Favorite backpacking/hiking SAK

[thatotherguy]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

[Aloha]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

I have read that as well.  Or they take a SAK ( 2-3 layers ) and never use it.  Unnecessary gear is one thing but in my mind a knife IS necessary.   

[sergemaster]

Amici,
It would really depend on what type of terrain and the location of where I would be planning on going to for backpacking or hiking. Bu for this scenario, I will use for an example your local and otherwise groomed trail. So I would normally carry a Swiss tool or Spirit in my pack, and a Trekker on a lanyard  either in my pocket, or secured around my neck in a kydex sheath.

I also prefer the nail nick model over the one handed variety. No real reason beyond aesthetics.

Cheers,
Serge 

[thatotherguy]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

I have read that as well.  Or they take a SAK ( 2-3 layers ) and never use it.  Unnecessary gear is one thing but in my mind a knife IS necessary.   

Well when you think about it without the hobbyist or preparationalist mindset, it kinda makes sense. Food packages have easy tear notches. You don't have to make shelters aside from pitching a tent or hanging a hammock. The trail is well groomed. First aid dressings come in convenient sizes a majority of the time. You don't need to cut food or do much other than boiling water most of the time. You don't have to build a fire for warmth or cooking. Really aside from impromptu repair, there isnt much need at all for a blade.

That doesn't change the fact that I would still be carrying my pliers based tool and a small light fixed blade were I to hike the AT.

[Pattas29]

Champ is quickly becoming my go to EDC and with its toolset i think it would work just fine in an off beat setting

[Syncop8r]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

I have read that as well.  Or they take a SAK ( 2-3 layers ) and never use it.  Unnecessary gear is one thing but in my mind a knife IS necessary.   

Well when you think about it without the hobbyist or preparationalist mindset, it kinda makes sense. Food packages have easy tear notches. You don't have to make shelters aside from pitching a tent or hanging a hammock. The trail is well groomed. First aid dressings come in convenient sizes a majority of the time. You don't need to cut food or do much other than boiling water most of the time. You don't have to build a fire for warmth or cooking. Really aside from impromptu repair, there isnt much need at all for a blade.

That doesn't change the fact that I would still be carrying my pliers based tool and a small light fixed blade were I to hike the AT.

This is where I'm coming from. My guess is most hikers here don't take a knife.

[4everYoung]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

I have read that as well.  Or they take a SAK ( 2-3 layers ) and never use it.  Unnecessary gear is one thing but in my mind a knife IS necessary.   

Well when you think about it without the hobbyist or preparationalist mindset, it kinda makes sense. Food packages have easy tear notches. You don't have to make shelters aside from pitching a tent or hanging a hammock. The trail is well groomed. First aid dressings come in convenient sizes a majority of the time. You don't need to cut food or do much other than boiling water most of the time. You don't have to build a fire for warmth or cooking. Really aside from impromptu repair, there isnt much need at all for a blade.

That doesn't change the fact that I would still be carrying my pliers based tool and a small light fixed blade were I to hike the AT.

This is where I'm coming from. My guess is most hikers here don't take a knife.

I actually love right along the AT in Virginia, and many of them I've spoken to carry either a Gerber mini paraframe or a 2 layer SAK (spartan or compact usually). The ultralight people will convince you that it's not needed tho. I carry at least a knife in my everyday life. I don't  think I would stop if I every became a thru hiker.

[thatotherguy]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

I have read that as well.  Or they take a SAK ( 2-3 layers ) and never use it.  Unnecessary gear is one thing but in my mind a knife IS necessary.   

Well when you think about it without the hobbyist or preparationalist mindset, it kinda makes sense. Food packages have easy tear notches. You don't have to make shelters aside from pitching a tent or hanging a hammock. The trail is well groomed. First aid dressings come in convenient sizes a majority of the time. You don't need to cut food or do much other than boiling water most of the time. You don't have to build a fire for warmth or cooking. Really aside from impromptu repair, there isnt much need at all for a blade.

That doesn't change the fact that I would still be carrying my pliers based tool and a small light fixed blade were I to hike the AT.

This is where I'm coming from. My guess is most hikers here don't take a knife.

I actually love right along the AT in Virginia, and many of them I've spoken to carry either a Gerber mini paraframe or a 2 layer SAK (spartan or compact usually). The ultralight people will convince you that it's not needed tho. I carry at least a knife in my everyday life. I don't  think I would stop if I every became a thru hiker.

