I have had some multi tools over the years, however as yet not had that much use for them. I carried one for adjusting saddles and horse gear whilst on the go for a short period of time but wasn't too happy with them.

For the most part they are a group of unproductive mini tools with way too many ornaments and toys attached to be very useful for jobs except the most minor of tasks.

When the better quality tools became available they were considerable and bulky again, still with too many unnecessary tools attached. For a while it became evident that the multi tool brands wanted to make the biggest oversized, bulkiest pocket tool around. It was like the mobile phone race with all manufacturers trying to pack as much stuff as possible into a multi tool. It got pretty odd for a period of time.

For canoe trips I regularly carried a small tool kit with what I knew I needed instead of a heavy tool. It tipped the scales at a bit more than a pound but I expected it to get used at least once on a longer trip. The kit was normally made up of a small stubby screwdriver, a set of pliers, some replacement screws, and some wire. I recently stumbled opon a multi tool that does make sense to bring with me though.

Ironically, they had been around for a while but I neglected them. Some time ago, I needed to install a shower attachment but had no tools. I ended up doing it with just a can opener and a pair of scissors. I thought this would be a perfect starting point for carrying my multi tool again. I sorted through the junk drawer and it appeared later that night, I then remembered why it got stuck there there in the first place. Because it was junk.

Enter the Skeletool by Leatherman Tool group:

At only 5 ounces it could live in my pocket without notice most of the time and it eliminated the need for two items from my tool kit. The super thing is that for the world of camping where you might need to repair a gas stove, a metal buckle on a pack, the zip on a tent, or tighten up a faulty canoe seat; the Skeletool is all you need without any of the fluff.

First off the pliers are normally similar for multi tools. They have built in wire cutters and they cut through coat hangers reasonably easily so will handle the brass wire I carry.

Next the blade, simple to open with one hand using a thumb hole. The blade was so sharp it could slice the corner off a sheet of paper with no problems.

The screwdriver attachment is supplied with two phillips and a couple of slotted bits. The bits are exclusive to Leatherman instead of industry standard, but they do lock into the unit with a spring clip. The extra one is tucked away in the handle and is a friction fit.

To summarise, its well designed and put together by my standards - I am pretty fussy with stuff like this. I purchased my Leatherman Skeletool at Leatherman Store and they also sell the Leatherman Skeletool CX.

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