This Hiking Gift Guide is my ultimate guide for gear that makes great gifts. It is a collection of tried and true pieces of gear that have been accumulated over many years of enjoying the outdoors (plus a couple of borrowed items). It’s made up of items that I have received as gifts from my family and extended family and pieces of gear that I have gifted to myself. It contains a large range of items, giving you plenty of choices (hopefully) and is linked to a number of outdoor retailers that I trust and that stock a wide range of products made for the outdoors. No matter what your budget is, hopefully, you will be able to find something to add to the Christmas stocking, for that outdoor enthusiast in your life, father, mother, brother, sister, friend, co-worker or Secret Santa.
Under $10 | Under $20 | Under $30 | Under $40 | Under $50 | Under $60 | Under $80 | Under $100
Under $10
Light My Fire Spork | NZ Topographical Map | Black Diamond Carabiner | Emergency Survival Blanket | Pack Liner
Light My Fire Spork – $3.90 | $6.50 (BIO)
Almost every time I have gone out hiking I have eaten with a spork from Light My Fire. It may be because we seem to have accumulated a huge stash of these at home. They’re light and an inexpensive stocking stuffer that can be used for every breakfast and dinner while out camping. No matter what you may end up eating, having a spoon on one end and a fork on the other you are covered. A Swiss knife in the other hand and you are sorted. They’re so cheap it’s almost a no brainer to invest in one and stash it away with your hiking bowl/plate whenever you are heading into the outdoors.
Living Simply (BIO) |Macpac (Original)
NZ Topographical Map – $7.90
I can never have enough of these New Zealand Topographical Maps. They enable me to totally escape the modern digital world let me and go almost entirely analogue while I’m out in the bush. They are aesthetic in style and work as a great prop if you’re into photography or design, they can also be a classy addition to a wall. When I was starting to get into backcountry hiking I was always told that there is no replacement for a paper map. People will often mention maps on their phone or GPS as a substitute. However when disaster strikes you’re usually out for longer than you anticipated, time and the elements can take their toll on electronic items. A paper map never dies because of low battery, there is no screen that will die in the wet or cold. I always carry my map(s) inside a map case (I have mentioned it further on in this article) to provide protection from the elements. The case also enables me to secure my map to my pack when its not in use in an easily accessible way.
Bivouac | Gear Shop | Map World
Black Diamond Micron Accessory Carabiner – $6.99
You can almost never have enough accessory carabiners. They’re one of the handiest accessories in your bag and can always be put to use. Whether it be securing your drink bottle to your pack or ensuring that you don’t leave behind your camera or poles when you stop for a breather, carabiners are an essential addition and present for any hikers kit. I usually carry at least two. One is on my camera bag to allow me to attach it to my pack whenever I take it off. The other carabiner is attached to my survival kit just in case I find anything that should be secured with a carabiner. For example, when my younger brother and I were hiking up to Lake Florence in Arthur’s Pass, we used carabiners to secure our sandals to the outside of our packs after walking up the Rolleston River to the start of the marked track.
Emergency Survival Blanket – $6.90
I’m fortunate enough to have never needed to use one of these blankets but they are an essential item in any hiking pack. Whether you are caught out yourself or come across someone, perhaps a member of your party who has lost a lot of body heat, having an emergency survival blanket is key to combatting hypothermia. The blanket creates a reflective shield to reflect the heat of the patient helping retain their body temperature as much as possible. They are small and are widely available from many different outdoor retailers, they hardly cost a dime. They’re such a good stocking stuffer for someone that is building up their hiking kit. It is a gift that they wouldn’t want to be without if they are ever in the unfortunate situation of needing it.
Hunting and Fishing
Pack Liner – $5.00
When the rain comes pouring down or you find yourself slipping in water, a pack liner is so important. A pack liner ensures that everything inside your pack is kept dry. It’s like a massive thick rubbish bag. Once again having one or two of these can be handy in case you hole one. Often I’ll end up using a bit of duct tape to patch the holes. Over time, however, they do wear out beyond repair from gear being tightly packed into your pack. The Mountain Safety Council pack liners have a lot of good advice printed on them for preparing for your adventure and keeping safe when things do go wrong. The bags also double up well as a Bivvy Bag if you are ever forced to sleep out in poor conditions.
Macpac | Mountain Safety Council
Under $20
Sea to Summit Spork | Sea to Summit Drybag | Sea to Summit Micro Towel | Fox40 Whistle | Foam Sleeping Mat
Sea to Summit AlphaLight Spork – $11.99
This Sea to Summit spork has become a fairly recent addition to my cooking supplies when I head out hiking. The long handle makes stirring the pot super easy when you have a meal on the boil, it helps avoid your hand getting too close and being burnt by the steam. Made of durable hard-anodised aircraft grade aluminium this spoon isn’t going to bend too easily and is uber light in your pack, weighing in at 11g it’s not a costly addition to the weight of your pack.
Bivouac | Complete Outdoors | Gear Shop | Living Simply | Pack Gear Go
Sea to Summit 1L & 2L – $16.99 | $19.99
When everything becomes soaking wet, storing gear in a dry bag becomes very tempting. From my cooker to my survival kit I will often have a number of stuff bags in my pack to give me that extra reassurance that my gear isn’t going to be absolutely useless when the wet weather hits. The tough outer fabric can withstand a beating. Each of the bags has a D ring allowing for carabiners to easily be attached to the bag and then onto your item of choice. A 1L dry bag has the capacity to store the basic essentials and personal items that you might want to stow away and keep dry while the 2L drybag is large enough to fit a beanie, gloves, spare pair of underwear and a polypro if you squeezed it tight together.
Bivouac | Complete Outdoors | Gearshop | Torpedo 7
Sea to Summit XS Drylite Micro Towel – $16.99
When summer hiking is calling and you’ve topped off a massive climb it’s time for a swim. Finding an appropriately sized towel that isn’t too large, too small and is able to dry fast enough without stinking can be a mission. This Sea to Summit Towel has been my go-to. It even has a buttoned clip that allows you to clip it to your pack to dry. The best part about it is that it easily packs down small enough to fit into the top pocket of your pack.
Bivouac | Gearshop | Trek ‘N Travel
Fox40 Whistle – $16.00
Having a whistle has proven to be an addition to the survival kit that I have never been more thankful for. On a trip into Hakatere when we were out late at night and the group became separated, we were able to blow our whistles to signal our position, to provide a point of reference to bring our party back together and back to the hut. If it wasn’t for the whistles we would have had to resort to shouting until we were hoarse and drained of energy. This fox40 whistle is one that I had from refereeing, it blows louder than any other standard whistle. It’s another great addition to the survival kit.
Foam Sleeping Mat – $19.99
A foam sleeping mat is an ideal present for anyone that is just starting to get into hiking. It’s a cheap and easy option for a sleeping mat to create a thermal barrier between you and the ground that you sleep on. Even if you do find yourself upgrading to an inflatable sleeping mat, a foam mat can always come in handy if your inflatable one punctures, you need to lend one to a mate or you just want to sleep out under the stars. Most of the mats you will find are unbranded they are just a length of dense foam. You may be able to find a hardware store that will sell custom lengths of dense insulation foam. Otherwise, a much more standard option is available at a number of the retailers that I have listed below.
Under $30
Nalgene Bottle | MSR Pot Handler | Cactus Small Utility Bag | Nalgene Travel Kit | Light My Fire Fire Lighting Kit
Nalgene Water Bottle – $29.95
Having an indestructible drink bottle, that can store plenty of water, that can withstand hot water and that you can take absolutely everywhere and will never be out of fashion is what the Nalgene Bottle stands for. Having been produced since the 1940s in the United States of America you’ll often find a Nalgene Bottle plastered with stickers in every backpacker’s pack as they explore the world. They are an epic gift and a great option for taking out hiking where they can be thrown around and will never fail you. They are simply yet effectively designed. Often in the summer if the weather is going to be really hot I will carry my full Camelbak bladder along with an extra stash of water in a bottle like this for quick and easy filling. Otherwise, this bottle is my daily and I will take it almost everywhere I go. 10 years on it’s still going strong.
Complete Outdoors | Equip Outdoors | Further Faster | Gearshop | Living Simply | Trek ‘N’ Travel
MSR Pot Handler – $29.99
The MSR Pothandler goes hand in hand with a billy (outdoor camping pot). It’s the makeshift handle for your outdoor pot set that you would usually find on your pots at home but is removable and can be used with any pot that you might take out camping with you. It’s small enough to fit into a small billy for one and is light enough that its addition to your pack won’t be noticed. If you’ve just got your first billy set, this is the perfect addition to keep you from spilling your meal or burning your hands.
