Gerber Stakeout Spark Multi-Tool Review
After a season of daily carry and trail use, here's why the Gerber Stakeout Spark is our favorite for backpacking and camping
The Gerber Stakeout Spark is easy to carry with both a carabiner clip and a pocket clip. Courtesy Chris Meehan
October 30th, 2026
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Our verdict
Gerber’s Stakeout Spark is a reasonably priced specialty multi-tool aimed at meeting the needs of campers and backpackers. That’s thanks to its hook for pulling stubborn stakes and an integrated ferro rod for starting a fire or lighting stoves. It’s relatively minimalistic and lighter weight compared to other full-sized multi-tools with a blade over 2 inches long, all of which makes it our pick for the Best Backpacking Multi-tool.
We tested the Stakeout Spark on numerous overnight trips, including while packrafting on the Colorado River and backpacking to Crater Lake and Lone Eagle Peak in Colorado.
The stake puller came in particularly handy when pulling a stake out of an underground root we inadvertently hammered it into. We also found that the ferro rod was great for lighting stoves and our LavaBox at the campsite by the river. With an integrated carabiner clip and pocket/belt clip, it’s easy to stash the Stakeout Spark on your person or on a reachable area of your pack.
Gerber’s Stakeout Spark is limited in the tools it has. We wouldn’t use this on a daily basis around the house or as a piece for tuning skis or a snowboard, as it lacks any screwdriver and many other tools on most basic multi-tools. Still, for someone looking for a dedicated camping and backpacking tool, it’s the best we’ve tested.
Gerber Stakeout Spark multi-tool
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Gerber Stakeout Spark multi-tool specifications
MSRP: $80
Number of tools: 10
Weight: 5.4 oz
Closed length: 4.5 in.
Open length: 6.3 in.
Blade length: 2.5 in.
Blade material: 5Cr15MoV Steel
Blade lock: Liner lock
One-hand operable: Knife, saw
Included bits: None
Made in: China
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
What we liked
All the tools on the Gerber Stakeout Spark on display. Courtesy Chris Meehan
Purpose built for camping
Lighter than other options
Ferro rod comes in clutch
What could be better
Could have at least one screwdriver
Pliers and wirecutters could be more robust
Could be lighter (but far more expensive) with some titanium parts
Comparison table
| Multi-Tool | MSRP | Weight | Tool Count | Tool Material | Blade Material | Locking Blade | Scissors | Screwdriver(s) | Bottle Opener | Ratchet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerber Stakeout Spark | $80 | 5.4 oz | 10 | Stainless steel | 5Cr15MoV stainless steel | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Leatherman ARC | $250 | 8.6 oz | 20 | Stainless steel | MagnaCut steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet | $210 | 16.1 oz | 38 | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Leatherman Skeletool CX | $100 | 5.0 oz | 7 | Stainless steel | 154CM stainless steel | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Who is the Gerber Stakeout Spark for?
Someone who plans to do a lot of camping and needs a lightweight multi-tool with a full-sized blade.
Someone who wants a multi-tool light enough to keep on a belt or waist strap for use on the trail and in the pocket at camp.
A backpacker who needs a backup fire starter and minimal bushcrafting capabilities.
Our testing protocols
Using the stake puller on the Gerber Stakeout Spark. Courtesy Chris Meehan
Test 1: Blade and cutting performance
We tested the Gerber Stakeout Spark’s blade in the same way we tested the blades of nearly 20 other multi-tools. Before testing each blade we looked at it through a microscope, looking at the blade angle, bevel, and sharpness. Then we ran them through a battery of tests to simulate real-life uses and environments and gave each a score between 1 and 5 in each test. That included slicing through 2 inches of foam, making multiple cuts through paracord and cardboard, and assessing slicing depth and carving performance on 7/16-inch wood dowels—this allowed for a better apples-to-apples comparison than cutting through branches, which aren’t uniform throughout.
After all the other tests, we went back and cut paracord again to see if there was any noticeable decline in cutting ability. Then we looked at the blade through the microscope again to determine if there was any damage to the blade after testing. We also compared the blades to a utility knife blade and an X-ACTO-style blade to see if they outperformed the multi-tool knives.
Test 2: Pliers, wirecutters, and gripping performance
We also did a uniform test of the wirecutters, using them to cut and strip larger (12 gauge) and thinner (22-24 gauge) wires and to cut spokes and bike cables. The wirecutters of the Stakeout Spark were less sharp and effective than those on our highest performers, like the ARC and Victorinox Swiss Tool X. They barely made it through a bike cable and bike spoke, for instance. They fared OK when cutting and stripping thin and thicker wires, but were outperformed overall.
Pliers on the Gerber Stakeout Spark are thinner and narrower than those of other full-sized multi-tools, like our favorite the Leatherman ARC. As such, they didn’t get as much purchase on bolt heads. They were decently effective, but we’d be worried about damaging them on a nut or bolt head that’s really, really stuck.
