The appeal of a multitool is undeniable: a single gadget that can do nearly everything. The problem is that manufacturers often prioritize the number of tools included over聽usability,聽making most multitools fairly useless for anything except a last resort. But some are better than others so we've scoured reviews and undergone in-house testing to find five that actually perform well in the field and around town.
Leatherman Style PS ($30)
The gives you a handful of classic Leatherman tools (pliers, scissors, file, wire cutter, tweezers, flathead) in a TSA-compliant package. There鈥檚 no knife, and most of the tools on the Style PS pull double duty鈥攖he file is also a flathead screwdriver鈥攚hich helps keep the overall package svelte.
SOG Knives Baton Q2 ($45)
SOG鈥檚 Baton line streamlines the multitool design so it fits seamlessly into your everyday carry arsenal, attaching to your pocket like a pen or knife. The Baton Q4 has a full set of tools, but we like because it gives you a 75-lumen flashlight, a 2.5-inch steel blade, and a bottle opener, all in a tool about the size of a Sharpie.
Lezyne Rap-21 CO2 ($35)
If a bike is part of your daily routine, Lezyne鈥檚 聽has all the standard bike-friendly tools, like hex wrenches, spoke wrenches, a chain breaker, and tire levers, plus a CO2 dispenser.
Cha-O-Ha EDC Card ($35)
This is for people who don鈥檛 want to carry a multitool. Slip this steel card in your wallet and you鈥檒l have 30 tools at your disposal, the best of which are the multiple closed hex drivers. The bottle opener is also key. Yes, it's a last resort tool, but it's so small you won't even notice it until you need it.
Gerber Center-Drive ($85)
If you鈥檙e willing to shell out a little extra cash, the is a worthy upgrade. It features 16 different tools, most of which are full-sized, including a 3.25-inch knife, a long driver with a standard bit set, and big spring-loaded pliers, all in a beefy ten-ounce package that can withstand a beating.