Bivouac | Further Faster | Gearshop | Outdoor Action
Cactus Small Utility Bag – $25.00
Cactus makes a lot of reasonably large products that wear in overtime. These little utility bags are no exception to their standards. They’re tough and will take an absolute beating. Usually, I will use this small-sized bag to stow all the cords that I take with me to keep my devices charged along with a small power bank and spare batteries. The number of uses for this utility bag are endless. Toilet bag, first aid kit, packing cell, tool kit, survival kit, cable holder, you name it. They also make 4 other sizes of this bag which I have listed below.
Small Medium ($30) Large ($30) XL ($35) 2XL ($39)
Nalgene Travel Kit – $24.95
These Nalgene bottles are one of the best ways to transport liquids when you are travelling or hiking. They come in a variety of sizes and are all guaranteed to be leakproof. Often I find that they are really handy for carrying a little bit of oil or even the favourite sauces you use to dress up your food in the wild. The flat smaller squat container is really great for storing relish or Nutella or any spreads that you like to carry whilst out hiking. There are also a couple of lids that allow for a flip and squeeze (like a Camelbak bottle) which are handy for detergent if you wash your dishes. Whatever liquids or food that you are taking with you, whether it be for cooking or washing up, these little bottles can be trusted to be used again and again they won’t hold a smell and won’t leak.
Light My Fire Fire Lighting Kit – $29.78
Having a flint and steel has really saved me multiple times when heading out hiking. I can remember back to being up Mt Peel setting up the cooker, getting the meal all ready to start, only to find that I had left my lighter at home. Without it, we would have been left with cold uncooked sausages and no feed for the boys. I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful than when I realised, packed away in my survival kit, there is always a flint and steel. It never runs dry, it can’t be crushed, it works in the wet and is always there for you when you need it. It’s light and can easily be stashed away in your survival kit or in a pouch somewhere in your pack. Light My Fire also sells a package which includes a metal prong which can be placed on the end of most sticks to guarantee your toasted marshmallow or other precious food is not lost in the campfire. It’s an ideal accessory for any trip with a good campfire.
Under $40
Thorlo Light Hiking Socks | Petzl Noctilight | Icebreaker Merino Beanie | Buff Original | Cactus Grippin Belt
Thorlo Light Hiking Socks – $39.90
These are the socks that I have lived by for the last 5 years hiking. I’m onto my second pair and absolutely love them to pieces. I’ve never had much foot trouble with them. The only time that I’ve really encountered some blistering with these socks has been when I’ve done a river crossing and continued walking with water clogged boots or I’ve had stones in my boots. The socks are incredibly comfortable and will last for many many hikes, they are the most comfortable socks that I’ve worn. A lot of time socks come down to personal preference, how much cushion a person likes in their socks. For me, I enjoy a little less than usual and these light hiking socks are perfect.
Men: Bivouac | Hunting & Fishing | Living Simply | Rebel Sport | Shoe Clinic | Torpedo 7
Women: Bivouac | Hunting & Fishing | Living Simply | Rebel Sport | Shoe Clinic | Torpedo 7
Petzl Noctilight – $39.95
I was given a Petzl Noctilight last Christmas and have found it to be not only the perfect case for protecting my headtorch but also the perfect diffuser, allowing my head torch to be turned into a lamp that can be hung from the ceiling in any tent or hut, illuminating the whole area. No longer is there the need to squat around in the dark being blinded by people’s head torches, only seeing a small sliver in the dark. It is one of the handiest additions to my kit that I have.
Further Faster | Gear Shop | Living Simply
Icebreaker Unisex Merino Pocket Hat – $39.95
A merino skullcap is an ultimate beanie for the outdoors and those lightweight hikers that are looking to keep the warmth in (that you lose so quickly from your head) without taking on much weight or volume. These little beanies can easily fit into your jacket pocket and are quickly stowed away when the sun comes out. The merino ensures that all that sweat doesn’t make your beanie stink.
Buff Original – $39.99
A buff is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing that I own. It often gets packed away in my hiking kit for when the weather turns bleak and cold and I decide to take cover and put my warm gear on. It can be worn as a beanie, around the neck, as a hair tie or even as a balaclava. Not only does it help to keep you warm when the weather is cold, it also helps to protect your neck from the sun and to wick away sweat when the weather is warm. Buffs come in many different variations including a polar fleece buff, merino buff and a High UV protection buff.
