The Gear Guy's Favorite Things

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The Gear Guy's Favorite Things
Victorinox Climber Knife
($30; www.swissarmy.com)


	(courtesy, REI)

In recent years the so-called "multi-tool" has become an item de rigueur in many a hiker's pack. And it's true that many of these gadgets offer useful features (in particular, the pliers function). But they're heavy! And, expensive—$50 and up.

Then there is the original multi-tool: The Swiss Army knife. Light, compact, loaded with useful features—it's no surprise that the Swiss Army knife has become a synonym for, well, a very useful thing. To me, the Swiss Army knife of Swiss Army knives is the Victorinox Climber, made by the company that pioneered the Swiss Army knife.

HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES

CLICK HERE for your chance to win one of eight Victorinox Climber knives, as well as throw your name into the hat for the next seven days of sweepstakes mania!

The Climber has ten tools that are useful a dozen times a day—two knife blades, can/bottle opener, two screwdrivers, wire stripper, scissors, reamer with sewing eye, corkscrew, hook, toothpick, and tweezers. It fits easily into any pocket, or attaches to a belt or climbing harness with a lanyard ring.

JUST FOR FUN:
What year was the "original Swiss Army knife" registered as a trademark?
check back tomorrow for the answer
yesterday's Q&A: Why did Americans begin switching from tea to coffee in the late 1700s? (Heavy tea taxes imposed by the British)

I can't even recall when I got my first Swiss Army knife—probably 20 years ago. And I've never been without one since. For field repairs on balky stoves, cutting blister pads, whittling kindling for a fire (only where allowed, of course!), or picking teeth after a tasty meal of freeze-dried...whatever, there is simply NO match for the Climber.

For your chance to win one of these indispensable Jack-o'-all-trades, ENTER YOUR NAME into our sweepstakes contest. And, check back tomorrow to see what's next in the Gear Guy's rundown of the all-star Hall of Gear!

Next Page: Manzella TEC-850 gloves
($50; www.manzella.com)