The 10 Essentials of Hiking: Knife

The list of the Ten Essentials of Hiking is a commitment to self-sufficiency in the wilderness. It's a foundational promise you make to yourself and your hiking partners that you are prepared for minor mishaps and unexpected situations. And near the top of that list, a tool that is often misunderstood in its simplicity, is the knife or multi-tool.

Many years ago when I was a Boy Scout, the multi-tool Swiss Army Knife was in the pocket of every young man. We learned early about the utility and need for this tool and used it on nearly every hike or backpacking trip. But, for those who did not have such an upbringing, this article is for you. 

A knife or multi-tool has many uses. It is a tool for repair, a tool for fire, and in a critical moment, a tool for survival. As hikers who appreciate the wisdom that comes with experience, we understand that we don't carry a knife because we expect danger; we carry it because we value preparedness. Carrying the right knife is less about being rugged and more about being ready.

Here is a look at why a knife is an essential piece of gear and what types are most appropriate and useful for enjoying your active outdoor lifestyle.

Why a Knife is Non-Negotiable on the Trail

The knife’s importance lies not in a single function, but in its ability to perform critical tasks that no other piece of gear can replicate.

• Emergency Repair. Your gear is going to break. A knife is essential for cutting cord to replace a broken shoelace, trimming fabric to patch a tent, or stripping bark to make a quick splint. It’s a primary tool for solving sudden gear failures.
• First Aid. In an emergency, a sharp blade can be used to cut gauze, clothing, or tape. Crucially, a blade may be needed to cut webbing or straps to quickly remove gear from an injured person.
• Fire Preparation. While you should carry fire starting materials, a knife is key to preparing your tinder. It can shave dry wood into fine curls (feather sticks) that catch a spark easily, making the difference between warmth and cold on a damp evening.
• Food Prep. From cutting rope to hang your food bag (bear bag) to the simple pleasure of slicing an apple or piece of cheese, its daily utility is undeniable.

Choosing Your Tool: Knife vs. Multi-Tool

When it comes to the "knife" essential, you really have two main choices. For most hikers, a multi-tool is the superior option because it maximizes utility while minimizing weight. In bushcrafting, the preference may be a buck knife; but that’s a discussion for another day.

Option 1: The Multi-Tool (Recommended)

A modern multi-tool incorporates a reliable blade along with several other highly functional implements. 

• Pliers and Wire Cutters. This is arguably the most valuable addition. Pliers allow you to easily fix a jammed zipper, bend a broken tent stake, or pull a thorn. This is a task a plain knife cannot perform.
• Screwdrivers and Can Openers. These tools handle small repairs on sunglasses, stoves, or other gear that use tiny screws.
• The Blade. The main blade on a multi-tool is typically sufficient for all basic trail tasks.

Option 2: The Fixed Blade or Folding Knife

Some hikers prefer a simple, dedicated knife.

• Folding Knife. A quality locking blade is lightweight and safe to carry. It is best if the blade can be opened one-handed. 
• Fixed Blade. These are often stronger and easier to clean, but are heavier and require a sheath, adding bulk. They are usually only necessary for truly remote or survival-focused trips. 

My Personal Recommendation: For the vast majority of day hikes and weekend backpacking trips, a lightweight, quality multi-tool with a locking knife blade and a set of pliers is the smartest, most versatile choice. If this seems a bit of an overkill, try a multi-tool that has fewer devices but with similar utility. I normally carry a small Swiss Army knife that has a small scissors, toothpick, tweezers, blade, and file with a screwdriver tip. 

Best Practices for Carry and Use

A knife is a safety tool only when handled responsibly.

• Keep it Sharp. A dull knife is actually more dangerous than a sharp one because you have to use more force, increasing the chance of a slip. A small pocket sharpener is great for freshening your blade on trail. https://amzn.to/3LB42zg
• Accessibility. Keep your knife or multi-tool easily accessible. I prefer a dedicated pocket on the hip belt of my pack, or in the lid of the pack. You don’t want to be digging through the bottom of your bag when you need it quickly.
• The Safety Mindset. Always cut away from your body and your hiking partners. Treat the tool with the respect it demands, and it will serve you well.

The knife is an ancient tool that remains fundamentally essential in the modern wilderness. By selecting the right type and carrying it properly, you are practicing the wisdom of preparedness—a key ingredient in ensuring your lifelong enjoyment of the active outdoor lifestyle.