Camp Tools
Preferences for tools to make sure you have with you on your adventure vary by the adventure, type of environment, length of trip etc. There is a also a lot of personal preference to account for. But when you’re thinking through your needs and wants for your upcoming trip, it’s helpful to know what the pros use and depend on.
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The Multitool
It’s one of those essential pieces of gear for many backcountry adventurers. In any group, there always seems to be someone with a multitool at the ready—solving a problem on the fly, fixing gear, or rigging up a clever campsite solution. Whether that’s you or the friend you rely on, a good multitool can make all the difference. There are plenty of options out there, but based on the feedback we’ve gathered, one name consistently rises to the top: Leatherman.
While opinions vary, Leatherman dominates this space, thanks to its thoughtful designs tailored to specific needs and activities. Knowing how you’ll use it is key to choosing the right one—and here, we highlight two of the best picks from their lineup.
Leatherman Skeletool CX
They’ve really landed on a design that people love with this one. The Leatherman Skeletool has been a longtime favorite among hikers, backpackers, and general wilderness enthusiasts. Its sleek, ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand, and it’s noticeably lighter to carry or pack than many other multitools—making it a top pick for those looking to keep weight down without sacrificing function.
Leatherman Signal
Slightly heavier than the Skeletool, the Leatherman Signal is still a lightweight, easy-to-carry multitool—but with a few standout features you won’t find on its rival. The built-in firestarter is a great touch for backcountry use, and the integrated hammer is surprisingly handy for light-duty tasks like driving in tent stakes. It’s the kind of tool you’ll likely own for years to come—with zero regret.
Pocket Knives
Opinions vary widely when it comes to pocketknives. Many seasoned guides have carried the same trusty blade for decades, seeing no need to upgrade or switch. Other feedback is highly subjective, making it difficult to identify one standout knife that rises above the rest. And because many of these knives are built to last a lifetime, only the true gear enthusiasts tend to accumulate and compare multiple models. Still, we’ve gathered some of the most useful feedback we’ve received—and we share it here to help guide your pick.
Gerber LST Ultra Folding
A lot of old-timers swear by simplicity—specifically, a folding, lock-back blade in the 2–4 inch range. There are plenty of solid options on the market, but Gerber consistently comes up as a reliable choice. This LST Ultra updates a decades-old design, but remains a no-frills, durable knife that, with proper care, likely will be passed down to the next generation.
Opinel #8
The Opinel #8 is a classic for a reason. With its simple wooden handle and folding design, it doesn’t look flashy—but the high-quality steel blade delivers impressive slicing performance. It's lightweight, low-cost, and time-tested, making it a go-to option in the budget-friendly category. A favorite among minimalists and those who appreciate timeless gear.
Benchmade Bugout
The GTC partners we hear from hold wide-ranging views on what a knife should do, how often they use it, and whether it’s even worth spending much on. As mentioned above, many simply carry a blade they’ve owned for decades—sometimes even a cherished heirloom passed down from a parent or grandparent. Others, though, want a high-quality tool always at the ready—for cutting, carving, splitting, slicing, whittling, or even as a means of protection. While there are plenty of excellent knives out there, if we had to recommend just one, it would be the Benchmade Bugout 535. No doubt about it, the price of this folding knife make it a splurge-type buy. But it’s a super lightweight pocket carry, seems to have an unrivaled balance in the hand and earns top marks for durability and versatility.
Camp Saws
When your trip requires harvesting your own firewood, having a quality saw can make a big difference—it saves time and energy, and makes the task safer and more enjoyable. Before you cut, make sure you're familiar with the rules for the area you're visiting regarding what and how to harvest. Then do so with confidence using one of the guide-approved saws recommended by our Outfitter partners. In this section, we feature a couple of highly regarded bowsaw designs, along with several compact straight saw options that are perfect for backcountry use.
Sven Saw
The trusty old Sven Saw is a backcountry classic—and for good reason. Its bowsaw design is especially efficient for processing larger firewood. Affordable and durable, it has stood the test of time with very few changes or innovations to the original design. Many of our Outfitters include the Sven Saw in their gear packages because it’s easy to use, lightweight to pack, and offers excellent value for the price. It also takes a standard bowsaw blade, making replacements simple and convenient. Bottom line: it’s a solid, reliable saw—you don’t need to overthink it.
Agawa Boreal 21
A slightly more sophisticated option is the Boreal 21, featuring a superior grip that fits comfortably in your hand and a design without a wingnut, eliminating common issues tightening or loosening those nuts caused by cold weather or clumsy fingers. The Outfitters we’ve spoken to about the Boreal saw swear by it. Its bowsaw design makes processing larger firewood faster and easier—perfect for backcountry needs.
Silky Big Boy
If you’ve researched backcountry or backpacking saws, you’ve likely come across Silky. This Japanese company has cultivated a cult-like following with legions of fans who swear by their saws. And for good reason—their products are high-quality and perform exceptionally well. While our network of outfitters typically doesn’t include Silky saws in their rental packages—preferring more affordable options better suited to their business models—many still keep one tucked away in their personal gear closets. The BigBoy model in particular cuts like butter, and its straight saw design excels in tight, knotted, or gnarled cutting situations.
Rexbeti 11 inch Folding Saw
In contrast to Silky’s premium offerings, the Rexbeti straight saw is straightforwardly inexpensive. While it might not become your forever saw (though it’s a surprisingly capable little tool), it delivers a folding straight saw design that’s nimble and easy to handle. It’s great not only for processing firewood in thicker brush, but also for clearing branches hanging over streams or trails—making it a versatile, budget-friendly option for backcountry use.
Silky Pocket Boy
Finally, if you want to experience Silky quality at a more affordable price, consider downsizing to the Pocket Boy. This compact, highly packable saw delivers impressive cutting power, limited mostly by the short blade length. Its small size offers exceptional agility for cutting in tight spaces, making it a perfect companion for quick trims or smaller branches or twisted up or gnarled brush. You just have to be realistic about the limits of this little guy regarding larger limbs or heavy firewood.
