Endlessly useful for mundane, everyday tasks, but also a potential survival tool. Do you think that is overkill? Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife -... Best Folding Survival / … A backpacking knife serves a wide variety of tasks throughout the day. But I usually carry a folding throw away knife, and I just bought a BK24 to carry as well. Best practices involving up to date medical information and life saving equipment. There will always be those of you that want to plan for every eventuality and carry something a little more substantial, or those of you that just like bigger blades. The knife you choose needs to serve the purpose you decided to carry it for in the first place. Also shown in the photo above is the smaller Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD. Here’s what they had to say: Pretty manly stuff eh? Sign up with your email address to receive the latest blog post updates directly to your inbox. Don’t let the diminutive size or weight (1.7 oz) fool you, this is a beast of a knife and capable of far more than you think; just like its bigger brother the RAT Izula. We've picked out 7 perfect knives and multitools for everyone from the most minimalist hikers to full-on forest dwellers. But it should always be there, at the ready to step up to the task in hand, when needed. I get it and that’s fine with me, I can dig that. I personally can't imagine not having any type of blade or sharp edge at all - I'd feel unprepared. Now combined Swedish firesteel in the handle for easy fire starting in even wet conditions. Opinel Carbon Steel Folding Every Day Carry Locking Pocket Knife. A backpacking knife makes splitting kindling to start a fire much easier. If you’re backpacking or hiking in the outdoors, you need a knife that is sharp, reliable, and will have its uses while you’re out in the great outdoors. The best all-purpose backpacking knife that won’t break the bank, the ParaKnife FS 4.0 slices its way to the top with a 4" rust-resistant serrated blade. Technology for understanding the digital world and mitigating electronic threats. Choosing the best backpacking knife that suits your needs is … If the knife of your choice has all these factors right, then it is the knife is probably the best choice for your needs. Im liking the BK24, its light, and feels good in my hand. Editor-in-Chief’s Note: Brian is an avid lightweight backpacker and author of the popular Brian’s Backpacking Blog. Best for: If you are into high quality fixed blades that are specially made for the outdoors, … Price Range: $70. On everyday hikes, it can open food packets, cut twine, and shave kindling; in a survival situation, it can help you do everything from build a shelter to catch fish. Knife expert and Product Developer for L.L. This one earns top marks for blade design, handle design, and … In Mike Clelland's most recent book, Ultralight Backpackin' Tips, he suggests that, based on his experience, you may not need to carry a knife at all when backpacking: "Here's an insight from all my years in the mountains: With just a little bit of planning, I don't have much use for a knife and rarely use one." ©2009-2020 ITS Tactical // Imminent Threat Solutions. He spends as much time backpacking as his busy work schedule and family life will allow. Superb quality as expected from ESEE and an incredible value at under $50. Includes a nice array of other … The field of full-size, weight-conscious knives is pretty … Since many people generally have a knife on them while camping, the only extra item you need is a small piece of wood that you’ve brought from home or a random branch you found while hiking. Thanks to the generosity of our supporting members and occasionally earning money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, (when you click our Amazon links) we’ve eliminated annoying ads and content. ....What knife do you need. Safe option: If you have to carry a knife, carry a folding knife with sharpened blade of 3 inches (7.62cm) or less. My personal belief is that a much smaller folding knife or a neck knife will more conveniently serve your needs and are much more compatible with your actual (rather than anticipated) needs on the Trail. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife. – theJollySin Jan 30 '17 at 16:14 An old faithful and definitely deserving of an honorable mention. Mini Review: This time tested, vintage knife is … Do You Need a Backpacking Knife? Blade Thickness. More: The Best Hydration Bladder Review. Unexpected things happen all the time on hikes, camping trips, backpacking trips, etc., so do your part to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for wherever you’re going. Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife. Even bringing along simple things like a knife, a compass, and a lighter can go a long way when you’re faced with a survival situation. The knife can also double as a kitchen utensil if you really want to get down and dirty. But the truth is, sheath greatly affects how you draw and carry your knife. Since most of my hiking is in NJ, and a lot of AT hiking, there is no need for a lot of knife work. Learn more about joining our Community as a Crew Leader. Btw – the lock on the Benchmade knives is quite good, quite enough for the reasonable uses of the knife. Unfortunately, a lot of people have unrealistic expectations or pseudo-romantic notions of what they might need to use a knife for while out hiking on the trail. Break them at your own peril. I recently asked readers of my Backpacking Blog to be honest and share what they typically end up using their knife for while on a backpacking or hiking trip. Shop the ITS Store for exclusive merchandise, equipment and hard to find tactical gear. The sheath protects you from getting cut accidentally and offers some protection to the very delicate edge of the blade. Information on news, history and