Gear Essentials - Choosing the right knife for the right occasion

There are several items that are essential when hiking, backpacking, or being in the outdoors, and a knife would be one of them. The reasons to have a knife on you when in the backcountry seems obvious enough, but I'll list a few just for fun: cutting, killing...that about sums it up:) There are many things you would want to cut (paracord, food, duct tape, ect), and in a survival situation a knife becomes arguably the most important item you could have. I will admit that I have secretly pictured myself taking down a mountain lion with a knife when it leaps to attack me, but am sure that my knife would remain in my pocket as I reach for my bear spray if a grizzly were to come around my campsite...

Not the best choice for lightweight hiking...

Choosing the right knife for the right occasion
A couple of weeks ago I read an article on-line about the worst choices made when purchasing equipment for backpacking. Several of the contributing authors agreed that their choice of knife was one of those poor choices. They said that they wanted to be ready for any possible scenerio, and assumed that the biggest and baddest survival knife would do the trick - even if it did weigh as much as their boots. Remember watching Rambo and seeing that awesome knife that had matches inside the handle? Yeah, one of the authors admitted to purchasing one of those.

1- Consider the weight
Knives vary in weight from just over one ounce, to as heavy and hefty as you can imagine. Here is the Gerber Mini Paraframe Knife. $10.82, 2 inch serrated blade, and weighs 1.6 ounces. You may not take down a bear with this mini knife, but you will be able to cut small branches and paracord. If you really want to make sure you are prepared with a serious knife then you could opt for one of those Rambo knives, or get the knife I received from my wife for Christmas - the Bear Grylls Survival Knife (11.2 ounces).

This is more like it

2- Consider the uses
What will you be using it for? Strictly hiking/backpacking? Survival and emergency preparedness?
A simple knife such as the paraframe may not start a fire for you by itself, but you have the option of getting the Bear Grylls Gerber survival kit which includes the lightweight knife along with an emergency whistle, waterproof matches, snare wire, emergency cord, and a cotton ball for a fire starter.

3- Consider the worst case scenario
You are better off being prepared for any situation that may come across your path, but be smart at the same time. How far are you hiking from any life-line (cell phone signal, any other people, ect)? If you are within walking distance from civilization, then you probably won't be needing to start hunting and gathering for survival, but if you are in the backcountry then you will need to bring your own life-lines. Personally, I want a simple knife for light-weight hikes, but also want those items that will get me out of a sticky situation (once again, the survival kit I mentioned above).

There are many other knives out there which would be great choices. Here are a couple other great knives you may want to consider: