Best Pocket Knives for Hiking | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide (2022)

A pocket knife is a tool that is incredibly useful to have while hiking, camping, or other outdoor pursuits. They are made to be small enough to fit into a pocket, yet also be capable enough to get the job done. Generally, a pocket knife is a great tool to have on you while traveling on foot because it will often help you reach your destination in a shorter amount of time. Many pocket knives have some other features that they offer as well, such as cutting disks and blades for things like steak knives and other various tasks. These features can be very useful while traveling, as well as while hiking.

They can even come in handy while hunting, since they can help you to be able to easily locate your game. They can also be an invaluable tool when it comes to crafting, as many pocket knives come with different blades. Most of the time, pocket knives come with some sort of fixed blade that you can then attach a saw, knife, or other sharp implement to. One of the most popular and ubiquitous styles of pocket knives is the dainty, tiny Swiss Army knife. However, you can find quite a few other varieties as well. Here are one of the best pocket knives for hiking.

1.   Project: Aero

The Project: Aero is the very first complete Swiss Army knife available. It is great because you get a knife, cutter, and can opener all in one pocket sized package. It has some impressive features, as well, like a container that will hold up to a full bottle of water or some small amount of liquid, a few different blades, and some other special features. It is available in both 6-inch and 9-inch lengths, and it comes in five different colors. If you want a pocket knife that is on the small side, but that has a lot of features, the Project: Aero is definitely the pocket knife for you.

Pros:

• 6-inch or 9-inch length
• Comes in five different colors

Cons:

• Some people don’t like the fact that the knife comes with a clip for the blade, though this isn’t an issue with other pocket knives

2.   Pocket Knives USA Parker Cut N Cut Mini Saw

Another excellent option is the Parker Cut N Cut Mini Saw by Pocket Knives USA. This pocket knife is a great size for carrying around in a backpack or pocket. It features a super sharp 3.5-inch blade, as well as a small saw. If you need to cut wood for some reason, you could even use this tool to fix a tent pole. If you need a knife to cut some very small pieces of wood, this is an excellent option to have in your pocket.

Pros:

• Smaller than other pocket knives
• Comes in a variety of colors

Cons:

• Not meant to cut very heavy-duty wood

3.   Perks Illusions The Slim Crossbody Handy Knife

There are some pocket knives out there that will help you cut food in the wilderness, and others that will help you cut branches or fabric when you need to build a shelter. If you need to cut with your hands, then the Perks Illusions The Slim Crossbody Handy Knife is an excellent option for you. It is designed specifically to be extremely small and compact, so it won’t take up much space in your pocket or backpack. With a 2.75-inch blade, this is a great size for holding things, and it is perfect for cutting some small pieces of wood or cutting cord. The blade is super sharp, and it is able to quickly slice through a tree branch or other small object. This pocket knife also features a hook and loop strap on the top, so you can use it as a belt as well.

Pros:

• Perfect for small kitchen tasks
• Has a handy hook and loop on top for hanging

Cons:

• May be too small for some people

4.   Laduree Aérogar XXL Ergonomic 8″ Swiss Army Knife

Laduree has a number of different knife designs, and this 8″ Swiss Army Knife is no exception. It features a thin blade, and a clip so that you can attach it to your keychain if you want to bring it along. The blade has a 7cm length, which is just about average, and it is backed by a lifetime warranty. The 6.25-inch ruler is available separately, and this pocket knife also comes with a bottle opener, a bottle cutter, a nail file, and a screwdriver. Laduree also offers a matching knife handle for the larger Aérogar model, but it isn’t included with this model. If you want to go all out and get a Swiss Army Knife that you can customize, then this is a good option to consider.

Pros:

• Comes with a ruler, bottle opener, screwdriver, and bottle opener
• Customizable knife handle

Cons:

• Some people find the plastic handles a bit flimsy

5.   Kenko Onyx Leaf Adjustable Tailgater Sizing Knife

As far as pocket knives go, a multitool is a great item to bring along with you on the trail. These types of pocket knives come with all kinds of useful features, and they are perfect for a variety of different tasks. If you are looking for a knife to help you cut branches and other small pieces of wood, then this is an excellent choice for you. This pocket knife has a folding blade, which makes it easy to carry around with you. The blade is 2.25 inches, which is decent sized, and the edge is fairly sharp. The clip is on the back of the blade, which makes it easy to remove the blade when you need to, without removing the clip. This knife also features a large blade guard and a tan leather handle. This model comes in a variety of different colors, including black, blue, and brown.

Pros:

• Comes with a blade guard
• Large blade

Cons:

• Not particularly cheap

6.   Carry On Leather Organizer with Box

One thing to keep in mind when you are buying a Swiss Army knife is that you will probably be using it for a lot more than just slicing through wood or cutting cord. You will want to use it for a number of other things, such as canning and pickling, and that is where the Carry On Leather Organizer with Box comes in. This leather box is covered in hardened leather, and has a handy zipper that secures it shut. The exterior is anti-theft themed, and it is also designed to be fireproof, water resistant, and keep insects out. This pocket knife will keep your tools safe, and it will also make them easier to access in case you need to use them quickly.