Well I live nowhere near the AT, so I'll bow to your expertise here... I've just read a couple of books.

I would, however, love to live so close to such a good trail.

[strmliner]

Always go with what you're comfortable carrying!

For me, all my FAKs (cars, backpack, GHBs, etc.) already have a 58mm Classic in them.

My hiking backpack (small 20L) always has an 84mm Sportsman and an old LM PS4 inside or attached inconspicuously to it. So whatever I carry on my person for a day hike or quick overnighter can be any single choice from a Vic Pioneer or Compact in the pocket, to a Buck folder, or LM KF4, or Gerber Strata in a belt sheath. I just try not to over-carry and try to keep it simple.

For a multi-night backpack trip it's a Vic Yeoman or Pioneer in my pocket, I scrap the Buck folder and take a Bucklite 4" fixed or the 119 Special inside the pack w/ typically either the KF4 or Strata on the belt.

Hope that gives you some insight...

[4everYoung]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

I have read that as well.  Or they take a SAK ( 2-3 layers ) and never use it.  Unnecessary gear is one thing but in my mind a knife IS necessary.   

Well when you think about it without the hobbyist or preparationalist mindset, it kinda makes sense. Food packages have easy tear notches. You don't have to make shelters aside from pitching a tent or hanging a hammock. The trail is well groomed. First aid dressings come in convenient sizes a majority of the time. You don't need to cut food or do much other than boiling water most of the time. You don't have to build a fire for warmth or cooking. Really aside from impromptu repair, there isnt much need at all for a blade.

That doesn't change the fact that I would still be carrying my pliers based tool and a small light fixed blade were I to hike the AT.

This is where I'm coming from. My guess is most hikers here don't take a knife.

I actually love right along the AT in Virginia, and many of them I've spoken to carry either a Gerber mini paraframe or a 2 layer SAK (spartan or compact usually). The ultralight people will convince you that it's not needed tho. I carry at least a knife in my everyday life. I don't  think I would stop if I every became a thru hiker.

Well I live nowhere near the AT, so I'll bow to your expertise here... I've just read a couple of books.

I would, however, love to live so close to such a good trail.

Well I'm by no means close to an expert. I'm just repeating the info they have shared with me. I'm no thru hiker not plan to be anytime soon. I've only done overnighters on the AT when I was younger.

[strmliner]

Well I'm surprised. I haven't heard anyone from the ultralight camp yet. Most of them say you only need a spartan (2 layer) or less.

It's been well documented that many Appalachian Trail through hikers don't carry a knife at all, but that's just insanity in my (our) opinion.

I have read that as well.  Or they take a SAK ( 2-3 layers ) and never use it.  Unnecessary gear is one thing but in my mind a knife IS necessary.   

Well when you think about it without the hobbyist or preparationalist mindset, it kinda makes sense. Food packages have easy tear notches. You don't have to make shelters aside from pitching a tent or hanging a hammock. The trail is well groomed. First aid dressings come in convenient sizes a majority of the time. You don't need to cut food or do much other than boiling water most of the time. You don't have to build a fire for warmth or cooking. Really aside from impromptu repair, there isnt much need at all for a blade.

That doesn't change the fact that I would still be carrying my pliers based tool and a small light fixed blade were I to hike the AT.

Yep, the "ultra-light" speed backpackers go w/ nothing or just a Classic SD here along the Pacific Crest trail. My brother started down that path, but I got him to carry an 84mm Recruit instead and put a 2.8oz Buck skeleton (#143) 3.5in fixed in his pack...and he now uses them. I'll be giving him an old 84mm Lumberjack that I've cleaned up for Christmas.

[Barry Rowland]

Plier tool wise, a Rebar covers 90 percent of what you might want.  I like having a sAK with corkscrew to undo wet knots.

[El Corkscrew]

My ideal in the Woods knife is the rucksack.... It would probably be the Outrider if I had one...

Can't go wrong with farmer camper or Huntsman.

[Deedee]

For short hikings i carry harvester. Im realy suprised that nobody mentioned it. Best knife for short walk in the woods. I know that many of you like farmer, but i prefere harvester because of the spare blade. Otherwise i carry Soldier 08 or outrider. Depends of terranian somethimes i put mora companion (carbon) in my backpak.