Test 3: Saw
Since Treeline Review started with backpackers, they’re still core to us and our values and having a pocket saw is important in the backcountry for cutting through brush or cutting twigs and branches for roasting marshmallows, making tents stakes, or all sorts of other tasks. But there’s no way to make sure each twig is the exact same size. To make a better direct comparison we chose to cut through wooden dowel rods, and tested each saw on the same dowel we whittled into tent stake points. We cut straight through numerous times to see how quickly and easily each saw cut through the dowel.
The saw on the Stakeout Spark made quick work of the dowels we cut with it. However, the Victorinox and Leatherman saws cut somewhat quicker and were also smoother moving forward and backward while cutting.
Test 4: Carry, ergonomics, and daily use
No, Mary didn’t bend the stake with the stake puller. But it did make pulling this banana-shaped tent stake easier. Courtesy Chris Meehan
Testing the ergonomics of a multi-tool is a more subjective test than most of the others we did, considering it’s about the feeling of the tool in the hand, the ease of accessing every tool or function within the multi-tool, and how users can carry it on pack or person.
We tested all of the ways to carry the Stakeout Spark—a carabiner clip that will clip to backpack straps, belt loops and more as well as a belt clip that can attach it to a belt or waist strap or on a pocket. All of these options worked very well and we found that it’s one of the easiest full-sized multi-tools to carry that we tested.
In terms of ergonomics, the Stakeout Spark is lighter than most of the other, more full-featured the multi-tools we tested, and its handles are thinner. This makes it easier for smaller hands. But, some of the handle edges aren’t rounded like they are on many other multi-tools, which makes it less comfortable when trying to bear down hard on the pliers or using the wirecutters.
In terms of testing daily use, it’s not the most practical multi-tool we tested. The wirecutters are weaker than those of other multi-tools, you’re not likely to need a ferro rod every day (unless you camp on the daily), and there are no screwdrivers on the tool—Gerber does offer the more EDC-friendly Stakeout Drive version with scissors, a bit driver and file, which replace the saw, hook and ferro rod on the Stakeout Spark. Though we like the tent stake removal tool—also good for removing climbing nuts—it’s a niche tool we’re not likely to use around the house or town.
Test 5: Durability and the field season
After running all the above testing and using the Stakeout Spark in the field on multiple outings, we looked for any significant wear and tear. We didn’t notice any real lasting damage to the Gerber Stakeout Spark. That said, we doubt the pliers and wirecutters would hold up to multiple seasons of use as well as those on the Victorinox or Leatherman multi-tools. The ferro rod should last for many years of use.
Test 6: Lock safety
Almost all of the multi-tools we tested had a locking mechanism to keep at least the knife blade locked safely in place when in use. Some had locks to keep each tool in place when used. The locks were either lever or frame-style locks, or back locks on the handles. We tested every lock for safety by pressing forcibly on the spine of the blade and by punching on the blade on both sides to make sure the lock engaged properly and securely.
The frame locks on the knife and saw of the Stakeout Spark worked well in testing. We found that the blades were secure both when pressed against the blade and spine, as well as when pressed on the sides. We also found that we couldn’t push the levers in with just one hand no matter how we gripped the tool.
Performance in the field
A tester strikes the Gerber Stakeout Spark’s ferro rod above a backpacking stove. Courtesy Chris Meehan
With its limited set of tools the Gerber Stakeout Spark isn’t as well-rounded as many of the other multi-tools we tested. Still, most of the tools have performed well. The 5Cr15MoV Scandi knife blade was easy to use and cut most things we tested very well with no discernible damage after testing, and the saw blade was just shy of our top-performing saws. The pliers and wirecutters didn’t perform as well as those on other multi-tools. However, the specialty tools—the tent hook and ferro rod—for camping make it a worthy winner for those who need a camping-specific multi-tool. Plus, when deployed, the tent hook makes the closed Stakeout Spark into a “T” handle for extra gripping leverage.
Blade
The tanto-style blade of the Stakeout Spark performed well on most of our tests. It didn’t slice through foam or cardboard quite as easily, but the wide bevel-edge made quick work of whittling dowels into spear points for tent stakes and had no trouble cutting through paracord after a barrage of other tests. Though the grind isn’t as smooth as on other blades tested, like the Leatherman ARC, we didn’t see any pitting on the blade after the tests, either.
Locking Mechanism
The well-designed frame-locks on the knife and saw blades of the Stakeout Spark are recessed so that it’s very difficult to close them accidentally with one hand. They click into place easily and there’s no movement in the blades once they are locked in place.
Though a liner lock isn’t necessarily as strong as the back lock on the Leatherman ARC or Victorinox Swiss Tool X, we felt that the blades locked in place very securely. When we pressed against the blade edges and spines of the blades, the blades stayed secure.
