It's tempting to buy chintzy multitools as last-minute stocking stuffers. Don't do it. Nothing is worse than a poorly designed multitool that's annoying to use or, worse, simply breaks after a few outings. Better to spend the extra money on one they can rely on, like the 15-tool, stainless steel Leatherman Sidekick. We've tested dozens of knife-tool combos, but only one lives permanently in our pack, and it's a Leatherman. We rely on it because it's nearly indestructible and quick-deploying, but it's also nice to know that it was built by a company that truly believes in what it makes. When natural disasters like the Joplin, Missouri, tornado strike, Leatherman—which has a company-wide philanthropic bent—doesn't just donate money to aid the victims. It also sends multitools.
Photographer: Courtesy of Leatherman
