The gear that gets you there.
Only the best. Nothing else makes the list.
A blade that opens a packet and a bit of tape. Not a camp kitchen.
Three picks. Updated weekly. That is the whole list. If it is not here, it did not earn a place.
· Top three updated weekly. Listed prices and shop ratings stay live.
Surveys 40% · independent tests 30% · merchant ratings 15% · relative street price 15%. Sources & method
Listed prices and shop ratings stay live once a shop page loads. GEAR UP has the current figure.
Built from published thru-hiker surveys and independent testing — not commissions. Sources & method · Disclosure
Swipe — three picks side by side
Pliers + blade · 5 oz
Listed price
8.5 / 10 Thru Picks
A real pliers and a blade at five ounces. The multi-tool people still carry when they carry one.
Sources: REI Co-op · CleverHiker · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Also at REI →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
Alox · 2.6 oz
Listed price
8.4 / 10 Thru Picks
A classic Alox knife, no pliers. The tool if you want a blade and a can opener, not a workshop.
Sources: REI Co-op · CleverHiker · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
Carbon blade · 1.6 oz
Listed price
8.3 / 10 Thru Picks
A lock-ring blade at an ounce and a half. The knife if you only want a knife.
Sources: REI Co-op · CleverHiker · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Also at REI →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
This slot is not required in a Pack Shakedown kit. The ten loadouts still start from the same independent lists.
A thru-hike blade opens a packet, cuts tape, and maybe a stuck zipper. It is not a camp kitchen. Leave the full Leatherman Wave at home.
Leatherman Skeletool is first: a real pliers and a blade at five ounces, the multi-tool people still carry. Victorinox Pioneer is Best Value — a classic Alox knife, no pliers. Opinel No.8 is the Premium Pick for hikers who only want a blade: carbon steel, a lock ring, an ounce and a half.
Rankings and kits are based on published surveys and independent analysis. They are opinions for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for choosing and using gear appropriate to their conditions and experience. Thru Picks is not liable for outcomes related to product use. Terms