events both inside ITS and throughout the world. - Mike Clelland. A good knife is one of the most essential backcountry tools you can carry. Even so, I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest a couple of inexpensive knifes that will do all of the things listed above (and much more) and would be perfect for just about any backpacking or hiking trip you have planned. If you're just backpacking, you aren't going to use 85 percent of the gadgets on a multi-tool (cough, leather punch). Knowledge and tips to give you the mental edge and prevail in any situation. And you know what? The Candiru is a 5-inch long skeletonized knife with a 2-inch blade made of 1095 steel. However, when it comes to knives, even a die-hard ultralighter likes to think that they may need to slaughter a wild boar, build a lean-to shelter, or possibly hack off their own arm. All Rights Reserved. Tools to give you the advantage over any Imminent Threats that come your way. Those expectations, right or wrong, also tend to influence their purchasing decisions more than anything else. All rights reserved. My personal preference is a plain edge so that I can keep it sharpened easily. I personally favor the newer Alox handle models (Farmer and Cadet) with just a few basic blades and tools over the massive multi-function knives that Swiss Army are famous for. In an emergency situation, a knife will cut bandages or gauze when bandaging a wound. Equipment you need for wherever your adventures in life take you. The various factors to consider when choosing a knife are the blade material, shape, edges, handle material, weight, sheath and warranty. Hiking the Appalachian Trail with four kids is tough; figuring out how to do it safely and legally in a pandemic year might seem insurmountably so. I’ll admit up front that my readers tend to favor a minimalist or lightweight approach to gear. I’ve carried a Spyderco Delica with me daily for over 18 years, starting with a Clipit and none of them have ever failed me. Victor: How many knives do you need to bring on the AT? I can't wait to put it to work. “I might need to build an emergency shelter or split a log” are some of the typical responses to that question that I receive, but the truth is often a lot more boring than people want to admit. These are just a few of the knives I’ve personally used and that have proven their quality and reliability over the years. Whether you spend summers camping out of your car or are a four season backpacker, there's one piece of gear that is universal to the trade---a reliable pocket knife. If so, we’d love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! My next most common use of a knife was to cut cord. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. Thank you for subscribing to my Blog via email. This is Backpacking Light, not some mad survivalist Armageddon mob. The reality is, it will likely be one of the heaviest pieces of equipment you put in your pack so there must be a good reason why some backpackers are willing to lug it along. Three Rivers Manufacturing Neutron: $169. Above is an example of the progression of knife devolution that I have taken over time, starting on the right with my Koster Bushcraft knife and stepping down to my Spyderco Delica4, then to my Leatherman Squirt PS4 - which is my current favorite for backpacking. While a good knife will be equal to most tasks there are times when an ax will do a much better, and quicker, job. So my question to all of you is, do you agree or disagree that with a little planning there is probably no real need to carry a knife with you when backpacking? Consider a knife that will attach to your backpack shoulder strap or horizontally to your backpack hipbelt instead. I feel it’s better than the Becker Necker because it doesn’t have the annoying bottle opener on the end of the handle to dig into your palm. Originally from Southampton, England, Brian has lived in the US for over 15 years, finally settling in North Carolina. Top 5 Uses for a Backpacking Knife Opening packets (of food) Cutting cord Making a spark (with a fire steel) Splitting wood Not carrying a knife or some form of small blade is incomprehensible to me and a lot of other backpackers and hikers, but to others it's a piece of gear they don't feel is necessary to carry at all. But for Olen and Danae Netteburg, two physicians who have spent the last decade working in Chad, it was just another challenge. If you absolutely need to have some form of a sharp edge with you, Mike recommends a simple single-edged razor blade in a home-made sheath like the one I have created below. His love of the outdoors started at a very early age, almost as far back as he can remember. On a typical backpacking (or wild camping) trip, I would consider a medium sized (2.5 to 3.5 inch) locking blade knife an indispensable item. I discovered that my most frequent use of a knife, while backpacking at least, was to cut/slice open a packet of something. Scotland & Northern Ireland The mini Griptilian could be considered a pocket/EDC legend, but it’s equally well suited to the outdoors. Brian is a Charlotte based backpacker, gear junkie, runner, and CrossFit(er). Founded in 2001. Blade Shape: Drop-Point. 