Access to Tools When Closed
All of the tools on the Gerber Stakeout Spark except the pliers and wirecutters are accessible when the pliers are closed. The knife and saw can be opened with one hand but we found the hook requires two hands to open. You have to push it sideways over a bolthead before you can open it into a T-shape.
Accessing the ferro rod also requires two hands as you have to open the handles slightly to access it, then open the saw/striking surface to strike the rod against. As with any ferro rod we found you need a good, square or sharp edge to strike it against to get it to spark, which also requires two hands.
Bit Driver
The Gerber Stakeout Spark doesn’t have any screwdrivers or bits (Gerber’s Stakeout Drive model, more designed for EDC, includes a bit driver with extra bits at the same price).
Ergonomics
When the Stakeout Spark is closed it offers a big enough handle to easily use the externally accessible tools. With the pliers open the handles are a little less comfortable to really bear down on than other multi-tools we tested. That’s chiefly because thin edges of the handle body aren’t rounded on one side as they are on most other multi-tools we tested.
At 5.4 ounces, it’s also one of the lightest full-sized multi-tools we tested. However, at Treeline Review we don’t bestow the moniker ultralight on just anything. So even though the Gerber Stakeout Spark is much lighter than most of the other full-size multi-tools we tested, we still can’t call it ultralight. If parts of the Stakeout Spark were replaced with titanium, perhaps it could shed some weight, though it would likely cost quite a bit more.
Everyday Utility
Sparks fly from the Gerber Stakeout Spark’s ferro rod above an MSR PocketRocket Deluxe stove. Courtesy Chris Meehan
The Stakeout Spark isn’t an everyday multi-tool like most of those we tested. It’s a specialty tool that would only be an everyday tool for people on a thru-hike, or those who backpack very frequently. Lacking any screwbits, it can’t fix screws on a stove, but the thin pliers should be able to grasp and tighten any bolts on a stove. It does have a very short ruler and a bottle opener, as well.
Durability and Construction Quality
From our testing so far, the Gerber Stakeout Spark seems like it will last for years to come. Under particularly heavy use—like trying to replace brakes on a vehicle—we would expect it to fail and we’d expect to see damage on the pliers and wire cutting blades. That said, the construction quality seems good. All the pivot points on the tools opened and closed smoothly and once locked in place, they all seem very secure.
Sustainability
Gerber, part of the Fiskars Group, doesn’t say much about its sustainability efforts, but save for a couple of zip ties there was no plastic in most of its packaging. Fiskars, for its part, has a Platinum rating from EcoVadis and is in the top 1% of companies in its sustainability ratings.
Should you buy the Gerber Stakeout Spark?
Buy if:
You want a speciality multi-tool for camping and hiking
A multi-tool with a ferro rod is important to you
You want a lightweight multi-tool
Skip if:
You need a more fully-featured multi-tool
You’re looking for an EDC multi-tool
Heavy-duty pliers and wirecutters are a must for you
Where to buy the Gerber Stakeout Spark
The Gerber Stakeout Spark multi-tool is more limited in retailer options, but you can find them out there. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership (can be same-day delivery in major metropolitan cities)
Gerber
Pros: You can often find more options when purchasing directly from the manufacturer. And, sometimes, purchasing directly from the manufacturer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return due to a defect.
FAQ
-
At $80, the Stakeout Spark offers a great value for campers, backpackers, and thru-hikers. Especially those looking for camp-specific tools and a sturdy blade.
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The blade on the Gerber Stakeout Spark is made of 5Cr15MoV steel. It’s a high chromium steel with exceptional rust resistance but won’t keep an edge like some other steels.
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No. The Gerber Stakeout Spark has neither screwdriver bits nor a built-in screwdriver.
Other multi-tools to consider
Gerber Stakeout Spark vs. Leatherman ARC
MSRP: $250
Number of tools: 20
Weight: 8.6 oz
Closed length: 4.25”
Open length: 6.45”
Blade length: 2.76”
Blade material: MagnaCut stainless steel
Blade lock: Yes
One-hand operable: Yes
Included bits: Reversible Phillips/flathead bit
Made in: US
Warranty: 25 years
The Leatherman ARC is our favorite overall because of its unique closing and locking mechanisms and as a handy EDC multi-tool. The Gerber Stakeout Spark is a specialty multi-tool for camping and backpacking.
While the saw and knife on the Stakeout Spark are very good, they didn’t do as well in testing and everyday use as those of the ARC. The pliers also performed more poorly than those of the ARC. The US-made ARC is a premium product and commands a premium price at more than three times the cost of the Stakeout Spark. For its limited tool set and use, the price of Stakeout Spark is worth it.
