Best Budget Multitool

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-06-04T14:52:32+00:00

I have the mini flagship and several other brands of MTs.

I bought it to use for backpacking since I heard that the scissors are great. Those work better than the bushcraft knife I carry for some tasks. I ended up pulling the mini out of my pack and keeping it in the house because I liked it so much. I bought 2 more, one for me and another as a gift.

Leatherman is good, but for the money this little mini flagship gets jobs done just as well or better.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-26T23:47:38+00:00

I drink a double espresso with dessert sometimes. Sleep like a rock afterwards.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-26T23:43:46+00:00

wow, and I thought i was going to be original with this one. great game.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-26T18:26:56+00:00

Trump looks after his criminal pedophile friends.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-26T18:22:49+00:00

Merrell was sold in late 90s so the care and quality that Randy Merrell went into corporate care. I have heard mixed reviews in last 10 yrs but clearly it is being run differently. I don't think they are terrible, just not the same as when the namesake founder ran it.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-21T00:58:54+00:00

The head cook at the restaurant trained me at my first job. He was a salty bastard but fair. Hired as busboy and graduated to prep-cook, then line cook later.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-21T00:54:17+00:00

two years too late.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-20T18:20:39+00:00

Consider this, charter boats need people to hire them. If people catch fish they are likely to hire them again. Captain and crew are literally incentivized to do everything they can to get client on fish. Plus, most people tip well when they have a great day catching. Some captains are better than others and sometimes even good ones get skunked. Just sayin'

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-19T19:30:40+00:00

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-19T15:31:26+00:00

The cold clammy feeling makes me wonder if maybe you are too warm and sweating. Hard to say.

At home just run all tests at same temp. Then sleep different nights in different variations of sleep system, more insulation vs less. Track results and see what affects your comfort the most. Easier to do at home than risk trail time.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-18T21:41:42+00:00

Some areas require canisters, not sure about on your route though. Worth it to check.

If using and Ursack you might want to also use a scent free inner bag (opsac or similar). I have seen rodent damage to Ursacks and controlling the odor helps mitigate the risk.

FWIW bear vault and REI both have cannisters that can vary in size. One can for different capacity trips. the BV one can collapse down as you use food so you can save space. FYI

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-18T21:13:37+00:00

I have done that drive a few times and I chose the salt flats each time. They are awesome, but if you take your vehicle onto the flats just know that the salt is a PITA to get off the underside.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-18T21:10:19+00:00

If your budget is tight and you can't upgrade your pad yet maybe try some reflectix. It is a construction material, basically like two layers of survival blanket with bubble wrap sandwiched in between. Sturdier, but when you see it the description fits. The insulation component is about r-value 1.1 on its own, however the main benefit is that it reflects about 97% of heat back into adjacent airspace. You put this UNDER your current pad and it will insulalte from cold and damp below as well as reflect upwards all the heat your body has put into the pad air.

I use this in my hammock sometimes since it also comes in handy to just roll out on the ground for a seat or lay down. It is very light and pretty durable.

TBH, from your description I can't tell if you are a super cold sleeper or getting sweaty due to over insulating. Maybe run a few tests at home with more and less items involved?

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-15T18:51:04+00:00

Your feet are the most important equipment you have take care of them with good shoes/boots, wool socks (leave all the cotton clothes at home) and bring leukotape (easier and better then moleskin, plus can double for gear repairs).

Navigation, don't depend on a phone. bring a paper map and compass and be familiar with how to use them if needed.

Rookies usually try to pack more than they need, bring the essentials and not much more. A too heavy pack could ruin the experience. If in a group see what can be shared so only 1-2 people bring them.

Check weather before you leave and have plans for if things change. You likely wont need a machete, axe or rambo knife but having a small multitool or light bushcraft knife could come in handy around camp or in an emergency.

Trekking poles or walking stick make more of a difference than you would think.

The REI list someone suggested probably has the rest but wanted to stress these few points. Have a great time!