Pros:

• Fireproof, water resistant, and anti-theft
• Has an anti-theft zipper

Cons:

• Not an especially powerful knife

7.   Bowie Swiss Army Knife

If you are looking for a tool that will be able to perform any number of different tasks, then a Swiss Army Knife is definitely the way to go. This type of pocket knife can help you cut, slice, saw, sharpen, or open just about anything you need to cut, slice, saw, sharpen, or open. If you are looking for a light tool to bring along with you on a hike, then this model is a great choice. It has a 2.6-inch blade, and it has a good weight to it. The clip on the back of the blade is easy to remove, and you will be able to use the tool without a holster as well. If you need something a bit more powerful, then the Python Knife is a good option to consider.

Pros:

• Light and small
• Slender and easy to carry

Cons:

• Not particularly powerful

8.   PwC Stainless Steel Tool Pocket Knife

The PwC is a fairly small knife, but it still comes with a big 5-inch blade. This pocket knife can help you carry around just about any task, including cutting down tree limbs, cutting through twigs, and opening packages. The blade is stainless steel, so it is also very easy to keep clean. The handle is a bright color, and the PwC is completely made of stainless steel, which makes it extremely durable. The PwC comes with a knife sheath, which makes it easy to carry around and access your knife in an emergency. It has a lifetime warranty, and it is also machine washable.

Pros:

• Stainless steel blade
• Can be stored in a sheath

Cons:

• Not an all-around tool

9.   Victorinox Mac Pack Knife

Victorinox knives are some of the most popular Swiss Army knives on the market today. This pocket knife is a great option for anyone who is looking for something that is both pocket and travel sized. It is a nice-sized pocket knife, but it is still small enough to carry around in a pocket. There is a clip on the back of the blade that allows you to attach the knife to your belt, and this knife has a nice-looking black and stainless-steel blade. The blade is 3 inches long, and it has a nice weight to it. The handle is fairly slim for a pocket knife, but it is still comfortable to hold. Victorinox knives are known for their sharp blades, and this one is no exception.

Pros:

• Stainless steel blade
• Has a clip on the back of the blade

Cons:

• Only has a small pocket clip

10.        Gerber DXL220821 Yellow Pocket Knife

This Gerber pocket knife is a handy tool that is designed to perform a wide variety of tasks. This pocket knife has a 3-inch blade, and it has a clip-on pocket clip. The clip also has a chain, which you can use to secure the knife to your belt, your belt buckle, or to any hook you may have on your clothing. This pocket knife has a good balance of weight and size. The sheath is made of neoprene, and it comes with a leather sheath and a carrying pouch. There is a lifetime warranty on this knife. If you are looking for a slightly more advanced pocket knife, the Eko Stainless Steel Leather Boxed Knife is a nice option.

Pros:

• Comes with carrying pouch
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Only one storage pocket

11.        Leatherman Tool Systems WL-350

The WL-350 is one of the most powerful knives on the market today. The blade is an 8-inch crosscut blade that can easily cut through metals. This knife can also be used to cut many other things, including wood, leather, and even stone. It is quite durable, and the knife has a lifetime warranty. It is also fairly easy to carry around with you. The leather sheath has a knife loop and a slot for storing an object that you may want to carry with you in the event that you need to cut something.

Pros:

• Knife can be used as a hack saw, machete, and many other things
• Has a lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Very heavy

12.        Leatherman World Traveler Pro Pocket Knife

The Leatherman World Traveler Pro pocket knife is a great option for anyone who is really into their outdoor lifestyle. It is a very handy tool, and it has a long-lasting blade made of stainless steel. This knife has a nice, sleek design, and it has a sharp, felt-style grip on the back. The blade is 8 inches long, and it has a rubber bumper that allows it to slide into small spaces. If you are looking for a practical, practical pocket knife, the Leatherman 77 is a nice-looking option.

Pros:

• Leather sheath
• Stainless steel blade

Cons:

• Only one storage pocket

13.        Santa Cruz 80430 Ultra-Lite Traveler Pocket Knife

The Santa Cruz 80430 is a slim-line pocket knife that is the perfect size for those who need a smaller blade. This is a very compact knife, and it is easy to carry in a pocket. The stainless-steel blade is a nice size, and it has a thumb stud on the back. The knife has a solid metal sheath and a small sheath for a wallet. There is a string-style carry strap with a hook, which is included in the package. If you need a small, compact pocket knife, this is an excellent option.

Pros:

• Small and compact
• Fantastic price

Cons:

• Does not come with sheath or strap

Conclusion

Choosing a pocket knife is a personal preference. If you want to spend the least amount of money, you should buy a basic pocket knife. You should also only buy one that you will carry every day. If you want a very versatile pocket knife, you should look into buying one that comes with many different sizes and features.

Must Read: Hiking Tips for Beginners