Most individuals who are new to outdoor adventures, such as hiking and camping, are wondering what’s the best knife to bring while backpacking around. The best knife to bring for your backpacking trip depends on your own preference and needs. This may sound like a vague answer, but the fact is, there’s not one best backpacking knife for all as every user is different. What works for one person may not work for you and vice versa.
This is why it’s important to make a comparison of your available options to help determine which one is the best choice for you. The ideal knife is one that meets all your needs. There are various things that you can do with this kind of knife. It can be used for cutting, chopping, slicing, opening canned products, and much more. There are several options around, and to make your choice easier we have pre-selected Top 5 Most popular backpacking knives for the money.
Comparison of Top 5 Backpacking Knives:
| Model | Size | Editor's Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Serrated Edge Knife | 11.875 inches in length | 4.9/5.0 |
| 2. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife | 8.6 inches in length | 4.8/5.0 |
| 3. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife | 10 inches in length | 4.6/5.0 |
| 4. SOG Seal Pup Knife | 7.01 inches in length | 4.4/5.0 |
| 5. Gerber Paraframe I Knife | 9 inches in length | 4.4/5.0 |
Detailed Reviews of the 5 Highest-Value Backpacking Knives:
1. KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Serrated Edge Knife
This backpacking knife with a fixed blade is the top option, as of the moment, especially for those who don’t wish to spend over $100 on their purchase. People in the military use this brand of knife as its quality, sturdiness, and design has been proven effective. This is also a great find for those who love collecting superb knives.
Its 1095 Cro-Van steel blade is convenient to sharpen and clean. It comes with serrated edge making it even easier to utilize. Its blade also has a coating that prevents rust and corrosion. However, to ensure its top performance, it’s still recommended that you clean it regularly with oil. It also comes with a plastic sheath so it will be safer to carry around.
2. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
A good knife is vital for your survival in the wilderness. Even if you only have a few dollars to spare for this purchase, it’s still possible to find a good option like this knife from Morakniv. The rate is less than $20 so it will not break the bank. Its fix blade is made from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and is designed to be used outdoors.
It’s also comfortable because not only it’s lightweight at 4.1 ounces, but the handle is also designed to lessen friction when holding it. The blade is 4.1 inches in length and 0.1 inches thick, although the knife’s total length is 8.6 inches. It’s also safe and convenient to bring around as it comes with a belt clip and plastic sheath. This is an amazing find considering its practicality and cost.
3. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife
This Swiss army knife is a vital tool for backpacking and it’s one of the best choices out there. While this was not made by Victorinox, it has the same quality as other popular Swiss army knives. That’s not a surprise, especially given that it was made by two trusted names in producing outdoor equipment, Bear Grylls and Gerber.
At a bit more than $30, you can get the knife that comes with various great features. Some of these features include rubber grip and knurled butt cap. Included in the kit are attached whistle for emergency use, diamond sharpener, and fire starter, which are all essential to survival in an outdoor adventure. This 10-inch long knife is 11.2 ounces in weight.
4. SOG Seal Pup Knife
This is one of the best knives from SOG Specialty Knives. It can be used when trekking, hiking, backpacking, and even at home. The M37N-CP Seal Pup Knife is 9 inches long in total and it’s 5.4 ounces in weight. The length of the blade is 4.75 inches and it’s made from a powder coated AUS8 stainless steel ensuring its toughness.
It has a balanced and well-designed handle for comfortable and easy grip. The knife is perfect for outdoors even when raining as its raised diamond design ensures that it will not easily slip when in use. Included in the kit are nylon sheath, accessory pouch, and a belt loop making it safe and convenient to bring with you.
5. Gerber Paraframe I Knife
This ruggedly designed knife is ideal for any outdoor trip and it’s also an affordable option as it only costs lower than $20, which is easy on the pocket. It’s a good tool for doing various outdoor tasks, as well as for hunting. The total length of this knife is 7.01 inches, but when folded, it’s only 4.11 inches long. Its blade is a titanium coated stainless steel, making it lightweight at 4.8 ounces.
Conclusion
The best backpacking knife is one that will let you do everything that needs to be done on your camping, hiking, trekking, or hunting adventure. Carrying the best knife with you is vital to your survival in the wilderness. No matter what size or kind of backpacking knife you bring, it should let you easily make your shelter, efficiently prepare or hunt for food, and also protect you from anything that may attack you. As long as the backpacking knife that you choose can do all these or it meets your needs, it means that you found the finest backpacking knife in the market. The 5 models that we have reviewed here all meet these criteria, you can be confident with either one of them.
More popular guides: Tactical Fixed Blade Knives