Bivouac | Rebel Sport | Torpedo 7 | Trek ‘n’ Travel
Cactus Grippin Belt – $38.00
The Cactus Grippin Belt is one of the handiest accessories I wear out hiking. Not only does it do its job as a belt but it can also be used to secure or compress items of gear. In emergency situations when you may find yourself needing to build a stretecher this belt may just come in handy. Its design is just the same as you find on the packs that they create. Like all Cactus designs, this belt is tough and will take much more than brute force to wear out.
Under $50
Light My Fire Meal Kit | MSR Fuel Bottle | Sea to Summit X Set | Victorinox Spartan | Aquapac Phone Case
Light My Fire Meal Kit – $49.90
The Light My Fire meal kit has been the meal kit that I have used for many hiking trips. The fact that almost every single piece of dinnerware that I would ever need is in one place and that there are even food storage containers that pack into it makes it so handy. The kit packs down into the size of the triangle shape. It contains two containers, one large and another small, a small collapsible mug, a chopping board, a spork and two plates which hold everything together. This option for a meal kit maybe a little heavier than others on the market, the two bowls do however mean that you can double up with another member of your party. With two sporks you can share the kit and reduce the weight for both of you.
Bivouac Outdoor | Living Simply | Macpac | Outside Sports | Pack Gear Go | Torpedo 7
MSR Fuel Bottle (Medium) – $49.99
An MSR fuel bottle is a super present that goes hand and hand with any MSR cooker. MSR cookers come with a fuel pump but they do not come with a fuel bottle. Having multiple fuel bottles is really helpful when you are looking at doing extended hikes with more than two people. They are a safe way to store flammable liquids while you are in the outdoors. Unfortunately, these fuel bottles only work with MSR cookers. They do however still work well as a liquid fuel storage bottle if you are using a cooker with a different fuel bottle.
Bivouac | Further Faster | Gearshop | Living Simply | Macpac | Outdoor Action | Outside Sports
Sea to Summit X Set – $49.90
Sea to Summit makes some incredible slim line sets of bowls and cups that packs flat. The X Set is an example of this and comes with a small bag to stow both your cup and bowl (I don’t own the bag as I purchased the full x-set a while back). If you are someone that doesn’t eat large portions this set is definitely for you. You can buy the cup and bowl separately if you only want one of these items.
Bivouac | Further Faster | Living Simply
Swiss Army Knife Spartan – $44.90
This has to be one one of the most classic Swiss knives that Victorinox makes. Loaded with tools, some of it’s most notable features are the large and small knives, flat head screwdrivers, can opener, bottle opener and corkscrew. It is a tool that you’ll always be grateful to have in your pack. I’ll find a use for it on almost every hike, mostly it will just be the knife for food preparation or the bottle opener for a beer at the end of the trip but you’ll be surprised how many more uses you can find for it. There are some small variations between different models of the knives so be sure to look at the full range of swiss knives that Victorinox has to offer.
Bivouac | Complete Outdoors | Gear Shop | Hunting & Fishing | Outfitters | Torpedo 7 | Trek ‘n’ Travel
Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case – $44.99
The Aquapac phone case is one that I found in my brother’s collection of hiking gear and is definitely a piece of kit that I am envious of. The phone case allows you to seal your phone in keeping it entirely workable and waterproof while you are in the outdoors. You can still use your phone through the case (depending on the make of your phone you will still be able to use the camera as well). I almost killed my phone after falling over in a stream with it in my pocket once. Your phone is one way of contacting someone when you are in the outdoors, it is definitely something you want to preserve in case you find yourself in a situation where you need to call for help.
Bivouac | Fergs Kayak | Pack Gear Go | Rubber Monkey
Under $60
Sea to Summit Map Case | Silva Ranger Compass | Trangia 4.5L Pot | Primus Mimer Duo Stove | Icebreaker Underwear
Sea to Summit TPU Map Case (Large) – $54.90
This map case goes hand in hand with every single map that I own. Without it, I think all my maps would be torn up, waterlogged and unusable. It has protected these precious pieces of paper, that I take out into the depths of the backcountry and has always stood up to the elements. I’ll often stuff it alongside my bladder in my pack. Time and time again I find that I accidentally drop the case into mud puddles or am holding it in the rain trying to work out where we are trying to get to. I think that this has to be one of the most essential items that I take out with me on every single trip. I would truly be lost without it. Often if I am heading out, even on just a short walk, I like to take a map with me to help me understand my surroundings.