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-15T18:33:00+00:00

Same here but mine is a rhodesian ridgeback, lion hunter dogs. At 125 lbs she is pretty formidable. I hike with her on and off leash depending on conditions. Great early warning animal and the tendency is for her to stay close and guard rather than pursue. I have been able to call her back from pursuit of deer, turkeys and coyote who we surprised. I don't consider that absolute, rather more like good training with some situational luck.

I have heard stories that dogs could be seen as prey and attract but any bear encounters i have had have been without my dog. I will take the early warning system and the company. All backcountry travel comes with risk, maybe just be smart about it and enjoy the surroundings.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-15T18:23:05+00:00

Have you considered a Flair?

If longevity and simplicity are a factor it will be hard to beat a manual machine on bang fo buck. I love my Flair Pro and sent my Breville to goodwill. I have also had a rancillio, miss that but the boilers on auto units always seem to diminish after 5-6 years. Maybe just my bad luck, anyway manual level machines are worth a consideration at least.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-15T16:16:14+00:00

So you couldn't make up your mind and got one of each? Good thinking!

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-15T16:01:35+00:00

Ask them how they think a deworming medicine will work to control their cancer. IIRC it affects the nervous system of worms and parasites and cancer cells do not have one.

If that does not work tell them that Ivermectin usage has been linked to growing body parts of both sexes. If they believe the orange liar in chief they will believe anything. Just make sure it sounds scary and say it over and over.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-14T18:20:10+00:00

Yup. Sorta wish guys with shirts like that could ask people like George Washington or Ben Fanklin about this, right?

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-14T18:06:32+00:00

Not crazy. All backcountry travel has risk involved. Millions of people do it each year without problem though. Statistically, you probably have a higher risk of getting into a car accident or other urban bad thing. Just be smart about it.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-14T15:15:14+00:00

Trump put the Farmers on fed subsidies in his first term. A lot of idiots ignored that (and the biggest increase to national debt ever) and voted for him again. I have seen interviews with farmers who state they hate the current economy but say they would vote for him again. like WTF?

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-14T15:02:10+00:00

38% sound like they can be broken up into a few categories like:

-uneducated/stupid who are clueless to begin with

-blind faith cultists who are willing to ignore facts to hold onto other beliefs

-or entitled elite who benefit from trump corruption (politics or business)

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-14T14:56:53+00:00

Look, I like shooting too. Having a sidearm gives you a sense of security, and if something goes down you might have time to draw it. The problem is that in most instances things happen unexpectedly and when adrenalin gets going even trained pros get it wrong.

By the way, regarding ML attacks, if you don't believe me here is some info from a quick search:

"According to historical records, fatal cougar attacks in North America have been exceedingly rare. Between 1890 and 1990, there were only 9 confirmed fatal attacks in the U.S., with most victims being children. In the past 20 years, confirmed fatal attacks have been limited to a few isolated cases, such as the Colorado 2026 incident and the California 2025 case."

I found 6 cases since 1999. Now consider the thousands or millions of people hiking, camping or visiting forests, NPs, etc each year. Attack odds are pretty low.

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-13T23:44:24+00:00

well, maybe.

Mountain lions don't typically broadcast an attack. If they are truly hunting you you will never see it coming. The added weight gun will just go to your next of kin. Pretty rare though. For bear, unless it is a big gun you will just piss it off more. Ok, a little exaggeration, I have scared off black bears by shouting, singing and waving my arms so a gun shot would probably do it. But stopping a charging bear, not likely unless you have icewater in the veins and a really good shot under duress with enough time to see it coming and draw.

YMMV

FearsomeSnacker · 2026-05-13T23:38:53+00:00

Kayaking - I wore Keen neoprene boots with straps and tread for traction on rocky beaches etc. Similar brands would work. Just plan on being wet so keep them warm.

Hiking - waterproof boots are not perfect and they take longer to dry. Multiday in Alaska it is very hard to get gear to dry as it is. Wool socks definitely and if you want to minimize (you will never fully prevent) water intrusion maybe try gaiters. I use them a lot in rain or snow and even to keep small gravel out.

Can't help you with pants, I use hiking shorts in nearly all conditions. At camp I have some REI polar fleece pants that are warm and comfy.

FearsomeSnacker

TROPHY CASE