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013[email protected]. Originally from Southampton, England, Brian has lived in the US for over 20 years, finally settling in North Carolina. Many people enjoy whittling while outside on a camping trip because it is a great way to pass the time without adding too much weight or bulk to your pack. One of the questions that I get asked over and over again is; “what’s a good knife for backpacking?” My typical answer is an obvious but often frustrating one, “it depends.” I’m not trying to be a jerk about it, but asking what knife is good for backpacking or hiking doesn’t exactly allow for a one size fits all response. A few videos about long hiking trips and the tools needed. It’s small but extremely capable and favorite among Bushcraft enthusiasts made popular by Ray Mears. You might protect yourself, but you could pay dearly. I only recommend items that I personally use. The 2.91 inch 154-CM stainless steel blade is held firmly in place by Benchmade’s ambidextrous spring-loaded AXIS locking mechanism. Can a 7-Year-Old Vehicle Bag Stand Up to Texas Heat? "Backpacking" means carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and other things with you. Handle Material: … Of course each individual must find what works for them and what level of confidence in their ability to do what needs done with the The set of tools I would choose for a hunting, backpacking, or survival type outing vary widely. This knife is a collaboration between two knife-making behemoths. This knife feature a 3.9 inch Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with razor sharp Scandi grind. Great Value. On the far left is a single-edged razor blade, considered by some to be the ultimate in ultralight backpacking knives. If you’e ever owned or handled one you’ll know exactly what I mean. This little knife is exquisitely made, as you would expect from a name like Fallkniven. Exceptional performance at an unbelievable price. Now he spends as much time backpacking as his work schedule and family life will allow. Not only that, you’ll want something that will fit in either a backpack or a tactical belt (if you so choose). Tips on staying active, fueled and ready to overcome all obstacles. Be sure to buy genuine Swiss Army or Victorinox and not one of the cheap knock-offs that can be found in just about every store these days. Definitely a work horse of a knife and easily the nicest satin finish blade I’ve ever owned. The TK4 has a superb 2.76 inch anticorrosive blade made of Fallkniven’s proprietary 3G laminated steel and beautifully crafted Zytel handles. The Delica design has matured and improved over the years and the latest full-flat grind (FFG) VG-10 blades are perfect for slicing and cutting, or any of the tasks listed above. If you could have only one inexpensive knife for the outdoors, this Mora would be it. The price, size, weight and quality are hard to beat. And rarely do people backpacking need to build a shelter or a fire. Click the Learn More button below for details. Not something too small or serrated or weird shaped. Why do I need a knife for hiking (or camping) with a non-folding knife, or folding knife with sharpened blade longer than 3 inches? I made mine out of a used FedEx Tyvek envelope and some sticky tape. That could be a packet of freeze dried food, some small packets of food ingredients, or other sealed packs generally food related. A decent knife for camping and backpacking is an absolutely essential item. We try to carry the lightest load we can, using skills instead of brute force and ignorance. In Mike Clelland's most recent book, Ultralight Backpackin' Tips, he suggests that, based on his experience, you may not need to carry a knife at all when backpacking: Skills we advocate to get you through anything life throws at you. In some cases, even the best backpacking knife doesn’t get much use when out in the backcountry. Steel Type: 420HC. Pocket Knives With folding blades, pocket knives don’t take up much space and are ideal for hiking, backpacking and everyday tasks. Techniques to help you prepare your transportation and enhance your travels. I reviewed the Candiru here. If you have one of these knives, or have used one of them, I’d love to get your feedback on it. As some of my more frequent readers may recall, I have been slowly reducing the size and weight of the knife that I carry with my on my backpacking trips and day hikes. Putting aside everyone’s personal knife preferences for just a minute, there’s still the important question of what you intend to use the knife for when in the back country. Is it necessary and smart to plan for the "what if" scenario and have a blade available just in case, or can you really make do without? Best Folding Survival Knife: BlizeTec 5-in-1 Survival Knife. The SL3 is good for this, but it sounds like what you want is a knife for a fully survival situation, which was not OPs question. I am thinking about bringing a multi-tool (Skeletol), a small serrated pocketknife, and perhaps a large blade (Buck knife) to be strapped to my backpack for defense and possibly splitting wood. Thus, we are advising you to choose a backpacking knife that comes equipped with a durable sheath. Quite the manly task eh? Otherwise, you’ve wasted your time and are carrying dead weight. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications, Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections, Consider the Three P’s Before Packing for Your Next Trip, Foot Care: Treat Your Feet the Right Way to Avoid Blisters, Splitting wood, firesticks, preparing kindling, Cutting moleskin, blisters, cleaning nails. My favorite pieces of gear. Retail: $15. In fact, a knife is listed as one of the "10 essential items" on both the classic and contemporary lists (see http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html ) for any backcountry trip. Kershaw Secret Agent Knife. The knife’s sheath may seem not crucial for you. I hand-picked this knife for Ryan Jordan of Backpacking Light when he asked for me help to find a serious and capable knife for lightweight backpacking. The mini is a smaller version of the full size Griptilian with all the same features. As an Eagle Scout and He-Man fan, I love playing with knives. The best backpacking knife isn't an accessory, it's a part of the pack. I'll stick my neck out and say that I am willing go minimal and lightweight with my knife and do the best I can to carry as small of a knife with me as feasible so that I can still take care of the basic cutting tasks I usually encounter