Bivouac | Gear Shop | Trek ‘n’ Travel
Silva Ranger Compass – $59.99
When the cloud drops and you can’t see where you’re going, a compass goes hand in hand with a map. Navigation skills with a compass are well worth learning, becoming a true boy scout, developing skills necessary to help you when you stray off the beaten path, can be life saving. A compass is an essential piece of kit to have stowed away. Another perfect example of the benefit of a compass is when you are descending from the alpine tops and find yourself battling through the bush to get to the bottom of the valley. Having a compass allows you to stay on a bearing, which is extremely helpful in ensuring that you end up where you intended to come out. The Silva compass pictured is an older version of the one that you can now buy in-store.
Bivouac | Further Faster | Gearshop | Hunting & Fishing
Trangia 4.5L Pot – $59.90
This massive 4.5L pot is my go-to pot for many of my adventures when I cook for so many of the boys that come out with me. It’s large enough to cook up a fairly large meal, one that ensures no one ever goes hungry. It reduces the need to have multiple cookers and multiple pots within the group. Everything can be put into this one pot to produce a delicious meal (with the right ingredients). It has lasted through many many trips, has been thrown into packs heated and bashed about, it has suffered a few dents on the bottom it is still the pot I choose. It is one of the largest hiking billies that you can purchase on the market. Trangia is made in Sweden, it is well known for its pot sets.
Primus Mimer Duo Stove – $59.95
The Primus Mimer Duo is probably one of the more stable and robust cookers on the market if you are looking for a good quality stove to get you started in the outdoors. It screws directly onto a canister and requires only a spark or the flame from a lighter or match to get the cooker into action. The wide base makes it perfect for taking on the bigger meatier pots like the Trangia 4.5L pot that I mentioned above. It has a knob on the throat to allow you to adjust the amount of gas through to the cooker.
Further Faster | Gearshop | Living Simply
Icebreaker Underwear – $59.95
A pair of merino boxers are the only pair that you’ll ever need in the outdoors. I’ve worn my Icebreaker boxers for 8 days straight on a hike, swimming in waterholes along the way, they came out the end almost wash fresh. Not only are they comfortable they also help to keep in check the down under bodily odours. I will always wear a pair of these on a hike, sleep in them and then wear them the next day. If you are looking for that classic pair of underwear for a gift, look no further than a pair of Icebreaker boxers.
Bivouac | Icebreaker | Outside Sports | Torpedo 7
Under $80
Camelbak Bladder | Sea to Summit Compression Dry Bag | Petzl Tikka | Cactus Tee | Sea to Summit X-Set
Camelbak 2L & 3L Bladder – $74.99 | $79.99
Having a bladder in your pack can be one of the most convenient ways of ensuring that you are re-hydrating often while you are out on an adventure. Having a drink bottle can restrict how often you rehydrate, the time taken to get your pack off your back, unzip a compartment and dig down until you get to your bottle can put you off getting that necessary drink of water while you’re out in the wild. I’ve always used a Camelbak bladder as it is the leader in the market for hydration bladders. With the valve on the hose switched off, the mouthpiece is almost always leak-proof, the cap over the mouthpiece boosts the protection. There are a number of other accessories that can be bought to compliment a Camelbak bladder to enhance its performance. The bladders fit easily inside most hiking packs. In many packs on the market, you can find a spot for them to be stowed away from the main compartment.
2L: Rebel Sport | Further Faster
3L: Rebel Sport | Further Faster
Sea to Summit Large Compression Dry Sack – $64.99
I was gifted this compression dry sack many years ago by one of my uncles as a Christmas present. Almost every hike I stash this stuff bag away in my top pocket and take it out if the weather turns to muck and the rain starts pouring down. Usually, I will put my camera in this bag, however, it’s also a really great alternative to the bag that you stuff your sleeping bag inside. Keeping your down sleeping bag dry is essential, it protects the down from clumping together and becoming ineffective. Anything that you want to keep dry, this dry sack is the answer. It is breathable so it doesn’t trap air like other dry sacks, it is the perfect waterproof compression sack to save space in your pack.
