What's The Best Multi-Tool For Bikepacking?

What makes the best bike multi-tool for bikepacking or long backcountry rides? In our latest video we delve into that topic, showcasing good and bad multi-tools, and the different styles available on the market. Plus, Miles, Logan, and Neil share their tools of choice which range from the ultra-minimal to ratchet style to feature rich folding multi-tools.

Here’s a list of the multi-tools we mentioned in this video. If you want to buy one of them, support your local bike shop and pick it up there if you can. Otherwise, you can use the affiliate links below and we’ll get a small kickback to help support videos like this one.

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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko

[hapn]

I’m old school. I use the good old craftsman 1/4 ratchet and went through my bike and found the 1/4 bits that fit my specific bike to do all the repairs if needed. The bits all also replaceable.

[schtoerae]

My toolkit consists of:
- a regular set of allen keys
- torx key
- short screwdriver with two bits
- little plyer
- chain breaker i took off an old multitool (includes a spoke wrench)
- valvecore remover
- Tubless repair kit & small bottle of sealant
- milkit tubeless bosster (doubles as a water bottle)
- tube repair kit and inner tube
- spare chainlinks
- spare shifting cable
- pump
- a few spare bolts

[shannon]

Excellent review per usual. I’ve been road and mountain biking for over 35 years and have own many multi tools, including the original “Cool Tool.” As you mentioned, the Swiss Army style multi tool isn’t the most useful in the field. So, I started looking at replacements such as those from Silca, Spur Cycle, Blackburn, and Topeak, among others. After all the research, I settled on the Wera Bicycle Set 1. They’re a high end tool maker (Tool Rebels) from Germany that recently began packaging their existing tools into bicycle specific sets. I think there’s like 7 or 8 in total but, the one to get is the Bicycle Set 1. The first thing to do with this set is, ditch the extension and pick up Wera’s Joker self setting spanner in XS. It’s an awesome set up with the mini Zyklop ratchet and XS Joker for backstopping all the nuts and bolts found on bike racks, lights, basically all the stuff that bike packers use. The price is a little steep but, nothing more than tools from Silca or Spur Cycle and significantly more functional. I can’t wait for my bike to break down now.

[jonpoon]

Crank Brothers M17 is probably the first multi tool I ever bought when I first got into cycling. Still my go-to

[donnyo]

I recently bought the Silca T ratchet and I love it. I managed to fit a chain tool in the case and I even take it on my motorcycle as its so well made. Great video.

[paulkalifatidi]

I carry that same Topeak tool. It should be noted that I did break the rachet trying to remove a pedal, but Topeak replaced it no questions asked. I now carry an 8mm allen key as well (courtesy of Ikea). I also have the chain breaker/spoke key half of a Crankbros F15 and the Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers, but I think I'm gonna upgrade to the new pack pliers though, as I like having two tools on trips.

Great video!

[bretb]

I'm really liking Blackburn Big Switch. It's a T handle style can use in either direction when need more torque for axles. I even like using this for home bike maintenance. I think I am done with folding tools.

[sfryer]

I wonder if a bike manufacture could rationalise bolts down to, say, 3 Allen key sizes and simply reduce the number of tools required? I’m sure some of the diversity is not really required. Maybe when reviewing bikes for bike packing you could highlight the number of tools to cover 90% of trail side repairs?

[dalemonaco]

I used to carry Fix-It Sticks before they got stolen. I was rather impressed with how versatile and durable they were, I may have to order another pair :P

[aaronanthonymoat]

I think il compile a bunch of singular tools and keep adding until I can do most things. Thanks for the review 😌

[orlipacheco]

M19 with pack pliers and others essentials for two bikes then for commuter fixed/ss one of those multi tools that’s hide in a bottle cage plus a 15mm!!! Great video I like the ratchet ones i might try one of those

[curtpatana]

Crank Brothers M17. It was my first multitool that I bought when I started doing long mountain bike rides. I may try out a ratchet set up some day.

[harminframe]

I have a Topeak Hummer 2 that I always carry with me on my bike. For EDC use I have a Leatherman Wave +. When I'm bikepacking I'm bringing them both with me and that way I can fix just everything.

[theunbannedhacker]

I love my bar end torx drivers and chain breakers.
Although I've only used the breaker a few times, all and all these have saved my butt multiple times.

Also, torx work way better than Allen's and fit all of them without stripping.

[LeDore]

I carry a crankbrothers f15 "unisex" with the magnetic case, wolf tooth quick link pliers (old one, not the multitool), 2 plastic tire levers and a leatherman in my standard kit, plus a tubeless kit that lodges in bar ends if I ride tubeless, a set of patches, one or two spare tubes, some tape. For long distance I add super glue (actually very handy to repare a tire), a sewing kit, spare cables and pads.
I'm considering taking a ratchet tool for multidays rides since having a bigger leverage can be usfull.

[jeffreyd]

I always carry the Crank Bros M17 and Leatherman Squirt. Both have served me well on many occasions.

[qtrails]

My favorite multi-tool is Daysaver Essential8 & Coworking5 Bundle.

[TheYanchau]

I'm using the SYNCROS Greenslide 11CT Multi-tool. It's great and it has a pretty smart design. It's also long enough to access annoying bolts :)

[ianfurqueron]

I have many multi-tools, but the one I keep using isn't really a multi-tool at all - it's an old Park tool pack that is essentially a small tool wrap that holds their small chain tool, a couple of tire levers and the dog-bone tool they sell. And whatever else I can stuff into the wrap - like a Wolf chain link tool, a tubeless plug kit, a valve tool, and a tire boot. I have replaced the dog-bone tool with a custom assembled 1/4" drive ratchet and bit holder with various bits my bike uses. I do like the new Wolf tool. I may look into that. One of my bikes also has a One Up steerer mounted tool, but mainly because it came with a used fork I bought.

[robertlucke]

I still have a Topeak Alien which I bought more than 20 years ago. Talk about sustainability :-))