If you like to play outside,聽you鈥檒l need a certain set of tools. Some are there to save your gear, and others are there to save your butt. This list could certainly be longer, but we put together some of our favorites. Which聽ones did we miss?
Leatherman Wave聽($90, pictured above)
The design of this tool聽, and聽for good reason: it just works. Seventeen key gadgets, including聽three blades (420 HC knife, 420 HC serrated knife, and saw), fit into a holder the size of a small candy bar and help you do everything from cut聽kindling to fix your ski bindings.
Husky SAE/Metric Folding Hex Key 17-Piece Set聽($10)
Lots of聽outdoor toys (bikes, motorcycles, kayaks) require Allen wrenches,聽so you should have one in your garage and your pack at all times. is affordable and聽comes with the most common sizes, and聽the tools are long enough to give you plenty of leverage.
Buck Knives Compadre聽Froe ($160)
Some people will disagree with my choice, favoring a hatchet. Here鈥檚 my reasoning: I chose this instead because it has a longer, slightly curved 9.5-inch blade, making it better for clearing brush, but it still whips right through kindling. I also appreciate the perfectly tuned 23.2-ounce swing weight that exerts plenty of force without leaving my arms totally destroyed. This thing lives in my camp box.
Gorilla Tape聽($9)
I use聽 because it鈥檚 slightly stronger and has better adhesive. A huge roll lives in my garage, but I also wrap a section around my hiking and ski poles, kayak paddles, and lighter so I always have some when I need it.
Zip Ties ($7 for 100)
You鈥檇 be surprised how many .聽They can act as聽zipper pulls, create聽extra tie-down points on your pack, keep gear organized, and so on. Plus, they鈥檙e cheap and weigh next to nothing. Never leave the house without them.
Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl ($14)
Yes, a needle and dental floss will do the job if something tears, but I prefer this聽 because it鈥檚 easy聽to use, especially on more durable gear like shoes and tents.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit ($8)
Gas station lighters are cheaper, and I always carry several in my pack. But I also because it provides six minutes of reliable flame even if it鈥檚 been totally soaked.