It's easy to leave a multi-tool off your packing list, right up until the moment you genuinely need one. A busted zipper, a stubborn tent peg, a fraying strap, or a genuine emergency far from help, a good Leatherman tool turns these moments from a real problem into a five-minute fix. Here's why we think one belongs in every hiker's kit.

A tool for the jobs you can't predict

You can plan for a lot on a hike, but not everything. Gear fails, straps snap, and sometimes you need to cut, pry, tighten, or fix something you never expected to deal with mid-trail. That's exactly the gap a Leatherman tool fills. With genuine pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and depending on the model, a saw and hammer, all folded into one compact tool, you're covered for the vast majority of small repairs and problems that would otherwise derail a trip.

More than convenience: a genuine safety tool

Beyond everyday repairs, a Leatherman tool can matter a great deal more when things go genuinely wrong. Tools like the Leatherman Signal include a fire starter and an emergency whistle alongside the core toolset, features built specifically with backcountry emergencies in mind. If you're heading somewhere remote, having a single, reliable tool that covers both practical repairs and genuine safety scenarios is worth far more than its weight in your pack.

It's a similar mindset to how we think about camp cooking gear. Just like you wouldn't head into the backcountry without a reliable stove, like the Jetboil TrailCook, a multi-tool is one of those pieces of kit you don't fully appreciate until you actually need it.

It genuinely earns its place in your pack

Unlike a lot of "just in case" gear, a Leatherman tool doesn't sit unused. Between camp chores, gear repairs, food prep, and general problem-solving, most hikers find themselves reaching for it regularly, not just in an emergency. That everyday usefulness is exactly why it's worth including on your packing list alongside the rest of your essentials, not treating it as an optional extra.

If you're building out a full kit for a longer trip, we've covered exactly what to pack in our guide, multi-day hiking in New Zealand: prep essentials, and the small details matter just as much elsewhere in your kit, including your socks. We've covered why in our guide, New Zealand trekking with Bridgedale hiking socks.

Why shop with us at PAST Outdoors

We're a family-owned Australian outdoor retailer with a genuine passion for helping people get out on the trail properly equipped. Our team tests and uses the gear we sell, so when we recommend carrying a Leatherman tool, it's because we genuinely rely on ours, not just because it's on the shelf. We're proud to stock Leatherman, and back every purchase with honest advice from people who actually spend time outdoors.

Thousands of hikers and campers across Australia have trusted us to kit them out properly, and our customers keep coming back because we get the details right. Browse our full range online today, or reach out to our team for personalised recommendations.

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