[Ron Who]

I also prefer the Harvester over the Farmer. Then again, I prefer the +B Carver SW over the Harvester. And I carry a PX as well.

[Faddy Daddy]

Many years ago, (okay, decades  ) I used to live on the east side of the big river. Took several backpacking trips up in the Smokies. I'll never forget meeting a European guy I believe who crossed the whole park, (about 50 miles) in two days. This was way before thru hiking or ultralight or whatever it's called now became popular, but all he carried was a small sleeping bag, a box of raisin bran and a quart of buttermilk. When the buttermilk was gone he used the container for a canteen.
After a bear had stolen a good amount of our supplies, (another story), we hiked out with him the second day. It was about 26 miles, whew! I never did see if he carried a knife or anything else but I was rather impressed with his approach vs our 50+ lb backpacks and typically 10 miles a day.
Anyhow, I guess my point is if you're set on laying down the miles definitely the less the better.

[4everYoung]

I've been pondering this more and more. The wood saw screams of importance to me. I've not used a Vic wood saw before, but I can imagine it's pretty decent for a pocket tool.
However I see the need for pliers too.
But having them both and keeping weight down, seems hard.
It's like pick any 2.
Saw, pliers, or lightweight.
So I'm still torn about which one to pick.
Do they make a load out that a blade, pliers, openers, and wood saw with and awl?

[Aloha]

I've been pondering this more and more. The wood saw screams of importance to me. I've not used a Vic wood saw before, but I can imagine it's pretty decent for a pocket tool.
However I see the need for pliers too.
But having them both and keeping weight down, seems hard.
It's like pick any 2.
Saw, pliers, or lightweight.
So I'm still torn about which one to pick.
Do they make a load out that a blade, pliers, openers, and wood saw with and awl?

Atlas and Carpenter from VIC.

[hiraethus]

Signal.

[in_sympathy]

Signal.

Once again - personally I carry Forester on most of my hikes and could add a Wave if I'd feel like I need pliers. But if I'd have a Signal - I'd definitely go with it. Really well thought tool for outdoors. On my last hike around Montblanc even the hammer was really necessary sometimes but I didn't have it and had to look for rocks.

[gene stoner]

I don't. Have one outdoor SAK but I do have a outdoor tool. Any SAK with a saw is eligible for outdoor duty.

[Ron Who]

I don't. Have one outdoor SAK but I do have a outdoor tool. Any SAK with a saw is eligible for outdoor duty.

I would have a plain blade, a woodsaw, and a serrated blade. Fortunately my +B Carver SW has them all.

[El Corkscrew]

I don't. Have one outdoor SAK but I do have a outdoor tool. Any SAK with a saw is eligible for outdoor duty.

I would have a plain blade, a woodsaw, and a serrated blade. Fortunately my +B Carver SW has them all.

You meant it has them AWL!!!! 

[Ron Who]

I don't. Have one outdoor SAK but I do have a outdoor tool. Any SAK with a saw is eligible for outdoor duty.

I would have a plain blade, a woodsaw, and a serrated blade. Fortunately my +B Carver SW has them all.

You meant it has them AWL!!!! 

And an awl, yes! 

[4everYoung]

I've been pondering this more and more. The wood saw screams of importance to me. I've not used a Vic wood saw before, but I can imagine it's pretty decent for a pocket tool.
However I see the need for pliers too.
But having them both and keeping weight down, seems hard.
It's like pick any 2.
Saw, pliers, or lightweight.
So I'm still torn about which one to pick.
Do they make a load out that a blade, pliers, openers, and wood saw with and awl?

Atlas and Carpenter from VIC.

Excellent info Aloha. That atlas sure looks promising.

[ThePeacent]

take one that has it all,
so you leave nothing behind!

[Ron Who]

Effective ang pocketable! 

[Guardian]

I don't. Have one outdoor SAK but I do have a outdoor tool. Any SAK with a saw is eligible for outdoor duty.

I would have a plain blade, a woodsaw, and a serrated blade. Fortunately my +B Carver SW has them all.

You meant it has them AWL!!!! 

  That was awlful.......

[Guardian]

OH Trekker for the woods. Pioneer X for EDC. And Spirit in the rucksack. All bases covered......
 

[Ron Who]

I carried a Fireman before the Carver was revealed to me.