Cooped Up? Get Uncooped.

Any outdoor enthusiast is quite familiar with standard multi-tool options from the likes of Swiss Army manufacturers Victorinox and Wenger and plier-based models from names such as Leatherman. Perhaps a little too familiar. Upon walking the floor of a recent industry trade show, I found a variety of sweet multi-tools that pack serious functionality into different configurations. Here's some multi-tool options to consider for your next outdoor escapade.

Sheffield 12-in 1 Camper

Any multi-tool that starts off with an axe on top is off on the right foot in my book. As the name indicates, this one is designed specifically for camping where you'll need an ax to turn downed branches into viable firewood. On the other end of the ax you get a mini-hammer good for knocking stakes into the ground. Additionally, you'll get a drop point blade, hex key wrench, 2.5-inch wood saw, bottle opener, fish scaler and ruler. It also comes with a nylon belt pouch for carrying. You can find this handy tool at Amazon for under $20.

CRKT Guppie

There's no need to get weighed down by your tool kit. The CRKT Guppie packs a multitude of tools into a small, pocket-sized package. Weighing just 4.1 ounces, the Guppie includes an adjustable wrench that opens up to 1/2 an inch, stainless steel blade, high-intensity LED light, bottle/jar opener, and even a money clip. The carabiner-style handle clip means that you can clip it to a belt loop or backpack if you'd prefer to keep your pockets clear (may want to take out your Jacksons first). The magnetic bit carrier that features the LED also carries Phillips and flat screwdriver bits. This one won Best Buy of the Year at the 2007 Blade Show and International Cutlery Fair. Retail is $40.

Tool Logic SL Pro

Another big multi-tool in a tiny, 4.2-ounce package, the SL Pro comes standard with a 50/50 serrated blade,  waterproof white LED flashlight and emergency whistle. It also features a belt clip and lanyard hole for carrying convenience. While it might sound limited, you can augment its capabilities through the addition of a variety of SL P components. Options include magnesium fire starter, window-breaking tool, diamond sharpener and law-enforcement tools like a handcuff key. Swap the tools out with the LED flashlight and get potential life-saving emergency function from your mini-tool. This one will run around $50 for the main tool, which includes flashlight and one insert.

Fast Fire Grip-S

Completely leaving the folding knife template behind, this survival tool features two hard anodized aluminum handles that function with a variety of removable tools designed to cut, hack and twist your way toward a better tomorrow. Compatible tools include wire saw, flat and Phillips hex bits, metal files, snow saws, awls and drill bits. Fast Fire also boasts that the handles work with any universal shank saw blades allowing you to cut not only wood but also plastic, metal and masonry. The kit only comes with the handles, wire saw and screwdrivers, but it doesn't require use of proprietary tools so it's easy to add universal ones. This one is coming soon; more info available here.

Sheffield 14-in 1 Hammer

Perhaps you already have an ax; in which case, Sheffield offers another distinctive multi-tool, this time with a hammer on top. The hammer also functions as pliers and the tool features a drop point blade, slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, serrated blade, wire cutters and soft file. Like the Camper, it includes a nylon belt pouch. Bonus: no one is going to mess with you when you're lugging a hammer multi-tool around on your belt. Even cheaper than its brother at under $15.

• multi-tools
• survival
• knives
• camping
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