survival of the smartest

[sir_h_c]

I've recently been looking for a new multi tool for my survival kit.  this begs the 2 questions:
1: What is a reliable, durable multitool that has the necessary functions but not the corkscrew et al. stuff?
2: What goes in YOUR survival kit?

[varmint]

Gerber Multi tool with regular plier head not needle nose.

[ishiwannabe]

Exactly what Varmint said....I have had mine since '98, been through seven years in the Army, numerous camping/hunting/fishing trips....and it rides in the car when not on my belt. Only thing that ever went wrong....snapped a blade off in Iceland while in the field...and thats because I was using it as a pry bar...lol.
I also carry waterproof matches...TP...snacks(a power bar or two) and a mylar survival blanket...a small LED light..a minimag and batteries. One thing I am adding this year is some sort of water purification device and/or tablets....my camel back holds it all easily.

[Charlie Lamb]

I've had several and the handiest so far has been the "Crunch" model by Leatherman. Not the easiest to open, but the plier jaws are of the "vise grip" design and are serious holders and wire cutters.

[Lewis Brookshire III]

My fav is the leatherman Wave. I have had mine for about 8 years now and works good as new. I have used that thing for so many different applications is crazy. Everything from opening paint cans to sawing gas lines on a bus to install a new inline fuel filter. LOL

[Frank V]

I favor the Gerber. I broke the knife blade, sent it back asking that the knife blade be replaced & got a new tool back. $5.00 shipping Gerber stands behind their tool plus you can open it with one hand. Frank

[TexMex]

I have a Gerber. I broke the small philips screw driver, send it in for replacement and also got a new tool.

[wango]

A Gerber or a SOG are hard to go wrong with .

[dougers]

i have only used leathermans.  i had the supertool model.  i broke the pliers, but i misused them, leatherman sent me a brand new one. i ended up losing it, but i bought another leatherman model.  they are a good product, but like i said, its the only kind i have used.  

for your kit...i would throw in some compressed guas (spelling?) in case of a large wound.  an ace bandage to help with pressure would be nice if you have room, but tearing a shirt or something and tieing it will work too.

[4runr]

I have the Shradetough tool. My first one was abused and the blade locking devise was bent and no longer worked. I sent it in to get repaired and they sent me a new one, 5 bucks for shipping. Great tool.

[sir_h_c]

Gauze and bandage is something i will MAKE room for, good idea, thanx.
Water purification something is also a great idea.  Diarrhea in a survival situation doesn't bode well.
One thing I will add is a long burn candle.  waterproof matches only burn for a few seconds, not enough to start a fire with less than ideal tinder.
Everyone, i will look into the gerber and leatherman tools.  I've never found a Schrade tool to play with!

[dachba]

Just a comment on the matches/candle items.  You might want to consider a lump or two of the fire starter logs.  Those things burn for quite awhile. You can actually make your own out of wax and sawdust/wood chips.  I would also carry a magnesium fire starter (one of those sticks that you strike and they put out white hot sparks that stay lit for awhile).

Dave in Ft. Collins, CO

[Plywood Bender-laptop]

If it may be wet and cold, a road flare is one of the best fire starters for emergencies.  They burn very hot and will ignite al but the wettest tinder.

And then hope you never need it.

Regards,

Carl