6 Best Camping Knives: How to Choose the Right Ultralight Backpacking Knife

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When you’re out camping, it’s always a good idea to have the right cutting tools on you, such as an ax or pocket knife. But carrying around extra camping gear can be a hassle. That’s why it’s important to save weight and space wherever you can. To help, we have compiled a list of the six best backpacking knives that are lightweight and have multiple uses.

How to Choose a Backpacking Knife 

Finding the right knife may seem pretty straightforward, but there are certain things to look for, especially if you want a lightweight knife.

  1. Weight and length. The two go hand in hand. If the knife is short, it will weigh less, so it all depends on how you plan to use the knife. If you just want one that’s lightweight and suitable for little tasks, a shorter knife is the way to go. For larger jobs or emergencies, I recommend getting a longer knife. 
  1. Is it a fixed blade or a folding knife? A folding knife, also known as a swiss army knife or pocket knife, folds, and is typically multi-purpose, the best option for camping and packing light. A fixed blade has no moveable parts, just the handle, and the blade. It’s easier to use but lacks most folding knife features.

Best Overall Ultralight Backpacking Knife

First on our list is the Columbia River backpacking knife. This one is more compact and straightforward, which is perfect for backpacking or camping. The handle has a fantastic grip and is very durable. 

If you want a good-quality fixed blade knife for camping, hiking, backpacking, or around the house, I highly recommend this one! The nice thing about fixed knives is that they’re so easy to use.

Key Features

  • Fixed blade
  • Lightweight 
  • Carbon steel
  • Black
  • Superior grip

Best Multitool Backpacking Knife

Next, we have the QuntionSt multitool backpacking knife. This one is outstanding if you’re looking for the best multi-purposeful knife, but foldable and lightweight. I like the look of this one, and it’s an excellent choice for camping or backpacking. 

Pocket knives are among the best tools to have on you, not just for traveling but wherever you go, even in a purse. This one has a safe-guard locking design, so you won’t hurt yourself if you’re reaching in a bag. 

If you’re planning a fishing trip, I can’t think of a better tool to have handy. This one contains a knife, saw, pliers, can opener, and a screwdriver. 

Key Features

  • Folding knife
  • Multi purposeful
  • 9-in-1 bit set
  • Lightweight
  • Safe-guard locking feature

Best Lightweight Backpacking Pocket Knife 

Next on our list is the Victorinox pocket knife. This knife is very simple and compact, so for any of you who like to pack as light as possible, this is for you! There are 24 colors to choose from, and it contains six tools, including a nail file, scissors, tweezers, a toothpick, and a blade. 

This pocket knife is small enough to fit on a key chain or even attached to your car keys! So, if you want a good-quality backpacking pocket knife that is small and practical, this is the perfect one for you! 

Key Features

  • 24 color options
  • Six tools
  • Folding knife
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Durable 

Best Compact Backpacking Pocket Knife 

Next, we have the Tacray titanium pocket knife. This one is slightly different than the other knives on our list. Unlike the others, this blade slides out for use. You can lock and unlock it to keep it more secure. 

Depending on what you’re using it for, you can adjust the length of the knife with the locking feature! Not only is this knife great for backpacking, but for cutting rope, fishing, camping, emergencies, home, and work!

Overall, this is a great compact backpacking knife, lightweight, and kept safer in your bag with the adjustable locking feature.

Key Features

  • Multi-purposeful
  • Locking feature
  • Adjustable length
  • Compact
  • Lightweight

Best 2pc Fixed Backpacking Knives 

Next, we have the Mossy Oak 2-piece fixed knives. These knives are perfect for the outdoors, having excellent grip, strength, and good handling. The blade is very sharp, great for cutting things outdoors, and overall an outstanding backpacking knife. 

The handle material is stacked leather, fantastic quality, and the two knives are different sizes/lengths, depending on the reason for using them. The sheath comes with a guard and belt loop, keeping the knives safer and more secure. 

These knives are great for detail and precise use. If you want a more straightforward fixed backpacking knife while being compact, these are for you. These knives fit every feature you’d like, and on top of that, you get two!

Key Features

  • Two knives 
  • Fixed knife
  • Razor-sharp blade
  • Stacked leather material 
  • Good grip
  • Durable
  • Compact

Best Multitool Folding Knife 

Last on our list today is the Roxon 2-in-1 folding knife. This pocket knife is much simpler, having two main tools, including a knife and scissors. It comes with a detachable belt clip for easier carrying for backpacking.

The sharp blades are hidden inside the knife when closed, and it opens very smoothly. It’s an excellent knife for simple tasks and emergencies! If you need to cut wood, rope, or even a seat belt, this one is a good choice. 

So, if you’re a beginner for camping, backpacking, or want a light, compact knife with not too much on it, this one is awesome and fits all criteria! 

Key Features 

  • Detachable belt clip – Opens smoothly 
  • Simple/compact – Durable 
  • 2-in-1 knife – Lightweight 

Best Ultralight Backpacking Knife: Final Thoughts

That concludes our list of the 6 best ultralight backpacking knives. In closing, one thing to keep in mind is choosing a quality knife. Features are great, but when you’re backpacking out in the middle of nowhere, the last thing you want is for your camping gear to fail. Thankfully, our list has plenty of quality knives to choose from. If you’re looking for more camping gear, check out our list of 46 must-have camping essentials.

I hope you found one that fits all of the features that you want. Thank you for reading, and make sure to share this with your family and friends!

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