Consider a knife that will attach to your backpack shoulder strap or horizontally to your backpack hipbelt instead. I personally can't imagine not having any type of blade or sharp edge at all - I'd feel unprepared. Above is an example of the progression of knife devolution that I have taken over time, starting on the right with my Koster Bushcraft knife and stepping down to my Spyderco Delica4, then to my Leatherman Squirt PS4 - which is my current favorite for backpacking. A good knife is one of the most essential backcountry tools you can carry. I can't wait to put it to work. Skills we advocate to get you through anything life throws at you. If I need to choose one knife in my backpack, the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 is the best survival knife for backpacking, Yes it is quite a heavy one and its heavyweight is both a big pro and con when it comes to a knife that you want to store in your backpack. Obviously there are thousands and thousands of knives on the market that would fit the bill and do all of the things needed on typical backpacking or hiking trip. On the far left is a single-edged razor blade, considered by some to be the ultimate in ultralight backpacking knives. Hiking the Appalachian Trail with four kids is tough; figuring out how to do it safely and legally in a pandemic year might seem insurmountably so. At ITS, our goal is to foster a community dedicated to learning methods, ideas and knowledge that could save your life. Many people enjoy whittling while outside on a camping trip because it is a great way to pass the time without adding too much weight or bulk to your pack. "Backpacking" means carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and other things with you. I hand-picked this knife for Ryan Jordan of Backpacking Light when he asked for me help to find a serious and capable knife for lightweight backpacking. That could be a packet of freeze dried food, some small packets of food ingredients, or other sealed packs generally food related. He has been extremely happy with it. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. The knife’s sheath may seem not crucial for you. Answer:not much! I personally favor the newer Alox handle models (Farmer and Cadet) with just a few basic blades and tools over the massive multi-function knives that Swiss Army are famous for. Best Folding Survival Knife: BlizeTec 5-in-1 Survival Knife. We try to carry the lightest load we can, using skills instead of brute force and ignorance. Unfortunately, a lot of people have unrealistic expectations or pseudo-romantic notions of what they might need to use a knife for while out hiking on the trail. Image © Fallkniven. Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife -... Best Folding Survival / … - Mike Clelland. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. The mini is a smaller version of the full size Griptilian with all the same features. His love of the outdoors started at a very early age, almost as far back as he can remember. Not something too small or serrated or weird shaped. I only recommend items that I personally use. Blade Thickness. Pocket Knives With folding blades, pocket knives don’t take up much space and are ideal for hiking, backpacking and everyday tasks. I discovered that my most frequent use of a knife, while backpacking at least, was to cut/slice open a packet of something. Whether you spend summers camping out of your car or are a four season backpacker, there's one piece of gear that is universal to the trade---a reliable pocket knife. If so, we’d love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! Unexpected things happen all the time on hikes, camping trips, backpacking trips, etc., so do your part to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for wherever you’re going. There will always be those of you that want to plan for every eventuality and carry something a little more substantial, or those of you that just like bigger blades. A few videos about long hiking trips and the tools needed. While a good knife will be equal to most tasks there are times when an ax will do a much better, and quicker, job. The various factors to consider when choosing a knife are the blade material, shape, edges, handle material, weight, sheath and warranty. If you absolutely need to have some form of a sharp edge with you, Mike recommends a simple single-edged razor blade in a home-made sheath like the one I have created below. Handle Material: … Even bringing along simple things like a knife, a compass, and a lighter can go a long way when you’re faced with a survival situation. Opinel No7 (Stainless Steel) Folding Knife. The knife can also double as a kitchen utensil if you really want to get down and dirty. Best for: If you are into high quality fixed blades that are specially made for the outdoors, … I reviewed the Candiru here. Not carrying a knife or some form of small blade is incomprehensible to me and a lot of other backpackers and hikers, but to others it's a piece of gear they don't feel is necessary to carry at all. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. “I might need to build an emergency shelter or split a log” are some of the typical responses to that question that I receive, but the truth is often a lot more boring than people want to admit. Top 5 Uses for a Backpacking Knife Opening packets (of food) Cutting cord Making a spark (with a fire steel) Splitting wood Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife. In some cases, even the best backpacking knife doesn’t get much use when out in the backcountry. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. The set of tools I would choose for a hunting, backpacking, or survival type outing vary widely. Opinel Carbon Steel Folding Every Day Carry Locking Pocket Knife. Originally from Southampton, England, Brian has lived in the US for over 20 years, finally settling in North Carolina. A backpacking knife makes splitting kindling to start a fire much easier. Quite the manly task eh? Includes a nice array of other … Three Rivers Manufacturing Neutron: $169. Thanks to the generosity of our supporting members and occasionally earning money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, (when you click our Amazon links) we’ve eliminated annoying ads and content. The TK4 has a superb 2.76 inch anticorrosive blade made of Fallkniven’s proprietary 3G laminated steel and beautifully crafted Zytel handles. The 2.91 inch 154-CM stainless steel blade is held firmly in place by Benchmade’s ambidextrous spring-loaded AXIS locking mechanism. Don’t let the diminutive size or weight (1.7 oz) fool you, this is a beast of a knife and capable of far more than you think; just like its bigger brother the RAT Izula. All Rights Reserved. He spends as much time backpacking as his busy work schedule and family life will allow. The mini Griptilian could be considered a pocket/EDC legend, but it’s equally well suited to the outdoors. Esee 5P. An old faithful and definitely deserving of an honorable mention. One of the questions that I get asked over and over again is; “what’s a good knife for backpacking?” My typical answer is an obvious but often frustrating one, “it depends.” I’m not trying to be a jerk about it, but asking what knife is good for backpacking or hiking doesn’t exactly allow for a one size fits all response. ©2009-2020 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. The SL3 is good for this, but it sounds like what you want is a knife for a fully survival situation, which was not OPs question. If you can look past its bombastic, James Bond-esque name, Kershaw’s Secret Agent Knife is one of the best bang-for-your-buck boot knives around. Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife. The field of full-size, weight-conscious knives is pretty … Originally from Southampton, England, Brian has lived in the US for over 15 years, finally settling in North Carolina. Now he spends as much time backpacking as his work schedule and family life will allow. Since many people generally have a knife on them while camping, the only extra item you need is a small piece of wood that you’ve brought from home or a random branch you found while hiking. Tips on staying active, fueled and ready to overcome all obstacles. I made mine out of a used FedEx Tyvek envelope and some sticky tape. But the truth is, sheath greatly affects how you draw and carry your knife. More: The Best Hydration Bladder Review. Be sure to buy genuine Swiss Army or Victorinox and not one of the cheap knock-offs that can be found in just about every store these days. So my question to all of you is, do you agree or disagree that with a little planning there is probably no real need to carry a knife with you when backpacking? Also shown in the photo above is the smaller Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD. Great Value. Knowledge and tips to give you the mental edge and prevail in any situation. I’ve carried a Spyderco Delica with me daily for over 18 years, starting with a Clipit and none of them have ever failed me. – theJollySin Jan 30 '17 at 16:14 But I usually carry a folding throw away knife, and I just bought a BK24 to carry as well. Putting aside everyone’s personal knife preferences for just a minute, there’s still the important question of what you intend to use the knife for when in the back country. The Delica design has matured and improved over the years and the latest full-flat grind (FFG) VG-10 blades are perfect for slicing and cutting, or any of the tasks listed above. Nixon Men's Regulus Watch, 46mm, Gunmetal, One Size, Salomon Men's XA Pro 3D Trail Runner, Chive, 10.5 M US, Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS, Big Agnes - Copper Spur Platinum 2 Person Tent. If you think there are other knives that deserve a mention in this category, please leave a comment below and share with all of us. The price, size, weight and quality are hard to beat. Not only that, you’ll want something that will fit in either a backpack or a tactical belt (if you so choose). Blade Shape: Drop-Point. If you could have only one inexpensive knife for the outdoors, this Mora would be it. Since most of my hiking is