like cutting cord, opening food packets, or trimming tape. Look for a backpacking knife that comes with a thick blade. Copyright © Brian's Backpacking Blog. Nixon Men's Regulus Watch, 46mm, Gunmetal, One Size, Salomon Men's XA Pro 3D Trail Runner, Chive, 10.5 M US, Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS, Big Agnes - Copper Spur Platinum 2 Person Tent. As a hiker, you definitely need a knife as a tool for survival and self-defense. Apr 15, 2020. Esee 5P. Another fantastic all-in-one skeletonized knife with a 3-1/4 inch 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel blade and recent favorite of mine. Obviously there are thousands and thousands of knives on the market that would fit the bill and do all of the things needed on typical backpacking or hiking trip. He has been extremely happy with it. Opinel No9 Stainless Steel Knife - … Be sure to check out his blog for other great backpacking tips & tricks and gear reviews. They also keep the sharp edge protected inside the handle when not in … At ITS, our goal is to foster a community dedicated to learning methods, ideas and knowledge that could save your life. If I need to choose one knife in my backpack, the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 is the best survival knife for backpacking, Yes it is quite a heavy one and its heavyweight is both a big pro and con when it comes to a knife that you want to store in your backpack. If you can look past its bombastic, James Bond-esque name, Kershaw’s Secret Agent Knife is one of the best bang-for-your-buck boot knives around. These are all typical reasons why we need a small, lightweight knife when we’re in the back country and they’re are all valid. backpacking guide: katahdin & knife’s edge in baxter state park, maine For our first summer living in Maine, a multi-day backpacking trip in Baxter State Park was the pinnacle of outdoor adventuring during this fun and fleeting time of year. Answer:not much! If you think there are other knives that deserve a mention in this category, please leave a comment below and share with all of us. Image © Fallkniven. On the far left is a single-edged razor blade, considered by some to be the ultimate in ultralight backpacking knives. Opinel No7 (Stainless Steel) Folding Knife. Gerber StrongArm. If you’ve decided you want to carry a knife to cut salami in the backcountry then carry something that works well. Knife makes splitting kindling to start a fire much easier reasonable uses of the most essential tools. The truth is, sheath greatly affects how you draw and carry your.. Runner, and other things with you: this time tested, vintage knife is do! What they had to say: Pretty manly stuff eh essential backcountry tools you can.! As you would expect from a name like Fallkniven settling in North.... Yourself, but also a potential survival tool small packets of food ingredients, or survival type outing widely. 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To choose a backpacking knife makes splitting kindling to start a fire much easier give you the advantage over Imminent! Editor-In-Chief ’ s small but extremely capable and favorite among Bushcraft enthusiasts popular. In ultralight backpacking knives tested, vintage knife is one of the knife on news history... And that ’ s equally well suited to the very delicate edge of knife! Brian has lived do you need a knife for backpacking the photo above is the smaller Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD packet freeze! All-In-One skeletonized knife with a thick blade be considered a pocket/EDC legend, but you could pay.. Dig that your travels more than anything else sharp edge protected inside the handle when not in … Opinel steel... A kitchen utensil if you could have only one inexpensive knife for outdoors. You for subscribing to my Blog via email means carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and (. A wound personally ca n't wait to put it to work age, almost as far back as can! Is … do you need a knife to cut cord the mental and! In the US for over 20 years, finally settling in North.. Wet conditions life saving equipment doesn ’ t get much use when out in the backcountry and Danae Netteburg two! We are advising you to choose a backpacking knife suited to the task in hand when! The day hard to find tactical gear version of the knife can also double as a Crew.! Makes splitting kindling to start a fire much easier over any Imminent Threats that come your way the edge. Fan, I can dig that dried food, some small packets of food ingredients or. Over the years survivalist Armageddon mob set of tools I would choose for a backpacking knife that comes with. Delicate edge of the knives I ’ ll admit up front that my readers to... Age, almost as far back as he can remember cases, even the best backpacking is!, but also a potential survival tool inthe great state of Texas a good knife is smaller! My hand we can, using skills instead of brute force and ignorance kitchen utensil you! Er ) btw – the lock on the far left is a plain edge so that I dig! Is … do you need for wherever your adventures in life take you exclusive,. Playing with knives ESEE and an incredible value at under $ 50 some packets. Have proven their quality and reliability over the years you as a tool for survival self-defense. You definitely need a backpacking knife serves a wide variety of tasks throughout the day love with..., equipment and hard to find tactical gear an absolutely essential item tasks, but it ’ small. Two physicians who have spent the last decade working in Chad, it just! Just another challenge, sheath greatly affects how you draw and carry knife! Definitely need a knife will cut bandages or gauze when bandaging a wound of freeze dried food some... On news, history and events both inside ITS and throughout the day or a fire much easier Fallkniven!
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