Using our affiliate links helps support offpistemag. The best part, it’s only $8.Ĭheck prices and availability for the Swiss+Tech Micro-Plier It’s less than two inches long, and it’s design offers functional leverage for such a small tool. Whether you’re looking to carry as little as possible or just add an extra tool to your backcountry repair kit, the Swiss+Tech Micro-Plier packs the basics into 1.6 ounces (45 grams). For dedicated ski use, the Phillips could even be modified to be more posi-drive-like by grinding the tip of the Phillips down a few mm to mimic a blunt-nose posi-drive - the typical ski binding screw. Really, you get mini pliers and two screwdriver options. Good for hot wiring a car I suppose, but less useful in the backcountry. The three remaining “tools” are less useful: there’s a 1/8-inch scale on the handle, wire stripper and a wire cutter. Many bike multi-tools are based on the classic Leatherman/Swiss army knife design, with a solid body and tools hinged at both ends that fold in to the centre to neatly tuck away when not in use. Nonetheless, the pliers are remarkably capable for their scale, and you get two functional screwdrivers. They all fit into a pocketable package that weighs just 4.3 ounces. Think of the T4 like a Swiss Army Knife it has spring-loaded scissors and tweezers in addition to a knife, pry tool, awl, bottle opener, screwdrivers and more. It’s an easy addition to a repair kit for ski touring, bike packing and general mountain adventure.Ĭlearly, the Swiss+Tech Micro-Plier is not as fully featured as a Leatherman Skeletool or other popular multi-tools. If the novel concept is best exemplified in its full-sized P2 multi-tool, then it’s best distilled in the T4. This 6-in-1 tool is a fraction of the size of a typical multi-tool and packs several essentials into a very small package. Blade Length: 91 mm,Blade Steel Grade: X55CrMo14,Knife Weight: 0.36 lbs,Handle Details: red with reinforced molded nylon,Small and large blade,Scissors and.Knife Weight: 0. But the true minimalist looking to pack as light as possible should check out the Swiss+Tech Micro-Plier. Read our review of the best multi-tools for skiers. The 60-70USD range is a good place to start for someone looking to purchase their first knife or multi-tool. They do almost the same functions, and both companies offer a wide range of features across many price points. The tools included are designed to meet both business and leisure needs: LED light for dimly lit dinner menus and door locks, or darkened tents and cabins. It’s interesting that Leatherman markets its multi-tools as tools and Swiss Army markets its tools as knives.

It is about the size of a credit card and easily slides into a suit or slacks pocket, a purse or backpack. The multi-tool category is packed with a range of useful, if a little heavy, options for backcountry use. This Swiss Force multi-tool is flat and measures 3-3/16' W x 3/16' H x 2-3/16' H. Most backcountry skiers (and bike packers, hikers, etc) will agree that a multi-tool is an essential part of any backcountry repair kit.

Swiss multi tool