When hiking, some items of equipment really make a difference. The Swiss Army knife is clearly one of them. Compact, versatile and reliable, it helps you prepare meals and repair equipment out in the wild.
But with so many models available, one question often arises: which Swiss Army knife should you choose for hiking? Between the number of functions, size and weight, it is easy to make the wrong choice.
There are also official Swiss Army knives from Victorinox, which are particularly reliable, and copies that cannot match their build quality or tools.
Here is a clear guide to choosing well.
Why choose a multifunction Swiss Army knife for hiking?
A Swiss Army knife is more than a knife. It is a versatile tool designed to handle a variety of outdoor situations.
A truly versatile tool
On a hike, you can use it to:
- Cut rope or webbing
- Prepare a meal
- Repair equipment
- Open a tin or bottle
- Cut dressings or clothing in the event of an injury
One tool covers a wide range of uses.
Saving space and weight
Rather than carrying several tools, a Swiss Army knife brings the essentials together in a compact format. This is a real advantage when every gram counts. It also means you always have the accessory you need to hand.
The reliability of Victorinox models
It is hard to discuss Swiss Army knives without mentioning Victorinox. Founded in Switzerland in the late nineteenth century, the brand has historically supplied the Swiss Army. It has become a global benchmark thanks to the build quality of its tools, their toughness and, above all, their long-term reliability.
In practice: whichever model you choose, you get a durable and very reliable product designed to last for years. Victorinox is the only official manufacturer of Swiss Army knives. Copies cannot achieve such reliable, durable assembly, and their tools are generally inferior too.
Key criteria for choosing a Swiss Army knife
Number of functions: the classic mistake
This is often the first criterion people consider… and the most common trap.
- Too many functions → a heavy, bulky, impractical knife. We find heavily equipped knives less comfortable to hold and their tools more awkward to use.
- Too few → you soon find yourself limited
-> The aim: find the right balance. At RayonRando, we think 2 models are usually the best fit:
- Victorinox Spartan: simple and effective.
- Victorinox Huntsman: ideal versatility for hiking, while remaining compact and comfortable to hold.
Size and weight
Swiss Army knives come in several sizes:
- 58 mm: ultra-compact, but limited. At RayonRando, we find the blade a little small for everyday use.
- 91 mm: standard size, the best compromise. Comfortable to hold, with a sufficiently large blade and tools.
- 111 mm: sturdier, but bulkier. Practical to use at home, but a little cumbersome on a multi-day trip.
-> For hiking, at RayonRando we most often recommend the 91 mm size, which offers the right balance of compactness and functionality.
Tools that are genuinely useful for hiking
You do not need 30 functions. Here are the ones that really matter; we find the first 3 particularly useful on multi-day trips:
- main blade
- wood saw: Victorinox saws cut really well. An essential complement to the blade.
- scissors: small, but these too really cut. Useful for first aid and minor repairs to equipment and clothing.
- tin opener / bottle opener
- screwdriver
- corkscrew: not always useful, but liable to cause a serious crisis when you do not have one…
-> Alongside the Spartan and Huntsman, here are 2 well-equipped models:
- Victorinox Climber, with scissors.
- Victorinox Camper, with a saw.
Handle type: Alox or classic
- Cellidor (plastic): lightweight, ergonomic, good grip
- Alox (aluminium): sturdier, slimmer, premium finish
-> For hiking, Cellidor is often the most comfortable option. The aluminium version is more of a treat for yourself or a gift.
Which Swiss Army knife suits your activities?
Here are our suggested Swiss Army knives for each type of use.
Occasional hiking
You want a simple, lightweight tool.
-> RayonRando recommendation: Victorinox Spartan
Regular hiking / wild camping
You need versatility without unnecessary extras.
-> RayonRando recommendation: Victorinox Huntsman. The best compromise for most hikers. The Camper or Climber also work if you feel you do not need the saw in one case, or the scissors in the other.
Trekking or intensive use
Strength and versatility take priority.
Choose a model with:
- A saw
- Scissors
- Sturdy tools
-> No hesitation: choose the Huntsman.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing your Swiss Army knife
- Choosing an overly complicated model
- Focusing solely on the number of functions
- Overlooking weight
- Failing to match the knife to your actual use
-> The best knife is the one that suits you best, rather than the one with the most features.
Care and lifespan
A well-maintained Swiss Army knife can last for years. It is a simple, robust product that does not require elaborate precautions. Maintenance is therefore straightforward.
Do regularly:
- Clean after use
- Dry thoroughly
Do occasionally:
- Sharpen the blade
- Lubricate the mechanisms
Conclusion
Choosing a multifunction Swiss Army knife is straightforward if you start with your needs.
At RayonRando, we recommend simplicity over having every possible feature
To recap:
- for occasional use, the Spartan knife is sufficient.
- for regular use, the Huntsman knife offers the essentials.
We do not recommend models with too many functions: their thickness can make them awkward to hold, and finding the right tool can be difficult. Finally, long models (111 mm) are best kept for garden or workshop use, while standard models (91 mm) work very well on multi-day trips.
In most cases, the Victorinox Huntsman remains the most balanced choice.
FAQ
What is the best Swiss Army knife for hiking?
The most recommended model is the Huntsman. It offers an excellent balance of weight, size and functionality, including a saw that is very useful when camping. It is the most versatile choice for most hikers, without an excess of unnecessary tools.
How many functions should a Swiss Army knife have?
For hiking, around ten to fifteen functions are more than enough. This often means 8 to 10 implements. Beyond this, the knife often becomes too heavy and bulky. What matters is the suitability of the tools, rather than their number: a blade, saw, screwdriver and tin opener already cover most needs.
What size Swiss Army knife should you choose?
At RayonRando, we consider the 91 mm size the best suited to hiking. It offers a good balance of compactness, grip and versatility. Smaller models are limited, while larger ones quickly become cumbersome in a backpack or pocket.
What is the difference between the Climber and Huntsman?
The main difference is the wood saw on the Huntsman. The Climber does not have one. If you camp or need to cut wood, the Huntsman is clearly better suited. Otherwise, the Climber remains an excellent, lighter option.
What is the best Swiss Army knife brand?
The leading name is Victorinox. The Swiss brand has made knives since the late nineteenth century and has historically supplied the Swiss Army. It has become a global standard thanks to its products' consistent quality, toughness and longevity.
Unlike other brands, Victorinox guarantees consistent reliability across its models, making it the safest choice today for hiking and everyday use alike.
The second official Swiss Army knife manufacturer was Wenger. It was acquired and absorbed by Victorinox in 2013. Since then, the famous Swiss Army knives have been produced at Victorinox's historic factory in Ibach and the former Wenger factory in Delemont.
Victorinox therefore remains the only official Swiss Army knife manufacturer.