I Tested Dozens of Multitools—This 5-Ounce Leatherman Is the One I’d Take Into the Wilderness
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A solid multitool can be a lifesaver in the backcountry, but carrying a heavy-duty option on long hikes, camping, hunting, or fishing trips isn't always the move. That's where a more minimalist, lightweight multitool comes in. You want something durable that still has the tools you really need, but comes in a slightly more streamlined package. Enter the Leatherman Skeletool. I gave this the title of best outdoor multitool after testing countless similar products for the Men's Journal Tool Awards. Here's why you need to pack the Skeletool for your next adventure.
Why the Leatherman Skeletool Is the Best Outdoor Multitool
As handy as a full-size multitool can be, they’re often heavier than hikers want to carry over miles and days. For multiday trips, backcountry hunts, climbing sessions, or if you just prefer a streamlined tool, consider the five-ounce Leatherman Skeletool. It’s light enough to clip onto a backpack strap via the built-in carabiner clip or toss in a pack or pocket without agonizing about whether it’s worth the weight. The Skeletool is barebones compared to Leatherman’s more robust multitools, but you get a decent pair of pliers and a single knife blade with both straight and serrated sections. The bit driver is a nice-to-have feature and comes with double-sided Phillips and flat head bits, and the latter doubles as a pry tool in a pinch.
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Leatherman Skeletool Specs
General Specs
- Tool Count: 7 tools
- Weight: 141.75 g (~5 oz)
- Closed Length: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Open Length: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Width: 1.24 in (3.15 cm)
- Overall Thickness: 0.52 in (1.32 cm)
Blade Specifications
- Primary Blade Length: 2.6 in (6.6 cm)
- Blade Steel: 420HC stainless steel
- Blade Hardness: 55–59 HRC
- Blade Style: Modified drop point
- Blade Edge: Combination edge (partially serrated + plain)
- Blade Lock: Locking blade mechanism for safety
Materials & Construction
- Frame/Handle Material: 420 stainless steel
- Implement Material: Stainless steel
- Fasteners: Stainless steel
- Finish: Silver stainless finish
- Construction Style: Skeletonized handle design (weight-saving)
Tools Included
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Hard-wire cutters
- Standard wire cutters
- 420HC combo knife
- Large bit driver
- Carabiner/bottle opener
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Screwdriver/Bit System
- Driver Type: Large bit driver
- Included Bits:
Phillips #1/#2 Flathead 1/4″/3/16″ - Bit Storage: Handle-integrated storage slot for spare bit
Pliers & Cutting Tools
- Pliers Type: Needlenose and regular combination pliers
- Wire Cutters: Integrated
- Hard-wire Cutters: Integrated
- Wire Stripping Capability: Via plier notch design
Carry & Accessibility
- Pocket Clip: Removable pocket clip
- Carabiner Clip: Integrated (also functions as bottle opener)
- Sheath: Sold separately
- Keyring/Clip Carry: Belt loop or pocket via clip
- One-Hand Operation: Yes (blade and certain tools)
- Outside-Accessible Tools: Yes
Design Features
- Skeletonized lightweight frame
- Minimalist tool set for everyday carry
- Handle bit storage system
- Locking knife blade
- Outside-accessible tools
- One-hand operable features
Warranty & Manufacturing
- Warranty: 25-year manufacturer warranty
- Assembly: Assembled in the USA