Sea to Summit X-Series Mug, Bowl and Plate – $79.99
Extending the Sea to Summit slim line bowl and cup set that I mentioned above, there is another kit that you can buy which includes both the bowl, cup and a plate (for those bigger eaters among us). The kit packs down into a small pouch-like the bowl and cup. This is really helpful for those who are after a larger meal, a round of dessert and a cup of tea to wash it all down before bed. If you are wanting to share the kit with someone else, it would be easy enough to stash another cup in the bag to create an eating flat pack for two.
Petzl Tikka – $64.95
This was the first head torch that I received as a young buck. From climbing Mt Fuji in Japan to walking into Woodshed Creek Hut this torch has always been the torch that I have used. It has always been reliable through thick and thin no matter what the weather has thrown at me. It does require the batteries to be fresh to ensure that it shines at a decent brightness however, it really does wain when the batteries are coming to the end of their lives. There aren’t too many bells and whistles attached to these headlights, they just do the job well. It’s a great little head torch that has been running for 10 years for me now. I have linked the new and updated version below which will have some design and feature differences however it is still the same torch model as pictured.
Equip Outdoors | Further Faster | Gearshop | Macpac
Cactus T-Shirt – $69.00
Although I haven’t been fortunate enough to wear a cactus t-shirt, this shirt is my Mum’s, I have heard so much about how much she enjoys wearing it and how comfortable it is, I thought that I had better include it in my gift guide for hikers. Along with all of Cactus’s line this shirt is made right here in New Zealand with quality materials by good people from my hometown of Christchurch. Knowing the way that Cactus gear is this shirt is bound to last you for yonks and you’ll probably never want to ever wear another.
Cactus (Women’s) | Cactus (Men’s)
Under $100
Sea to Summit Themolite Liner | ESS Midweight Crew | DOC Hut Pass | Sea to Summit Silk Liner | Victorinox Forester
Thermolite Extreme Liner – $95.99
If you know someone that has a sleeping bag that isn’t really that warm or you often hear them complaining about how cold they are in the winter months in their sleeping bag, a Thermolite Extreme Liner from Sea to Summit can be one of the best options to help keep them that little bit warmer without them needing to upgrade their sleeping bag. Made from Thermolite polypropylene it is essentially an oversized polypro bag that you can jump inside and pull a drawcord to enclose it around you trapping the heat from your body. It’s a great addition in winter when the temperature drops and you’re feeling cold in your sleeping bag.
Bivouac |
Earth Sea Sky Mid Weight Crew – $89.00
This Earth Sea Sky t-shirt has been my t-shirt of choice over the last few months. I’ve experimented with a number of different shirts over my years tramping and so far this shirt has been the one that has stood out as the best. It’s tough and breathable and doesn’t hold an odour, it has held up to the challenge of wear and tear superbly. It’s a shirt that uses some of the best materials on the market and is made right here in New Zealand. The shirts are made in both men’s and women’s cuts and come in a variety of different colourways.
DOC Hut Pass (6 Months) – $92
It’s summertime and if you are planning to get out when the weather becomes more stable, between January and April and possibly even into the start of winter, having a 6 month DOC Hut Pass may be the perfect, easy to buy gift. It means that you don’t have to remember to purchase the paper DOC hut tickets, that can add up quite quickly if you are planning on walking the St James Walkway or are visiting a number of the more well-known huts that are of the serviced or standard categories.
Sea to Summit Silk Liner – $95.99
If you already have a good sleeping bag or have just purchased one, using a liner is a great way to extend its life. Right from when I was given my first sleeping bag, from my Mum and Dad, I have always taken a liner with me packed up inside the sleeping bag. You have a sheet and/or a cover between you and your duvet so why not have a sheet between you and your sleeping bag. A silk liner is the lightest and most comfortable liner on the market. When you’re camping out in the middle of nowhere the smallest little bits of comfort go a long way.
Bivouac
Victorinox Forester – $92.90
The Victorinox forester has been a knife that I now more often carry with me. The large blade is sharp and is really helpful if you are cutting up bigger items of food. On the back of the knife is a locking button that locks the blade in place when you are using it, preventing it from closing when you are cutting. The addition of the saw is really helpful when you find yourself out looking for kindling for the fire. Although it would take a while to cut down anything major it’s a huge help when you need to cut through some smaller wood. As usual, there are the two screwdrivers, bottle opener and can opener along with the corkscrew and punch.