So, as I try and decide what I REALLY REALLY need in my pack, I keep getting caught up on something relativly simple. My Leatherman. I’m just wondering how many people that have done the PCT before had to saw a branch, or file some metal, or screw a screw or ply a piece of steel out of something or…you get my point. Its the ultimate “WHAT IF!?!” accessory, but its heavy. Any advice for the indecisive?
Brandon
Why not spend $10 on the classic Swiss Army knife? I used one on my AT thru hike and never needed anything more. Used nearly every ‘tool’ on there. screwdriver, nail file, scissors, tweezers, and of course knife. It all weighs in at 1 oz.
bbbbbeat
The only thing I used my swiss army for was mainly cooking. I used it to cut cheese, garlic, wild onions, and to open some dank microbrews in town. If I were to do it again I would bring nothing and just smash my garlic, break my cheese and use my trekking pole tips to open beer bottles. It would be nice to have something to cut away dead blister skin and cut moleskin to size but I could get away with just using liquid bandage instead and prevent blisters. It is definatly a comfort thing to have or not have a knife.
Spigot
Because I like knives I had to have a leatherman. I immediately found it heavy and useless. It’s a cool thing but it’s heavy. I also couldn’t get into wearing it on my belt… too heavy and pretty geeky. I liked the pliers… that’s why I got it… not for the knife blades or the phillips screw driver blade which I think I can use the most… too heavy! Get a blade you like to use for cutting bread and spreading peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Something light enough for spreading and cutting bread and jelly and peanut butter… don’t worry.
Pete
I carried a leatherman squirt s4
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/s4/default.asp
it weighs 2 oz. Has a scissors - for cutting toe nails, knife - for opening food packs etc , a screw driver - used when I had to do a repair on my pack. nail file - has it’s uses, I was glad I had it with me.
just me
Don’t bother with a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman. The most useful feature is the bottle opener, and you’ll use that mostly in town. Sierra Nevada has screw off tops so you won’t need it, and you shouldn’t be drinking any other beer until you get to OR and WA.
Or, just bring it and see if it works for you. I don’t think an extra 3 or 4 oz is going to make or break a hike. About 30 seconds after leaving the monument the whole idea of agonizing over gear will seem so futile and worthless.
Suge
keep to the lightweight ethic–a leatherman is a lot of unneeded weight. you won’t need it. Yep, bring a small blade. That’s what you’ll need. pct-no sawing required. keep everythings as light as possible. and yep, I love carrying a leatherman, too. just not on the trail.
oh, and sierra nevada swithced to pop off tops now. You need a bottle opener again.
jcp
After some tinkering with the set screws that hold the leatherman together, I was able to surgically separate the handle that I want to carry. Serrated blade, can opener/beer opener, saw, phillips head, and sharp little pointy awl for poking out eyes n’ such. Being that its stamped metal, and the pliers are gone now, I barely notice the weight. :smokin
Brandon