Finally, I found a lightweight multitool that doesn't sacrifice function for form (and it's just $30)

23 hours ago 7
Nextool S11 Pro
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

I admit it: I'm addicted to multitools. My regular transportation for the past twelvemonth oregon truthful has been the Gerber Dual Force, which has the astir almighty pliers and champion screwdriver connected a multitool I've used. But the Dual Force is large and heavy, and not suited for lightweight applications similar hiking.

Also: 10 tiny tools I transportation with maine everyplace - however they work

I person immoderate hikes connected the skyline wherever I'll privation a flexible multitool that tin grip things similar vessel opening, tightening up the unusual screw, and cutting and fixing things. In my hunt for specified a compact, lightweight multitool with a decent enactment of tools, I came crossed the NexTool S11 Pro.

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Putting speech the name, which makes it dependable similar a smartphone, the S11 Pro is marketed arsenic a 12-in-1 EDC (everyday carry) multitool aimed astatine the hiker and camper. 

Tiny but precise  effectual  vessel  opener.

Tiny but precise effectual vessel opener.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

It measures a compact 1.97 x 0.63 x 4.12-inches and it weighs a miniscule 2.9 oz. This is simply a batch smaller and lighter than my Dual Force, which weighs a tiresome 12 ounces.

The NexTool S11 Pro is simply a batch  smaller than the Gerber Dual Force.

The NexTool S11 Pro is simply a batch smaller than the Gerber Dual Force. 

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

It's besides packed with features I trust connected erstwhile retired and about. The pliers are a bully compromise of size and performance, the leaf is crisp capable for astir tasks and holds an borderline well, and the screwdrivers and scissors are good designed and bash their occupation well.

It besides has a fewer much specializer tools, similar a SIM tray eject instrumentality (which is utile for a batch much things than ejecting SIM trays), and adjacent immoderate neat glow successful the acheronian inserts that marque uncovering the multitool astatine the bottommost of a rucksack oregon successful the undergrowth you've dropped it into, a full batch easier.

I bash  similar  a spot  of glow successful  the dark!

I bash similar a spot of glow successful the dark!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The tools are besides tough, with NexTool having upgraded to 8Cr14Mov stainless alloy for the weapon blade, a metallic that has decent hardness and deterioration absorption and corrosion resistance, portion the scissors, screwdrivers, vessel opener and pliers usage 5Cr15Mov, a much wide usage alloy that balanced toughness and corrosion-resistance.

These materials are perfect for a instrumentality that's going to get exposed to rain, brackish spray, and sweat, and is going to beryllium asked to grip immoderate tasks request handling, from tightening up a screw, to being utilized similar a caveman's hammer.

Anything tin beryllium a hammer if you effort hard enough. This is however you safely clasp a multitool similar a hammer. 

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Also: The TSA-approved multitool myth: I tested it connected a level truthful you don't person to

Do retrieve erstwhile traveling that this multitool does person a leaf connected it, and that this tin tally foul of authorities successful immoderate places (think airports everywhere, and places similar bid stations successful Europe). If you privation thing that's much travel-friendly, I urge the NexTool Mini Sailor Lite.

The leaf  is handy, but it makes the Nex`tool S11 Pro airdrome  unfriendly.

The leaf is handy, but it makes the NexTool S11 Pro airdrome unfriendly.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Why I urge this product

NexTool has been earnestly impressing maine lately. As idiosyncratic who utilized to beryllium a fanboy of costly multitools, this institution proves that a decent prime instrumentality doesn't person to outgo an limb and a leg. Sure, determination are ever compromises, and you don't get 25-year warranties similar you get with a Leatherman, but with the NexTool S11 Pro you're buying a instrumentality that costs $30, and for that you inactive get a precise generous 10-year warranty.

For me, this is the cleanable instrumentality if I'm trying to support transportation value to a minimum. I get a acceptable of tools that volition grip the basics, without carrying a dense lump of metallic with maine connected the trail. 

Looking for the adjacent champion product? Get adept reviews and exertion favorites with ZDNET Recommends.

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