Choose the Leatherman ARC if you need a real EDC multi-tool and want the best. Choose the Gerber Stakeout Spark if you need a specialty camping multi-tool.
Leatherman ARC
Gerber Stakeout Spark vs. Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet
MSRP: $210
Number of tools: 38 per manufacturer
Weight: 10.2 oz (Swiss Tool X), 1 lb., 0.1 oz (Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet)
Closed length: 4.5”
Open length: 6.75”
Blade length: 2.75”
Blade material: Stainless Steel
Blade lock: Yes
One-hand operable: No
Included bits: Phillips #0 and #3, Torx T10 and T15, and 3 and 4 mm hex
Made in: Switzerland
Warranty: Limited lifetime for the tool; 2 years for covered accessories and the leather pouch
Victorinox’ Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet is our favorite “most complete” multitool. With 38 different tools, including the separate ratchet and bit driver set, the Swiss Tool X can handle more tasks than all of the other multi-tools we tested. However, the Swiss Tool X alone is roughly twice the weight of the Stakeout Spark and with the ratchet kit it’s over three times heavier.
Given the heft and size of the Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet, you wouldn’t want to carry it on the trail. Given the limitations of the Gerber Stakeout Spark you wouldn’t want to keep it in the toolbox or attempt to use it for heavier duty tasks. They have very different purposes.
Choose the Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet if you need a multi-tool with all the features and a ratchet driver kit and aren’t worried about size or weight. Choose the Gerber Stakeout Spark if you need a specialty camping multi-tool and want something lightweight.
Read our full Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet review.
Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet
Gerber Stakeout Spark vs. Leatherman Skeletool CX
MSRP: $100
Number of tools: 7
Weight: 5 oz
Closed length: 4”
Open length: 6”
Blade length: 2.6”
Blade material: 154CM stainless steel
Blade lock: Liner lock
One-hand operable: Blade only
Included bits: Large and small flathead and Phillips head bits
Made in: USA
Warranty: 25 years
The Leatherman Skeletool CX and the Gerber Stakeout Spark are the most similar in design, weight, and number of tools. Both sport a carabiner clip and belt clip options. The Skeletool is roughly 0.4 ounces lighter than the Stakeout Spark.
The blade and pliers on the Skeletool outperformed those of the Stakeout Spark. The 154CM stainless steel used in the Skeletool also is a bit higher quality than on the Stakeout Spark and should retain an edge better.
With four different screwbits the Skeletool is more designed for EDC than the Stakeout Spark. But the ferro rod and the stake-pulling tool make the Stakeout Spark ideal for camping. The warranty on the Leatherman lasts for 25 years and is extendable to 40 years, Leatherman only specifies that it’s limited to the original owner. The limited-lifetime warranty (in North America, 25 years in other countries) also limits it to the original owners and only covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Leatherman Skeletool CX
Why you should trust us / About the author
I’ve relied on multi-tools for decades, using them for everything from car and home repairs to bike work, camping and more. One of my favorites, which I use weekly—if not daily—I’ve had since I was a mountain guide in Colorado in 2001. Over the years I’ve collected a number of them and keep them in strategic places like the console of my car, the bag I keep in my pedicab, whichever backpack or activity tub I’m using the most in the season. So I’m well versed in what to look for and how to use the various parts of a multi-tool.
As one of the first reviewers for Treeline Review starting back in 2019, I’ve covered a lot of outdoor adventure gear across multiple activities, among them hiking, camping, climbing and mountain biking.
Beyond my work with Treeline Review, I have authored multiple outdoor guidebooks. My most recent Falcon Guide, “Colorado’s Best Front Range Adventures: The Greatest Hiking, Climbing, Paddling and More From Denver to Colorado Springs and Fort Collins,” arrived in Spring 2021. In it, I cover the region's best hiking, biking, climbing, and rafting. I’m also the author of Falcon Guide’s “Climbing Colorado's Fourteeners: From the Easiest Hikes to the Most Challenging Climbs” and edited Justin Lichter’s excellent guide to thru-hiking titled “Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker's Guide To Ultralight Hiking And Backpacking.” This experience has helped me become a first-rate gearhead and product tester.
I have 20-plus years of exploring, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, guiding, and playing in the wild. I worked with National Geographic and their mapping division in developing their Colorado 14ers Map Pack Bundle. I’ve written about hiking and climbing for Elevation Outdoors, including stories about Colorado 14ers and outdoor apps to boost adventures.
In addition, I’ve written columns about ultralight hiking and gear for Backpacker, gear reviews for Treeline Review, Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, Popular Science, and other publications, including Elevation Outdoors, 5280, and more.
At Treeline Review, we strive to offer unbiased reviews to help you find the best product for the price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews. I am not sponsored by any companies, nor are any of my family members sponsored by, employees of, or ambassadors of any of the companies in this review.
Find more of Chris Meehan’s reviews on his Treeline Review author page.