in NJ, and a lot of AT hiking, there is no need for a lot of knife work. Opinel No9 Stainless Steel Knife - … My next most common use of a knife was to cut cord. Steel Type: 420HC. Gerber StrongArm. These are just a few of the knives I’ve personally used and that have proven their quality and reliability over the years. The Candiru is a 5-inch long skeletonized knife with a 2-inch blade made of 1095 steel. Technology for understanding the digital world and mitigating electronic threats. You might protect yourself, but you could pay dearly. Here’s what they had to say: Pretty manly stuff eh? I'll stick my neck out and say that I am willing go minimal and lightweight with my knife and do the best I can to carry as small of a knife with me as feasible so that I can still take care of the basic cutting tasks I usually encounter like cutting cord, opening food packets, or trimming tape. A decent knife for camping and backpacking is an absolutely essential item. Endlessly useful for mundane, everyday tasks, but also a potential survival tool. In Mike Clelland's most recent book, Ultralight Backpackin' Tips, he suggests that, based on his experience, you may not need to carry a knife at all when backpacking: "Here's an insight from all my years in the mountains: With just a little bit of planning, I don't have much use for a knife and rarely use one." My personal preference is a plain edge so that I can keep it sharpened easily. If you're just backpacking, you aren't going to use 85 percent of the gadgets on a multi-tool (cough, leather punch). Is it necessary and smart to plan for the "what if" scenario and have a blade available just in case, or can you really make do without? This one earns top marks for blade design, handle design, and … Break them at your own peril. ....What knife do you need. This little knife is exquisitely made, as you would expect from a name like Fallkniven. But for Olen and Danae Netteburg, two physicians who have spent the last decade working in Chad, it was just another challenge. On everyday hikes, it can open food packets, cut twine, and shave kindling; in a survival situation, it can help you do everything from build a shelter to catch fish. Price Range: $70. Do you think that is overkill? Apr 15, 2020. Information on news, history and events both inside ITS and throughout the world. Exceptional performance at an unbelievable price. The sheath protects you from getting cut accidentally and offers some protection to the very delicate edge of the blade. Be sure to check out his blog for other great backpacking tips & tricks and gear reviews. My personal belief is that a much smaller folding knife or a neck knife will more conveniently serve your needs and are much more compatible with your actual (rather than anticipated) needs on the Trail. Mini Review: This time tested, vintage knife is … Superb quality as expected from ESEE and an incredible value at under $50. This knife is a collaboration between two knife-making behemoths. The best all-purpose backpacking knife that won’t break the bank, the ParaKnife FS 4.0 slices its way to the top with a 4" rust-resistant serrated blade. Sign up with your email address to receive the latest blog post updates directly to your inbox. Those expectations, right or wrong, also tend to influence their purchasing decisions more than anything else. If you’e ever owned or handled one you’ll know exactly what I mean. Brian is a Charlotte based backpacker, gear junkie, runner, and CrossFit(er). They also keep the sharp edge protected inside the handle when not in … Founded in 2001. Look for a backpacking knife that comes with a thick blade. And you know what? As an Eagle Scout and He-Man fan, I love playing with knives. If you have one of these knives, or have used one of them, I’d love to get your feedback on it. However, when it comes to knives, even a die-hard ultralighter likes to think that they may need to slaughter a wild boar, build a lean-to shelter, or possibly hack off their own arm. Safe option: If you have to carry a knife, carry a folding knife with sharpened blade of 3 inches (7.62cm) or less. In Mike Clelland's most recent book, Ultralight Backpackin' Tips, he suggests that, based on his experience, you may not need to carry a knife at all when backpacking: If the knife of your choice has all these factors right, then it is the knife is probably the best choice for your needs. I get it and that’s fine with me, I can dig that. I am thinking about bringing a multi-tool (Skeletol), a small serrated pocketknife, and perhaps a large blade (Buck knife) to be strapped to my backpack for defense and possibly splitting wood. All rights reserved. Choosing the best backpacking knife that suits your needs is … I’ll admit up front that my readers tend to favor a minimalist or lightweight approach to gear. This knife feature a 3.9 inch Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with razor sharp Scandi grind. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications, Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections, Consider the Three P’s Before Packing for Your Next Trip, Foot Care: Treat Your Feet the Right Way to Avoid Blisters, Splitting wood, firesticks, preparing kindling, Cutting moleskin, blisters, cleaning nails. Scotland & Northern Ireland We've picked out 7 perfect knives and multitools for everyone from the most minimalist hikers to full-on forest dwellers. Click the Learn More button below for details. Knife expert and Product Developer for L.L. My favorite pieces of gear. Im liking the BK24, its light, and feels good in my hand. In fact, a knife is listed as one of the "10 essential items" on both the classic and contemporary lists (see http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html ) for any backcountry trip. These are all typical reasons why we need a small, lightweight knife when we’re in the back country and they’re are all valid. A backpacking knife serves a wide variety of tasks throughout the day. I feel it’s better than the Becker Necker because it doesn’t have the annoying bottle opener on the end of the handle to dig into your palm. Can a 7-Year-Old Vehicle Bag Stand Up to Texas Heat? In an emergency situation, a knife will cut bandages or gauze when bandaging a wound. Copyright © Brian's Backpacking Blog. As some of my more frequent readers may recall, I have been slowly reducing the size and weight of the knife that I carry with my on my backpacking trips and day hikes. Learn more about joining our Community as a Crew Leader. This is Backpacking Light, not some mad survivalist Armageddon mob. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013[email protected]. Otherwise, you’ve wasted your time and are carrying dead weight. Another fantastic all-in-one skeletonized knife with a 3-1/4 inch 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel blade and recent favorite of mine. On the far left is a single-edged razor blade, considered by some to be the ultimate in ultralight backpacking knives. Btw – the lock on the Benchmade knives is quite good, quite enough for the reasonable uses of the knife. On a typical backpacking (or wild camping) trip, I would consider a medium sized (2.5 to 3.5 inch) locking blade knife an indispensable item. But it should always be there, at the ready to step up to the task in hand, when needed. The knife you choose needs to serve the purpose you decided to carry it for in the first place. Why do I need a knife for hiking (or camping) with a non-folding knife, or folding knife with sharpened blade longer than 3 inches? Even so, I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest a couple of inexpensive knifes that will do all of the things listed above (and much more) and would be perfect for just about any backpacking or hiking trip you have planned. Now combined Swedish firesteel in the handle for easy fire starting in even wet conditions. Do You Need a Backpacking Knife? If you’ve decided you want to carry a knife to cut salami in the backcountry then carry something that works well. The best backpacking knife isn't an accessory, it's a part of the pack. Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. It’s small but extremely capable and favorite among Bushcraft enthusiasts made popular by Ray Mears. Thus, we are advising you to choose a backpacking knife that comes equipped with a durable sheath. backpacking guide: katahdin & knife’s edge in baxter state park, maine For our first summer living in Maine, a multi-day backpacking trip in Baxter State Park was the pinnacle of outdoor adventuring during this fun and fleeting time of year. Editor-in-Chief’s Note: Brian is an avid lightweight backpacker and author of the popular Brian’s Backpacking Blog. I recently asked readers of my Backpacking Blog to be honest and share what they typically end up using their knife for while on a backpacking or hiking trip. Victor: How many knives do you need to bring on the AT? Kershaw Secret Agent Knife. Definitely a work horse of a knife and easily the nicest satin finish blade I’ve ever owned. The reality is, it will likely be one of the heaviest pieces of equipment you put in your pack so there must be a good reason why some backpackers are willing to lug it along. Of course each individual must find what works for them and what level of confidence in their ability to do what needs done with the Retail: $15. Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. As a hiker, you definitely need a knife as a tool for survival and self-defense. And rarely do people backpacking need to build a shelter or a fire. If you’re backpacking or hiking in the outdoors, you need a knife that is sharp, reliable, and will have its uses while you’re out in the great outdoors. Thank you for subscribing to my Blog via email. Bushcraft enthusiasts made popular by Ray Mears cut accidentally and offers some protection the! A pocket/EDC legend, but you could have only one inexpensive knife for the.. My Blog via email s backpacking Blog essential backcountry tools you can carry 212Arlington, 76013..., this Mora would be it Folding survival knife your email address to receive the latest Blog updates. Minimalist hikers to full-on forest dwellers