Best Camping Tools & Multi-Tools UK

A pocket knife (like a Victorinox Hiker) is built around the blade first, with a few extra tools folded in. A multi-tool (like a Gerber) is built around pliers first, with a blade as one of many attachments. For general outdoor use — cutting cord, food prep, whittling — a pocket knife is usually more comfortable. For camp repairs, wire work, and fixing gear, the pliers on a multi-tool earn their keep.

UK knife law is genuinely specific and worth checking directly rather than relying on general advice — rules differ for folding vs locking blades, blade length, and what counts as "good reason" to carry in public. The current guidance is on gov.uk's knife law page; it's worth a quick read before you buy if you're planning on carrying one day-to-day rather than just using it at camp.

Wipe it dry after any wet use — condensation inside a folded multi-tool is the real culprit, not just rain. A drop of light oil on the pivot points every few months keeps the folding action smooth and helps shed moisture. Stainless steel resists rust well but isn't rust-proof, especially on the pliers' cutting edges.

The essentials that matter most: a reliable multi-tool or knife, a head torch with spare batteries, a basic first aid kit, a way to start a fire that works when wet (storm matches or a ferro rod), and a means of navigation that doesn't rely on phone signal. Beyond that, it's easy to over-pack — the gear you'll actually use matters more than a long checklist.