How to Pick the Right Tool for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

It may be tempting to venture out on your next camping trip without a single tool in hand, but that would be a mistake. Keep in mind, our bare hands can only do so much and even the most experienced outdoorsman can reach their limit when doing what’s required in a weekend (or longer) of camping. Gerber has not only provided us with the devices necessary to get the jobs done but has curated a collection of its best outdoor tools to ensure you’re always ready.

The Oregon-based brand has been perfecting the craft of making knives since 1939 and has been in the multi-tool game for over three decades now. Few names can fill up your loadout with quality tools for your every need without forcing you to break the bank in the process. Do yourself a favor and check out our guide to inform yourself on how to pick the right tools for your next outdoor adventure.

No camping trip is complete without a day’s worth of hiking, whether far or near. For the outing, you’ll want to bring along two tools: a fixed blade and a simple multi-tool. A fixed blade is always a good idea since the lack of moving parts makes it a more reliable choice. If you’re the type to hunt for game or simply forage for food, a knife like this will aid you in your endeavor. Likewise, there’s the off chance you’ll need a knife for survival or even protection. In that case, a knife that’s easy to deploy and won’t require much nimbleness is perfect.

As for your multi-tool, these will aid you in certain situations, from clipping something small off your shoe to opening packages of food you’ve brought as nourishment. Since you’ll want something lighter, opt for a multi-tool with fewer tools — just the essentials.

Gerber Armbar Scout

A light multi-tool with just seven functions, Gerber’s Armbar Scout contains just about everything you’ll need for the journey. Weighing just 3.1oz and spanning  3.625” in length when closed, the device is there when you need it, and only when you need it. It features a pry bar, bottle opener, can opener, hammer, pair of scissors, saw, and 2.5-inch straight-edge knife.

Gerber Ultimate

For the bigger tasks, get yourself the Gerber Ultimate fixed-blade knife, highlighted with a half-serrated, full-tang 7Cr steel blade for versatility and a textured ergonomic rubber grip that won’t slip out of your hand. Unlike the competition, this drop-point blade is specifically made for outdoor excursions, featuring a steel hammer pommel on the back end and a lanyard with a survival whistle attached. If you need to touch up the blade on the go, the accompanying sheath has a built-in sharpener. Meanwhile, the broad side edge of the blade serves as a fire starter along with the ferro rod that comes with the sheath. 

You might already have your favorite chef’s knife if you’re planning any campsite cooking. However, when it comes to eating the food itself, you should ditch plastic forks, knives, and spoons entirely. Disposable options are tempting, especially when you’re setting up for multiple campers, but they’re also not great for the environment and cause unnecessary waste. Instead, find yourself a quality reusable utensil that can handle a beating and clean easily. Although the throwaway options might be cheaper when you buy in bulk, a tool that can last you for years to come is a good investment, even if you purchase enough for your whole family.

Gerber Devour Spork

The Devour utensil from Gerber is the end-all option for eating outdoors. Featuring nine functions, the glorified spork weighs a fraction of an ounce and stretches a comfortable 7.6”. It can obviously be used for consuming food with its deep-base spoon, fork, and flat edge for cutting. However, the detachable six-tool piece — which features a serrated package opener, can opener, bottle opener, pry bar, and dual-sized flathead drivers — doubles as a kickstand to lift your tool off the dirty camp table and can hang on the edge of your cup. And at $20, you can get enough for your entire group.

Gas fire pits have their place, but if you want the nostalgic aromas of a traditional wood-burning campfire, you’ll need some actual wood to get it started. Consider heading into the wilderness with a hatchet to get the job done. Since some fire pits are a bit smaller, you might need to cut the logs down even smaller, so you’ll want something that’s up for the task. Once you return, you’ll need something to actually start the fire. Opt for a quality ferrocerium rod — or ferro rod —  which is a much safer alternative to a matchbook or butane lighter.

Gerber Fire Starter

This one may be a little self-explanatory but Gerber’s Fire Starter is the perfect all-in-one tool to help you get the flames going — and those watching you will be so impressed they won’t even realize that this device did most of the work for you. A lanyard tethers the ferro rod and metal striker, which snap together inside an IPX4-rated water-resistant housing. It’s also equipped with a 100-decibel emergency whistle.

Gerber Pack Hatchet

You don’t need a massive blade to chop up firewood but you do need a sturdy one. You’ll be plenty prepared with this compact Pack Hatchet from Gerber, with full-tang construction for extra strength and built with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade to last you for years to come. With ergonomic finger grooves, the rubber overmold handle gives you a nice grip when swinging, and at just 20.8oz and 9.46” long, you’ll keep unbelievable control. You can carry this thing with you in the nylon sheath or hang it by a lanyard.

By definition, camping implies that you’re sleeping outside (or in a camper). While a solid knife or generic multi-tool will aid you in your efforts, you’ll want something specifically designed for camping. We’ve covered what to look for when eating outdoors and starting a fire but when it comes to the day-to-day chores required of camping, you won’t want to lug around all of your tools. Instead, opt for a multi-tool that doesn’t waste real estate and can handle every task at hand, whether you’re pitching a tent, packing it away, or simply opening a can of beer after a long day of traversing the trails.

Gerber Stake Out Multi-Tool

Specifically made for outdoor living, the Stake Out Multi-Tool from Gerber is a one-stop shop for your camping needs. Weighing an unbelievable 3.32oz and equipped with a carabiner for attaching to your belt or pack, this 11-tool device is highlighted with a tent stake puller for making tear-down much easier and a 2.2-inch plain edge steel blade for a multitude of cutting tasks. Alternative cutting tools include a saw, awl, and scissors. Like any good multi-tool, the Stake Out also features a file, bottle opener, and even a ruler. For safety and survival, there’s a ferro rod for starting fires and tweezers for the inevitable mishap.