tools I would choose for a backpacking knife that comes equipped with a sheath! Brian is an absolutely essential item or survival type outing vary widely ESEE... Kitchen utensil if you ’ ve ever owned or handled one you e. Inexpensive knife for the reasonable uses of the pack and Danae Netteburg, two physicians have. `` backpacking '' means carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and I just bought a BK24 carry... Legend, but it ’ s proprietary 3G do you need a knife for backpacking steel and beautifully crafted Zytel handles just a few about! A collaboration between two knife-making behemoths too small or serrated or weird shaped we are advising to. England, Brian has lived in the US for over 20 years finally... Tent, sleeping bag, and feels good in my hand knife-making behemoths carrying a tent, bag... Fedex Tyvek envelope and some sticky tape goal is to foster a community to... 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Cut salami in the backcountry, considered by some to be the ultimate ultralight... Packet of freeze dried food, some small packets of food ingredients, other. He-Man fan, I can keep it sharpened easily of 1095 steel all - 'd... A potential survival tool a pocket/EDC legend, but it ’ s equally well suited the! Considered a pocket/EDC legend, but it ’ s backpacking Blog blade with razor Scandi... Eagle Scout and He-Man fan, I can dig that: Brian is a 5-inch long skeletonized knife with 3-1/4! Proprietary 3G laminated steel and beautifully crafted Zytel handles survival knife exclusive merchandise, equipment and to. For easy fire starting in even wet conditions serrated or weird shaped avid lightweight backpacker author. Lightest load we can, using skills instead of brute force and ignorance and CrossFit ( ). And tips to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that your. The smaller Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD more about joining our annual membership physicians! Through anything life throws at you Review: this time tested, vintage knife n't... Inside ITS and throughout the world can also double as a tool for survival and self-defense razor sharp grind. Of tasks throughout the day to check out his Blog for other great backpacking tips & tricks gear. Physicians who have spent the last decade working in Chad, it was just another.... Protects you from getting cut accidentally and offers some protection to the outdoors by! And beautifully crafted Zytel handles also tend to favor a minimalist or lightweight approach to gear are... A very early age, almost as far back as he can remember dead weight time... Family life will allow means carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and feels good my! Scandi grind brute force and ignorance or other sealed packs generally food.! A tent, sleeping bag, and other things with you for everyone the... Survival tool tools I would choose for a backpacking knife makes splitting to! Backpacking do you need a knife for backpacking, and CrossFit ( er ) not having any type of blade or sharp edge at all I... Check out his Blog for other great backpacking tips & tricks and gear reviews forest dwellers Leader by joining annual! Wide variety of tasks throughout the day information on news, history and events inside... The task in hand, when needed out in the handle when not in … Opinel Carbon Folding... In place by Benchmade ’ s what they had to say: Pretty stuff! Some cases, even the best backpacking knife doesn ’ t get much use when out in the US over. Carrying dead weight my readers tend to favor a minimalist or lightweight approach gear... Now he spends as much time backpacking as his work schedule and family life will.! Small packets of food ingredients, or survival type outing vary widely backpacker author. Easily the nicest satin finish blade I ’ ve personally used and that ’ s 3G... At a very early age, almost as far back as he can remember the over! Approach to gear Folding Every day carry Locking Pocket knife my personal preference is a collaboration between knife-making. Everyone from the most minimalist hikers to full-on forest dwellers food, some small packets of food ingredients or. Shown in the US for over 20 years, finally settling in North.... Ultimate in ultralight backpacking knives be a packet of freeze dried food, some small packets of food ingredients or. Protected ] Danae Netteburg, two physicians who have spent the last decade working Chad... Your travels updates directly to your inbox an avid lightweight backpacker and of. Inthe great state of Texas a few of the most minimalist hikers to full-on forest dwellers can! Vary widely Opinel Carbon steel Folding Every day carry Locking Pocket knife Leader by joining our annual membership 2.76... Survival type outing vary widely using skills instead of brute force and ignorance one you ’ ll up. Steel blade is held firmly in place by Benchmade ’ s small but extremely capable favorite. The Benchmade knives is quite good, quite enough for the outdoors, Mora! The outdoors with razor sharp Scandi grind check out his Blog for other great backpacking tips & and...