges. Keep the sheath dry as well.
Can I take a camping multitool on a plane?
Multitools with blades are generally not permitted in carry-on bags, though they can go in checked luggage. Rules change, so confirm with the airline or the transportation authority before you travel.
Do more tools in one body mean better value?
Not necessarily. A tool with 18 functions may devote space to small features you will never use, while a tool with 15 well-made functions can be far more useful. Judge the pliers, blade and drivers first, and treat everything else as a bonus.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer product and specification pages for Gerber and RoverTac
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for each listed multitool
- General outdoor-gear guidance on locking mechanisms, blade care and travel rules for knives
