Tools Reviews
All tools gear reviews.
FLEXTAIL Tiny Pump X Review
The FLEXTAIL Tiny Pump X is a compact 3-in-1 rechargeable pump and camp light that inflates sleeping pads in under a minute — at 80g, it's a legitimate trail luxury.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles Review
A durable, comfortable all-season trekking pole with carbon shafts and cork grips — built for serious backpackers who want longevity over minimal weight.
Durston Z-Flick Tent Pole Review
The Durston Z-Flick is the world's lightest adjustable folding tent pole at 88g, designed for bikepackers and non-trekking-pole users who need a dedicated, compact pole for trekking-pole shelters.
Gerber Dime Review
The Gerber Dime is a 62g keychain multi-tool packing 12 functions into a 7cm frame — a solid budget-friendly EDC and trail companion for light-duty tasks.
Victorinox Classic SD Review
The Victorinox Classic SD packs 7 tools into just 21g, making it the definitive ultralight multitool — if you understand what it can and can't do.
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Review
A durable, comfortable aluminum pole with a unique 15° ergonomic grip angle — but at 510g/pair, ultralight hikers should look elsewhere.
FLEXTAIL ZERO PUMP Review
The FLEXTAIL ZERO PUMP is a 33g cylindrical electric pad inflator that genuinely earns its place in an ultralight kit — with a few real-world caveats worth knowing.
Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool Review
The Vargo Titanium Dig Dig Tool is a 36g dual-purpose trowel and tent stake that excels in hard, rooted soil — a smart upgrade from flimsy plastic trowels.
BIC Classic Lighter Review
The BIC Classic is a supremely reliable, affordable pocket lighter—but at 20.5g it carries a real weight penalty over the Mini BIC that most backpackers will struggle to justify.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles Review
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles offer a rare blend of ultralight carbon construction and semi-adjustable length in a remarkably packable Z-fold design.
Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review
A discontinued but beloved keychain multi-tool at just 56.4g, the Squirt PS4 packs spring-action pliers, scissors, and 7 more tools into a trail-ready package.
MSR Mini-Groundhog Stakes Review
The MSR Mini-Groundhog Stakes offer the trusted Y-beam holding power of the full Groundhog at 9.4g per stake — a smart, lightweight upgrade for most backpacking shelters.
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife Review
The Opinel No.08 Inox is a 45g French-made folding knife with a Sandvik 12C27 blade — an unbeatable camp kitchen tool at a sub-$20 price point.
BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel Review
A 13.5g aircraft-grade aluminum cathole trowel from a US cottage maker, with a standout ergonomic end cap that sets it apart from the flat-handled competition.
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Pole Review
The Fizan Compact 3 delivers ultralight aluminum performance at a budget price — 158g per pole, Italian-made, and proven across thousands of trail miles.
TheTentLab Deuce #2 UL Trowel Review
A 17g, 7075-T6 aluminum cathole trowel that's earned its place in thousands of packs — if you're willing to learn how to use it properly.
MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes Review
The MSR Mini-Groundhog is a 9.4g Y-beam aluminum stake that punches well above its weight class on firm soils — with one meaningful caveat.
BIC Mini Lighter Review
The BIC Mini Lighter is the ultralight backpacker's default fire tool — 11.5g, ~2,200 lights, and available at virtually every gas station on earth.
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes Review
The MSR Groundhog is the gold-standard Y-beam aluminum stake for backpackers—excellent holding power in most soils, but heavier than ultralight alternatives.
TheTentLab Deuce #2 Review
The TheTentLab Deuce #2 is a 17g ultralight cathole trowel made from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum — a cleverly designed LNT tool with a real learning curve.